Professional Development Opportunities in Small Colleges

Abstract

A survey of Psychology Department chairpersons at small under-graduate colleges was conducted to identify: the nature and professional advancement. Of the 95 respondents, at least one third participated in activities such as faculty development, program or organizational development, personal counseling, institutional research, and program evaluation. The activities performed had a moderate impact on and were significantly correlated with rating of personal satisfaction, recognition from others, increased professional skills, and job satisfaction. Half of the respondents indicated that their research skills contributed to their participation in these activities. The implications of these results for psychologists contemplating employment in a small college and for job burnout in that setting are discussed.