PSY.BS - BS in Psychology

Psychology Major

General Information

Psychology is the scientific study of thoughts, feelings, and behavior. In addition to helping students understand themselves and others, the research findings of psychology have wide application to many professional fields, from human services to medical, industrial, and educational settings. Within the major there is flexibility to select courses that meet individual career objectives including Sports Psychology, School Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, Organizational Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Neuropsychology, Applied Behavior Analysis, Special Education, Autism Treatment, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Gender Studies, Conservation Psychology, and Community Psychology, among others.

The Department of Psychology offers students the opportunity to receive either the BA or the BS Degree. The BS degree includes all of the requirements of the BA degree, along with a combination of 18 credits of courses in psychology research, neuroscience, and other sciences. The 18 credits must include at least one psychology research course of at least 3 credits. The remaining credits may be any combination of psychology research, neuroscience, or other science courses (not including those meeting the General University Requirements).

It is recommended that students interested in graduate school should take one or more of our advanced research courses.

Students may also pursue teacher certification at the elementary level by concurrently majoring in Elementary Education, or training in special education, which is available through Education. Applied Behavior Analysis is available through participation in the New England Center for Children internship program.

Career Opportunities

Students are prepared to enter the world of work in counseling, research, autism treatment, personnel administration, human service agencies, special education, elementary school teaching or other child life work; to continue their studies at the graduate level; or to enter related fields such as medicine, law, criminal justice, and social work.

Program Goals in Learning Objectives

Our psychology program is based on five comprehensive learning goals.  Each goal encapsulates a series of learning objectives composed of skills and knowledge that our graduates have acquired.  Our students develop an understanding of thoughts and behavior and learn to adapt to changing circumstances through understanding others, open communication and critical thought.

GOAL 1. Knowledge base in Psychology
1.1           Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
1.2           Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
1.3           Describe applications of psychology

GOAL 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
2.1           Apply the scientific method
2.2           Critically consume and evaluate psychological research

GOAL 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
3.1           Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
3.2           Build and enhance personal relationships
3.3           Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels

GOAL 4: Effective Communication
4.1           Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
4.2           Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
4.3           Interact effectively with others

GOAL 5: Personal and Professional Development
5.1           Personal Development
5.2           Professional Development 

Student Assessment

Students’ progress in Psychology is assessed in a variety of ways and may include: objective and essay quizzes and examinations, class attendance and participation, journals, individual and group projects, oral presentations, poster sessions, research papers, critical review papers, video recording, and simulations.

Students are encouraged to keep a portfolio of their work as a means of tracking their own development, as well as to demonstrate their abilities and accomplishments when applying to graduate school and/or for positions in the field of psychology.

The Department of Psychology has a multiyear assessment plan to monitor progress in accomplishing articulated goals and to promote ongoing improvement and innovation.

Degree Requirements

Required courses (24 credit hours):

Subtotal: 27 cr.

Six credit hours required in upper-level psychology (PSY 300-400) courses.

Subtotal: 6 cr.

Three credits of PSY Research

Fifteen credits of PSY Research or Sciences from PSY, NSCI (except NSCI-212), or any Science courses (BIO, CHEM, PHYS, GEOL, METR, HS)

Subtotal 18 cr.

Note that for the BS degree these credit hours may include research courses in psychology.

Three additional credit hours in a multicultural perspectives course or an approved equivalent.

Subtotal: 3 cr.

The Psychology department maintains an active list of courses that fulfill this requirement.  Additional courses may be approved by department chairperson. 

Three credit psychology capstone experience

Subtotal: 3 cr.

The Psychology Capstone Experience can be met through a variety of options including advanced research courses, independent research with faculty, internships and senior seminars. The department maintains a list of the courses available that meet the capstone experience requirement.

Total Credit Hours: 57

The 2.000 required grade point average in the major is based on all PSY courses pursued as a part of the student’s degree program.

Psychology Suggested Sequence of Courses

Freshman Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15

Freshman Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15

First Year: Students interested in Study Abroad should discuss with their advisor to evaluate the best options so they can meet all requirements for the degree. 

Note: MATH 120 is recommended but not required. 

Note: Order of the General University requirement courses can be altered (HIST, NSP, CUL, ARTS, PH)

Note: The Computer Competence GUR is met through taking PSY 207; Social Behavioral Sciences GUR is met through any PSY course.

Sophomore Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15

Sophomore Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15

Junior Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15

Junior & Senior Year: Students should consider what type of Capstone experience they might like to engage in. Enrolling in Advanced Research courses (e.g., PSY35x, PSY 332, PSY414), and/or Senior Seminar courses (e.g., 416, 418), and/or PSY 480 Internship in Psychology during this year and their senior year. Please see the staff in the Career Development Center to learn more about the process of engaging in an internship.

Junior Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15

Senior Year - Fall Semester

Subtotal: 15

Senior Year - Spring Semester

Subtotal: 15

Senior Year: Students intending to become certified as teachers in elementary education or intending to enroll in the New England Center for Children program, may need to take all of their major requirements by the end of their junior year so that one semester of their senior year would be free to engage in Student Teaching, or participate in the NECC program. Student Teaching Practicum students should refer to the elementary education program requirements that list the necessary prerequisites for Teacher Certification, including the specific requirements necessary for teacher certification in Massachusetts.

Total Credit Hours: 120