Psychology
Psychology is the science of human and animal behavior. It is a field that requires people filled with compassion and dedication, who are willing to discover and apply evidence-based procedures to solve individual and systems-level behavior problems in a wide range of areas. Our program includes faculty with course and associated research and clinical experience in areas, including but not limited to Clinical/Counseling Psychology, Behavior Analysis, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Social/Health Psychology, School/Educational Psychology, Community Psychology, Gender/Cultural Psychology and more. Accordingly, graduates of the program are well poised to continue their training at the graduate level or to seek employment in a variety of settings.
Why Choose Psychology?
As a Psychology major, you will take courses that expose you to core and specialty areas within the field, taught by are award-winning full time faculty and local colleagues. Our students work closely with faculty and graduate fellows to design, execute, and present research in a variety of areas. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has research labs on campus in the state-of-the art Center for Sciences and Pharmacy, and some projects are conducted with partners offsite. Students can receive course credit for research participation in one of our many lab groups.
What Will You Study?
In addition to strong academic training in the core areas of psychology, you can choose from dozens of electives. Course selection allows you to unofficially specialize in your areas of interest, including clinical/counseling/forensic/neuro psychology, school/educational/developmental psychology, social/health/organizational psychology, and behavior analysis. Our Psychology major is very flexible, enabling you to pursue either a BA or a BS degree. You can receive course credit for research participation in one of our many lab groups. You may also double major in Elementary or Secondary Education. Many students from other programs pursue the Psychology minor.
Career Opportunities
Approximately 50% of our graduating seniors attend graduate school immediately after commencement and often receive multiple acceptances. Many students also enter the workforce upon graduation. Psychology graduates may work in hospitals, community mental health centers, business settings, social service organizations, educational settings, and the criminal justice system. Our alumni have been hired by the Florida Hospital in Orlando, CHD, FTF Behavioral Consulting, United Cerebral Palsy, the New England Center for Children, the University of New Hampshire, and the FBI.
Faculty
You'll be taught by several of the University's Teaching Excellence award-winning faculty members, who are also actively engaged in advising and mentoring students about internships, career paths, and applying to graduate school. Our students work closely with faculty and graduate fellows to design, execute, and present research in a variety of areas. The Department of Psychology and Neuroscience has research labs on campus in the state-of-the art Center for Sciences and Pharmacy, and some projects are conducted with partners offsite. Students can receive course credit for research participation in one of our many lab groups.
Unique Learning Opportunities
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Internships and Field Work
Students can choose from a wide range of internships at dozens of sites in the region and on campus to earn experience and course credit, and to develop clinical and professional skills. Recent sites include placements in educational, clinical, business, and community settings. These range from Springfield Public Schools; Baystate Medical Center; Hampden County District Attorney's Office; May Institute; Indeed.com; Synergy Alternative School; New England Center for Children; the Center for Human Development; Department of Youth Services; Autis Learning Partners; Behavioral Health Network, Inc.; Beverly School for the Deaf; Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity; and numerous elementary, middle, and high schools.
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Study Abroad: Become a Global Citizen
Today’s workforce needs professionals who see the big picture. The College of Arts and Sciences will help you to become a student of world cultures and histories as they relate to your studies while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.
Study Abroad
