Major
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Psychology.
The Psychology major augments a general liberal arts education and provides the basis for graduate training and careers in mental health, community development, education, research, and business and industry. The psychology curriculum acquaints students with the theoretical and empirical foundations of the major sub-fields of psychology (human development, basic mental and behavioral processes, the social context, and individual differences). The curriculum reflects the importance of scientific methods and provides students with hands-on experience in designing and conducting their own research; indeed, over the years, many of our students have been able to present their work at scientific conferences or have it published in academic journals. The curriculum also emphasizes the applications of psychological knowledge and skills in many areas of human functioning and gives students the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills through a variety of placement opportunities on campus and in the community.
Students enrolled in the BA program may, if they wish, choose a concentration in one of the following areas:
- Behavior Analysis Concentration
- Developmental Disabilities Concentration
- Community Social Psychology Concentration
- Clinical Psychology Concentration
- Health Psychology Concentration
Psychology majors may apply for a concentration once they have completed the following requirements:
- At least one semester of residency, 12 credits at UML
- Overall GPA 3.000
- Minimum 10 credits in psychology, including PSYC.2010
View all the complete Degree Pathways.
Behavior Analysis
Students will undertake study and work that help them to apply an understanding of the antecedents and consequences of behaviors to behavioral assessment and treatment in a variety of applications in the field of behavior analysis, as preparation for entry-level positions in various educational and human service settings. They will also be well prepared for entry into graduate programs in behavior analysis.
Clinical Psychology
Students will pursue coursework, research, and applied projects that help them grasp the nature of clinical psychology as a science, and the best practices for pursuing diagnosis and treatment within the scientific paradigm. Students will be prepared for entry-level positions related to the field, and also prepared for entry into graduate study in areas such as social work, counseling, and school psychology.
Community Social Psychology
Students will engage in study and work related to understanding how community-level interventions can influence individual health and well-being, and vice versa. The community psychology program focuses particularly on issues related to alleviating inequity and pursuing social justice and social empowerment. The overall orientation is a prevention approach that focuses on helping communities build on their strengths. Students will be prepared for entry-level work with a variety of community organizations, as well as preparation for graduate study in this area.
Developmental Disabilities
Students will pursue work and study that give them a knowledge base in the rapidly developing field of disability studies, with an emphasis on the assessment and treatment of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Students will be prepared for entry-level work in the assessment and treatment of disabilities, as well as for graduate-level study in areas such as autism studies and behavior analysis. Within this concentration are two tracks: one focuses on children and adolescents, the other on adults.
Health Psychology
Students will pursue work and study focused on the relationship between psychological principles and physical health. They will learn how psychological knowledge and methods can be applied to health promotion and disease prevention and treatment. Students will be prepared for entry-level work in hospitals and other healthcare settings that offer programs in areas such as sex education, smoking cessation, alcohol and drug abuse, healthful eating, and exercise.
BACHELOR’S-TO-MASTER’S
Undergraduate majors with a strong academic record may apply to one of the department’s two bachelor’s-to-master’s programs that enable them to begin graduate study while still completing their bachelor’s degree. For more information, see graduate catalog.
For additional information about programs, contact the Department of Psychology.