B.A. in Psychology

Program Overview

The B.A. in Psychology at New England College is a four-year, 120-credit program designed to equip students with a foundational knowledge of human behavior and mental processes. The program aims to foster critical analytical skills, an understanding of research methods, and the ability to apply psychological principles to real-world situations. It covers fundamental theories of psychology, the dynamics of behavior in social settings, human development across the lifespan, mental health disorders, and the core structures of the brain. The program is flexible, allowing students to pursue a general psychology degree or to choose a concentration, such as Human Services, to align with specific career interests.

Curriculum: The 120-credit B.A. in Psychology curriculum at NEC includes a significant psychology core, a liberal arts and sciences core, and general electives. Core psychology courses typically include "Introduction to Psychology," "Social Psychology," "Life-Span Development," "Writing and Research in Psychology," and "Statistics for the Social Sciences." Students also take "Careers in Psychology and Community Mental Health." Elective courses allow for deeper exploration of various sub-disciplines, such as "Abnormal Psychology," "Theories of Personality," "Cognitive Psychology," "Biological Basis of Behavior," "Health Psychology," and "Forensic Psychology." For those in the Human Services concentration, courses like "Intro to Human Services" and "Case Management" are included. The Liberal Arts & Sciences core ensures a well-rounded education with requirements in writing, quantitative reasoning, and studies of natural and civic environments.

Research Focus: The B.A. in Psychology at New England College emphasizes the scientific basis of psychology and develops students' research and analytical skills. The curriculum includes dedicated courses like "Writing and Research in Psychology" and "Statistics for the Social Sciences," which provide a strong foundation in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. While a full-scale independent thesis isn't always a universal requirement for the undergraduate program, students are "encouraged to engage in experiential learning" and "work closely with faculty on research projects." The program aims to foster the ability to "understand the relationship between psychology, research, and scientific writing." Faculty research interests, such as nonverbal behavior, facial expression in chronic health conditions, and aging, contribute to the research-informed environment. NEC also offers a Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) for motivated students in science and health-related fields, including psychology.

Industry Engagement: New England College's B.A. in Psychology program demonstrates industry engagement by preparing students for direct entry into various fields and by offering practical experiences. The curriculum includes a course specifically on "Careers in Psychology and Community Mental Health," guiding students on professional pathways. For students in the Human Services concentration, there's a strong focus on preparing them for "direct entry in the field as a case manager, skill coach, teaching assistant, or technical assistant." The program provides opportunities for students to "gain experience in counseling, community outreach, or clinical settings," allowing them to apply psychological principles in real-world contexts. The faculty often have professional experience, bringing practical insights into the classroom and connecting students with relevant fields.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Psychology at New England College implicitly integrates a global perspective by examining human behavior and mental processes across diverse populations and cultural contexts. While a dedicated "Global Psychology" course isn't explicitly detailed as a core requirement, the study of psychology inherently involves understanding human development, social interactions, prejudice, and identity from various cultural viewpoints. Elective courses like "Cultural Psychology" further strengthen this global lens, preparing students to work with diverse individuals and communities. The broader liberal arts core, which includes a "Global Perspectives" requirement, also ensures students develop an understanding of international issues and diverse cultures, which is increasingly relevant in a globalized world where mental health and social dynamics vary significantly across regions.