M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development
The M.S. in Clinical Investigation and Development is a 36-credit master's degree p...
B.S. in Health Psychology
Boston
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The B.S. in Health Psychology at MCPHS is a four-year, 120-credit full-time program based at the Boston campus. It sits at the intersection of healthcare and behavioral science, providing students with pivotal insights into how psychological factors impact health and social institutions. The program's core aim is to train graduates who can critically evaluate information, make evidence-based decisions, and communicate complex psychological concepts and research findings to diverse audiences. It prepares students for a wide range of professional career options, from direct patient support to research and public health, by building a comprehensive foundation in general psychology, alongside knowledge of healthcare issues from fields such as sociology, law, ethics, and healthcare administration. There is also a Premedical Track available for students specifically aiming for medical school.
Curriculum: The 120-credit B.S. in Health Psychology curriculum at MCPHS is robust and interdisciplinary, combining core psychology courses with foundational sciences and liberal arts. Key courses include "Introduction to Psychology," "Health Psychology," "Research Methods in Health & Behavior," "Applications of Research Methods," "Biological Psychology," and "Abnormal Psychology." Students also take foundational science courses such as Biology, Chemistry, and Physics, along with "Medical Microbiology." Essential liberal arts components like "Expository Writing," "Introduction to Social Sciences: Identity, Power, and Society," "Interpersonal Communication for Health Professionals," and "Healthcare Ethics" are integrated. The program culminates with a "Health Psychology Field Placement" and a "Health Psychology Capstone Seminar," allowing for practical application and synthesis of knowledge.
Research Focus: The B.S. in Health Psychology program at MCPHS places a strong emphasis on research methods and evidence-based decision-making. Students are trained to "locate and critically evaluate relevant sources to make evidence-based decisions" and to "design and implement an original research project" in a selected area of psychological inquiry, often as a senior capstone. The curriculum includes dedicated courses like "Research Methods in Health & Behavior" and "Applications of Research Methods." The university also supports undergraduate research through initiatives such as the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, which provides opportunities for mentored scholarly projects. This focus equips students with the skills to understand, contribute to, and apply psychological research in health contexts.
Industry Engagement: MCPHS demonstrates significant industry engagement for its B.S. in Health Psychology program through various experiential learning opportunities and its strategic location. The curriculum includes a "Health Psychology Field Placement," offering students invaluable hands-on experience in diverse settings such as mental health clinics, hospitals, public health organizations, or research labs. This direct exposure allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems and build professional networks. MCPHS's presence in Boston's Longwood Medical and Academic Area, a hub of healthcare innovation, further facilitates opportunities for internships, informational interviews, and collaborations with leading institutions. The program's learning outcomes emphasize working in "interdisciplinary teams" and effectively communicating with "a variety of audiences," reflecting industry demands for collaborative and skilled professionals.
Global Perspective: The B.S. in Health Psychology at MCPHS integrates a global perspective by examining health and behavior within a broader cultural and societal context. The curriculum emphasizes the "biopsychosocial model," which inherently acknowledges the influence of cultural, social, and economic factors on health worldwide. Courses that delve into "Identity, Power, and Society" or "Cross Cultural Connections" (if applicable as an elective within the broader liberal arts core) contribute to this understanding. Furthermore, the program prepares students to "Communicate psychology concepts and research findings to a variety of audiences (age, gender, culture, education level, expertise)," which is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting well-being in an increasingly interconnected and diverse global community. The diverse student body at MCPHS also enriches classroom discussions with international viewpoints and experiences.
Location
Boston
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 33060
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.
English Language Proficiency:
- IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
- TOEFL: Overall score of 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 58 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) in the United States offers a variety of scholarship opportunities specifically designed for international students to help make their education more affordable and accessible.
Merit-Based Scholarships: MCPHS provides merit-based scholarships that reward outstanding academic performance. International students with strong academic records, competitive test scores, and leadership potential may qualify for these scholarships, which can cover a significant portion of tuition fees.
Need-Based Financial Aid: While limited, some need-based scholarships and financial aid options are available to international students who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must provide evidence of their financial status and submit the required documentation during the admission process.
Program-Specific Scholarships: Certain colleges and departments within MCPHS offer specialized scholarships tailored to specific health science programs such as Pharmacy, Nursing, Physician Assistant Studies, and Public Health. These scholarships often prioritize candidates pursuing high-demand healthcare fields.
International Student Scholarship Opportunities: MCPHS frequently offers dedicated international student scholarships aimed at encouraging a diverse student body. These scholarships are competitive and awarded based on academic merit, leadership, and contributions to the community.
External Scholarships and Partnerships: International students at MCPHS are encouraged to explore external scholarship programs and partnerships offered by governments, private foundations, and international organizations.
Graduates of MCPHS's B.S. in Health Psychology are uniquely positioned at the intersection of mind and body, equipped with a comprehensive understanding of how psychological factors impact physical health and well-being.
Health Educator/Health Promotion Specialist: Develops and implements programs to promote healthy lifestyles, prevent disease, and encourage positive health behaviors in communities, hospitals, schools, or corporate wellness programs.
Community Health Worker/Advocate: Connects individuals and communities with healthcare services, provides health education, and advocates for improved health outcomes, often working for government agencies, non-profits, or public health departments.
Behavioral Health Technician/Assistant: Works under the supervision of psychologists or other mental health professionals, assisting with patient care, data collection, and implementing behavioral interventions in clinical settings.
Clinical Research Assistant/Coordinator: Supports clinical trials and research studies, particularly those focused on behavioral interventions, health outcomes, or the psychological aspects of illness, in academic or pharmaceutical settings.
Wellness Coordinator/Coach: Designs and manages wellness programs for organizations or individuals, focusing on stress management, nutrition, exercise, and overall well-being.
Case Manager (Healthcare/Social Services): Coordinates patient care, connects clients with necessary resources, and provides support to individuals and families navigating complex health and social challenges.
Public Health Program Coordinator: Assists in planning, organizing, and managing public health initiatives, often focusing on areas where psychological factors influence population health, such as addiction or chronic disease prevention.
Medical Scribe: Works directly with physicians in clinical settings, accurately documenting patient histories, examinations, diagnoses, and treatment plans in real-time, gaining valuable exposure to patient care.
Healthcare Administrator (Entry-Level): Supports the administrative and operational functions of healthcare facilities or departments, with a particular understanding of patient behavior and healthcare systems.
Graduate School Candidate: Pursues advanced degrees such as a Master of Public Health (MPH), Master of Social Work (MSW), Master's or Doctoral degrees in Health Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or other allied health professions (e.g., Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy with relevant prerequisites), leveraging their strong foundational knowledge.
