Skip to main content
Students with Mary Kayyal at Psi Chi Psychology Research Conference 2023

Psychology

Welcome to the Department of Psychology

With the Renovation of the Liberal Arts Building (May 2025-January 2027), the Psychology Department office has relocated to Spruce 180. Please come visit us!

A Psychology Degree at UMass Dartmouth

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior. It is grounded in a commitment to critical and rational thinking, systematic observation, and empirical evidence. Psychologists use the scientific method to describe, understand, and explain human behavior and mental processes.

We offer both Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in psychology, providing the opportunity for students to personalize their education to achieve their career goals. The curriculum for the BA in psychology focuses on liberal arts and the application of psychological principles, whereas the BS emphasizes natural sciences and skill development in advanced research design and data analysis.  

An integrated 4-part curriculum provides students with a broad introduction to the field, emphasizing the understanding and design of research. Depth of study is offered in the junior and senior years. A wide range of subfields of psychology are offered, from courses that emphasize our biological heritage (e.g., physiological psychology) to those that examine basic human functioning (e.g., cognitive psychology, social psychology) and those that have a distinct applied orientation (e.g., counseling, behavior modification).

Research

There are also opportunities for students to engage in independent research, thesis research, or participate in internships in various clinical settings. The curriculum can be structured to prepare students for graduate education or to include applied clinical coursework and experiences that would allow graduates to seek employment in a variety of human services agencies.

Careers in Psychology

Students who major in psychology find primary employment opportunities in personnel management, elementary and secondary high school education, social work, software, and other product development.

Higher-level psychological professions, such as counseling, psychotherapy, university instruction, psychological research (in industry, universities, and research centers), and various administrative mental health positions generally require a master’s degree or, preferably, a doctorate in psychology. The department also offers two graduate programs in psychology: M.S. in Research Psychology and M.A. in Clinical Psychology (see the sections on graduate programs in Psychology).

Degree Programs

  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Science (MS) in Research Psychology
  • Combined BA/MS Program in Psychology
  • Pre-Professional Certificate in Mental Health
  • Minor in Psychology

From the left-hand menu, feel free to browse our Programs of Study, Faculty Profiles, Research Interests, Student Organizations, and Contacts.