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Naomi Mwangi '25

Psychology
BA, BS , Minor

On-campus Undergraduate Major Minor

Explore how the mind works—inside and out 

As a psychology major at UMass Dartmouth, you'll discover how people think, learn, and act. Your courses will cover everything from how the brain works and how we experience the world to how we grow, build relationships, and help others. You’ll also learn how psychology is used in real-world careers like counseling, business, education, and community work.  

Choose the degree path that fits your goals 

At UMass Dartmouth, you can earn a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology. Each one lets you shape your education based on what you want to do in the future. Psychology graduates work in fields such as human resources, software and product development, and communications. Further education will open paths toward research and clinical practice. 

BA in psychology 

The BA gives you a strong foundation in the liberal arts. You'll explore how psychology connects to everyday life, culture, and society through applying psychological principles. 

BS in psychology 

The BS focuses on natural science. You'll build research skills and learn how to collect, study, and understand data to solve real-world problems. 

Student success

Naomi Mwangi '25 pictured in the Grove

Student spotlight

Psychology student wins spot in NSF's REU program

Naomi Mwangi '25 will study Mind, Brain, Body, and Behavior at Emory University in Atlanta

Graduate School Placements

  • Bentley College
  • Lesley University
  • North Carolina State University
  • UMass Law
  • UMass Dartmouth

Career Placements

  • ABA Intervention Tanja Haas (Germany)
  • American Institutes for Research
  • Beacon ABA Services
  • Behavioral Health Network, Inc.
  • Center for Life Management
  • Comprehensive Mental Health Systems
  • Northeast Behavioral Associates
  • Southeastern Counseling Associates

4+1 Accelerated bachelor’s to master’s option

Qualified students in this program may be eligible to pursue an accelerated bachelor’s-to-master’s pathway at UMass Dartmouth. This option allows you to begin graduate coursework while completing your undergraduate degree and transition directly into a master's program. Learn how the accelerated program works.

4+1 BA/BS-MAT: a fast track to teaching

Enrollment in the 4+1 Teacher Preparation program allows undergraduate students to begin the education coursework towards a master’s degree in teaching (MAT) as early as the sophomore year. Half of the degree is completed as an undergraduate, reducing the time and costs of earning a graduate degree.

3+3 with UMass Law: a fast track to a law degree

Enrollment in the 3+3 joint degree program with UMass Law offers an accelerated pathway to an undergraduate and law degree, enabling qualifying students to substitute the first year of law school for the final year of their undergraduate program, thereby earning both a bachelor’s degree from UMass Dartmouth and a Juris Doctor from UMass Law in six rather than seven years.

Major in Psychology

The curriculum for the BA in psychology focuses on liberal arts and the application of psychological principles, whereas the BS emphasizes natural science and skill development in advanced research design and data analysis.

For the BA in psychology, you'll complete at least 34 credit hours in courses related to your major, and 120 credits overall.

For the BS in psychology, you'll complete at least 41 credit hours in courses related to your major, and 120 credits overall.

If you are interested in a career in counseling, you can take the 3-course counseling sequence, which introduces the applied aspects of psychology.

If you are interested in research and considering graduate study in psychology, you'll have the opportunity to pursue honors research or independent study.

Minor in Psychology

The psychology minor provides students with a strong foundational understanding of the science behind human thoughts and behaviors.

This minor is open to all UMass Dartmouth majors and requires 18 credit hours to complete. Please note that students who wish to minor in psychology must complete PSY 101 with a grade of C+ or higher.

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Top 22%

of Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report
#152

Best Undergraduate Psychology Programs in the U.S. - U.S. News & World Report
3rd

Best Public Undergraduate Psychology Programs in Massachusetts - U.S. News & World Report

100% of psychology majors in the class of 2022 were either employed or enrolled in further studies within six months of graduation. At UMass Dartmouth, psychology majors are eligible for accelerated 4+1 master's degrees in teaching or psychology research.

Teacher preparation

Your path to becoming a middle or high school teacher in Psychology.