Psychology
BA, BS

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.

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Best Colleges US News Psychology Programs 2024

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.

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

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.

Student success

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

of psychology majors are employed within six months of graduation - Class of 2023 NACE survey

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

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

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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.

BA/MA Program: Our BA/MA fast-track program enables qualified students to complete both the BA and the MA in Research Psychology, in 5 rather than 6 years.
The psychology department offers a graduate program leading to an MA in Psychology, with options in clinical psychology and research psychology.

Teacher preparation

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

Psychology faculty

As a psychology student at UMass Dartmouth, you will work with faculty who specialize in a variety of areas. Our faculty study theoretical topics such as brain hemispheres and memory processing; conduct applied research on issues such as the control of obesity, chronic pain, and stress; and are leaders in the mental health community.