College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology BA
Learn how the human mind works and explore how psychology connects to life, culture, and society.
Program details
- Modality
- On-campus
- Duration
- 4 years, 3 year option
- Credits
- 120
- Median annual wage:
- $60,000 Median annual wage. View career outcomes.
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Why study psychology at UMass Dartmouth?
Learn how and why the human brain works during UMass Dartmouth's psychology BA. This program is designed for students who want to work in counseling or become therapists.
Students in this program gain a holistic, interdisciplinary understanding of psychology, investigating how it connects with arts, sciences, and humanities. You will have the opportunity to conduct research and practice what you've learned in real-world clinics.
Launch your career
Salary range: $60,000What can I do with a psychology BA degree?
Psychology students gain skills that are highly applicable to many fields. Understanding the human psyche gives graduates an advantage in careers such as:
- Therapy and counseling
- School counselors
- Forensic psychology
- Sports psychology
- Social services
- Marketing
- Business
- Human resources
- Addiction counseling
Top employers
Curriculum
As a psychology BA major, you'll learn the skills to:
- Perform psychological research
- Use scientific reasoning
- Understand the ethics and morals of social research
- Improve your interpersonal and communication skills
- Investigate how psychology manifests in various fields
You'll take courses like the world of the psychopath, moral psychology, cognitive processes, emotions, and more.
Real-world experience
UMass Dartmouth psychology students have the opportunity to gain real-world experience in counseling practicum, research labs, and internships.
Course descriptions and requirements
Explore the official academic catalog for detailed curriculum requirements, course descriptions and program information.
Accolades
UMass Dartmouth is a nationally ranked R2 research university that combines the resources of a major university with a personalized educational experience. Ranked among the top 15 public research institutions with fewer than 10,000 students and in the top 17% nationally for return on investment, UMass Dartmouth is recognized for advancing research, social mobility, and career-ready education.
Nationally Ranked Discovery Across Arts and Sciences
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together nationally ranked programs, accomplished scholars, and research with measurable impact. Its faculty includes eight Fulbright Scholars and has secured more than $14 million in grants over three years, creating opportunities for students to learn through research, creative inquiry, and community engagement.
Frequently asked questions
Have questions about the Psychology BA program? Here you will find answers to common questions about admissions, curriculum, career outcomes, and student experience.
Consider your strengths and what career you'd like to pursue when deciding between a BA and a BS in psychology.
The psychology BA degree is great for students who want to expand their critical thinking, communication, and humanities skills. Students in the BA program go on to become therapists and counselors.
Students in the psychology BS program focus on data analytics, mathematics, statistics, and research. BS students go on to become psychology researchers and medical students.
Yes, students in the psychology BA program have the option to take a counseling sequence, comprised of three courses. The courses include a theoretical approach to counseling, supervised practicum, and weekly experience working in human service agencies.
UMass Dartmouth's psychology program offers students the opportunity to conduct independent research through our psychology thesis program. Students must be admitted to the program, and they conduct research during their junior and senior years.
Yes, UMass Dartmouth offers an undergraduate certificate that prepares students to pursue careers in mental health professions. Students achieve this certification by taking certain elective courses and completing a community-based internship.
Students can continue their studies in the field of psychology by earning an MA in clinical psychology or an MS in research psychology at UMass Dartmouth.
We also offer an accelerated BA/MS program, which enables qualified students to complete both the BA and the MS in research psychology in 5 rather than 6 years.
Alternatively, students can study graduate programs outside of psychology, including law, public health, education, technology, business, and more.
Faculty at UMass Dartmouth conduct clinical, experimental, and applied research in laboratories and within the local community. Examples of focus areas include cognitive, social, emotional, and clinical psychology.
Psychology is also available as a minor. Contact your academic advisor for more information.