Psychology

Psychology emphasizes the fundamental importance of understanding human behavior and thought. It is a wide‐ranging discipline, encompassing diverse fields of study. It is also, by its history and nature, an applied discipline. Students focus on such diverse topics as human development, prejudice, aggression, Abnormal Psychology/Psychopathology, health, and social interaction, not solely to acquire knowledge, but also with the intent of using this knowledge to better their community and their world.

At New England College, it is the goal of the faculty to merge practical skills with theoretical content and critical thinking abilities. One aim of the program is to prepare students for continued study at the graduate level. Another goal is to prepare students for careers in counseling and human services, business, education, community health, and political and social service. A psychology major provides students with a variety of career options upon graduation. In all courses, students are challenged to move beyond their common sense and personal history and to acquire an understanding of how questions about human functioning are answered through systematic investigation and hypothesis testing. Moreover, the faculty make psychology meaningful and relevant to students so that what they learn can be applied to real life skills such as parenting, interpersonal relationships, health, conflict resolution, motivational and emotional difficulties, and personal development.

The bachelor’s degree program may be completed in 4 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

The associate’s degree program may be completed in 2 years for students who carry a full course load of 30 credits per year.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Psychology Program should possess the following:

• Knowledge Base of Psychology ‐ Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
• Research Methods in Psychology ‐ Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology ‐ Respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
• Application of Psychology ‐ Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
• Values in Psychology ‐ Value empirical evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.
• Information and Technological Literacy ‐ Demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes.
• Communication Skills ‐ Communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
• Multicultural Awareness ‐ Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of multicultural communities.
• Personal Development ‐ Develop insight into their own and other’s behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management and self‐improvement.
• Career Planning and Development ‐ Pursue realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Programs

• Psychology, A.A.
• Psychology, B.A.

• Psychology Minor

Courses

• PS 1000 - Overcoming Prejudice and Discrimination
• PS 1110 - Introduction to Psychology
• PS 2050 - Social Psychology
• PS 2115 - Writing and Research in the Social Sciences
• PS 2120 - WEB U
• PS 2130 - Educational Psychology
• PS 2140 - Human Development I: Childhood and Adolescence
• PS 2150 - Human Development II: Adulthood and Aging
• PS 2310 - Statistics for the Social Sciences
• PS 2410 - Interpersonal Relationships and Interview Skills
• PS 3110 (CJ 3110) - Juvenile Delinquency
• PS 3160 - Child Psychology
• PS 3170 (CJ 3170) - Forensic Psychology
• PS 3210 - Abnormal Psychology
• PS 3230 - Delivery of Human Services
• PS 3240 - Applied Behavioral Analysis
• PS 3260 - Cognitive Psychology
• PS 3270 - Marriage and Family
• PS 4000 - Issues in Professional Practice: Psychology
• PS 4120 - Substance Abuse
• PS 4220 - Research Methods
• PS 4320 - Fundamentals of Counseling and Therapy
• PS 4340 - Client Assessment and Planning
• PS 4420 - Psychological Assessment
• PS 4430 - Applied Behavioral Analysis with Development, Disabilities, and Psychopathology
• PS 4501 - Understanding Trauma and Addiction
• PS 4980 - Advanced Topics in Alcohol and Drug Use and Abuse