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 activist, applied discipline. Students focus on such diverse topics as human development, prejudice, resilience, memory, psychopathology, well-being, 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. On its own or in combination with other programs of study (e.g., art, international business, communication, drama, environmental science, women’s studies, criminal justice, education), a psychology major provides students with a variety of career options upon graduation. In all courses, students are challenged to move beyond common sense and personal history to acquire an understanding of how questions about human functioning are answered via the scientific method of 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, well-being, conflict resolution, motivational and emotional difficulties, and personal development.

As one of the social sciences, psychology relates well to programs in business, economics, education, communication, political science, and criminal justice. As a health science, psychology is concerned with individual and collective well‐being and, therefore, encourages important connections to medicine, law and environmental studies. Additionally, psychology is attentive to cross‐cultural and international issues. The Psychology Department is part of the Science, Health, and Education Division.

Faculty members in psychology have a wide range of research interests, including such areas as health, person perception, quality of life, prosocial behavior, resilience, and well-being. The members of the psychology faculty work closely with students and are committed to assisting students in their efforts to realize their individual educational goals.

Two concentrations are offered in psychology: general psychology and human services.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Psychology Program should possess the following:

1) Knowledge Base of Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology majors and minor will explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology 

(2) Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology ‐ Students in the Psychology majors and minor will employ the scientific approach to solve problems and to categorize theory, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in various domains of psychology. 

(3) Ethical and Social Responsibility ‐ Students in the Psychology majors and minor will construct ethical values and socially responsible environments that underpin the scientific field of psychology.

(4) Communication ‐ Students in the Psychology majors and minor will perform oral and written communication skills in a variety of settings. 

(5) Professional Development ‐ Students in the Psychology majors and minor will employ knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits. 

Experiential Learning Component

Most courses contain engaging demonstrations, and in‐class guest presentations. All students are required to complete a novel research study. Qualified students are also encouraged to further pursue in‐depth exploration of areas of personal interest, to present research at regional and national conferences and to collaborate with faculty on manuscripts and other aspects of research. Numerous practical opportunities are available and internships are encouraged.

Programs

• Psychology, General, B.A.
• Psychology, Human Service, B.A.

• Psychology Minor

Courses

All undergraduate courses are 4 credits unless otherwise noted.

• PS 1000 - Exploring the Mechanisms of Prejudice, Discrimination, and Social Justice
• PS 1120 - Introduction to Human Services
• PS 2110 - Writing and Research in Psychology
• PS 2250 - Positive Psychology
• PS 2410 - Interpersonal Relationships and Interview Skills
• PS 2420 - Systems of Care
• PS 3110 (CJ 3110) - Juvenile Delinquency & Youth at Risk
• PS 3170 (CJ3170) - Forensic Psychology
• PS 3210 - Perspectives in Mental Health and Mental Health Disorders
• PS 3260 - Cognitive Psychology
• PS 3310 - Culture and the Practice of Psychology
• PS 3650 - Theories of Personality
• PS 3950 - Co-op in Human Services
• PS 4100 - Professional Preparation in Psychology
• PS 4120 - Substance Abuse
• PS 4250 - Health Psychology
• PS 4310 - Psychology of Women
• PS 4320 - Fundamentals of Counseling and Therapy
• PS 4340 - Client Assessment and Planning
• PS 4400 - Research Methods II
• PS 4500 - Social Advocacy and Action
• PS 4910 - Internship
• PS 4950 - Co-op in Human Services II