Psychology
Program Overview
The Psychology Program offers a 40-credit undergraduate major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree, as well as an 18-credit minor. The Psychology Graduate Program offers a Master's in Counseling Psychology with three specialization options, a Master's in Forensic Psychology and Counseling and a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology.
The mission of the Psychology Program is to facilitate students' understanding of the science of psychology, as well as the values, knowledge, and skills required to pursue empowerment of self and others in a social justice context.
Students will acquire a broad understanding of the discipline of psychology, as well as a global awareness of issues affecting the development of psychological knowledge in other countries. At the same time, they will develop an appreciation of principles of ethical decision making, the importance of resilience, self-efficacy and self-advocacy as cornerstones of self-respect and self-determination, and the fundamental duty of social justice in working with underserved groups.
The Programs will prepare students to implement a range of empowerment strategies in their personal and interpersonal lives and work productively in their chosen fields.
Outcomes
Student learning outcomes for the Psychology Program include:
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, research methodology, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural diversity.
- Demonstrate awareness of the global nature of the discipline and issues affecting psychology in other countries.
- Apply psychological principles to promote social justice.
- Develop self-understanding and sense of purpose in life and implement a range of strategies to enhance self-efficacy.
- Successfully complete a career development plan that will guide students' professional goals.
- Promote an understanding of current ethical, social, and legal issues facing the helping professional.
- Promote the application of psychological theory to effectively guide individual growth, change and development.
- Develop leadership skills to effectively guide change in the promotion and delivery of counseling services to the public.
Graduates
Students who complete the degree in psychology will have a broad range of skills applicable to many human services as well as business employment settings. The Program provides a rigorous education in fundamental content areas such as human development and personality theory, but also teaches students to think critically and communicate effectively. These are skills that are highly sought after by employers in corporations, hospitals, schools, counseling centers, and group homes. With a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Saint Elizabeth University, students are eligible for entry-level positions in the mental health field and have been hired in community agencies, hospital programs, and in group homes.
Students who complete the Program are also well prepared to pursue Master's and Doctoral degrees. Many of our graduates have earned these advanced degrees from institutions such as:
- Saint Elizabeth University
- Columbia University
- Fairleigh Dickinson University
- Fordham University
- John Jay School of Criminal Justice
- New York University
- Seton Hall University
- Stevens Institute of Technology
- University of Missouri
Many psychology majors choose to double major and/or minor in related disciplines such as education, sociology, justice studies, biology, nutrition and business. Students are encouraged to discuss these options with their advisor because completing a second major and/or minor along with the major in psychology broadens students' career choices. The Minor in Psychology is also a good option to combine with a major in another discipline such as sociology or business. The minor will also give students the option to apply to graduate programs in psychology.