Bachelor of Arts In Psychology

"I decided to major in psychology because I love learning about how the brain works and why people are the way they are," said Briana Mastracchio ’18. "The University of New Haven is giving me an education like no other."

Explore the Human Mind

Why do people do what they do? And what makes them do it at certain times and in certain places? If you are drawn to the scientific study of human behavior in all of its myriad manifestations, you’ll thrive as a psychology major at the University of New Haven.

You’ll learn to understand, and arrive at explanations for, a person’s thoughts and emotions. You’ll examine psychology from clinical, cognitive, developmental, personality, physiological, and social perspectives. Your classroom studies will then be brought to life in the laboratory and the clinic as well as in personal settings.

You will also choose a concentration:
  • Forensic Psychology: For those interested in law enforcement or in exploring the mind of the criminal or victim Learn more
  • Clinical Psychology: If you have a well-defined career goal in human services
  • Community and Society: Designed to help students understand how social forces shape their world
  • General Psychology: If you would like to tailor your curriculum to a specific career in education, business, or industry
In each path, you will:
  • Gain a solid foundation in psychology.
  • Be encouraged to choose a complementary minor, such as sociology, political science, management, or criminal justice
  • Benefit from small class sizes that seldom exceed 35 students
  • Participate in academic service-learning projects and internships
  • Have the opportunity to collaborate with faculty on research projects
  • Have the chance to study abroad at our Prato, Italy campus or elsewhere in the world
  • Get involved with the Psychology Club or Psi Chi Honor Society

Learn from professors who are dedicated to your success.

Our faculty are leaders and innovators in their fields, bringing both deep professional experience and academic rigor to the classroom.

Spotlights

I now know my abilities as a writer, my own self-worth, and that what I say matters and people need to hear it.

Envision Your Future

The information below is designed to show the many possible careers you could pursue with your major. The research is provided by Encoura, the leading research and advisory firm focused exclusively on higher education. It includes median national salaries and industry growth projections over the next decade. Click here to view the full report.

$64K

Social and Community Service Managers

14% Growth 2017-2027

$42K

Mental Health Counselor

21% Growth 2017-2027

$41K

Behavior Data Specialist

22% Growth 2017-2027

Selected Courses and Programs
  • Psychological principles and research as they apply to the problems of working with people in organizations. Analysis of problems and decisions in this use of human resources, including selection and placement, criterion measurement, job design, motivation.

  • Different types of human and animal learning. Learning as an adaptive mechanism. Psychological principles underlying learning. Practical applications of learning principles.

  • This course explores the neurological underpinnings related to cognitive processes and their associated behaviors. Specifically, the course will focus on the brain’s role in complex human behaviors such as attention, body movement, consciousness, emotions, decision making, formation and retrieval of memories, and the production and understanding of language.

  • Different types of human and animal learning. Learning as an adaptive mechanism. Psychological principles underlying learning. Practical applications of learning principles.

  • This course is intended to provide an overview of the various applications of psychology to forensic settings. Topics include criminal investigation and profiling, personnel selection, dynamics of violence and victimology, eyewitness testimony, trial processes, and a variety of other areas within the criminal and civil justice systems.

  • This class will review the civil and criminal law as it relates to mental health issues. Particular emphasis will be given to the justification of mental health law concepts, such as civil commitment and parens patriae power. Topics will include competence to stand trial, insanity, civil commitment, sexual predator commitment statutes, confidentiality, duty to warn, informed consent, malpractice, and issues of expert testimony. Legal cases will be examined to give the students a foundation in actual legal case law. Ethical issues and issues of professional responsibility will be covered.

  • The University of New Haven offers a wide variety of in-depth courses that create a transformational educational experience for our students. To view the complete list of courses you'll take while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, check out the Academic Catalog:

    Psychology, B.A. - General Psychology Concentration

    Psychology, B.A. - Clinical Psychology Concentration

    Psychology, B.A. - Community and Society Concentration

    Psychology, B.A. - Forensic Psychology Concentration

    Double Major - Psychology and Political Science, B.A.

    General Psychology Minor

    Sociology Minor

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From career assessments, networking, and job shadowing to on-campus interviews and salary negotiation, the Career Development Center provides the skills and connections to identify a meaningful career and an opportunity to pursue your passion.

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Next Steps
  • Whether you're still in high school or are transferring from another college, we offer full- and part-time opportunities for undergraduates from inside the U.S. and abroad. The admission process can begin as early as the end of your high school junior year.

    The Application Process

  • We offer a comprehensive financial aid program, with students receiving assistance in the form of grants, scholarships, student loans, and part-time employment. Funds are available from federal and state governments, private sponsors, and from university resources. More than 85 percent of the University's full-time undergraduate students receive some form of financial assistance.

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