
Gregory Feldman
- Professor
Are you ready to dive into the inner workings of the human mind? Earning a Psychology degree at Simmons University enables students to examine the intricacies of psychology from neurons to mental health.
A Psychology degree from Simmons gives graduates an edge, regardless of their career path. Professionals across all fields benefit from an understanding of the human psyche, what motivates and shapes behavior, and social processes.
Why major in Psychology? Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program survey contemporary approaches to mental health and think critically about human behavior. Simmons’ psychology classes will also teach transferable writing, research and analytical skills. Upon graduation, psychology degree holders are able to apply their expertise to real-world quandaries.
Simmons University also offers a Psychology minor and an online Bachelor’s of Arts in Psychology for adult learners. Learn more about the Psychology Department at Simmons.
Students pursuing a Psychology major at Simmons have the opportunity to create a versatile, highly customizable program of study. The Psychology degree consists of thirty-six (36) semester hours and four hours in statistics for a total of forty (40) credit hours.
Psychology major classes include the following five core courses:
View all the Psychology major requirements for our Psychology degree.
Students interested in applying to the undergraduate Psychology degree program must submit the following items to be considered for undergraduate admission:
Learn more about Simmons University’s first-year undergraduate application process for Psychology majors, including deadlines and what we look for in an applicant.
Careers for Psychology majors aren’t limited to psychologists. Due to its versatility, careers in psychology with a bachelor’s degree can be tailored specifically to your passions. Our students are highly valued in all fields, including child development, research, human resources, clinical and counseling psychology, social work, hospital administration, law, public health and graduate studies.
Ultimately, Simmons’ Psychology degree program provides a well-rounded education for students pursuing roles in a wide variety of fields.
Psychology degree careers include:
At Simmons, we believe in cultivating career skills to prepare our students for life’s work. The resources offered by our Career Education Center not only encourage students to unearth and nurture their passions, but to take steps toward turning their aspirations into action. Career coaches, job and internship fairs, and more await you at Simmons.
Students that are contemplating a variety of career paths should consider a bachelor’s in Psychology for a degree that provides both breadth and depth of knowledge. We encourage you to request more information about the Psychology major, schedule a campus tour, or find out how to apply today!
Every Psychology major must complete 36 semester hours in psychology and four hours in statistics.
PSYC 101 | Introduction to Psychological Science | 4 |
STAT 118 | Introductory Statistics | 4 |
OR | ||
STAT 227 | Intermediate Statistics: Design & Analysis | 4 |
OR | ||
STAT 229 | Regression Models | 4 |
PSYC 201 | Biological Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 203 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 345 | History & Systems of Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 243 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 244 | Drugs and Behavior | 4 |
PSYC 245 | Learning and Conditioning | 4 |
PSYC 246 | Motivation and Emotion | 4 |
Students fulfill the capstone requirement in the Department by completing two Courses: one Upper Level Theory and Application Course and one Upper Level Research Course (listed below).
PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science is a prerequisite for all courses offered by the department except PSYC 220 (for which the prerequisite is PSYC 101 or WGST 100). Upper-level courses have additional prerequisites as detailed in the course descriptions. Students may use an AP psychology test score of 4 or 5 to replace the PSYC 101 course requirement, but they are still encouraged to take the course for the comprehensive background it provides.
Students considering a major in psychology are advised to take PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science and MATH 118 Introductory Statistics during their first year so that they can take PSYC 203 Research Methods in Psychology and PSYC 201 Biopsychology in their second year, as intended. Advisors and the Department Chair can help students plan individualized course sequences based on their interests and career goals. The following examples illustrate a variety of possibilities.
PSYC 230 | Theories of Personality | 4 |
PSYC 231 | Psychopathology and Mental Health | 4 |
PSYC 232 | Health Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 304 | Research in Personality | 4 |
PSYC 331 | Seminar in Clinical Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 336 | Childhood Psychopathology | 4 |
PSYC 235 | Developmental Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 236 | Psychology of Adolescence | 4 |
PSYC 335 | Social & Emotional Development | 4 |
PSYC 336 | Childhood Psychopathology | 4 |
PSYC 305 | Research in Child Development | 4 |
PSYC 232 | Health Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 243 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 244 | Drugs and Behavior | 4 |
PSYC 245 | Learning and Conditioning | 4 |
PSYC 301 | Research in Biopsychology | 4 |
Relevant courses in biology, chemistry, and computer science are also recommended.
PSYC 243 | Cognitive Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 245 | Learning and Conditioning | 4 |
PSYC 248 | Social Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 303 | Research in Cognitive Processes | 4 |
Relevant areas of mathematics and/or computer science are also recommended.
Independent learning experiences enrich a student’s education in Psychology and can distinguish a student’s qualifications when applying for employment and admission to graduate school. Although not required for the Psychology degree, majors are strongly encouraged to speak with their advisors about integrating one or more of the following courses into their plan of study:
PSYC 350 | Independent Study | 4 |
PSYC 355 | Thesis | 4 |
PSYC 380 | Fieldwork in a Psychological Setting | 0 |
PSYC 381 | Thesis in Psychology | 4 |
PSYC 380: Note: Must apply in spring before senior year. Students typically earn 8 credits of PSYC 380 across two consecutive semesters.
The requirements of the Psychology Minor include PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science, one course chosen from the Basic Processes area:
And three electives with the PSYC designation. Nursing students can count NURS 335 or NURS 348 as one of the three electives
The psychology program is also a possibility for students in our fully online program. Join us on our digital campus to study the science of the brain and behavior and explore the inner workings of the human mind.
So you know that Simmons is a great place to be, you've learned about our programs, maybe even come for a visit...now you're ready to apply! Let's get started.
Learn more about our Psychology major faculty