Psychology

Undergraduate

Student smiling in class

Understand the factors that shape human behavior

Ready to dive into the inner workings of the human mind? A Bachelor of Arts in psychology at Simmons equips you with the tools to explore the human experience, from neurons to social behavior.

Why study psychology?

A BA in psychology is one of the most versatile degrees available. You'll examine contemporary approaches to mental health and critically analyze the factors that shape human behavior.

You’ll explore the biological, cognitive, developmental, and social dimensions of human experience and learn the research methods used to study them. Fieldwork and research opportunities in Boston connect your learning to real-world issues.

Simmons psychology courses also build transferable writing, research, and analytical skills that transfer to countless professions. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to apply your expertise to real-world challenges and opportunities.

You can combine the major with a minor, pursue a psychology minor, or enroll in the online Bachelor of Arts in applied psychology designed for adult learners.

Career paths and advanced education

A psychology degree opens doors to diverse, meaningful careers by allowing you to tailor your path to your specific interests.

Recent graduate career highlights

  • Behavioral / Mental Health Technician
  • Human Resources Specialist
  • Research Assistant / Technician
  • Clinical Research Assistant / Coordinator
  • Data Analyst

Advanced programs pursued

  • PhD in Clinical Psychology
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) Programs
  • PhD in Neuroscience
  • Master or PhD in Behavior Analysis (ABA)
  • Master of Public Health (MPH)

Every Psychology major must complete 36 semester hours in psychology and four hours in statistics.

The following five core courses are required

PSYC101 Introduction to Psychological Science 4
STAT118 Introductory Statistics 4
OR
STAT239 Regression and Design of Experiments 4
PSYC201 Biological Psychology 4
PSYC203 Research Methods in Psychology 4
PSYC345 History & Systems of Psychology 4

Majors complete one course in each of the following three areas

Basic Processes [choose one]

PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC244 Drugs and Behavior 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC246 Motivation and Emotion 4
PSYC251 Neuroscience of Music 4

Social and Developmental [choose one]

PSYC220 The Psychology of Gender 4
PSYC235 Developmental Psychology 4
PSYC236 Psychology of Adolescence 4
PSYC239 Psychology of Aging 4
PSYC248 Social Psychology 4

Clinical and Personality [choose one]

PSYC217 And The Pursuit of Happiness 4
PSYC230 Theories of Personality 4
PSYC231 Psychopathology and Mental Health 4
PSYC232 Health Psychology 4

Capstone

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).

Upper Level Theory and Application [choose one]

PSYC328 Advanced Special Topics in Psychology 4
PSYC331 Seminar in Clinical Psychology 4
PSYC332 Neurodegenerative Diseases 4
PSYC335 Social & Emotional Development 4
PSYC336 Childhood Psychopathology 4

Upper Level Research [choose one]

PSYC301 Research in Biopsychology 4
PSYC303 Research in Cognitive Processes 4
PSYC304 Research in Personality 4
PSYC305 Research in Child Development 4
PSYC308 Research in Social Psychology 4

Prerequisites

PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science is a prerequisite for all courses offered by the department. 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.

Recommendations

Students considering a major in psychology are advised to take PSYC 101 Introduction to Psychological Science and STAT 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.

1. A student with career interests in the clinical and personality area should consider

PSYC230 Theories of Personality 4
PSYC231 Psychopathology and Mental Health 4
PSYC232 Health Psychology 4
PSYC304 Research in Personality 4
PSYC331 Seminar in Clinical Psychology 4
PSYC336 Childhood Psychopathology 4

2. A student planning a career working with children, such as early childhood education, counseling, child guidance, or school psychology, should consider

PSYC235 Developmental Psychology 4
PSYC236 Psychology of Adolescence 4
PSYC305 Research in Child Development 4
PSYC335 Social & Emotional Development 4
PSYC336 Childhood Psychopathology 4

3. A student planning a career in medical or neuroscience research should consider

PSYC232 Health Psychology 4
PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC244 Drugs and Behavior 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC301 Research in Biopsychology 4
Relevant courses in biology, chemistry, and computer science are also recommended.

4. A student interested in a career in behavioral research, human factors, or computer-based instruction should consider

PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC248 Social Psychology 4
PSYC303 Research in Cognitive Processes 4

Relevant areas of mathematics and/or computer science are also recommended.

5. A student planning a career in social service or human resources should consider

PSYC230 Theories of Personality 4
PSYC231 Psychopathology and Mental Health 4
PSYC232 Health Psychology 4
PSYC248 Social Psychology 4
PSYC308 Research in Social Psychology 4

Independent Learning in Psychology

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.

PSYC350 Independent Study 1
PSYC355 Thesis 4
PSYC380 Fieldwork in a Psychological Setting 0
PSYC381 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. 

Required Course

PSYC101 Introduction to Psychological Science 4

Basic Processes Course (complete one)

PSYC243 Cognitive Psychology 4
PSYC244 Drugs and Behavior 4
PSYC245 Learning and Conditioning 4
PSYC246 Motivation and Emotion 4
PSYC251 Neuroscience of Music 4

Three Electives

Complete three electives with the PSYC designation. Nursing students can count NURS 335 as one of the three electives.

Online Psychology Degree

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.

Spotlight on Psychology Students and Alums

The 8 SURPASs scholars for 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 SURPASs Scholars

Eight undergraduate scholars from disciplines across Simmons have been selected to join the Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Simmons (SURPASs). SURPASs students receive the necessary funding and mentorship to execute an independent research project of their own design.


Ginjer Doherty ’25,  Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25

Six Students Selected for the 2025 Senior Scholar Award

Ginjer Doherty ’25, Aviva Foster ’25, CJ Haggard ’25, Theo Hatfield ’25, Lili Malatinszky ’25, and Grace Walters ’25 have been selected for the prestigious Senior Scholar Award at Simmons University. Sponsored by the Provost’s Office and the Office of Research and Fellowships, the Senior Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scholarly research across different disciplinary fields.


Esta Soler '68, '06HD, photograph by Dean J. Biriny.

An Advocate for Women and Children

Esta Soler ’68, ’06HD is the President of Futures Without Violence (FUTURES). Based in San Francisco, Boston, and Washington D.C., this nonprofit organization aims to prevent violence against women and families.


Associate Professor of Practice LaDonna Christian '16PhD  mentors Dotson Scholar Hayden Lee '24, photograph by Kelly Davidson.

Thriving through Diversity: A Nursing Success Story

The Dotson Bridge and Mentoring Program pairs first-generation and other underrepresented nursing student mentees — called Scholars — with experienced Mentors (typically School of Nursing alumnae/i). Sasha DuBois ’08BSN has served as a mentor since the program began in 2009. LaDonna Christian ’16PhD became director of the program in 2010.


Dianna Shaw

Internship Inspires Alumnae/i Career in Healthcare

Dianna Shaw ’92, who majored in psychology and sociology at Simmons, was interviewed by The Bay Magazine about her over 30-year career assisting older adults.


Caroline Aspinwall ’25 standing outside of Boston Children's Hospital

Exercise Science Student Interns at Boston Children's Hospital

Caroline Aspinwall ’24, majoring in Health and Exercise Science with a minor in Psychology, shares details about her internship experience at Boston Children’s Hospital.


Krystianna Pietrzak (KP) ’20 and Jessie Andrew ’20 in front of a color wall of graffiti

Simmons Alums Create “Queer-Led Web Design” Team

We celebrate Pride Month with 2020 graduates KP and Jessie, who run Inkpot Creative, a unique website development company that offers cutting edge website design for photographers, with a focus on inclusivity.


Stacey Pazar Huth

Dr. Stacey Pazar Huth ’87 Shares Family’s Multigenerational History with Simmons

Chemist and biomedical product developer Stacey Pazar Huth ’87 is a leading woman in medical diagnostics and research and development. Her connection to Simmons also involves her father, who helped build the campus, and her daughter, a current nursing major. We spoke with Huth about her Simmons journey, the gender bias in STEM, and her understanding of legacy.