What is Psychology?

Psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior. Psychologists ask important questions about how people think, act, feel, and connect with others. They research how biology, environment, and society shape who we are. 

A Psychology degree from Saint Peter’s University teaches you how to ask good questions to people and how to find answers through research. You learn about ideas from the past and new theories about social, developmental, cognitive, and clinical psychology. 

You also have the opportunity to focus on certain topics that interest you most and participate in hands-on projects investigating why people behave certain ways. 

You will seek to answer a wide variety of questions, such as:

• What factors influence decision-making and problem-solving?
• Why do individuals behave in certain ways?
• What factors contribute to individual differences in development?
• How do individuals interact with others?

Why study psychology at Saint Peter’s University?

Saint Peter’s University offers a strong Psychology program that empowers Peacocks through robust academics, impactful experiential learning, and a supportive intellectual community. 

You benefit from engaged faculty mentors with expertise across domains like abnormal, social, cognitive, and developmental psychology. You can participate in rigorous research projects, as well as gain real-world experience through clinical externships.

Peacocks graduate with dynamic problem-solving abilities and nuanced human understanding to positively impact society in whatever careers or advanced studies they pursue next. Above all, Saint Peter’s University faculty emphasizes guidance, compassion, and inclusive success for all Peacocks seeking to transform lives at both the individual and societal levels.

You can take many courses within the Psychology program, such as:

• Introduction to Psychology
• Childhood and Adolescence
• Attitudes and Persuasion
• Experimental Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology

Saint Peter’s University offers an accelerated five-year MS/MA Industrial Organizational Psychology degree program for current undergraduates in which a BS in psychology and the MS/MA could be obtained in 5 years.

Under the guidance of faculty who are all actively involved in research, psychology students gain hands-on experience in on-campus laboratories, including an optokinetic drum used to explore perception and motion sickness.

And every year the Psychology Club and Psi Chi (honors society) members attend and present research at the Eastern Psychological Association meeting held in cities such as Boston, Philadelphia and New York.

Students receive individualized advising every semester to ensure that they are on the right path.

The decisions one makes about their college education can have a profound impact upon one’s later life and career. Choosing a major is not an easy task! Students choose psychology because they find it interesting, fun, and includes a variety of areas to study.

What can I do with a psychology degree?

The career opportunities with a Psychology degree from Saint Peter’s University are nearly endless. 

A Psychology degree builds transferable skills applicable across diverse, rewarding careers. While some Peacocks pursue clinical roles diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, others apply an understanding of human behaviors and motivations in fields like business, law, healthcare, education, and more. 

Peacocks with a Psychology degree can pursue careers such as:

• Sports Psychologist
• Counselor
• Human Resources Specialist
• Market Research Analyst
• Social Worker
• Health Educator
• Developmental Specialist

A Psychology degree equips you with analytical abilities, critical thinking skills, and insights into the human experience that enable impactful work in the career path that best meets your interests.