Program Overview

Introduction to the Psychology BA Program

The Psychology BA program at UMass Boston is a 12-course major that provides students with a foundation in each of the five core areas of the discipline of psychology. The program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of psychology, including its theories, methodologies, and applications.

Program Requirements

The Psychology BA program requires students to complete 12 courses, including:

• Two introductory courses
• Five intermediate courses
• Three advanced courses
• Two electives

Introductory Courses

Students must take two courses from the following list:

• PSYCH 100 - Introductory Psychology (3 credits)
• PSYCH 101 - Introductory Psychology (4 credits)
• PSYCH 201 - Introduction to Behavioral Research (3 credits)

Intermediate Courses

Students must take one course from each of the following categories:

• Personality/Clinical:
  • PSYCH 210 - Personality (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 215 - Mental Health and Psychological Distress (3 credits)
• Social Psychology:
  • PSYCH 230 - Social Psychology (3 credits)
• Developmental:
  • PSYCH 241 - Infancy and Childhood Development (3 credits)
  • PSYCH 242 - Adolescence (3 credits)
• Psychobiology:
  • PSYCH 260 - Introduction to Neuroscience (3 credits)

Advanced Courses

Students must take three psychology courses at the 300-level or higher, except for PSYCH 444, 487, 488, and 489. At least two courses must be at the 400-level.

Electives

Students must take two additional psychology courses, except for first-year seminar courses and PSYCH 230.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Psychology BA program, students will:

• Have been exposed to the theoretical frameworks and methodologies of core areas of psychology
• Have gained in-depth education in at least one core area, including the ability to review and discuss primary literature
• Understand basic quantitative and/or qualitative approaches to research
• Have acquired oral and written communication skills sufficient to describe and evaluate the implications of a quantitative and/or qualitative study
• Have gained familiarity with the ways that major ideas in psychology have emerged
• Have gained an understanding of the ways that Psychology as a discipline considers and incorporates human and cultural diversity
• Have gained an understanding of the ways structural hierarchies of power, privilege, and oppression influence the history, theories, and application of Psychology

Graduation Criteria

To graduate, students must complete the degree requirements, including:

• University Requirements
• College of Liberal Arts Requirements for Bachelor of Arts
• Major Requirements: complete at least 36 credits from 12 courses, including two introductory courses, five intermediate courses, three advanced courses, and two electives
• Pass/fail: no more than one course taken pass/fail may be applied toward the major
• Residency: at least seven courses for the major must be completed at UMass Boston

Curriculum

The curriculum for the Psychology BA program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of psychology. The program includes a range of courses that cover the core areas of psychology, as well as electives that allow students to pursue their interests in more depth.

Research Areas

The Psychology Department at UMass Boston is involved in a range of research areas, including:

• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Social psychology
• Neuroscience

Faculty

The Psychology Department at UMass Boston has a diverse and experienced faculty, with expertise in a range of areas. The faculty are committed to providing students with a high-quality education and mentoring them in their research and career goals.