Psychology (BA)

Program Overview

The psychology major is one of Binghamton's most popular majors and provides students with a solid experimental background for further postgraduate study and training in all areas of psychology and related fields. Many graduates go on to earn a master's degree or a PhD and become researchers or clinical psychologists. The Psychology Department is housed within the Division of Science and Mathematics, so the program emphasizes an empirical methodological approach. The goal of the major is to provide students with the foundation of the scientific method, which they can then use to evaluate any topic in psychology.

Degrees Offered

• BA in Psychology
• BA in Psychology: Autism Spectrum Disorder
• BA in Psychology: Foundations in Psychology

Internships, Research Opportunities and More

Faculty members are committed to engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research within the areas of brain and behavior, cognition, and clinical psychology. Students can also get involved in the national honor society for psychology, Psi Chi.

Coursework

Some courses to consider in your first year:

• PSYC 111 - General Psychology

  The study of behavior-an overview of fundamental concepts, methods and results from major areas of psychological inquiry. Includes quantitative methods in the study of psychological phenomena; physiological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, motivation and emotion; learning; cognitive/symbolic processes; personality and social behavior. Exposure to methods used in psychological research is accomplished by participating in studies conducted by department faculty (or equivalent assignment). Students must earn a grade of C or higher for this course to apply to the major. PSYC 112 must be taken in addition to PSYC 111, both on a letter-grade basis, to satisfy the General Education Laboratory Science requirement. PSYC 111 and PSYC 112 do NOT need to be taken during the same semester. Offered both fall and spring semesters as well as often during the summer, 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

• PSYC 243 - Statistical Analysis & Design

  Principles of experimental design and statistical analysis of psychological data; use and misuse of descriptive and inferential techniques from various areas of current psychological research considered. Emphasis on correlation, regression and analysis of variance related to factorial designs and the interactive influences of variables on psychological/behavioral measures. Exposure to methods used in psychological research is accomplished by participating in studies conducted by department faculty (or equivalent assignment). Students must earn a grade of C or higher for this course to apply to the major. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 with a grade of C or higher. Offered every fall and spring semester as well as during the summer, 4 credits. Levels: Graduate, Undergraduate

After You Graduate

Students who major in psychology develop critical, analytical and scientific reasoning skills, as well as research and communication skills. A bachelor's degree in psychology can lead to a variety of careers in fields such as business, law, management, education and public affairs. Graduates holding advanced degrees in psychology can pursue careers in mental healthcare, other healthcare services in a variety of settings, research and private practice. Examples of potential careers include: counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, school psychology, forensic psychology, speech and language services, video game user researcher, science writer, science advocate and policy advisor.

For more information, visit the Psychology website.