Psychology
Degree Awarded
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Psychology Minor, Experimental Psychology Minor, Forensic Psychology Minor
Program Delivery
On-Campus
Locations Available
Rindge, New Hampshire
Psychology majors gain an understanding of behavior and mental processes through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree that is compliant with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. You’ll work with faculty on research and field experiences related to clinical, cognitive, forensic psychology, child development, and more. If you are fascinated by human behavior and the workings of the mind and want to explore these human topics with the discipline of a scientist, Psychology may be the perfect major for you. You will be prepared to observe, analyze, research, and design experiments with human subjects. You’ll learn about models of interpersonal relationships and the field of social services. If you are interested in behavioral health, mental health, or the dynamics of relationships and groups, you will develop understanding, insight, and practical skills to help people achieve the outcomes they seek. You will study core concepts in psychology, tools for scientific inquiry, and critical thinking. Majors develop strong communication and people skills as well as a strong sense of ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world. Students are well prepared for the academic rigor of graduate school for having taken these courses. Graduates have pursued advanced degrees in psychology, social work, and marriage and family counseling at various institutions across the world.
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Learn about how a Franklin Pierce education prepared Riley Fenoff '21 MBA '23 to serve his community.
Where Can a Psychology Degree take me?
What do Psychology students Learn?
Psychology majors gain an understanding of behavior and mental processes through a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree that is compliant with American Psychological Association (APA) guidelines. You’ll work with faculty on research and field experiences related to clinical, cognitive, forensic psychology, child development and more.
Psychology Major Curriculum
- PS101 Introduction to Psychology
- PS230 Child and Adolescent Development or PS231 Adult Development and Aging
- PS260 Statistics for Behavioral Science
- PS261 Research Methods in Psychology (laboratory)
- PS303 Psychology of Learning (laboratory) or PS306 Cognitive Psychology (laboratory)
- PS304 Introduction to Neuroscience (laboratory) or PS308 Evolutionary Psychology (laboratory)
- PS322 Social Psychology or PS320 Theories of Personality
- PS489 Senior Thesis in Psychology (Literature Review) or PS490 & PS491 Senior Thesis in Psychology (Empirical Study) or PS495 Senior Internship in Psychology
- PS494 Psychology Senior Seminar: Systems & Theories in Psychology
Nine additional elective credit hours in Psychology or other Psychology-related courses approved by the major advisor. See choices below:
- PS155 Psychology of Gender
- PS211 Abnormal Psychology
- PS214 Creative Arts Therapy
- PS215 Health Psychology
- PS220 Group Dynamics
- PS235 Forensic Psychology
- PS243 Positive Psychology
- Ps252 Psychology of Motivation and Emotions
- PS270 Psychology of Terrorism
- PS285 Sports Psychology
- PS300 Family and Intimate Partner Violence
- PS310 Psyccological Testing
- PS318 Intelligence Analysis
- PS319 Case Studies in Espionage
- PS323 Seminar on Addiction
- PS330 Child Abuse & Neglect
- PS340 Techniques of Counseling
- PS345 Crisis Intervention
- PS430 Introduction to Psychopharmacology
*Please refer to the Academic Catalog for full listing of elective options
Who should Study Psychology?
You’ll find this major a good fit if you have or want to develop:
- Interest in the functions of the human brain
- Curiosity about impact of external factors on human behavior
- Empathy and desire to help others
- Strong analytical, research and writing skills
- Superior listening and communication skills
What is Forensic Psychology?
Forensic psychology is the study and application of psychological principles to criminal investigation and the law.
The Forensic Psychology minor examines the many ways psychology plays a part in the American justice system for criminals, judges, juries, victims, and witnesses. You will study family and workplace law, assessment, profiling, and the effectiveness of punishment and social advocacy.
This program will prepare you to pursue graduate study in clinical or forensic psychology.
To become a practicing psychologist, a master’s, or doctoral degree, and licensure
or certification are required.
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY Curriculum
The Forensic Psychology minor enhances skills and credentials for a career in law enforcement, the legal system, mental health counseling, crime scene investigation, psychology, research, and advocacy. Courses will help you to develop behavioral research and statistical analysis skills that can be applied to forensic and ethical issues. You will also develop the ability to communicate effectively and implement various evaluation techniques. Advising and preparation for advanced study will help you to identify and apply to graduate programs.
Minor Requirements
The Forensic Psychology minor has seven required courses
- PS101 Introduction to Psychology
- PS235 Forensic Psychology
- PS260 Statistics for Behavioral Science
- PS261 Research Methods
- One laboratory course in Psychology
Choose two of the following courses
- AN331 Violence and Aggression
- CJ345 Criminology
- PS270 Psychology of Terrorism
- PS319 Case Studies in Espionage
- PS323 Seminar on Addiction
- PS330 Child Abuse and Neglect
- PS345 Crisis Intervention
- PS405 Family and Intimate Partner Violence
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030.
What is Experimental Psychology?
Experimental psychology is the scientific investigation of human behavior and thought through research studies using human participants.
The Experimental Psychology minor prepares you to design and conduct robust human participants research studies, following ethical guidelines and rules. You will frame your research questions, collect and analyze data, and write research manuscripts that share the results of your work. Studies may explore a wide variety of topics including cognition, memory, learning, neuroscience, social behavior, abnormal behavior, and human development issues. This program provides a strong foundation for graduate school in psychology or health-related fields. To earn the Experimental Psychology minor, you must complete a 24-credit course of study. See our academic catalog to learn more.
Experimental Psychology Curriculum
Experimental psychology is the scientific investigation of human behavior and thought through research studies using human participants.
The Experimental Psychology minor prepares you to design and conduct robust human participant research studies following ethical guidelines and rules. You will frame your research questions, collect, and analyze data, and write research manuscripts that share the results of your work. Studies may explore a wide variety of topics including cognition, memory, learning, neuroscience, social behavior, abnormal behavior, and human development issues.
This program provides a strong foundation for graduate school in psychology or health-related fields.
Minor Requirements
The Experimental Psychology minor is a 24-credit course of study with the following required courses
- PS101 Introduction to Psychology
- PS260 Statistics for Behavioral Science
- PS261 Research Methods in Psychology (lab)
Choose one of the following four laboratory courses
- PS303 Psychology of Learning
- PS304 Introduction to Neuroscience
- PS306 Cognitive Psychology
- PS308 Evolutionary Psychology
Choose nine additional credit hours of Psychology electives.
Note: Psychology majors may not earn the Experimental Psychology minor.
Psychology Curriculum
Minor Requirements
The Psychology minor is a 21-credit course of study with the following required courses
- PS101 Introduction to Psychology
- plus 18 credits from any psychology course
