Psychology
Offered as a major (B.A.) and a minor
If studying behavior and the mind pique your interest, pursue a psychology major. You’ll take enriching, hands-on classes studying the science of human and animal behavior. You’ll gain a general understanding in three different core areas: brain and behavior, development and potential, and society and relationships.
Courses include lecture, didactic, seminars and hands-on laboratory and field work experiences for students to gain competency and skills within the field of psychology. This area of study will prepare you for graduate studies and careers in a range of roles from clinical psychologist and psychiatric technician to community mental health worker and human resources manager.
Emotions are contagious—what we give, we receive; what we absorb, we carry. In the act of healing others, we often underestimate the deep connection we have with other human beings.
Featured Course
Brain Aging and Dementia
In this course, you’ll study normative and non-normative brain-aging processes. You’ll be introduced to the life-course approach, theories of aging, brain structures, functions, and the tools relevant to the study of brain aging and dementia. You will examine change and stability in cognition and emotions in late life as well as the state of the science regarding symptoms, pathology, etiology, treatment, and prevention for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Psychological Research Opportunities
As a Psychology major, you can participate in hands-on research to gain important insight and skills. The Psychology Department offers many immersive learning opportunities to prepare you for a professional career in a psychological field. Recently through a grant, Saint Anselm Psychology majors developed a series of clinical sessions to examine the emotional impact patients can have on professionals.
The Community Resilience & Social Equity Lab
Led by Professor Loretta Brady, the Community Resilience & Social Equity (CRSE) Lab is a dynamic research center and consultancy established to translate social equity research into practices that make organizations resilient and result in equitable community impact. The CRSE Lab produces events and curates resources that support resiliency, inclusion and social equity. As a Psychology major, you’ll have access to this facility and gain valuable skills that will deepen your understanding.
Topics You'll Study
Throughout your coursework, you’ll explore the role of psychology to better understand the science of animal and human behavior and familiarize yourself with mental processes’ correlation to behavior. You’ll study a variety of topics, including:
- Biological and cognitive foundations of behavior
- How to design, conduct, analyze, and present research findings
- How to treat various personality and psychological disorders
- The mechanics and gross anatomy of regulatory systems
Opportunities to Build Essential Skills
As a Saint Anselm student, you’ll find several opportunities available to support your postgraduate goals including the Master of Public Health (MPH) Pathway Program with Tufts University. Specialized academic partnerships like this can take your career to the next level.
Additional Psychology Major and Minor Information
First Semester
- HU 103 – Conversatio I
- EN 105 – First Year Writing
- Language / Elective
- PY 101 – General Psychology
Second Semester
- HU 104 – Conversatio II
- Language
- Psychology Elective
- Core Course / Elective
See the detailed course sequence and all course requirements in the college catalogue.
Courses include but are not limited to:
- Childhood Psychopathology
- Communicating Science
- Psychology of Addiction and Dependency
- Psychology of Adulthood and Aging
- Sensation and Perception
As a Psychology minor, you will gain exposure to and engagement with the science of the mind and behavior. You will sample from both broad areas of the field as well as more specific applications of the science after completing the introductory courses. This minor pairs well with many areas of study, including behavioral neuroscience, community and public health, criminal justice, health sciences, social work, and sociology.
- Requires only 5 courses
By studying psychology at Saint Anselm, you’ll gain skills, subject knowledge, and Anselmian values, making you a competitive candidate for any role. Some popular postgraduate positions include:
- Case manager
- Clinical psychologist
- School counselor
- Social worker
- Therapist
Recent Outcomes
Recent Career Outcomes
Adverse Childhood Experiences Response Team (ACERT) YMCA
Boston College
Butler Hospital
CN Guidance and Counseling Services, Inc.
Easterseals NH
Johnson & Johnson
Massachusetts Department of Children & Families (DCF)
McLean Hospital
Milford Public Schools
Mystic Valley Elder Services
Neurodevelopmental Institute of New Hampshire
North Suffolk Community Services
Quaboag Hills Substance Use Alliance
South Shore Autism Center
Walden Behavioral Care
Recent Graduate Schools
Antioch University New England
Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Merrimack College
Northeastern University
Rivier University
Sacred Heart University
University of Connecticut
University of Massachusetts