Psychology is a science concerned with mind and behavior. The psychology program introduces students to a variety of ways to understand cognition, emotion, and behavior. In addition, the program prepares students for various career paths within psychology (community agencies and clinics, graduate study) or in other professions (business, education, public service).
Students who pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology at Assumption University are challenged to critically evaluate complex issues in today’s world. The curriculum requires students to sample from diverse courses that provide the foundation for understanding the major concepts and theoretical perspectives of psychology. Psychology majors also develop skills for understanding and conducting psychological research. The curriculum promotes personal growth and development and challenges students to critically evaluate complex social issues.
Students can explore opportunities for independent research and work in supervised fieldwork placements. The department apprises students of the many fields with which psychology shares borders of concern and inquiry in the pursuit of knowledge.
The psychology program faculty serves as teachers and mentors, helping students define their professional goals through classroom learning, research projects, community service learning, internships, and independent study.
Many students also pursue graduate degrees in a variety of areas including psychology, sociology, rehabilitative services and law. Assumption offers a nationally renowned graduate program in clinical counseling psychology, which is affiliated with the prestigious Aaron T. Beck Institute for Cognitive Studies, located on-campus in Worcester, MA. Assumption also offers a graduate program in applied behavior analysis that meets the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB) requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst Examination®.
Learning Goals of the Major in Psychology
- Students will
- develop a strong psychological knowledge base
- sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills
- understand psychological applications and research methods
- develop a socio-cultural awareness
- plan effectively for their career, academic, and personal futures
An Ideal Place to Learn
Faculty
Experiential Learning
Assumption's Rome Campus
At Assumption's campus in Rome, Italy, the city and the country become your classroom through daily and weekend-long excursions throughout "the eternal city" and the Italian countryside. This unique study abroad experience will enrich your academic and cultural pursuits as you walk in the footsteps of emperors and gladiators then enjoy delectable Italian cuisine or perhaps a cappuccino after class in a local cafe. (Did you know that your financial aid follows you to Rome?)
Explore the Rome CampusFaculty/Student Research
The Assumption curriculum encourages scholarly and real-world experience. With hands-on research conducted alongside faculty mentors, students gain a depth of knowledge and skills that lead to professional success and personal fulfillment.Study Abroad
At Assumption University, the world is your classroom. Students can study and explore abroad in over 50 places from Vienna to England, South Africa, and even our own campus in historic, yet modern, Rome, Italy. Assumption’s study abroad program offers culture, history, and a living classroom for all.Internships
Internships are a valuable way for you to gain experience outside of the classroom and to develop professional skills and insight. As part of their internship, psychology students complete an academic component that usually consists of a reflective journal, readings in the field, and a comprehensive research paper. There are two types of internships. Students can earn academic credit by working with an academic advisor and the internship site. Or students may participate in a career internship, which provides valuable experience but does not offer academic credit. All internships may be paid or unpaid and generally occur during or following junior year. Some recent internship locations have included:- Accelerated Learning Lab
- Charles River Center
- Community Healthlink
- Elderly Services of Worcester
- UMass Medical School
- Worcester Public Schools
- Worcester District Court
- Worcester Juvenile Court
Recent Employment Opportunities
The psychology program prepares students for successful and fulfilling careers in an array of fields, including nonprofit and entrepreneurial organizations, corporations, and local, state and federal government.
Outer Cape Health Services
Horace Mann Educational Associates
Mental Health Services
Ostrow and Company
Shire
University of Massachusetts Medical School
Community Health Link
Sovos Compliance
Baypath Elder Services
First-rate Academics in a Catholic University Setting
Assumption University awakens in students a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, forming graduates known for their intellectual seriousness, thoughtful citizenship, and devotion to the common good. Students are provided an education that shapes their souls, forms them intellectually, and prepares them for meaningful careers. Enlivened by the harmony of faith and reason, here, students’ minds and hearts are transformed.