Explore Human Behavior Through Research, Internships and Applied Learning

The psychology major at Emmanuel offers a comprehensive look at human thought, emotion and behavior. Through courses in cognitive, developmental and social psychology, you’ll explore how people think, learn, grow and relate, building a strong foundation for careers in mental health, education, research and more.

Emmanuel’s location in the heart of Boston gives you access to top hospitals, research centers and community organizations. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and faculty-mentored research—often contributing to projects that lead to conference presentations or publication in scientific journals.

With a focus on both theory and application, the psychology program prepares you to understand complex human experiences and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others.

A Best-In-Class Experience

Get to know the people and programs that will define your academic journey.

Faculty Student Research Highlights: Psychology

Meet the Faculty

Our distinguished faculty publish, exhibit and research. Present, compose and chair. Inspire and collaborate.

The Curriculum

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a B.A. in Psychology

Core Requirements:

  • PSYCH1501  General Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2209 Physiological Bases of Behavior (SI) (NS) or  NEURO2201 Neurobiology with Lab (NSL)
  • PSYCH2801  Methods and Statistics I (WI)
  • PSYCH2802  Methods and Statistics II (QA) (QR)
  • PSYCH3111 Cognition
  • PSYCH2203 Social Psychology

One developmental age period classes: 

  • PSYCH2303 Child Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2304 Adulthood and Aging
  • PSYCH2403 Adolescent Development (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH3404 Emerging and Established Adulthood

One health and counseling course:

  • PSYCH2405 Health Psychology 
  • PSYCH3210 Child Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3212 Adult Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Two electives, not previously taken to meet the requirements above:

  • PHIL3109 Philosophy of Mind
  • PHIL3110 Philosophy of Psychiatry
  • PSYCH2203  Social Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2210 Personality Psychology
  • PSYCH2211 Race, Gender and Sexuality: Intersection of Privilege and Oppression (SA) (SS) (DM)
  • PSYCH2303 Child Psychology (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2304 Adulthood and Aging
  • PSYCH2403 Adolescent Development (SA) (SS)
  • PSYCH2405 Health Psychology
  • PSYCH2410 The Psychology of Happiness and Well-being
  • PSYCH3101  Seminar: Psychology of Women
  • PSYCH3103  Relationships, Marriage and the Family (SA)
  • PSYCH3201 Psychology of Language
  • PSYCH3210 Child Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3212 Adult Psychopathology
  • PSYCH3404 Emerging and Established Adulthood
  • PSYCH3601 Counseling Theories and Techniques

Senior capstone experience (2 semesters):

  • PSYCH4282 /PSYCH4283 Research Internship I and II or PSYCH4494/PSYCH4495  Applied Internship I and II

View the 2024-2025 Academic Catalog to find course titles, numbers and descriptions.

Requirements for a Minor in Psychology

  • PSYCH1501 General Psychology (SA) (SS) 
  • Four additional psychology courses, two of which must be 3000-level or higher 

The psychology department’s Learning Goals are based in the Principles for Quality Undergraduate Psychology Programs, a report put out by the American Psychological Association, which “recognizes the importance of undergraduate education in advancing psychology as a science, promoting human welfare, and fostering students’ growth and development,” (APA.org). Each goal is broadly articulated, with the recognition that the content, depth, and breadth of the course are dependent upon a number of factors (e.g., 1000–4000-level).

  1. Knowledge and Critical Engagement in Psychology: Students will understand and can apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives (biological, behavioral, cognitive, developmental, and social), empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology, as well as the APA Code of Ethics.
  2. Research Methods in Psychology: Students will be able to engage in research design, sampling, data collection, data analysis and interpretation.
  3. Information and Technological Literacy: Students will be proficient in the use of information and technology for many purposes relevant to the field of Psychology.
  4. Communication Skills: Students will be proficient in written and oral communication in a variety of formats for educational and professional purposes.
  5. Personal and Professional Development: Students will understand the links between personal and professional values, knowledge and skills, and aca- demic and career goals.

To further articulate how each goal is addressed within the Psychology program course structure, Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are articulated for each course that is part of the major and minor. Bloom’s taxonomy was used as a framework for distinguishing the level of skill or knowledge expected within the given course. These levels are: Remembering, Understanding, Applying, Analyzing, Evaluating and Creating. The student learning outcomes reflect both the Psychology program goals and the level of learning expected for each goal. The departmental goals and course-specific student learning outcomes are included in all course syllabi.

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Where Essential Values and Skills Meet the Real World

Along with areas of knowledge and major requirements, you will cultivate essential values in the classroom and complete two courses in each area:

  • Social Justice (SJ): Develop knowledge, skills, values and motivation to participate beneficially in activities of personal and public concern.
  • Diversity & Multiculturalism (DM): Understand the complexity of identity the historical truths of different cultural perspectives to address bias and examine contemporary social issues. 

One hundred percent of Emmanuel students complete an internship as part of the core curriculum. In a city as dynamic as Boston, your options are bound only by the limits of your curiosity.

Psychology and Neuroscience majors put their classroom- and lab-based learning into practice with internships at nearby institutions such as Boston Children’s Hospital, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, McLean Hospital, the Broad Institute, Bay Cove Human Services and more.

In all majors, the Capstone Experience involves completing a significant piece of work that requires the integration and application of learning from multiple courses.

All Psychology majors complete a two-semester capstone experience during senior year, choosing either an applied internship that engages in clinical and professional work at any number of institutions or a research experience that engages in empirical research or an independent study. Either experience sets Emmanuel graduates apart when seeking employment or graduate school admission post-graduation.