Major in Psychology
As a psychology major, you’ll investigate human behavior, including what drives our actions.
Through Merrimack’s intensive curriculum, you’ll develop a comprehensive understanding of developmental processes, personality, social factors, psychological disorders and therapy.
In the psychology program, you will:
- Explore the biological foundations of behavior and experience
- How people learn and develop
- How individuals perceive the world
- What prompts people to act the way that they do
- Discover what is considered normal behavior, what is not and evaluate therapeutic approaches for behavior outside the norm
- Analyze psychological data, with an emphasis on the logic, use and interpretation of inferential statistics
- Hone your analytic reading, theoretical analysis and critical-thinking skills
- Improve your statistical and methodological skills through hands-on research and laboratory experience
Interested in learning more about the brain and nervous system? Merrimack recently launched the neuroscience major – an interdisciplinary field that combines theories and learning in psychology, biology and chemistry. The world of neuroscience crosses many industries, from understanding mental health issues, to studying psychopharmacology and pharmaceutical science.
Internships
100% of psychology majors participate in at least one internship, co-op, fieldwork or practicum, featuring opportunities in trauma-focused interventions in youth and adult populations.
Students have recently completed their internships or co-ops at the following sites:
- Beth Israel Lahey Health Behavioral Services- Community Crisis Stabilization: A six bed, supportive alternative to hospitalization for 18+ adults
- Genesis Counseling Services: Addiction specialist services
- NuPath, Inc.: A network of professionals that deliver clinical, practical, and emotional support and care, 24 hours a day for individuals with disabilities
- St. Ann’s Home and School: Providing support, nurture, rehabilitate, educate, and advocate for children and young adults experiencing serious emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges
- Partners in Child Development (PCD): Providing educational and therapeutic programs for children with disabilities
- Windrush Farm: Equine-assisted services for children and adults facing physical, cognitive and emotional challenges
Katie Dewey-Rosenfeld, LMCH, ATR, is our internship coordinator who will help guide you through the process here at Merrimack College. Please contact Katie with any questions regarding internship opportunities or timeframes.
Hands-On Learning
In our new, state-of-the-art space, you’ll take part in dynamic coursework and relevant research activities. Recent student research includes:
- Neurophysiological recordings to study brain activity and sleep physiology
- Eye-tracking methodologies related to visual cognition and attention
- Aspects of the adult learning process
- Motivation and bias in a variety of contexts
Career Options
Upon successful completion of our program, you’ll be well-equipped to pursue graduate study or a career in psychology and related disciplines. Positions may include:
- Social Services Specialist
- Psychiatric Technician
- Forensic Psychologist
- Mental Health Crisis Counselor
- Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Marketing Manager
- Human Resources Director
Graduates hold positions such as:
- Fulbright Scholar, Nepal
- Postdoctoral Researcher, Boston Children’s Hospital
- Client Services Specialist, Harvard Business Publishing
- Social Worker, Brookhaven Hospice
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics cites psychology career path employment as projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Add a Minor
Popular minors our students add to their Psychology major include:
- Biology
- Business Administration
- Criminology & Criminal Justice
- Health Science
- Spanish
Recent Psychology Interns
Meet some of our recent psychology interns and hear about their responsibilities within their internships.
Anthony DiSanto '24
St. Ann’s Home, Methuen
Psychology and Criminology & Criminal Justice Major
“I worked with St. Ann’s Home in Methuen, MA and some of my responsibilities included caring for children of varying ages, mental abilities, and familial statuses. I I also aided children in performing individual routines successfully and safely along with recording daily reports for each child.”
Bryssa Dos Santos '22
Windrush Farm, Boxford
Psychology Major
“At Windrush Farms, I mainly performed psychoeducation which is educating the CEO on aspects regarding their population at the farm including things like accommodations, sensory overload, and my speciality demographic of ADHD and autism.”
Riley Keene '24
Crest Collaborative, Andover
Psychology Major
“During my internship with CREST Collaborative, I was exposed to a whole new population I never worked with before. Being at this site showed me the hardships working in a school setting can bring, but most importantly, how much of a positive role model we are in these settings.”
Grace Pimental '24
Northeast Arc, Andover
Psychology Major
“At Northeast Arc, I learned how to work effectively with a diverse population, understanding and appreciating the unique needs and backgrounds of each participant. This experience taught me that no day is ever the same and reinforced the importance of treating each day as a brand new start.”
Course Spotlight
PSY2600 - Psychology of Happiness
This four credit course covers an examination of the major issues, theories, and findings in the psychological study of positive emotions and experience (Positive Psychology). Emphasis is on the scientific investigation of such topics as the nature of happiness and well-being, psychological flow, savoring, love, optimism, resilience, character strengths and virtues, and the meaningful life.
Courses You’ll Take
Psychology Major Curriculum
Psychology Major Requirements
General Education Requirements
In addition to the major requirements below, you will also need to complete Merrimack’s general education requirements.
To see more details about the major, please visit catalog.merrimack.edu.
