Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. It encompasses a variety of theoretical and applied points of view, such as the behavioral, biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, and social perspectives. We provide students with a solid background in psychology, as well as to prepare students for graduate training or for entry into careers related to psychology. The BA requires a foreign language and a minor.

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. It encompasses a variety of theoretical and applied points of view, such as the behavioral, biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, and social perspectives. We provide students with a solid background in psychology, as well as to prepare students for graduate training or for entry into careers related to psychology. While the BA in psychology requires a foreign language and a minor, these are optional for a BS. The bachelor of science requires additional credits in psychology and two additional math/science electives.

The combined BS/MS program that allows select students to earn both a bachelor of science (BS) and a master of science (MS) in industrial/organizational psychology in five years. Industrial/Organizational (I/O) psychology is a specialty area where psychology and business meet. It is the study of how psychology can be applied in the workplace. A master's degree in this area can lead to many different and exciting careers with a variety of different job titles.

The combined BS/MS program allows select students to earn both a bachelor of science (BS) and a master of science (MS) in behavior analysis in as few as five years. The master of science in behavior analysis program prepares students as basic or applied scientists in research and applied settings. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation in theoretical, conceptual, and empirical concepts. Students can acquire the core knowledge and skill set needed to work in the competitive field of behavior analysis and to consider further study beyond the master’s level. Our program includes a course sequence that has been verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) to meet the educational coursework requirements to apply to the BACB to take examinations related to Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA), and is designed according to the current requirements for licensure in Massachusetts.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a systematic approach for influencing socially important behavior through the identification of reliably related environmental variables and the production of behavior change techniques that make use of those findings.* The purpose of the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration in psychology is to provide students with the background necessary for working with individuals with behavioral problems in supervised settings. There are a number of agencies which provide such services, and they often must hire students without this background, and then train them onsite. This concentration is at the forefront of a movement toward preparing graduates for entry-level positions in applied behavior analysis. In addition, interested students who meet the criteria for internships may explore opportunities in an area with high demand for those with bachelor’s degrees.

The program requires that students maintain a GPA of 3.0, and includes three content-level courses: PSY 210 Introduction to Learning, PSY 328 Applied Behavior Analysis I, and PSY 338 Applied Behavior Analysis II. Students then have several options for a capstone experience, including seminar courses, a seminar with an experimental lab course, or a behavior analysis internship at an approved site.

*Definition from the Behavior Analyst Certification Board

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. It encompasses a variety of theoretical and applied points of view, such as the behavioral, biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, evolutionary, and social perspectives. We provide students with a solid background in psychology, as well as to prepare students for graduate training or for entry into careers related to psychology.

The master of science in counseling program is designed to provide you with the academic preparation and applied practicum/internship training experiences necessary for professional careers in counseling and related fields. Students may select one of two specialty areas: Mental Health Counseling (MHC) or School Adjustment Counseling (SAC). Both specialties aim to provide a broad, research-based understanding of human functioning; promote the development of skills and behaviors essential for ethical and effective clinical work in diverse settings with diverse populations; and facilitate reflective practice and professional development. Our curriculum is aligned with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts licensure requirements. Both concentrations include an applied practicum/internship supervised by seasoned on-site clinical supervisors in mental health agencies. Learn more. 

The master of science in industrial/organizational psychology program prepares students for careers in human resources, organizational development, change management, and leadership development. As a leader in the field, we offer the only industrial/organizational psychology program in the Boston area. Our innovative program draws upon the Bertolon School of Business and the College of Arts and Sciences to incorporate both case-based method of instruction and a strong emphasis on structured quantitative research. Our curriculum follows the guidelines developed by the Society for Industrial/Organizational Psychology for master’s degree programs in I/O psychology, which is the dominant professional society.

The master of science in behavior analysis program prepares students as basic or applied scientists in research and applied settings. At the same time, it provides a strong foundation in theoretical, conceptual, and empirical concepts. Students can acquire the core knowledge and skill set needed to work in the competitive field of behavior analysis and to consider further study beyond the master’s level.

The graduate certificate in applied behavior analysis (ABA) is available at the post-master’s level for students who hold a master’s degree in either psychology, education, or behavior analysis from an accredited institution. Students in this program are interested in acquiring the background necessary to work with individuals with behavior problems in supervised settings, including schools, behavioral intervention programs, mental health settings of all kinds, group homes for a variety of populations, rehabilitation and nursing settings, and work environments.

This program includes a course sequence verified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB; see information about verified course sequences and pass rates* here) to meet the educational coursework requirements to apply to the BACB to take examinations related to becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Eligibility requirements are determined by the BACB, and may be found here.

*Disclaimer: Pass-rate data are not published for sequences with fewer than six first-time candidates in a single year or for sequences within their first four years of operation.