Program:

Have you ever wondered...Why you do the things you do? ... What your dreams mean? ... Why some people develop schizophrenia? Psychology is the study of these questions and more. It is the study of behavior, the mind and factors influencing them. Psychology is a diverse field with broad applications.

The Psychology program at Mercy College is one of the most extensive offering more than 50 different psychology courses so students may succeed in a wide range of careers. Psychology students have the opportunity for hands-on training and practical experience in several exciting internship placements in a number of human service agencies. For qualified students, an honors program is available. Also, for students who would like research experience there is the Career Opportunities in Research Undergraduate Institutional Training Program (COR). Mercy's COR program provides disadvantaged students with the opportunity and support services they need to pursue graduate programs and research careers in mental health leading to the pursuit and attainment of PhD and/or Master degrees.

Download a PDF version of our Program Brochure

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Program Contacts:

	Ellen Sperber, PhD Program Director, Psychology esperber@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7338
	Mary Knopp Kelly, PhD Program Director, Psychology Online mkkelly@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7809
	Diana D'Amico Juettner, JD Co-Chair, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences djuettner@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7546
	Hind Culhane, EdD Co-Chair, Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences hculhane@mercy.edu Telephone: 914-674-7376

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Career Opportunities:

A degree in psychology can help you succeed in a wide range of jobs including: academia and education, admissions, advertising, business, communications, counseling, child care, community services, consulting, gerontology, government, human resources, labor relations, market research, media, rehabilitation and service-related professions, to mention a few. It will also give you a solid foundation to pursue a graduate degree in many areas of specialization.

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Curriculum:

Students majoring in psychology may graduate with a BA or BS in Psychology. For either degree, students must complete six required psychology courses which include: Modern Psychology in a Historical Perspective, Computers for the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Psychobiology, Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences, Experimental Psychology and Classics in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. In addition, completion of the major requires six elective psychology courses.

The department offers an extensive array of courses so students may take several elective courses that are relevant to their career choice. Courses are offered in many areas of psychology such as: development, abnormal psychology, conflict resolution, social psychology, substance abuse, education and a variety of contemporary issues as family violence, and sports psychology. Numerous internships and research projects are also available for credit.

For the complete course curriculum click here.

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Campuses where program is offered:

Bronx, Dobbs Ferry, Manhattan, White Plains, Yorktown and entirely online.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I have to be a psychology major to be accepted into a graduate program in psychology?
No, you do not have to be a psychology major to be accepted into a graduate psychology program. However, there are certain undergraduate psychology courses that are required for most graduate programs in psychology. Typically, undergraduate Psychology Statistics and Experimental Research are required by most graduate programs and the psychology major. Therefore, as a psychology major, you will have the courses required for graduate school admissions.

Can I complete the degree online?
Yes, the undergraduate psychology degree may be completed entirely online. All students have the option of registering for as many online courses as they want each semester, or none at all.

After I complete the undergraduate psychology degree, how do I know if I should continue my studies to obtain a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology?
Your career goals and grades may determine whether you go on for a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology. In general, Master's degree programs are more specialized as: school psychologist, guidance counselor, marriage therapist, substance abuse counselor. These programs are typically less competitive for acceptance and generally require one or two years to complete. In contrast, doctoral degrees as a PhD or PsyD have more diverse applications as: clinical psychologist who can treat people with a wide range of problems and disorders, experimental or research psychologist (who study human or animal behavior) and organizational or industrial psychologist (work in industrial settings). These programs are more competitive and often require four to six years to complete. Some students first complete their Master's degree and later continue in a PhD or PsyD program. However, many students decide to go directly into a PhD program (and receive their Master's degree at the same time).

How many credits can I transfer in my major?
As a psychology major you may transfer a maximum of 18 psychology credits towards the major. However, additional psychology credits may be transferred as elective credits toward your degree. Each course is individually evaluated for transfer credit by the psychology department.

Do I have to take my psychology courses in a specific order?
The course number indicates level of difficulty. Students are encouraged to begin the required courses early in their studies. It is recommended that students complete Modern Psychology in Historical Perspective (PSYN210), Computers for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN226), followed by Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN370), Psychobiology (PSYN320), Experimental Psychology (PSYN372) and finally the Classics in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN426). Students need not complete their required courses before taking their elective courses.

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