Major Requirements

Psychology is a dynamic social science that systematically investigates human behavior and experience.  The faculty of the Department of Psychology at Merrimack College works to engage students in conversation and inquiry about the dynamics of human behavior.  In addition to developing a comprehensive understanding of classic and contemporary theory and research, we invite students to participate in the activities that define psychology as a discipline.  Through course work, research activities, and experience in the field, the student joins with the faculty in building a comprehensive and critical understanding of what it means to be human.

The student who completes a major in psychology will display competency in each of the following areas:

• understanding of fundamental aspects of human behavior and experience,
• analytic reading skills,
• theoretical analysis and critical thinking skills,
• oral communication skills,
• statistical and methodological skills,
• group interaction and collaborative skills,
• information literacy and technology skills,
• understanding of ethical issues in psychology,
• appreciation of human diversity.

Students are encouraged to think holistically about their personal and career goals, and to develop an academic program that helps to move them toward those goals. Toward that end, a major or minor in psychology may be combined successfully with other programs in the liberal arts, education, science and engineering, or business administration. The knowledge, skills and abilities developed through the study of psychology at Merrimack College will provide the student with a solid foundation for pursuing graduate study and/or work opportunities in psychology and related disciplines.  More importantly, it will start the student on a path for pursuing meaningful lifelong learning.

Major Requirements

Satisfying the requirements for a major in psychology includes completion of a minimum of 42 credits in psychology and a cognate course in health sciences as follows. Click on the names of the courses below for a description from the college catalog. 

Cognate Requirement in Health Sciences
 

Foundational Courses
 

Two Laboratory Courses in Basic Psychological Processes

At Least One Course Related to Psychological Individuation

At Least One Course Related to Social Relations

One of the Following Senior Capstone Sequences

Further Explorations in Psychology. To complete the required 42 credits in psychology, students may take a combination of additional core courses or upper level psychology electives listed below:

*A maximum of four credits can be taken toward the completion of the major.