time exposed photo of headlights in urban center

Psychology

  • Credits:
    120
  • Degree:
    Bachelor of Arts

Program Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is set within a broad-based liberal arts framework that has a strong interdisciplinary and humanistic foundation. The curriculum is a solid preparation for professional application in clinical, educational and human services, while also serving as a strong foundation for more specialized application and focus at the graduate level. 

The psychology major prepares students for life-long learning, critical thinking and effective action in the field, and helps them develop a wide range of career options and skills that emerge from a broad and comprehensive grounding in psychology as the science of human behavior. An important feature of the program is personal reflection and application of new psychological knowledge and insights to new contexts. Given the scope, intensity and rapidity of social, cultural and technological changes in our world, the need to increase our understanding of the widest possible range of human experience and behavior has never been greater or more critical.

Required courses look at the history and methodology of psychology and introduce students to broader issues related to human growth and development, learning theory, personality, motivational and group theories, and a variety of approaches to psychopathology and psychotherapy. A special emphasis of the program is critical examination of the important roles of culture, history and belief in shaping differing approaches to the study of human behavior.

Concentrations

A concentration can be a key element in your bachelor's degree, providing unique perspectives and skills that can enrich your career.

Program Outcomes

Specific skills gained and learning outcomes within the Psychology Program include:  

  • Fundamental understanding of the historical development and methodologies of psychology
  • Understanding and basic knowledge of major psychological theories, concepts and processes
  • Understanding learning theory and cognition, personality, motivation and group theories
  • Understand a variety of perspectives regarding mental health, psychopathology, maladaptive behaviors and psychotherapy
  • Understand the roles of cultural, social and historical forces in shaping behavior

Careers and Further Study

Psychology graduates are well prepared to enter a variety of career pathways working with people. These include clinical, educational, human service and management settings, and research. Graduates work in a myriad of institutional and private programs and agencies.

Our graduates are well positioned to enter graduate studies in psychology, counseling, social work and related fields.

 

For more information, please contact Admissions at 1-800-829-4723.

Curriculum

General Education
42
Credits

WRT101-102 and MAT101-102 may by waived if equivalent courses have been accepted in transfer. Credits will be replaced with open electives. WRT201 required if both WRT101-102 are waived; not required for students completing WRT101-102 at Cambridge. WRT090 and MAT100 required if assessment indicates need.

Principles and Processes of Adult Learning
LRN 175 • 3 credit(s)
Students explore theories of adult learning. They clarify the fit between their academic program and their learning and career needs, and see how their prior learning fits in. They assess their academic skills of critical thinking, mathematics, writing, and computer literacy. Students become independent learners who can effectively manage the structures, processes and expectations of undergraduate education.
College Writing I
WRT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Through challenging readings, class discussion, small group col­laboration, and different forms of writing, students learn the skills and process of “thinking on paper.” They learn to construct an argument or discussion that supports a clear thesis and present it effectively in a well-organized essay that observes the conventions of written English. They write academic papers that analyze and synthesize the issues suggested in two or more readings. Critical reading, critical thinking, research skills, and forms of documentation are also introduced.
Foundations of Critical Thinking
CTH 225 • 3 credit(s)
We learn to engage in reasoned thinking. We learn to formulate hypotheses; conceive and state definitions, and understand logical consistency and inconsistency. We explore the differences between claims of fact, value, and policy; what constitutes credible evidence; the nature of assumptions. We learn what constitutes a persuasive argument as opposed to an emotive and propagandistic one, and critically examine them. Students learn to present clear, well thought out critical arguments in writing and oral presentations. We look at the relationships among thinking, writing, speaking and listening, laying a strong foundation for improving our capacity to write, speak, and listen well.
College Mathematics I
MAT 101 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT100 If assessment indicates need. This course introduces students to the value of mathematics for students’ career and educational goals. Students will acquire mathematical study skills, gain strategies for problem solving, and develop a sound foundation for future mathematics coursework. The course is structured towards engaging students in active, applied, and real-life learning in order to facilitate mathematical problem solving and conceptual understanding.
Introduction to Computer Applications
CMP 130 • 3 credit(s)
Assessment available. This course provides a hands-on introduction to the personal computer, Windows, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation software, the Internet, and an overview of Word, Excel and Power-Point uses. Students begin with the basics of each application and progress through intermediate level.
College Writing II
WRT 102 • 3 credit(s)
WRT102 acquaints students with the academic research paper as both process and product. The course begins with an intensive review of the strategies and techniques for writing an academic essay that are covered in WRT101 and then moves to selecting and narrowing a topic, preliminary research, and establishing a focus for a 12-15 page argument research paper. The final paper includes an abstract, an introduction, discussion, conclusion, and references. Students learn how to write an annotated bibliography and use APA documentation for in-text citations and references.
College Mathematics II
MAT 102 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: MAT101 If assessment indicates need. Challenge exam available. This course develops students’ mathematical thinking and problem solving around issues of both mathematical content and process. Students will acquire a conceptual and practical understanding of and familiarity with numbers and operations, algebra, geometry, measurement, and basic data analysis and probability. The course focuses on supporting students’ understanding of problem solving, reasoning and proof, communication, connections, and representations. A key feature of the course is active student involvement to support communicating mathematics in everyday and academic contexts.
Information Literacy
CMP 230 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisite: CMP130 (course or portfolio) and familiarity with Windows and/or Mac operating system, or permission of instructor. Information literacy is necessary for lifelong learning and career advancement. It is the ability to analyze problems, research and select relevant information, create an effective presentation from that information, and, when appropriate, publish it in print or electronic formats. Students acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities to apply principles of information literacy to their academic and professional lives. A problem-centered approach is used. Students use the Internet and e-mail news groups, file transfer and Netscape, and search engines. They learn to evaluate the credibility of information and use problem-solving paradigms.
Distribution Requirements

Arts & Humanities - 6 credits

Natural & Physical Sciences - 6 credits

Social Sciences - 6 credits

Open Electives
39
Credits

Choose electives and/or concentrations to support your academic interests and professional goals. (Course prerequisites must also be met.)

Psychology Major
42
Credits

In addition to the courses below, choose 15 credits of psychology electives.

Formative Ideas in Psychology
PSY 120 • 3 credit(s)
The CLEP exam in Introductory Psychology is accepted as equivalent. The field of psychology is introduced and the historical development of psychology as an academic discipline and as a professional career are surveyed. The major fields of psychology are explored and applied to understanding human beings as individuals, and as members of groups, and communities. The major methods of psychological research are introduced, including data collection and analysis.
Groups and Social Psychology
PSY 130 • 3 credit(s)
The nature and quality of individual experience can only be fully understood when simultaneously observed in its social context. This course introduces the essential sociological perspective that grows out of the psychological study of individuals and their experiences of groups, group behavior, and group membership. This perspective becomes an essential component of psychological understanding, especially as it relates to education, growth, and development. Students gain conceptual and practical knowledge of the ways groups form and develop, how they function and vie with each other, and the multi-dimensional influences groups have upon our lives.
Developmental Psychology
PSY 210 • 3 credit(s)
The CLEP exam in Human Growth and Development is accepted as equivalent. This course helps students understand the ways in which people from various cultures and countries develop and change over their lifetimes. Students focus on particular topics such as cognition, social development, or identity, and follow the topic across the lifespan. In this way, we get away from a “stage theory” approach and focus instead on the variety of ways that people live out developmental scripts. Students are introduced to terms and concepts which are basic to a cross-cultural view of development, such as developmental orientation, cross-cultural “perspective,” and a systems approach. These concepts are applied to each topic area, so that students learn, for example, how cognitive development is affected by living in different cultures and how one’s identity is influenced by the various systems within which we live. In addition to reviewing readings and discussion, each class features a group exercise to help students understand and apply information and concepts.
Research in Psychology
PSY 315 • 3 credit(s)
Strongly recommended: at least two psychology courses including PSY120 or permission of instructor. This course introduces students to the major research findings that have had significant influence on the development of psychology as the science of human behavior throughout the twentieth century. Students will learn about the history and philosophy of specific research topics, research questions and methodologies and how they have affected the scope and direction of psychological knowledge and the practice of psychology as a profession. Particular attention is paid to the impact of culture and epistemological models implicit in both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and how they have influenced the direction of research in the field of psychology.
Theories of Personality
PSY 325 • 3 credit(s)
This course is an introduction to the study of personality and examines a broad range of theoretical explanations for understanding personality development. Students will learn both historical and contemporary approaches to understanding personality including: psychoanalytic, humanistic-existential, social-cognitive, behavioral, biological and feminist perspectives and will also examine the impact of culture on personality development. The course will examine similarities and differences between various theories through case studies and students will be encouraged to explore the relevance of the material to their professional and personal understanding.
Themes in Adult Development
PSY 402 • 3 credit(s)
This course explores the development of emotional maturity, using concepts drawn from biological psychology, psychoanalytical theory, and cognitive-behavioral theory. The class identifies biological underpinnings of emotional maturity and focuses on early development, roadblocks, and unconscious pressures that contribute to the development of, resistance to, or retardation of emotional intelligence. Small groups study emotional maturity in the context of counseling, teaching, or the workplace.
Perspectives in Psychopathology
PSY 412 • 3 credit(s)
This course surveys the history of attempts to categorize “deviance,” introduces the current model which emphasizes pathology, and discusses selected syndromes (e.g. schizophrenia, depression). We also look at the mental health practices and social service systems for adults and children that have historically resulted from diverse concepts of “abnormal” behavior. Students explore the stress, coping, and resiliency model for viewing human behavior. This paradigm looks at the whole person, with both strengths and deficits, in an environment with factors that foster or debilitate resiliency. Students use this holistic model to assess individual case studies and develop strengths-focused intervention strategies. They grapple with the complexity of individual lives and the mysterious human psyche, and actual cases.
Psychology Capstone
PSY 490 • 3 credit(s)
Prerequisites: 90 credits minimum, including WRT101 and WRT102. The Capstone is a comprehensive research project which is the culminating academic activity that helps to synthesize students’ learning in the undergraduate psychology program. It is an opportunity to explore a topic of personal or professional interest in psychology and to create an original project or piece of research that contributes to the field. The Capstone is 25-30 pages in length and follows a research paper format appropriate to the field of study. Students work together in class and meet or communicate individually with the instructor as needed. Those who take an additional term to complete the Capstone must register for PSY491 and pass before graduating.
Download Program Sheet

Senior Instructor

Julian.Quarles@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Bhaskar.Sinha@go.cambridgecollege.edu
X1564Nancy.Yates@cambridgecollege.edu

Adjunct Instructor

x1560Rita.Clemons@cambridgecollege.edu
delores.curry@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Sherman.Garnett@go.cambridgecollege.edu
sylvia.greenberg@go.cambridgecollege.edu
courtenay.griffin@cambridgecollege.edu
View bio
Oconnor.Mahabir@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Precious.Taylor@go.cambridgecollege.edu
Dennis.Toutant@go.cambridgecollege.edu

Admissions

  • Admission Test:

    No SAT or ACT tests required.

  • Admissions Office:
    1-800-829-4723
  • Application Form:
    Apply Online Now
  • Application Fee:
    $50, nonrefundable ($100 for international students)

School Requirements

See Admissions Requirements for School of Undergraduate Studies

 

State Health Requirements

The Massachusetts Health Department and Cambridge College require the following of students in Massachusetts:

Immunizations – All students in Massachusetts are required to get certain immunizations before you can register for your first term. See form

Health Insurance – In Massachusetts, undergraduate students taking nine or more credits/term and graduate students taking six or more credits/term must enroll in the College’s health insurance plan. Students who have insurance with comparable coverage may request a waiver. See information and enroll or waive.

International Students 

International students are accepted at Massachusetts location only, and need to provide supplemental documentation:

  • Official demonstration of English language proficiency
  • Supplemental documentation for issuance of I-20
  • International transcripts, evaluated by an accepted evaluation service

Transfer Credit

Graduate program applicants, please complete the transfer credit request form if you wish to have prior course work evaluated for transfer. Learn more.

Undergraduate program applicants, once you are accepted, your official transcripts are evaluated for transfer credit.

Tuition

  • Credits:
    120
  • Cost per credit hour:
    $418
  • Application Fee:
    $50, nonrefundable ($100 for international students)

See all fees

Note: Rates are as of September 2018, and are subject to change without notice. Rates apply to all students, unless otherwise noted.

Financial Aid

Cambridge College offers financial aid to students in our degree programs who are enrolled at least half time. Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least 6 credits each term. Graduate and doctoral students must be enrolled in at least 4 credits each term. Learn more

Grants, Scholarships and Loans

Cambridge College welcomes the opportunity to support your efforts to pay for college.  Federal, state and local resources in the form of grants, scholarships, loans and work-study, including Cambridge College Scholarships, are available to help defray the cost of tuition. Learn more

Getting Your Company to Help

Many companies have tuition assistance programs, designed to help their employees with their professional development. Learn more