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Explore human development, psychological disorders, personality issues and counseling, and prepare for a rewarding career with a degree in Psychology.
Program Overview
Why do people behave the way they do? What leads to personality disorders? How can human behaviors be changed?
These are just a few questions you’ll explore as a Psychology major at Dean College. Ideal for students who are interested in developmental, clinical, educational or social psychology, Dean offers both a bachelor’s degree and a minor in Psychology. Dean also offers a specialized track in Applied Behavior Analysis within the Psychology major.
Built on a solid liberal arts foundation, the Psychology curriculum combines theory and practice. You’ll study human development, psychological disorders, personality and counseling. You’ll develop a strong understanding of everything from human development and the learning process to abnormal behavior and counseling theories and techniques.
You’ll also put theory into practice with applied psychology and case studies embedded throughout your courses. You’ll learn how to understand and analyze problems, family relationships, workplace and institutional dynamics, and social trends that influence individual behavior.
Applied Behavior Analysis
If you’re interested in a career that helps individuals with developmental disabilities, behavioral challenges, or learning differences, this track may be the perfect fit.
In the Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) track, you’ll develop a strong foundation in the principles of behavior and evidence-based strategies used to improve individual and societal outcomes. This track includes coursework in behavior assessment, intervention strategies, and ethical considerations, aligning with the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's requirements for certification.
The ABA track prepares you with the knowledge and practical skills needed for roles in clinical, educational, and community-based settings. It also serves as a strong foundation for graduate study and certification in applied behavior analysis, opening pathways to careers in behavioral therapy, special education, mental health services, and organizational behavior management.
Beyond the Classroom
As a Psychology major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply what you’re learning.
As a Psychology major at Dean, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to apply what you’re learning.
- Learn from frequent guest speakers who provide insights into the field and its practical applications.
- Participate in hands-on projects to immerse yourself in the real world of psychology.
- Complete a required for-credit internship, senior seminar and capstone research project to gain the experience you need to take the next step.
A strong understanding of human behavior opens the door to a successful future in psychology and many other professions. With a major in Psychology from Dean College, you’ll have the knowledge, skills and practical experience to pursue graduate school or a successful career in human services, management, counseling, education, health, sports, the corporate world or many other fields.
Live and Study Together
Experience your first year of college while living with your classmates through CONNECT, a living learning community for social science majors.
Inside the classroom, you will learn together and collaborate on projects. You’ll make connections to the materials you’re studying as well as to each other, building relationships with your peers, faculty and staff and forming your identity as a social sciences major. The community you share will extend beyond the classroom, as you live together in Wallace Hall. Here, you’ll receive the traditional first-year residential experience, while also participating in unique social, academic and career development programs to help you make the most of your education.
Get Involved
Learn more about how to get involved with our student-run organizations and experiential learning opportunities.-
Psychology Club Dean College’s student-run club for Psychology majors. -
Community Service Give back to the community on campus and in Franklin.
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Leadership Opportunities Build your leadership skills through on-campus programs.
Uniquely Dean
Discover the unique programming that the Dean College Psychology program has to offer.
- Learn in classes that are engaging and hands-on, and that connect your interests with your career plans.
- Delve deep into an area of particular interest by completing a capstone research project.
- Prepare to take the next step with programs and events like social sciences alumni career panels, writing workshops and graduate school exploration.
- Pursue an advanced degree through one of our master’s degree affiliation programs.
- Learn from practitioners in the field who are committed to your success.
I want to go into forensic psychology, so Dean helped me get my internship at Worcester County Jail and created a bigger stepping stone for me. I now have an opportunity to work at the prison as a social worker or translator. Psychology is all about observing and evaluating, and I’m able to do that every single day and enjoy it.
By working with elementary school kids and their parents, I knew that Psychology was going to play a key role in my future. My favorite thing about being a Psychology major is being able to apply what I’ve learned in class to the real world, helping me better understand other people and their different points of view.
I am currently enrolled in a master’s degree program in clinical mental health counseling, where I hope to focus on multi-cultural counseling. Dean gave me the confidence to pursue my dream of being a therapist, and many of my professors have been incredible mentors even throughout my grad school experience.
RECENT STORIES
Check out the news and stories below to learn more about being a Psychology major at Dean.
Related News
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Social Sciences Majors Live and Learn Together Through CONNECT
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New Social Science Lab Offers Real-World Technology and Career Preparation for Students
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Bringing Their Studies to Life: Dean College Students Land Summer Internships
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Dean College Receives KyleCares Grant to Deliver Impactful Mental Health Awareness to Students