Understanding the Mind Through the Lens of the Heart

A strong science foundation and a culture of compassion guide psychology graduates to success in clinical and non-clinical careers. 

Program Overview

The Psychology Program at Stonehill aims for students to build a strong foundation in understanding human behavior. Our program also allows students to examine, and directly engage in, research and internships that help build a better understanding of human behavior, mental processes and emotional experience.

Recent Accolades

Organizations involved in assessing U.S. colleges and universities continually cite Stonehill as being among the best in the nation when it comes to value, outcomes and a commitment to making the world a better place. See full list of accolades.

Sample Psychology Courses

Introduction to Psychology

PSY 101
This course explores the principles underlying physiological psychology, learning, perception, altered states of consciousness, human development, human memory and emotion, personality, social behavior, intelligence, and the behavior disorders.

Research Methods in Psychology

PSY 271
This course examines the research methods used in psychology, including naturalistic observation, field and laboratory experiments, and survey methods. It discusses ethical standards in research and critiques research articles. Students design, implement, write-up and present their research study at the College’s poster session.

Introduction to Psychopathology

PSY 207
This course employs the DSM-V system of classifying and describing emotional dysfunctioning. It explores the etiology, course, and treatment of major disorders. Dynamics and treatment modalities are approached from the psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, and existential models. Examination of research and case studies, and a possible practicum experience.

Advanced Research Externship

The purpose of the advanced Research Externship is to provide upper-level (3rd and 4th year) students with opportunities to gain research experience working on large federally funded NIH grants at a large universities or medical schools. Students are expected to work 10 hours a week in a research lab at Brown University, Harvard University, or UMASS Medical School.

Knowledge Rooted in Research

In addition to learning basic principles in the core courses, psychology classes get students fully involved in the science by designing and conducting research, analyzing data and presenting findings. Some students have presented their work at the New England Psychology Association convention, the Eastern Psychology Association convention and the American Psychology Association.

At the same time, advisors help match students with internships than can further advance their mastery of the sequence they’ve chosen. Students also are given the opportunity to pursue individual interests through elective courses. Together, the core courses and the electives prepare them for graduate work and for a variety of career paths.

Where Our Psychology Graduates Work

Our psychology graduates go on to explore careers in a variety of specialized fields in psychology or attend graduate school. Continue exploring where our graduates work.

Graduate-Level Resources from the Start

The research facilities at The Thomas and Mary Shields Science Center are of a caliber usually only found in graduate school programs. This $34 million, 89,000 square foot building houses state-of-the-art technology for use in psychology research and students can use just about any resource that is available to faculty. Workspaces include several one-way observation rooms, a playroom for children’s psychology research, counseling rooms and computer labs.

The Psychology Department is one rooted in community with a focus on student success. The support and guidance of the entire faculty has helped to open new doors and give me the confidence I need for the world outside of Stonehill.

By the Numbers

Our psychology graduates go on to explore careers in a variety of specialized fields in psychology or attend graduate school.

4%
TOP 4% OF HIGHEST PAID GRADS

The early career salaries for graduates of Stonehill's Psychology program are among the top 4% in the field, according to College Factual

Outside Partnerships & Special Programs

Stonehill College has developed academic affiliations with colleges and universities that enable our students to augment the degree they earn at Stonehill with graduate and undergraduate degrees that further enhance their opportunities.

Earn Two Degrees in 5 Years

The Skyhawk Accelerated Dual Degree allows Stonehill students to earn a bachelor's degree and master's degree from Stonehill College in five years. Eligible students receive early and expedited admission to their graduate program of interest and can begin working toward a master's degree in education, data analytics or marketing during their senior year.

Common questions about a psychology major

If examining and directly engaging in research that contributes to the understanding of human behavior, mental processes, and emotional experience sounds right for you, then consider a major in psychology at Stonehill. Learn more

The best part about the Psychology program at Stonehill College is that it can take you where you want to go — whether that means majoring in psychology, minoring in it, or even creating an interdisciplinary minor with it. Learn more

If you major in psychology, what can you do with it? What type of jobs can you find and what kind of salaries do those jobs pay? Learn more

The short answer is: a full-time student will finish a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology in four years. Learn more about what you can expect during that time.

Learn more about tuition and other expenses associated with a psychology major.

The Science of Studying

Two wins come from one professor’s study of studying: Better GPAs and valuable student research opportunities.

Contact Information

Erin O'Hea

Erin O'Hea

Professor of Psychology, Department Chair
Psychology