Psychology
Exploring the science of behavior and mental processes will interest anyone intrigued by why people think, feel and behave the way they do. Salve Regina University's bachelor's degree in psychology leads students to new discoveries into how social, interpersonal and cultural practices affect us, providing invaluable skills for careers in which success is dependent upon understanding what it means to be human.
Explore Multifaceted Issues
Salve Regina's psychology program tailors each student's education to their own unique interests, talents and passions. Coursework is based on the American Psychological Association guidelines for undergraduate education and faculty areas of expertise, and motivated students are encouraged to augment their classroom learning with independent research and fieldwork.
Our curriculum focuses on emotional and intellectual growth, developmental processes, social forces affecting individual and group behavior, deviation from mental health, human cognition, the quantification and measurement of behavior, how we learn, biological influences, motivational forces, optimal human functioning and what makes each person unique.
We are affiliated with two board-approved internship placements in applied behavior analysis and also have placements at Child & Family, the Women's Resource Center, the Newport County YMCA and CODAC Behavioral Healthcare, among others. Through Salve Regina's popular accelerated program, qualified undergraduates can begin our master's degree in behavior analysis in their senior (fourth) year.
Program Spotlight: Movement Heals
As a double major in dance and psychology, Morgan Dubay '24 is combining her passions, helping her to envision how the arts can be therapeutic and transformative. She is fascinated by child development and how artistic expression is a means to make important healing connections with the mind and body.
"For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to be a dance movement therapist," Dubay said. "In middle school, I began to see an art therapist who showed me that the arts can heal. I have personally felt the benefits of dancing through life's challenges and roadblocks. Whether it's basic movement or grooves, movement heals."
Our Faculty
Our personalized approach with students – both inside and outside the classroom – strives to carry on the goals of the University mission, nurturing the enduring values of honesty, hard work, altruism, compassion, dignity, respect and service necessary for harmonious living in today's global family.
Life After Salve
We encourage students to work closely with faculty to make the most of their education and to reach their fullest potential. Our rigorous academic focus and dedication to mercy values are invaluable to students interested in developing the skills and drive they need to prepare themselves for the challenge of becoming lifelong learners and to help others do the same.
Salve Regina graduates receive a solid education in the main subject areas of psychology sufficient to prepare them for careers where a background in psychology is advantageous, including:
- Admissions counselor
- Behavior analyst
- Child life specialist
- Clinical psychologist
- Counseling psychologist
- Drug counselor
- Educational psychologist
- Financial aid officer
- Industrial organizational psychologist
- Lawyer
- Personnel officer
- Probation officer
- Public relations officer
- Rehabilitation counselor
- School psychologist
- Secondary education teacher
- Social worker
- Sports psychologist
Experience in the field and mentorship from professors and supervisors has made my investment in a Salve Regina education worthwhile and personally fulfilling. Now, with the relationships I have made and maintained and the education I have received, doors keep opening up to new and exciting opportunities.
Anamaria Arteaga '16, '17 (M), graduate teaching assistant and Ph.D. student, University of Connecticut
Major in Psychology (B.A.)
13 courses | 41 credits
Required courses:
- PSY100: Introduction to Psychology
- PSY210: Applied Behavior Analysis I or PSY320: Psychology of Learning and Behavior
- PSY220: Child Development or PSY230: Adolescent and Adult Psychology
- PSY250: Social Psychology or PSY290: Cross-Cultural Psychology
- PSY310: Cognitive Psychology
- PSY325: Statistics and Research Methods I
- PSY326: Statistics and Research Methods II
- PSY350: Biological Psychology
- PSY430: History and Systems of Psychology Capstone
Students also choose four elective courses from a list of offerings in linguistics, psychology and social work.
Minor in Psychology
6 courses | 18 credits
Required course:
- PSY100: Introduction to Psychology
Students also choose five elective courses in psychology, selected in consultation with department faculty.