Develop an understanding of the theoretical perspectives and contributions of the schools of thought in psychology, and apply critical thinking as you analyze psychological theories and scientific research.
As a Psychology major, you will explore a variety of electives based on your interests, including psychological counseling, abnormal psychology, drugs and behavior, psychology of women, sports psychology, and more.
Students have the option to choose a concentration to tailor their studies to their interests and career goals. Those who prefer a broader academic experience may also complete the program without selecting a concentration.
The child and adolescent psychology concentration focuses on development from early childhood through adolescence. Students examine cognitive, emotional, physical, and social changes across key developmental stages, while exploring typical and atypical development. Electives introduce psychological disorders and applied settings, such as school psychology, while internships provide opportunities for hands-on learning. This concentration prepares students for advanced study or careers in education, counseling, and other professions serving child and adolescents.
The clinical psychology concentration focuses on understanding, assessing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders across the lifespan. Students build a strong foundation in core areas such as clinical theory and psychopathology, while exploring coursework in personality, counseling, health, forensic, or developmental contexts. The program emphasizes scientific and applied perspectives, preparing students for advanced study or careers in mental health and related fields.
The social psychology concentration explores how individuals think, feel, and behave within social contexts. Students study core concepts in social psychology and the neurobiological mechanisms underlying social behavior, then explore how broader forces, such as culture, gender, politics, and diversity shape human experience. This concentration is well-suited for students interested in careers or graduate study in social psychology, public policy, organizational behavior, community health, or any field requiring a deep understanding of human behavior in social contexts. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
The health psychology concentration examines how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence health, illness, and well-being across the lifespan. Students study core areas such as health behavior, stress, and the mind–body connection, while exploring related areas including psychopathology, neuroscience, lifespan development, sexuality, sports psychology, and related areas. The program emphasizes scientific and applied perspectives, preparing students for advanced study or careers in health-related and behavioral science fields. Students must earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all coursework applied to the concentration.
All psychology majors have an academic adviser who is a full-time faculty member. Advisers will assist you in choosing classes to meet the program requirements.
As a major you are required to take PS 100 as well as two research classes, PS 201 and PS 302. You will also complete a capstone class. In addition, students take one class from each of the psychology perspectives to gain a well-rounded understanding of the field of psychology and three elective courses.
Part-time students have the opportunity to complete their course of study fully online.
If you plan to pursue a graduate degree in public health after you complete your undergraduate studies, you can join the Accelerated Bachelor’s-Master’s Degree in Public Health (MPH) program.
If you plan to pursue a law degree, you can apply to the 3+3 Bachelor’s & JD program, a collaboration between SHU and Pace University, Seton Hall University or Villanova University.
Sacred Heart University’s dual degree programs provide a defined pathway for incoming freshmen to move seamlessly from an undergraduate to a graduate degree.
While some of our dual degree programs require specific undergraduate majors, others are open to almost all undergraduate disciplines. Apply to a dual degree program as an incoming freshman and you’ll have the opportunity to be admitted directly into the graduate program of your choice at the same time as your admission as an undergraduate student. Students are encouraged to reach out to your admissions counselor to discuss dual degree options.
For students with very strong academic skills and ambitions for graduate school, we have created several accelerated pathways. Students can work with their academic advisors to follow these guidelines to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 3 years, including the prerequisites for these graduate programs.
Psychology majors are prepared for a variety of careers, including:
You will also be prepared to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. SHU offers a Master’s in Organizational Development & Psychology.
The SHU psychology program can accommodate anyone -- people who want to go into therapy, a biological field or a teaching field. It is clear that all of the professors truly have a passion for what they are teaching and want students to learn as opposed to just showing up.
