Why Major in Psychology?
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.
With early career salaries for graduates of Stonehill’s Psychology program among the top 4% in the field, according to College Factual, the psychology majors go on to explore careers in a variety of specialized fields in psychology or attend graduate school.
The Beauty of Liberal Arts
At Stonehill, we believe a holistic approach to education, one that’s guided by the principles of education and faith, is the best way to prepare our students for the “real world”. Stonehill students grow into global citizens who value knowledge, integrity and compassion as they seek to create a more just society.
Stonehill psychology majors learn to think critically and analyze information effectively. By studying major and non-major courses, they develop and strengthen their minds to think within and across a variety of disciplines — a skill that will serve them over their lifetimes.
May School of Arts & Sciences
Psychology majors attend the May School of Arts & Sciences at Stonehill. The School brings together Stonehill College’s core disciplines and departments to provide a comprehensive four-year learning experience that fosters insightful collaboration and prepares students to be critical thinking and creative leaders in their chosen fields.
Through an expansive portfolio of internships and externships, study abroad opportunities, and new opportunities for hands-on learning and scholarship, graduates of the May School of Arts & Sciences are well-positioned to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally competitive economy. In fact, 92% of seniors participate in “high-impact practices” including internships, practicums, field experience, study abroad and professional research.
Why major in Psychology? Here’s why.
Majoring in Psychology opens doors.
The psychology major curriculum at Stonehill College allows students to examine, and directly engage in, research that contributes to our understanding of human behavior, mental processes and emotional experience.
The diverse research interests of our faculty allows the Psychology program to be flexible and tailored to meet students' goals. That means you’ll be able to follow where your passion leads. You’ll be able to design and conduct research, analyze data and even present your findings.
Classes and research take place at the Thomas and Mary Shields Science Center, a $34 million, 89,000 square foot building dedicated in 2010. The research facilities are of a caliber usually only found in graduate school programs. Psychology 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 knowledge I gained from my psych classes at Stonehill helped make the learning process at Women & Infants much quicker and easier. Already being familiar with the basics allowed for a smooth transition … I was able to really jump right in.
Tailor Your Experience
The beauty of Stonehill’s low student-teacher ratio is that it allows for individualized attention in the classroom and opportunities to collaborate in the field. In addition to learning basic principles in the core courses, psychology majors get fully involved in the science by designing and conducting research, analyzing data and presenting findings.
Internship Opportunities
Psychology majors complete internship experiences and attend career panels to learn more about psychology-related careers. Here are just some of the places where Stonehill psychology majors have recently interned:
- Brigham Health/Brigham and Women’s Hospital
- The Jimmy Fund
- MayInstitute
- U.S. Department of Justice
- The New England Center for Children
- New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance
Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience
The Stonehill Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) is an opportunity for psychology majors who have completed their first year at Stonehill to perform full-time, high-quality research. In fact, some SURE students have presented their work at regional, national and international psychology conferences.
The program takes place over 8-10 weeks in the summer months. Psychology majors in the program collaborate with a professor — and sometimes with other students — on an original research project that fits into the faculty member’s overall research program.
Incorporated in the program are postgraduate career seminars, program-wide outings, weekly lunches and a student poster session in the fall. SURE students reside on campus and receive a stipend for their summer work.
Interdisciplinary Studies Major & Minor
The Interdisciplinary Studies program is an option for students who seek to accomplish intellectual goals beyond an existing major. It requires an expression of creativity and self-motivation, and a foundation of intellectual commitment.
Interdisciplinary studies majors at Stonehill College prepare a program proposal with substantial intellectual content. Formulated with faculty advisors — one of whom will be designated as principal advisor — it must reflect the objectives of a liberal arts education.
The interdisciplinary minor gives students the opportunity to explore, in some depth, a well-defined question or topic beyond the major. The interdisciplinary minor provides students with maximum flexibility to propose a course of study, consisting of classes and other academic experiences, as a path to conduct an interdisciplinary inquiry that may or may not be related to the major or disciplinary minor.
Career Outcomes
A psychology degree from Stonehill provides students with the knowledge and experience they need to pursue a successful career. And, according to College Factual, the early career salaries for graduates of Stonehill's Psychology program are among the top 4% in the field.
Here are just some of the places where Stonehill College Psychology majors have recently been employed:
- Applied Market Science
- Bay Cove Health & Human Services
- Boston Children’s Hospital
- The Bowdoin Group
- Bradley Children’s Hospital
- Brigham & Women’s Hospital
- Counseling and Psychotherapy Center Inc.
- McLean Hospital
- MEDITECH
- South Bay Mental Health
- W.B. Mason
- WinterWyman
- Yale Alzheimer's Disease Research Unit
Many Psychology majors also go on to graduate/professional school. Places where Stonehill graduates have recently attended a full- or part-time graduate program include:
- Babson College
- Boston College
- Boston University
- New York University
- Simmons College
- University of Notre Dame
Types of Jobs for Psychology Majors
Below are just some of the jobs Stonehill psychology graduates hold. While many pursued jobs directly related to their psychology degree, a degree in psychology is truly applicable to many professions.
- Clinician
- Clinical Social Worker
- DSS Social Worker
- Guidance Counselor
- Psychologist
- School Counselor
- Speech Therapist
- Community Care Assistant Director
- Nursing Home Administrator
- Physical Therapist
- Occupational Therapist
- Registered Nurse
- Clinical Researcher
- Neuroscience Researcher
- Research Assistant
- Research Project Coordinator
- Correctional Officer
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer
- Account Manager
- Financial Analyst
- Sales Representative
- Peace Corps Community Development Advisor
- United Way Director
- VISTA Coordinator
- College Administration
- Human Resources
- Officer Manager
- I/O Consulting Firm
- College Professor
- Elementary School
- High School
- Special Education
Career Development Resources for Students
The Stonehill Career Development Center offers extensive assistance to students in academic degree and career decisions and applying to graduate school as well as finding internships, mentors and postgraduate service opportunities.
Additional Resources for Psychology Majors
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MacPhaidin Library
MacPhaidin Library provides informational resources that support the College's academic programs. Its goal is to provide faculty and students with the material and services needed for effective teaching, learning and research.
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Thomas and Mary Shields Science Center
The Thomas and Mary Shields Science Center houses the Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Psychology Departments. The Center offers state-of-the-art laboratories designed by the architects with input from the faculty in the different fields to foster inquiry and learning. The atrium of the building is now one of the most popular places on campus, with students gathering there to study at all hours of the day. Adjacent to the atrium is the Dunkin Donuts kiosk open for about sixteen hours a day to support the students and faculty in the building.
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Boston Externship Program
The Boston Externship Program is a unique opportunity for students to explore possible careers and establish professional contacts with Stonehill alumni already working in the field. A one-week program offered every March, the Externship Program provides students ample opportunities to learn and research new industries they may not have previously considered.
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New York Externship Program
The New York Externship Program is an intensive, week-long experience that focuses on career exploration. Each year, a small group of students travels to New York to meet with successful alumni in a range of professional settings.
The faculty in the Psychology Department fosters a learning community that promotes student success. The professors’ doors are always open to answer questions, discuss course material or give guidance.