As a psychology major, you will develop the skills and knowledge to understand human behavior and cognition, contribute solutions to human problems and respond to a changing world.

At a Glance

  • Flexibility
    Part Time | Full Time
  • Delivery Options
    Online | On Campus | Hybrid
  • Degree
    BA

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What courses will you take?

Two students present their poster at the Student Research Symposium.

UMass Lowell's B.A. in Psychology program offers courses in experimental, developmental, social, community, personality and clinical psychology. 

Campus and community-based learning experiences are integrated throughout our curriculum. You can further develop and apply your skills in an advanced two-semester field placement, often within Lowell. Courses for the General concentration

Choose one of our five concentrations, which lead to a wide range of career opportunities. 

  • Behavior Analysis Concentration — Gain an understanding of behavioral assessment and treatment in a variety of applications in the field of behavior analysis. You'll graduate ready for entry-level positions in various educational and human service settings. You will also be prepared for entry into graduate programs in behavior analysis. Courses for Behavior Analysis concentration
  • Clinical Psychology Concentration — Pursue coursework, research, and fieldwork to understand clinical psychology as a science, and the best practices for pursuing diagnosis and treatment within the scientific paradigm. You will graduate prepared for entry-level positions related to the field, as well as entry into graduate study in areas such as social work, counseling, and school psychology. Courses for Clinical Psychology concentration
  • Community Social Psychology Concentration — Engage in courses and fieldwork related to understanding how community-level interventions can influence individual health and well-being, and vice versa. Courses focus on issues related to reducing inequity and pursuing social justice and social empowerment. You will be prepared for entry-level work with a variety of community organizations, as well as preparation for graduate study. Courses for Community Social Psychology concentration
  • Developmental Disabilities Concentration — Build a knowledge base in the rapidly developing field of disability studies, with an emphasis on the assessment and treatment of intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. You will be prepared for entry-level work in the assessment and treatment of disabilities, as well as for graduate-level study in areas such as autism studies and behavior analysis. Courses for Developmental Disabilities concentration
  • Health Psychology Concentration — Learn how psychological knowledge and methods can be applied to health promotion and disease prevention and treatment. Gain work-ready skills and knowledge for entry-level work in hospitals and other healthcare settings that offer programs in areas such as sex education, smoking cessation, alcohol and drug abuse, healthful eating, and exercise. Courses for Health Psychology concentration

Visit the Academic Catalog for a complete course listing and to learn about the Psychology minor.

Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.

  • Students who graduate with a degree in psychology will have:

    1. The ability to place knowledge and skills, including all the knowledge and skills described below, within diverse personal, group, societal, global, and historical contexts.
    2. Psychological content knowledge, including an understanding of:
      1. Major frameworks and approaches
      2. Theoretical perspectives
      3. Historical and contemporary findings
    3. Critical research evaluation skills, including:
      1. The ability to identify and access appropriate scholarly sources
      2. The ability to evaluate research
      3. The ability to consider the impact of personal bias and the biases of researchers
      4. The ability to synthesize concepts and information both within and across topics
      5. The ability to identify gaps in the literature that generate new research questions
    4. Research methods knowledge and skills, including:
      1. An understanding of core research methods
      2. The ability to articulate a research question
      3. The ability to design a research study
      4. Understanding various data collection systems and management skills
      5. Using data analytic skills
    5. Communication skills, including:
      1. The ability to communicate knowledge and research findings effectively using a variety of formats including written, oral and visual.
      2. The ability to provide necessary context, and select language appropriate to a target audience
      3. A familiarity with and proper use of American Psychological Association style
    6. Knowledge of and ability to apply ethics within the discipline, including:
      1. An understanding of the role of ethics in psychological theory, research, and practice
      2. The ability to identify ethically questionable practices.
      3. The ability to apply ethical standards in research and practice.

Why study psychology at UMass Lowell?

Research Opportunities

Participate in cutting-edge research with department faculty and gain opportunities to:

  • Present research at various colloquia and symposia as well as at regional and national conferences
  • Publish papers with department faculty in scholarly journals
  • Participate in the Emerging Scholars Program as a rising junior and senior
Two students in a classroom

Expert Faculty

Work with and learn from our faculty who are leaders in their fields. Many are nationally recognized authors, editors of journals, investigators on groundbreaking research, presidents of national organizations and collaborators in the Lowell community.

Two students in graduation cap and gown

Graduate Programs

Advance your knowledge and career options through our graduate programs:

A child smiles while learning dance moves at Love of the Game, a student-run community outreach program that held a floor hockey clinic for people with developmental disabilities.

Fun Outside the Classroom

Put your learning into practice. Check out some of the fun ways UML students come together.

What can you do with a degree in psychology?

UMass Lowell's psychology program prepares students for graduate training and careers in mental health, community development, education, research, and business and industry.  

Psychology student Jared Socolow headshot

Our versatile graduates can work in a wide range of industries, including:

  • Business
  • Community service
  • Criminal justice
  • Education
  • Health care
  • Mental health services
  • Politics
  • Recreation and travel
  • Research
  • Social work

Meet Our Students and Alumni

Syeda Nizami
Syeda Nizami '18
English & Psychology

Syeda Nizami is using scholarships, research fellowships and work-study jobs to graduate with low debt, so she can afford a career helping others instead of working to pay off student loans.

I wanted to push myself to be better. The Honors College is tougher.
Read More About Syeda Nizami 
Sara Khun-Leng, seated in her office, speaking with staff members
Sara Khun-Leng '99
Criminal Justice

Sara Khun-Leng ’99 helps immigrants and refugees, veterans and others needing assistance as director of constituent services in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.

I felt like I had to do this, to speak for people who are not always able to help themselves.
Read More About Sara Khun-Leng 
Dejonai Willis with UMass Lowell professor Stephanie Block
Dejonai Willis '22
Psychology, minors in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Dejonai Willis began her UML career in a support program for first-generation college students. Now she’s thriving.

I was scared, but I was integrated into the community through the RHSA my first day, and it was smooth sailing after that.
Read More About Dejonai Willis 
Sophan Smith chats with people at an EforAll event
Sophan Smith '02
Political Science

After a successful recruiting and development career that has spanned the nonprofit, corporate and higher education worlds, political science alumna Sophan Smith ’02 has come full circle as the new executive director for EforAll Lowell, the nonprofit small business accelerator started at UMass Lowell.

One of the things I appreciated about being at UMass Lowell was the diversity.
Read More About Sophan Smith 
UMass Lowell student and tour guide Patrice Olivar sitting on a bench outside on South Campus
Patrice Olivar '18
Exercise Physiology & Psychology

While double-majoring in psychology and exercise physiology, Patrice Faith Olivar has gained both research and practical experience. UMass Lowell has opened more doors than she thought possible.

I’ve been very fortunate with my practicum sites and all UMass Lowell has to offer.
Read More About Patrice Olivar