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.

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.

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

  • Behavior Analysis Concentration — Gain an understanding of the 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

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

  • Degree Pathways are a semester-by-semester sequence of courses recommended for successful completion of a degree, diploma, credential or certificate from the university. The most current degree pathways are:

    Visit the Academic Catalog for all degree pathways, including those from prior enrollment years.
  • Students who graduate with a degree in Psychology will be able to:

    1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
    2. Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
    3. Demonstrate information literacy and the ability to use critical and creative thinking in seeking and evaluating information about behavior and mental processes.
    4. Apply psychological principles to individual, social, and organizational issues and to act ethically and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline.
    5. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, both oral and written.
    6. Recognize, understand, and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity.
    7. Have accurate information about how to use their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in further graduate study and in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Why study psychology at UMass Lowell?

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.

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:

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

Laura Cabrera sings jazzy rhythm and blues and original compositions as "Queen Laura" at El Taller, a literary café in Lawrence
Laura Cabrera '18
Bachelor of Liberal Arts

Laura Cabrera's studies in philosophy and psychology have given her great personal insight - and the confidence to pursue a creative career in music, art and dance.

If you're good at it, dedicate time to it and feel inspired, then anything is possible.
Read More About Laura Cabrera 
Vania King shakes hands with Serena Williams after a tennis match
Vania King '15
Psychology

Without setting foot on campus, Vania King, a Wimbledon champion, also aced her bachelor's degree in psychology at UMass Lowell.

There were really good discussions, good interactions with the other students. Some days, I almost felt like I was there.
Read More About Vania King 
Mathew D'Entremont seated at a table with another person
Mathew D'Entremont '23
Psychology

The Moloney Student Fellowship Fund allowed Mathew D’Entremont to take an unpaid internship with a Lowell nonprofit.

It was good to learn about an organization like Coalition for a Better Acre in the city where I go to school.
Read More About Mathew D'Entremont 
Melissa DiPano poses with a large group of students in a classroom.
Melissa DiPano '20
Psychology & Spanish

A class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.

I think I just lucked out as much as a psychology major possibly can.
Read More About Melissa DiPano 
Larry Siegel, left, along with another student, Edina Hirt and Chancellor Jacquie Moloney at the awards ceremony.
Edina Hirt '19, '21
Psychology, Autism Studies

Honors student Edina Hirt faced hurdles from learning English to battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while working toward her degree. Still, she won an award for her dedication to community service.

I joined the Honors College because of what I could learn. I have a passion for learning.
Read More About Edina Hirt