Students who hope to pursue an undergraduate psychology degree in the state of New Mexico have a wide variety of options available. Now, more than ever before students are flocking to colleges and universities to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. There are a few reasons for this. The first is the predicted rise projected by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook. It is expected that psychology in general will see a 12 percent rise with many areas of psychology expecting more than 25 percent increases in employment opportunities.
Additionally, more students are pursuing their education because of the increased flexibility in how, when and where you can attend classes. With online opportunities, weekend and evening courses and part-time plans of study, more students can fit a degree plan into their busy lifestyle. Graduates with a bachelor’s of psychology can also pursue many other fields including:
- business
- law
- nursing
- human resources and many others.
Eastern New Mexico University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1934, Eastern New Mexico University, also called Eastern, is a state coed university located in Portales. There are also degree-granting branches at Ruidoso and Roswell. The university is composed of four colleges and a graduate school including:
- the College of Education and Technology
- the College of Business
- the College of Fine Arts
- the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Eastern New Mexico University as Tier 2 for best West Regional Universities. The mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is “providing a broad based organization to emphasize the harmony of the social, cultural and scientific efforts of society.”
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students at the College of Liberal Arts and Science can pursue a BA or a BS with a major in Psychology. The program utilizes a teaching philosophy encouraging an understanding and appreciation of psychology.
Psychology is the scientific study of individuals, their talents and skills, and their cultural heritage. The program coursework emphasizes a scientifically based knowledge about human behavior. It provides the skills and knowledge necessary to do behavioral research. Most students complete the program in four years. Psychology majors with a bachelor’s level degree are prepared to enter careers in human and social services, as well as in business and service industries. Graduates of the program are also prepared to enter graduate studies.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The curriculum for the BS in Psychology degree program is similar to those for the BA degree. The major differences are additional courses in math, science and lab courses. There is also no foreign language requirement with the BS degree.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
Eastern New Mexico University
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Portales, New Mexico 88130
(575) 562-1011
E-Mail Form
Program Website
New Mexico Highlands University
The College of the Arts and Sciences
Located in Las Vegas New Mexico, New Mexico Highlands University was founded in 1893 as the New Mexico Normal School. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- arts and sciences
- business
- education
- social work
The university also offers degree programs through distance education, as well as on campus instruction in:
- Farmington
- Rio Rancho
- Espanola
- Santa Fe
Most students enrolled in the university come from New Mexico and are Hispanic. However many of the 3,700 students enrolled come from all over the world. Highlands’ programs focus on its multiethnic student body, especially the Hispanic and Native American cultures distinctive of New Mexico.
The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs through:
- the College of Arts and Sciences
- the School of Business
- the School of Education
- the School of Social Work
The College of Arts and Sciences awards 21 bachelor of arts programs and 10 bachelor of sciences programs in social and natural sciences, the arts and humanities.
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology
Students at New Mexico Highlands University can to pursue a BA or BS in Psychology. The program covers human behavior and mental processes with coursework in:
- learning
- memory
- cognition
- motivation
- emotion
- sensation
- perception
- personality
- attitudes
- social interactions
- psychopathology
The psychology major provides an emphasis on the individual as opposed to human societies or cultures. Coursework for the program includes study of a variety of mental disorders using various approaches. Graduates are prepared to enter into careers in:
- teaching
- research
- service
Settings for these careers include:
- mental health
- hospitals
- geriatric facilities,
- correctional facilities
The BA in psychology program requires completion of 120 credits including 36 credits in the psychology major and a foreign language.
The BS in Psychology program requires completion of 120 credits including 36 credits in the Psychology Core Coursework and one year of biology or chemistry as well as additional mathematics courses.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
New Mexico Highlands University
The College of the Arts and Sciences
The Department of Psychology
1005 Diamond Street
Las Vegas, New Mexico 87701
E-Mail Form
Program Website
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
The Psychology and Education Department
Founded in 1889, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a public coed university located in Socorro. New Mexico Tech awards more than 30 bachelor of science degrees in:
- technology
- the sciences
- engineering
- management
- technical communication
It offers graduate degree programs at the master’s and doctoral levels. It enrolls over 2,000 students. In 2016, US News &World Report ranked New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology as the 25th best Western Regional University.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychology degree program provides students a scientific foundation in methods and basic data in psychology. It prepares them for careers in a variety of specializations in the field. Coursework studies a variety of areas in psychology including:
- Fundamentals of learning and memory
- Intelligence
- Perception, feelings and emotions
- Attention and thoughts
- Language and communication
Students can participate in lab experiments on the psychological and physiological bases of behavior. The department includes an animal care facility available for lab classes and research. There are many opportunities for independent research. The BS in Psychology program requires completion of specific science and math courses and may include:
- biology
- computer science
- chemistry
- mathematics
- physics
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
The Psychology Department
Kelsey Terry, Student Gendarme
Cramer Hall
801 Leroy Place
Socorro, New Mexico 87801
(575) 835-5216
E-Mail: kterry@admin.nmt.edu
Program Website
New Mexico State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1888, New Mexico State University is a public coeducational university. Its main campus is in Las Cruces. It has five other campus locations and a satellite center in Albuquerque. The university also offers students the option to pursue their education using a flexible online distance program.
Distance learning at New Mexico state includes 90 available bachelor’s degrees and 50 master’s degree programs. Freshmen who are eligible for honors program can take specialized, small classes known as “Journeys of Discovery.” The university is the first honors college in the state and enrolls more than 15,000 students from across the US and 89 foreign countries.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked New Mexico State University as the 199th best National University. The Psychology Department provides programs at the undergraduate level with an emphasis on experimental psychology. Students can participate in research and in field placements. The Department offers graduate programs in:
- cognitive psychology
- engineering psychology
- social psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in psychology degree program offers a study of the science of mind and behavior. The program studies:
- how the brain works
- the way we learn
- what is responsible for the way we act
- how to use the scientific methods in finding answers to fundamental principles of psychology
Other areas of study include:
- development of personality
- development of language
- learning
- intelligence
- memory
- emotion
- group behavior
Students can choose the major either as an area of emphasis in a liberal arts program or as preparation to pursue graduate school. A major in psychology is also applicable for liberal arts students who want to pursue a career that has social interaction. These careers require solutions to people-related problems including:
- law
- business
- government
- education
- management
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
New Mexico State University
The Department of Psychology
PO Box 30001/MSC 3452
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
(575) 646-2502
E-Mail: bguzman@nmsu.edu
After reviewing some of the opportunities at colleges and universities throughout New Mexico it is clear how varied the options are. Regardless of what you are looking for you will be able to find the perfect degree program to suit your academic and career goals. There are plenty of options for online, part-time, weekend and evening learning.
Students can also choose degree plans that will open doors into many different fields. Upon graduation, students are prepared for graduate training in psychology or many related fields. They are also prepared to enter the field of psychology or employment in a variety of other related careers.
No matter where you plan to take your career, a degree from one of the accredited, highly respected colleges in New Mexico is an excellent start.