The state of New Mexico has many options for students looking to begin the path to a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Throughout the state there are institutions ranging from small intimate colleges, to middle sized Liberal Arts Schools to large research universities. This means that whether you are looking for a small town college school or prefer the backing of a larger university system, you can find the right fit for your needs.
Students also have the flexibility of choosing from a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS). Traditionally the BA is a great fit for students who may not plan to use their undergraduate psychology degree to pursue graduate training in psychology. The BS typically includes the mathematical, science and research training needed to apply to graduate school. No matter what your preference, there is a school that is right for you.
University of New Mexico
The College of Arts and Sciences
The University of New Mexico, founded in 1899, is a public coed research university. The main campus is located in Albuquerque. The university also has branch campuses located across New Mexico including:
- Gallup
- Los Alamos
- Rio Rancho
- Taos
- Los Lunas
The University of New Mexico is the largest university in the state and one of New Mexico’s largest employers. There are more than 20,800 students enrolled in bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degree programs. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of New Mexico as the 180th best National University. The mission of the University of New Mexico is “serving as New Mexico’s flagship through demonstrated and growing excellence in teaching, research, patient care, and community service.”
The College of Arts and Sciences provides students with education in:
- the natural sciences
- the social sciences
- the humanities
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology provides students with an interdisciplinary curriculum that studies both the social and scientific bases of behavior. The coursework focuses on understanding what makes animals and humans behave and act the way we do. The BA program includes completion of 120 credits and requires 36 credits in the Psychology major and as well as additional required courses in Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, or Physics. Psychology majors are prepared to enter careers in:
- business
- government
- personnel work
They are also prepared to enter graduate programs.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
For students interested in human behavior, a BS in Psychology degree helps them understand psychology as both an area of scientific investigation and as a health or human services profession. Students who want to pursue graduate study in psychology should look at the BS in Psychology Program. Graduates are prepared to enter careers requiring a deep understanding of human behavior and leadership development. These include:
- business
- government
- health care
- law
The BS in psychology program helps students develop the skills to understand how human behavior impacts the dynamics of any organization. Competencies for the Psychology Major include the following abilities:
- Identify our own awareness, how we interact with others, and how we influence others and they influence us
- How psychologists study human behavior and its use in explaining, predicting, and influencing behavior
- Identify and critically evaluate psychological research methods.
- Analyze empirical data
- Assessing significance and importance of research
- Communicate clearly and effectively in a written and oral format
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology with Concentration in Basics in Addictions Counseling
The Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science with Basics in Addiction Counseling (BAC) concentration is for students who want to pursue a career specific to alcohol and drug addiction counseling. Students will complete the standard psychology major curriculum with a series of specialized addiction courses including:
- Abnormal Behavior
- Drugs & Behavior
- Alcoholism
- Treatment of Addictions
- Case Management in Addiction
- Applied Clinical Experience in Addictions Counseling
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter careers in addiction counseling. Graduates with the Basics in Addictions concentration will have completed all coursework requirements to become a Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) and Licensed Alcohol/Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC). Students can participate in a multi-semester field placement at a substance abuse agency.
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology Honors Program
The Honors Program is available to s small number of qualified psychology majors. It provides intensive and personal instruction. This program is designated for students who plan to pursue graduate or professional study in the field of psychology. Students in the honors program acquire advanced knowledge and skills in psychology. They have the opportunity to conduct their own research projects. The honors program involves 12 semester hours during the Junior and Senior years. During their senior year students can work with faculty advisors to complete an individual research project. Upon completion of the program and recommendation by the psychology faculty, students will graduate with Honors in Psychology.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
University of New Mexico
The Department of Psychology
Logan Hall
MSC03 2220
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, NM 87131
(505) 277-3046
E-Mail Form psych@unm.edu
Program Website
University of the Southwest
The School of the Arts and Sciences
The University of the Southwest is a private interdenominational coeducational university located in Hobbs. The university was founded in 1962 as a two-year Baptist educational institution. In 1980 it became a 4-year program offering bachelor’s degrees in:
- arts and sciences
- business,
- education
It also has an MBA and Master’s of Science in Education program. The undergraduate enrollment is 364 students on the 142-acre campus. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of the Southwest as Tier 2 for Best West Regional Universities. The Arts and Sciences Division is dedicated to providing quality education in a variety of academic disciplines including
- biological sciences
- Christian studies
- English
- general studies
- history
- psychology
- social science.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a deeper understanding of human behavior. The coursework equips students with essential skills in:
- critical thinking
- quantitative and qualitative research
- the ability to effectively interact with groups of people from diverse backgrounds
The innovative curriculum offers courses in a wide variety of perspectives in the psychology field including:
- clinical
- cognitive systems
- behavioral neuroscience
- cross-cultural
- developmental
- organizational
- social psychology
There are also interdisciplinary fields such as health psychology and law psychology. Competencies for graduates of the Psychology majors include the following abilities:
- Understand the core principles of psychology including:
- cognition
- perception
- individual behavior
- personality
- group processes
- development
- abnormal behavior
- the biological basis of behavior
- Effectively Conduct psychological research
- Analyze data using statistical methods
- Efficiently read and evaluate psychological research
- Communicate through both oral and written formats
Accreditations
American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges & Universities (AAPICC)
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
University of the Southwest
The School of the Arts and Sciences
6610 North Lovington Highway
Hobbs, New Mexico 88240
(575) 392-6561
E-Mail: epalmer@usw.edu
Program Website
Western New Mexico University
The Department of Behavioral Sciences
Western New Mexico University was founded in 1893 as the New Mexico Normal School. It’s a public coed university located in Silver City. There are more than 3,500 students enrolled throughout the five campus locations. Students can pursue more than 70 areas of study with 41 bachelor’s degree and 12 master’s programs. There is also a variety of optional certificate programs.
Areas of study include:
- accounting
- business
- chemistry
- criminal justice
- education
- environmental sustainability
- forest/wildlife
- graphic design
- nursing
- occupational therapy
- psychology
- social work
- zoology
About 50 percent of the undergraduate student body is Hispanic. More than 500 degrees are awarded every year, including fully online bachelor’s and master’s degrees. The Behavioral Science Department includes the following programs:
- criminal justice
- chemical dependency
- police academy
- counseling
- psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The 120-credit BA program is for students interested in studying human behavior. They will be prepared to enter careers or graduate school. The curriculum includes study of human growth and development as well as processes of emotion, learning and cognition. Future careers include:
- vocational counselors
- school psychologists
- professional counselors
- forensic psychologists
- sports psychologists
- clinical psychologists
- special education teacher
- case managers
- probation officers
Competencies for the BA in Psychology program include:
- Core knowledge in developmental, abnormal, social, and research and statistical methodology areas of psychology
- Proficiency in the design of empirical research
- Exhibit competency in statistical analysis and presentation of data
- Communicate orally and written proficiently
The BA degree in psychology emphasizes language skills .Students are required to complete upper division Spanish courses.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Curriculum for the BS in psychology program includes all disciplines of Psychology including:
- How brain function determines behavior
- The process by which we see, hear, and learn
- What factors impact normal and abnormal personality
- Nature of language and cognitive processing
- How human emotions affect behavior
- How specific individuals work in groups
Through laboratory practice, individual research projects, and group seminars, students can evaluate and explore a variety of topics. Students can participate in individualized research experiences under the supervision of faculty. The BS program prepares graduates to enter academic careers in research and teaching as well as careers including:
- business
- public service
- education
- mental health
- law
- medicine
Students are also prepared for graduate study in all areas of psychology. The BS in Psychology emphasizes math and computer sciences. Students must complete an additional six credit hours in Math, Statistics, and/or Computer Science.
Accreditations
Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC-NCACS)
Contact
Western New Mexico University
The Department of Behavioral Sciences
Post Office Box 680
Silver City, New Mexico 88062
(800) 872-9668
E-Mail: admissions@wnmu.edu
Program Website
New Mexico is a state full of academic opportunities. Obviously students planning to become a professional psychologist will want to begin their college career with a bachelor’s in psychology. However, there are many others who will benefit from this plan of study. These include students who hope to find entry-levels positions in the field or those who want to pursue other professions such as:
- medicine
- law
- business
- law enforcement
With so many options to choose from an undergraduate psychology degree from one of New Mexico’s many colleges and universities is a great first step.