Choosing from the plethora of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Pennsylvania can be mind-boggling for high school seniors and returning graduates. We’ve conducted our own research on behavioral science programs available at accredited colleges starting with M-N below. Find your right fit by comparing their curriculum, career specializations, class sizes, retention rate, and extra-curricular opportunities.
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Department of Psychology
Established in 1857 as Mansfield Classical Seminary, Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public, co-educational liberal arts institution within the PASSHE system that’s educating around 2,700 Mountaineers from its 174-acre rural campus in the Tioga River Valley. Recognized as America’s 18th “Safest College” on Niche, Mansfield is deemed the 131st best university and 45th top public school in the North by the U.S. News. The Department of Psychology employs six full-time, doctoral faculty trained at Loyola, Bucknell, Texas Tech, and more.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Housed in South Hall, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology at Mansfield limits classes to 15 students for engaged, real-world education in behavioral science. Adhering to an Honor Code, the 120-credit program advances undergraduates’ understanding of the human condition. Majors select from five concentrations for General Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Resource Management, Forensic Psychology, or Mind/Body Health. Upperclassmen are encouraged to complete 240-hour internships with agencies like Diakon Lutheran Services, St. Joseph’s Hospital, or Tioga County Prison. Experimental research is also conducted in the Health Psychology Lab and Multi-Purpose Lab.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
5 Swan Street
Mansfield, PA 16933
(570) 662-4778
gsechris@mansfield.edu
Marywood University
Psychology & Counseling Department
Affiliated with the Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, Marywood University is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution enlightening around 3,300 co-eds from a 115-acre suburban campus in Pennsylvania’s sixth-largest city, Scranton. Ranked fourth among USA Today’s “Best Colleges to Study Health Professions,” Marywood is deemed the North’s 51st top college and 18th best value by the USNWR. Based in the William. G. McGowan Center, the Psychology & Counseling Department received the PCA’s 2015 Outstanding Counselor Education Program Award.
Psychology Major (B.S.)
At Marywood, the Psychology Major (B.S.) offers an empirical-based curriculum to expand students’ understanding on complex behavioral and developmental processes. Undergrads select from three degree pathways: the 48-credit General Psychology Track, 48-credit Clinical Practices Track, or 60-credit Industrial Organizational Track. Students could also declare the Counseling and Development Minor. Majors complete a liberal arts core with coursework from personality to learning theory for 128 total credits. Outside the classroom, students can join the Association of Neuropsychology Students in Training (ANST), intern with Moses Taylor Hospital, travel to Beijing, and more.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
2300 Adams Avenue
Scranton, PA 18509
(570) 348-6270
janey@marywood.edu
Mercyhurst University
Hafenmaier College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences
Endowed for $31.8 million, Mercyhurst University is a private, nonprofit Catholic institution rooted in liberal arts for the over 4,400 Lakers studying upon its 74-acre urban campus in Erie, an All-America City Award winner. Known for winning the Generation E Green Business Award, Mercyhurst is ranked the North’s 61st best university and 35th most veteran-friendly school by the U.S. News. The Hafenmaier College boasts a 95 percent job placement rate across 23 majors from Russian studies to sustainability.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Featuring a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, Mercyhurst’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology immerses undergraduates in studying the neurobiological and sociocultural roots of behavior to resolve real-life human problems. The 121-credit curriculum offers three specialized tracks for General, Applied, or Research. Students could also declare the Neuroscience Concentration or Psychology of Crime and Justice Minor. Hands-on research is conducted within 6,000-square feet of Briggs Hall’s science labs. Students regularly present their own research at the Eastern Psychological Association. Part-time internships for 10 to 15 weeks are arranged with hosts like Safe Harbor Behavioral Health and UPMC Hamot.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
501 East 38th Street
Erie, PA 16546
(814) 824-2371
mheerboth@mercyhurst.edu
Messiah College
School of Business, Education and Social Science
Declaring the motto “Christ Preeminent,” Messiah College is a private, Christian liberal arts institution established by the Brethren Church in 1909 that’s enrolling over 3,300 students upon its 471-acre rural campus in Mechanicsburg within the Cumberland Valley. Given a Forbes financial grade of B for America’s 207th most grateful grads, Messiah is ranked the North’s fourth best regional college by the U.S. News. The School of Business, Education and Social Science reports an 88 percent retention rate across six departments.
Psychology (B.A. or B.S.)
Committed to the Christian faith, the Psychology Bachelor’s Degree at Messiah fosters spiritual and personal growth through the in-depth examination of behavior. The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) prepares students to assume entry-level applied psychological positions and practice counseling. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) is research-based to deliver stronger scientific expertise for graduate school. Majors could elect the Clinical Psychology Concentration. Both 123-credit curricula develop experiential learning through the Psi Chi chapter, internships with organizations like Edgewater Psychiatric Services, and Boyer Hall’s state-of-the-art labs.
Biopsychology (B.S.)
Messiah College is one of just two CCCU members offering a Biopsychology (B.S.) nationwide to bridge gaps between biological and behavioral science. Students uncover the underlying physiological causes of psychological phenomena like perception, social cognition, and stress. The 96,000-square foot Boyer Hall offers access to EKG, EEG, and PCR equipment for rigorous experimental research. Students in the 123-credit program could also study abroad in New Zealand, conduct AIDS studies at Macha Mission Hospital, dissect human cadavers, and join the Minds Matter Club. Ambitious majors may pursue the 3+2 B.S./M.S. in Occupational Therapy with Thomas Jefferson University.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1 College Avenue
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
(800) 233-4220
admiss@messiah.edu
Millersville University of Pennsylvania
College of Education and Human Services
Enrolling over 8,400 Marauders, Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a public, master’s-level liberal arts PASSHE member with a beautiful 250-acre rural campus among Lancaster County’s rich farmland. Noted as America’s 293rd “Most Conservative College” on Niche, Millersville is ranked the 95th best regional college and 28th top public school in the North by the USNWR. The College of Education and Human Services traces back to 1855 to promote students as teachers, counselors, social workers, nutritionists, and more.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
At Millersville, the Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology spans 120 credits to leave students well-versed in the scientific methodologies utilized to form behavioral theories. Taking a humanistic approach for better cultural sensitivity, the four-year major leads to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.). Students may specialize with the Applied Clinical and Counseling, Business/Industrial-Organizational, Cognitive/Biopsychology, or Gerontology concentrations. There’s also an Honors/Research track for individuals with a cumulative GPA above 3.35. Students are invited to join Active Minds, complete a credit-bearing internship with Aaron’s Acres, and present at the Undergraduate Research Symposium too.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Byerly Hall Room 111
P.O. Box 1002
Millersville, PA 17551
(717) 871-7266
Frederick.Foster-clark@millersville.edu
Misericordia University
College of Arts and Sciences
Sitting atop a 129-acre suburban campus in Dallas near Back Mountain and Wilkes-Barre, Misericordia University is a private, nonprofit Catholic liberal arts institution upholding the Sisters of Mercy’s tradition to educate nearly 3,300. Recognized by the U.S. News as the North’s 44th best college and 25th top value, Misericordia was included in the Princeton Review’s “Best Northeastern” list. The College of Arts and Sciences preserves a 12:1 student-faculty ratio for engaging students in 12 majors, including biochemistry, health humanities, and computer science.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
Adhering to the APA’s guidelines, the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology centers on a 46-credit major for undergraduates to learn the fundamentals of the mind and behavior. Students can declare a Mental Health Interventions Specialization with a Child or Adult focus. The curriculum will cover courses like personality, perception, psychopharmacology, lifespan development, and psychological assessment. Students can receive research grants up to $1,000, attend the biannual Career Dinner, participate in the Mentor Program, study in London, and contribute to The Voices Project (TVP). Some may pursue the 4+1 B.S./M.S. in Organizational Management too.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
301 Lake Street
Dallas, PA 18612
(570) 674-6316
mhiester@misericordia.edu
Moravian College
Undergraduate Studies Division
Opened as America’s first boarding school for woman in 1742, Moravian College has become a private, co-educational liberal arts institution with approximately 1,600 students interacting on an 85-acre urban campus in Bethlehem near St. Luke’s Hospital. Graded A- for value as America’s 159th “Best College with No Application Fee” on Niche, Moravian is deemed the 159th best national liberal arts school by the USNWR. The Undergraduate Studies Division develops students’ passions in 50+ majors from Medieval studies to environmental science.
B.A. in Psychology
Moravian Greyhounds choosing the B.A. in Psychology will develop the fundamental skills to interpret behavior and view people in a different light. Built upon the liberal arts, the nine-course major offers study clusters in Experimental-Cognitive, Clinical-Counseling, Social-Personality, and Developmental Psychology. Thanks to the LVAIC cross-registration, students can also take courses at DeSales and Lehigh University. Majors with a minimum 2.7 GPA can undertake internships with agencies like Valley Youth House. Other opportunities include joining the AAUW, participating in Active Minds, and publishing faculty-led APS research.
B.S. in Neuroscience
Another of Moravian College’s Pennsylvania psychology degrees is the B.S. in Neuroscience, which consists of a 14-course major. Following the motto “Be a Little Revolutionary,” the empirical-based program expands students’ knowledge on the structure and behavioral effects of the central nervous system. Undergraduates master the intricate neural mechanisms with three tracks: Cellular Neurobiology, Behavioral Neuroscience, or Cognitive Neuroscience. Students join the Lehigh Valley Society for Neuroscience Chapter for brain awareness service learning at nearby libraries and schools like William Penn Elementary. There’s also the SOAR program for summer research fellowships, including Carnegie Mellon.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1200 Main Street
Bethlehem, PA 18018
(610) 861-1320
skjohnson@moravian.edu
Mount Aloysius College
Psychology Department
Belong to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, Mount Aloysius College is a private, Catholic liberal arts institution endowed for $15.3 million to educate around 2,900 Mounties from its 193-acre rural campus off Route 22 in scenic Cresson. Named the country’s 145th “Best Catholic College” on Niche, MAC is declared the North’s 29th best regional school by the U.S. News. With a 73 percent acceptance rate, the Psychology Department connects students to doctoral faculty trained at Duquesne, Lehigh, Ohio State, and more.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Earning the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Mount Aloysius will provide a broad-based liberal arts education with preparation for the social and human services. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, the APA-aligned curriculum covers 120 total credits for excellent critical thinking and communication skills. Besides the General track, students can specialize in Counseling, Criminal Justice Addictions, Forensic Investigation, or Human Resources. Emphasis is given on practical applications of psychological knowledge to alleviate human suffering. Service learning projects with organizations like Catholic Charities are arranged. There’s also a 3+2 Occupational Therapy program offered with St. Francis University and Chatham University.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
7373 Admiral Peary Highway
Cresson, PA 16630
(814) 886-4131
DHaschak@mtaloy.edu
Muhlenberg College
Social Sciences Division
Linked to the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), Muhlenberg College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution carrying a $306 million endowment to serve around 2,200 students in the German patriarch’s name from a 75-acre suburban campus in Allentown. Honored on Forbes for having America’s 162nd best value and 192nd most grateful grads, Muhlenberg is the 65th best national liberal arts college according to the USNWR. The Social Sciences Division attains 92 percent of freshmen in majors like anthropology, finance, political thought, and public health.
Psychology Major
Based in Moyer Hall, the Psychology Major confers a Bachelor of Arts or Science to Muhlenberg undergraduates who are fascinated by the brain and behavior. The 10-course major is delivered by an engaged, PhD-level faculty for innovative, community-based learning. For generalist knowledge, students take courses in biological, sociocultural, developmental, and clinical psychology. Upperclassmen can receive research apprenticeships with faculty for LVAIC Consortium research. Majors could also volunteer with Pinebrook Family Answers, experiment with the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP), intern at the SPSSI Central Office, or study abroad in Switzerland.
Neuroscience Major
Muhlenberg’s alternative bachelor’s in psychology degree program in Pennsylvania confers a Neuroscience Major to students interested in the molecular and cellular underpinnings of human or animal behavior. This cross-disciplinary, 15-course major draws seminars from biology, chemistry, mathematics, and psychology for in-depth brain study. Faculty members of the Society for Neuroscience teach students to use EEG equipment hands-on. Students could benefit from spending a Washington Semester, interning at Johnson & Johnson, traveling to the Netherlands, or declaring the Pre-Health Professions track. There’s also a co-operative program with the Temple School of Medicine.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
2400 Chew Street
Allentown, PA 18104
(484) 664-3420
blarimer@muhlenberg.edu
Neumann University
Division of Arts & Sciences
Within the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities (AFCU), Neumann University is a private, co-educational Catholic liberal arts institution sponsored by Archdiocese of Philadelphia since 1965 to educate over 2,200 Knights from a 68-acre suburban campus in Aston. Recognized for Pennsylvania’s 14th “Safest College Campus” on Niche, Neumann is noted for the 143rd best online bachelor’s programs nationally by the U.S. News. The Division of Arts & Sciences embarks students on exciting journeys into arts production, criminal justice, political science, biology, and similar majors.
Psychology, B.A.
Admitting 91 percent of applicants, the Psychology B.A. program at Neumann welcomes diverse students seeking a multi-disciplinary opportunity to better understand why people act and think in certain manners. Following the APA’s undergrad guidelines, the 61-credit major gives students flexible job skills and lifelong respect for human differences. Coursework will delve into clinical counseling, evolutionary psychology, learning theory, motivation, psychobiology, cognition, interpersonal dynamics, and more. Those with a 3.5 GPA or higher could challenge themselves with the University Honors Program. Students may also pledge Delta Epsilon Sigma, volunteer at the Bernadine Center, contribute to the America Reads program, and conduct research for The Catalyst.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1 Neumann Drive
Aston, PA 19014
(610) 558-5616
neumann@neumann.edu
Studying the human mind’s functions is in-demand. The SAMHSA Behavioral Health Barometer shows that 4 percent of Pennsylvania adults are living with serious mental illness. Another 717,00 “Keystone State” residents report alcohol dependence or abuse. Approximately 396,000 adults over 18 had serious thoughts of suicide too. Follow your vocational calling to alleviate human suffering by pursuing bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvanians could also travel across the border for psychology degrees New York. Check out our multiple listings of bachelor’s in psychology degrees New York here.
Related:
Top 20 Most Innovative Psychology Degree Programs