The state of New Jersey is full of various colleges and universities offering undergraduate training in psychology. Many students pursue a degree in psychology, which is why it is one of the largest majors at many schools. This is partly because a bachelor’s degree in psychology is the first step to becoming a professional psychologist. However, there are many other reasons to pursue this degree path. One is to pursue immediate entrance into the work force. This can be done in fields related to psychology like a mental health technician or career counselor. It can also be entrance into a field like business or human resources. Another option available upon completion of an undergraduate psychology degree is pursuing graduate training in any of these areas. A psychology degree from an accredited school can be the start of so many areas of work or further education.
Princeton University
Department of Psychology
Princeton University was founded in 1746 as the College of New Jersey. It is now a private Ivy League University located in Princeton. It is one of the nine Colonial Colleges that were established before the American Revolution. Princeton provides undergraduate and graduate programs in:
- the humanities
- social sciences
- natural sciences
- engineering
Undergraduate enrollment is over 5,000 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Princeton University as 1st for Best National Universities. The Princeton University Department of Psychology is one of the most highly regarded psychology departments in the country.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program for students who want a deeper understanding of the mechanisms responsible for mental processes and human behavior. Coursework for the psychology major provides a core foundation in:
- empirical findings
- research methods
- quantitative analyses
- formal theories essential to modern psychological science
Graduates of the program have a mastery of the core principles defining psychological function. The program also studies more complex functions such as:
- decision making
- reasoning
- language
- social interaction
Students are required to have a mastery of statistics as psychological science involves working with large and complex datasets. Students have numerous opportunities to participate in research in psychological science. This helps prepare them to enter graduate studies or enter such careers as:
- data science
- policymaking
- teaching
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Princeton University
The Department of Psychology
Princeton, NJ 08540
(609) 258-4442
E-Mail: psych@princeton.edu
Program Website
Ramapo College of New Jersey
The School of Social Science and Human Services
Founded in 1969, Ramapo College of New Jersey is a public coed Liberal Arts University. It’s located in Mahwah. It has an undergraduate enrollment of about 5,700 students. Undergraduates can choose from more than 40 programs in five schools.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Ramapo College as the 26th best Northern Regional College. The School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) enrolls over 1600 students in its degree and certification programs. It offers students:
- 6 majors
- 8 minors
- teacher education program
- Master of Science in Educational Technology
- Master of Arts in Sustainability Studies
- Master of Arts in Educational Leadership
- Master’s in Special Education
- Master of Social Work program.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program allows students to study:
- human cognition
- emotion
- experience
- behavior
The program provides coursework in the science and the profession of psychology. It also includes the connections between psychology and other disciplines to promote critical reasoning. The program trains students in:
- theoretical orientations
- research methods,
- human diversity issues
Students must participate in fieldwork and independent study to gain hands-on experience in the practice of psychology. In fieldwork, students can work in a mental health or educational agency in the community such as a school for special children. An independent research course allows students to design and implement their own original research. Successful completion of the program prepares graduates to enter careers in human-service professions. They are also prepared to enter graduate work in psychology.
Accreditations
Middle States Commission of Colleges and Schools (MSCCS)
Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges (CPLAC)
Contact
Ramapo College of New Jersey
The School of Social Science and Human Services
505 Ramapo Valley Road
Mahwah, New Jersey 07430
(201) 684-7500
E-Mail: info@ramapo.edu
Rider University
The Department of Psychology
Founded in 1865, Rider University is a private coeducational university with the main campus located in Lawrenceville New Jersey, with a second campus location in Princeton. Rider’s 5,400 students are enrolled in more than 67 undergraduate programs and 35 graduate programs in business administration, education, liberal arts, sciences, fine and performing arts, counseling, and leadership through five colleges and schools. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Rider University as the 22nd best Northern Regional University. The Department of Psychology at Rider provides students with a broad foundation in the field of psychology preparing them for graduate school and a fulfilling career.
Bachelor of in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology emphasizes the scientific foundations of the discipline of Psychology and its application in addressing real-world problems. Graduates of the Psychology major are prepared with the following abilities:
- Evaluate advantages and disadvantages of different research methods (including experimental and correlational studies, observational studies, psychological testing, and case studies) to plan, conduct, and evaluate the results of a research project
- Show knowledge regarding human service aspects of psychology, and develop skills required for organizational, educational, and clinical settings
- Develop and apply oral, written, analytical, and critical thinking skills to psychological issues, questions, and problems
- Evaluate and apply psychological knowledge in solving real world problems (may include participation in internships, community-based research, inquiry-based approaches to learning, field research or applied research)
- Develop interpersonal knowledge through academic experiences and extra-curricular activities that foster self-awareness and personal growth, the development of leadership skills, and a respect and understanding for human development and human diversity.
Students in the program encouraged to participate in numerous research projects available through the Psychology Department. Students have coauthored journal publications with the faculty and presented papers at regional and national conferences.
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
National Accreditation of School Psychologists (NASP)
Contact
Rider University
Lawrenceville Campus
2083 Lawrenceville Road
Lawrenceville, New Jersey 08648
(609) 896-5000
Princeton Campus
101 Walnut Lane
Princeton, New Jersey 08540
E-Mail: admissions@rider.edu
Program Website
Rowan University
The Department of Psychology
Founded in 1923 as Glassboro Normal School, Rowan University is a public coed university located in Glassboro New Jersey and with a satellite campus located in Camden New Jersey. In 2012, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University opened the Cooper Medical School of Rowan becoming the first public medical school in New Jersey that is not associated with the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Current total undergraduate enrollment is more than 14, 000 students on the campus 800 acre main campus. The university includes 13 colleges and schools and offers 80 bachelor’s, 60 master’s and 5 doctoral degree programs. Glassboro offers students accredited programs in business, education, engineering and medicine. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Rowan University as the 19th best Northern Regional College. The Department of Psychology is located in the College of Science and Mathematics and offers students a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (33 credits) and a Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science (60 credits) as well as a concentration in Neuroscience and a Specialization in Behavioral Services for Children and their Families.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) with a Psychology major is designed to provide students with a core foundation in psychology preparing them to enter a variety of professionals as well as entry into graduate school. The BA in Psychology requires completion of 33 credits allowing students the opportunity to choose a specific specialization including the following:
The Specialization in Behavioral Services for Children and their Families provides coursework for a specific form of psychology known as Applied Behavior Analysis or “ABA”. This form of psychology is often applicable when working with children and their families. It is also used when working with children and adults with developmental disabilities (including Autism Spectrum Disorders), behavior disorders, and even with typically developing children in educational settings. After completing the specialization courses (along with 1000 hours of supervised clinical experience) students are eligible to become a Board Certified assistant Behavior Analyst.
The Concentration in Neuroscience provides coursework specifically designed for students interested in the interdisciplinary study of molecular, structural, chemical, cognitive, physiological, and behavioral aspects of the brain and the nervous system. There are 6 courses required in the program (19-20 credits). The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires additional math and science requirements
Bachelor of Science in Psychological Science
The BS in Psychological Science is for those students who want to pursue careers that are research-oriented. Some careers may require graduate level training such as:
- experimental psychology
- clinical psychology
- the medical field
The degree requires completion of additional psychology coursework and practical experiences in both research methods and statistics. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter competitive research-oriented graduate training and careers. The BS in Psychological Science requires a minimum of 60 credits in psychology of the total 120 credits required to graduate. Students can choose a concentration in Neuroscience.
Curriculum for the Concentration in Neuroscience is for students interested in the study of the various aspects of the brain and nervous system. This concentration is open to students in psychology, biological sciences, or other majors with interest in this field. There are 6 courses required to complete the concentration (19-20 credits).
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Rowan University
The Department of Psychology
MaryLouise Kerwin, Chair
Robinson Hall
201 Mullica Hill Road
Glassboro, New Jersey 08028
(856) 256-4870
E-Mail: psychadvising@rowan.edu
Program Website
Rutgers University – Camden
The School of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1927, Rutgers University-Camden is one of the three regional campuses of Rutgers University. It’s a public coeducational research university. Rutgers–Camden offers students more than:
- 40 majors
- 50 minors
- 29 graduate programs
The university enrolls more than 4,800 students . In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Camden as the 36th best Northern Regional University. The Psychology Department at Rutgers-Camden offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree.
Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program provides students with a core understanding of:
- psychological theories
- research methods in psychology
- how psychology can be applied to understand and improve the quality of life
The psychology major studies the science of mind and behavior. It requires completion of a minimum of 40 credits, including 13 credits in required courses and 27 credits in psychology electives. Graduates of the Psychology Major will have the following abilities:
- Core knowledge of the fundamental concepts and theories of psychology
- Basic understanding of the methods used to examine psychological processes
- A mastery of discipline specific skills in reading, writing and analysis
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Rutgers University Camden
Department of Psychology
Dr. Naomi Marmorstein, Chair
344 Armitage Hall
311 North Fifth Street
Camden, New Jersey 08102
(856) 225-6434
E-Mail: jacdunn@camden.rutgers.edu
Program Website
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
Psychology Department
Founded in 1766, Rutgers University-New Brunswick is a public coed university. It’s the oldest campus location of Rutgers University with other campus locations in Camden and Newark. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick as the 72nd best National University.
The Psychology Department at Rutgers is made up of professional faculty in:
- developmental
- perceptual
- social psychology
- cognitive neuroscience
Members of the department participate in research collaborations providing invaluable hands-on lab experience to undergraduates, and fostering student involvement in research. Psychology is the number one major at the University.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a curriculum of study in the mental function and behavior of the individual. Coursework for the discipline ranges from the biological basis of behavior to the study of the individual in a social context. The BA in Psychology requires a minimum of 41 credits to complete the program. The major prepares students to enter careers in the social service industry. It also provides a solid foundation for graduate study in the field as either a clinical or research practitioner. Goals for the program include the following:
- Psychology majors have a core understanding of the biological basis of behavior and factors contributing to the positive and negative outcomes of such behavior.
- Students develop awareness and familiarity of the scientific study of human behavior
- The ability to understand and apply scientific methods used in psychological research with required skills using statistical and experimental methods.
- Higher-Order cognitive skills using:
- thought
- scientific curiosity
- critical thinking
- analytical skills
- the ability to apply psychological theory to personal, organizational, and social issues
Through required fieldwork, psychology majors have opportunities to work at an internship site under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional. This fieldwork experience allows students to apply their background knowledge of psychology in a professional setting.
Bachelor of Science in Psychiatric Rehabilitation/Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology is a joint degree program offered by the Rutgers School of Health Related Professions.It’s in partnership with several affiliate schools including:
- Rutgers Newark College of Arts and Sciences
- Kean University
- Georgian Court University
- Felician College
The BS in Psychiatric Rehabilitation and Psychology program prepares students to become entry-level roles in psychiatric rehabilitation and community mental health settings. Coursework for the program provides students with the skills and knowledge required to provide state-of-the-art services to persons living with serious mental illnesses.
Emphasis for the dual degree program is on person-centered practices that promote:
- wellness
- recovery
- community integration
Graduates are prepared to pursue various graduate degree options. These include programs in:
- psychiatric rehabilitation
- rehabilitation counseling
- psychology and related disciplines
Psychiatric rehabilitation and psychology dual majors take five semesters of coursework in Newark College of Arts and Sciences. Once they have completed all degree and major requirements, students must apply during their junior year to transfer to School of Health Related Professions
Bachelor of Arts/Master of Arts in Psychology
A dual BA/ MA in psychology enables students to develop research and technical expertise. This gives them a competitive edge to enter top doctoral programs and to enter careers requiring training in behavioral and social science. These include:
- corporate research
- research support
Students can take master’s level courses under the supervision of a faculty mentor during their fourth year, thereby completing all of the BA/MA requirements by the end of the fifth year.
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
The Psychology Department
Psychology Building
Busch Campus
152 Frelinghuysen Road
Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020
(848) 445-2576
E-Mail Form
Program Website
What all of these schools have in common is the ability to offer students a flexible, easily accessible psychology degree. Whether you are hoping to use your bachelor’s as a terminal degree and enter the work force, or you plan to apply to graduate school, an undergraduate psychology degree can get you there. Students graduating with these degrees can continue their career in the field of psychology or they can take their education and apply it many different fields of study or employment. Some of these include:
- medicine
- nursing
- law
- law enforcement
- business and many more
An accredited undergraduate psychology degree from one of New Jersey’s many collegiate institutions is an excellent start to many different career paths.
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