Throughout Montana, interested students can find a myriad of programs offering undergraduate degree programs in psychology. Because so many of Montana’s collegiate level academic institutions are offering bachelor’s degrees in psychology, students have the ability to be choosy when finding a program. Students can choose from online programs, featuring fully online or hybrid learning programs. They can also choose from a general psychology degree or a psychology degree that specializes in one of the many specialty areas of psychology. Students may also decide whether full-time or part-time learning best suits their individual needs. With so many options, there is a degree program that works for each student and each situation.
Carroll College
The Psychology Department
Founded in 1909, Carroll College is a private Catholic liberal arts college located in Montana’s capital city – Helena. Current undergraduate enrollment is over 1,400 students on the 63-acre main campus. Carroll offers academic majors in liberal arts and life sciences, as well as engineering, education, computer science, nursing, ROTC and theology. The college also offers medical pre-professional programs (including pre-Seminary, pre-med, pre-dental, pre-pharmacy and pre-veterinary). In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Carroll College as #1 for Best West Regional Colleges.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides a course of study preparing students for entry into graduate school, employment in programs offering human services or to enter careers that require a deeper understanding of human thinking and behavior. Competencies for graduates of the psychology major includes the following abilities:
- Development of more effective communication, analytical, and critical skill
- Form a solid background in science and the humanities
- Demonstrate a deeper understanding of the major theory, methodology, applications, and databases to understand why we think, feel, and behave as we do
- Commitment to pursue advanced skills in specialized fields of Psychology seeking to improve the human condition
Students in the Psychology program are required additional mathematics requirements. Graduates of the program are prepared to enter employment in public relations, advertising & marketing, community services, human resources, social service, law enforcement, government service, consulting, college admissions, substance abuse, and teaching. Graduates of the program are amply prepared for entry into graduate programs.
Accreditations
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Contact
Carroll College
The Psychology Department
1601 N Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59625
(406) 447-4300
Program Website
Montana State University
College of Letters and Science
Founded in 1893, Montana State University (MSU) is a public coed university and is located in Bozeman Montana. MSU offers bachelor’s degrees in 51 fields, master’s degrees in 41 fields including engineering, education and nursing, and doctoral degrees in 18 fields in its nine colleges. It has a current undergraduate enrollment of more than 15,700 students on the 1,780 acres main campus. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Montana State University as Tier 2 for Best National Universities. The College of Letters and Science is the largest college at Montana State University and offers students liberal arts programs in nearly 50 majors and 25 minors in the humanities, sciences, mathematics and social sciences.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The curriculum that underlies the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology program provides students with a study of the core areas in psychology with an emphasis on scientific theory, terminology, research methodology, and discovery and findings in the science of psychology. Coursework in the psychology major provides a scientific study of social, cognitive, and behavioral processes in humans. Students also have the opportunity to participate in research laboratories and field practicum experiences to gain experience and psychological literacy.
Accreditations
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Montana State University
The Department of Psychology
319 Traphagen Hall
Post Office Box 173440
Bozeman, Montana 59717-3440
(406) 994-3801
E-Mail: psydept@montana.edu
Program Website
Montana State University-Billings
The College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1927 as the Eastern Montana Normal School, Montana State University Billings (MSU Billings) is a coed state university that is located in Billings Montana. The 110-acre main campus offers associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs through the university’s five colleges: Arts & Sciences, Business, Allied Health Professions, Education and City College. It has the third-largest campus population in the Montana State University System. The current undergraduate enrollment is over 4,500 students. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Montana State University-Billings as Tier 2 for Best West Regional Universities. The College of Arts and Sciences offers students the option to pursue a Bachelor’s of Arts or a Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology.
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor Degree Psychology programs at MSU Billings provide students with the skills and knowledge required to enter careers in psychology, or as preparation for graduate school in psychology or related fields. The coursework for the psychology major develops students interpersonal, research, writing, and analytical skills and students have the opportunity to take additional coursework to enhance their skills to meet their specific area of career interest. Additionally, students have the ability to participate in internships. Competencies for graduates of the program have the following competencies:
- Understand the major theories of Psychology
- Understand the scientific processes, including design of research questions, collection, analysis and interpreting data
- Show competency in collecting and analyzing data for a major research project
- Effective collaboration in a professional psychology setting
- Use critical thinking and to effectively communicate both orally and in writing on psychological topics
Students in the BS and BA programs must satisfy specific language requirements and students in the BS program will require 2 additional math and computer science courses.
Accreditations
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Montana State University-Billings
The Psychology Department – The College of Arts and Sciences
1500 University Drive
Billing, Montana 59101-0298
Dr. Michael D. Havens, Chairperson
(406) 657-2242
E-Mail: mhavens@msubillings.edu
Program Website
Rocky Mountain College
The Department of Psychology
Rocky Mountain College is the oldest college in Montana as it was founded in 1878. Located in Billings Montana, Rocky Mountain is a private coed college that offers 50 liberal arts majors and 24 undergraduate disciplines. The college is affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), and the United Church of Christ. The campus is located on 60 acres and the current enrollment is 900 students. In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Rocky Mountain College as the 15th best Western Regional College. The Department of Psychology supports a psychology major that is steeped in the traditions of a strong liberal arts training program.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology provides students with a study of human behavior, including the basic principles, language, and theories of the science of psychology. Coursework teaches students to think critically, evaluate evidence and reasoning, to collect data, design and conduct studies, interpret and apply research, and when research is completed communicate findings effectively both orally and in writing. Learning outcomes for graduates of the psychology program include the following abilities:
- Define basic psychological theory including personality, learning, cognitive, biological/physiological, social, and psychopathological
- Apply scientific inquiry in questions regarding human behavior
- Summarize human development ( physiological, social, and environmental influences) throughout lifespan
- Describe the theories and factors contributing to psychological dysfunction of individuals and families
- Utilize appropriate behavioral statistics (chi square, Mann Whitney, correlation, t test, and ANOVA)
All psychology students are required completion of an internship and psychology majors must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours.
Accreditations
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Rocky Mountain College
The Department of Psychology
1511 Poly Drive
Billings, Montana 59102
(406) 657-1000
E-Mail: admissions@rocky.edu
Program Website
Salish Kootenai College
The Psychology Department
With the main campus on the Flathead reservation in Pablo Montana, Salish Kootenai College is a tribal college offering bachelor’s degrees in the arts and sciences, associate’s degrees in the arts and sciences, associate of applied science degrees as well as certifications. The College serves the Bitterroot, Salish, Kootenai and Pend d’Oreilles tribes. There are three satellite locations in Washington in Colville, Spokane, and Wellpinit. Current enrollment includes 1,207 students and although the college’s primary function is to serve the needs of Native Americans, enrollment is not limited to Native Americans. The Psychology Department offers students the option of pursuing an Association of Arts in Psychology or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Curriculum for the Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology develops student’s skills in writing and communication, and includes the development of interpersonal skills, psychology subject knowledge, and integration of interdisciplinary and cultural content, emphasizing Native American Studies. Students have the opportunity to choose from a variety of elective courses to best meet their individual educational needs and career goals. Requirements for the program include electives in Psychology, Native American Studies, and Focus Courses (these are carefully selected from various departments under advisement of their advisor). Graduates of the program are prepared for entry into graduate school in psychology, counseling, research or other fields or to enter careers in the Mental Health field or any other relevant careers requiring knowledge of human behavior. Competencies for graduates of the program include the following abilities:
- Demonstrate broad-based knowledge base in principles of psychology including to include an awareness of the ethical issues in psychology and counseling
- Development of bachelor’s level skills in communication including:
- writing
- speaking
- computer applications
- interpersonal communication
- Demonstrate an understanding and application of research methodology applicable to Western and Indigenous research
- Apply knowledge of psychology to life situations across a variety of settings and conditions
- Development of self-knowledge as it applies to interpersonal psychology
- Development of flexibility across cultures building upon cultural knowledge and awareness
- Integration of Native American cultural perspectives into knowledge and application of psychology and counseling theory. Apply this knowledge to issues, perspectives, and situations that may be encountered in a reservation setting
Accreditations
American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Salish Kootenai College
The Department of Psychology
Post Office Box 70
58138 US Hwy 93
Pablo, Montana 59855
(406) 275-4800
Program Website
University of Great Falls
The Psychology Department
Founded in 1932, The University of Great Falls is a private Roman Catholic university located in Great Falls. Undergraduate enrollment is over 1,000 students. The mission of the University of Great Falls is to “provide students with the opportunity to obtain a liberal education for living and for making a living.”
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of Great Falls as the 29th best Western Regional College. Students pursuing a degree from the Psychology Department can choose from a generalist program as well as several concentration areas.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in psychology program provides students with a study of the scientific approach in looking at human behavior and mental processes. Psychology provides a better understanding of the relationship between biological and social sciences. Students better understand facts and theories of biological heritage, their relationship to the environment, and the social world. Students learn how to apply the scientific method to understand the aspects of human nature. Coursework provides an emphasis on scientific theory to better understand and evaluate others. Highlights of the program include the ability to choose from four areas of concentration and one general concentration, including:
- Helping Skills Concentration
- Social Services Concentration
- Forensic Psychology Concentration
- Psychological Psychology Concentration
- Generalist Concentration
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter a variety of careers including:
- mental health
- educational services
- social services
- welfare
- corrections
- human services
Graduates are also prepared to enter graduate programs in:
- counseling
- psychology
- criminal justice
- sociology
- business administration
- health care
Accreditations
Northwestern Association of Schools and Colleges (NWASC)
Contact
University of Great Falls
The Department of Psychology
1301 20th Street South
Great Falls, Montana 59405
(800) 856-9544
E-Mail Form
Program Website
University of Montana
The College of Humanities and Sciences, Department of Psychology
Founded in 1893, the University of Montana (U Montana) is a coed public research University located in Missoula. It’s the largest institution of the four campuses comprising the University of Montana Systems.
The University of Montana is comprised of six colleges and three independent schools including:
- College of Humanities & Sciences
- the Phyllis J. Washington College of Education and Human Sciences
- the College of Forestry and Conservation
- the College of Health Professions and Biomedical Sciences
- the College of Visual and Performing Arts
- the UM School of Law
- the UM School of Business
- the UM School of Journalism
- the UM School of Extended and Lifelong Learning
- Missoula College
- Bitterroot College
Undergraduate enrollment is about 9,500 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of Montana as Tier 2 for Best National Universities. The Department of Psychology awards bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in clinical, experimental and school psychology. It also has an MA/EdS in School Psychology program.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program helps students gain a better understanding of the principles of psychology, the science of the behavior of humans and other animals. The coursework includes the use of scientific methods to better understand the causes and purposes of behavior. Graduates are prepared to pursue research and its application in:
- academia
- business
- government
- health
- military
- social service
Graduates of this program are also prepared for entry into graduate programs in relevant areas of Psychology.
Accreditations
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
University of Montana
The Department of Psychology
Skaggs Building Room 143
Missoula, Montana 59812-1584
(406) 243-4521
E-Mail: PsychologyDepartment@umontana.edu
Program Website
Montana is home to many different undergraduate psychology programs. With variations in how, when, where and what degree you can earn, each student can find the ideal program. Even for students who work full-time, are raising children, live in another state or country, there is a program that can help you earn your degree. Whether you want to earn a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts, you can find the right program. Regardless of whether you need an on-campus program or a fully online program, there is a program for you.