The state of New Hampshire offers students a wide variety if options when choosing how to earn their undergraduate psychology degree. As each student embarks upon a new collegiate endeavor they have to make several decisions about what works best for them. Is an online learning environment or traditional on campus experience the best fit? Would they prefer to earn a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degree? Is a general psychology degree preferable or would finding a program offering specialization in one of the specialty areas of psychology better suits them? Will they be able to complete their degree program on a full-time basis or do they need to apply to a part-time program?
By answering these very important questions, each student can find the ideal program for their academic and career needs.
Plymouth State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1871, Plymouth State University is a small public coed university in Plymouth. The university is part of the University System of New Hampshire. Enrollment is about 4,500 undergraduate and 2,500 graduate students. The university offers:
- nearly 50 undergraduate majors
- more than 60 minors
- an innovative University Studies program
- 75 graduate degree and certificate programs
In 2016, US News and World Reports ranked Plymouth State University as the 100th best Northern Regional University. The College of Arts and Sciences provides liberal arts programs in:
- the humanities
- social sciences
- fine arts
- mathematics
- sciences
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program gives students a broad exposure to the history, theories, research methods and practical applications of contemporary psychology. The BA requires students to complete a foreign language prerequisite. They also must complete a capstone experience, such as:
- an advanced seminar
- independent research
- applied internship
The BA in Psychology program prepares students who want to pursue psychology with a focus on:
- social and human services
- industrial settings
- laboratories
It is also an excellent preparation for students who want to pursue graduate school in psychology or a related field.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The BS in Psychology program provides students with a core education in the disciplines of psychology focused on the individual. It deals with every aspect, from brain and neurological functions to the social and environmental influence on human behavior and thoughts. Areas of study include:
- Animal Behavior
- Experimental psychology
- Abnormal psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Developmental psychology
- Social and Cognitive psychology
- Understanding Personality
- Industrial/organizational psychology
The program also includes the opportunity to pursue an emphasis in mental health or developmental psychology.
The Mental Health concentration provides specialized courses in Community Mental Health and Techniques of Psychotherapy. There is a practicum in a mental health setting.
The Developmental Option focuses on the developmental issues across the lifespan including:
- Prenatal and Infant Development
- Adolescent Psychology
- Adulthood and Aging
Students in the concentration must complete an internship in an applied setting. There is no foreign language requirement.
Accreditations
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Plymouth State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
The Department of Psychology
Chair: Brian Healy
MSC 31 – Hyde Hall, Room 401
17 High Street
Plymouth, NH 03264
(603) 535-2203
E-Mail:cjmelanson@plymouth.edu
Program Website
Rivier University
The Department of Psychology
Rivier University was founded in 1933 by the Sisters of the Presentation of Mary and Sister Madeleine of Jesus. Its a private Catholic coed universityNashua. Rivier University enrolls more than 2,500 students. The School of Undergraduate Studies includes traditional day programs and a Professional Studies Division for undergraduate online and evening programs. It also includes the School of Graduate Studies.
Rivier is a member of the New Hampshire College and University Council, a consortium of institutions of higher learning. The university offers traditional courses, online courses, and hybrid courses.
In 2016, US News and World Report ranked Rivier University as Tier 2 for Best Northern Regional Universities. The Psychology department includes bachelor of arts or bachelor of science programs.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program includes a study of the science of human behavior and mental processes. This gives students a better understanding of how the body and the mind work. Students develop strong analytical skills as well as becoming effective communicators and creative problem solvers. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in:
- healthcare
- social services
- education
- business
- government agencies
Positions in these areas are numerous:
- program directors
- social work managers
- juvenile justice workers
- mental health counselors
- residential counselors
- probation and parole officers
- sales representatives
- market researchers
Bachelor of Arts in Human Development
The BA in Human Development curriculum studies individual, family, and group dynamics. It provides an in-depth understanding of human behavior. Coursework includes areas of study including:
- education
- psychology
- sociology
- social work
Students can choose a range of elective courses to meet their educational and career goals. Students must complete a 25-hour field experience working with children and youth with special needs. This gives them a more comprehensive understanding of individual and family development across lifespans. Students are also encouraged to engage in global and study abroad experiences.
Graduates of the program are prepared to enter careers in:
- healthcare
- social services
- education
- business
- government
They are also prepared to pursue graduate studies.
Accreditations
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Rivier University
The Psychology Department
420 South Main Street
Nashua, New Hampshire 03060
(603) 897-8507
E-Mail: admissions@rivier.edu
Program Website
Saint Anselm College
The Department of Psychology
Saint Anselm College is a private coed Catholic, liberal arts college located in Goffstown. Saint Anselm is the third-oldest Catholic college in New England and was named for Saint Anselm of Canterbury. Saint Anselm Abbey, a fully functional and independent Benedictine abbey is attached to the college. The undergraduate enrollment is more than 2,000 students. Varsity athletics compete in 20 intercollegiate sports in the Northeast 10 Athletics Conference in NCAA Division II.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Saint Anselm College as the 112th best National Liberal Arts College. The Department of Psychology supports one of the most popular majors at Saint Anselm.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a core understanding of the disciplines in psychology, the science of human and animal behavior. Coursework help students gain a general understanding in three different areas of study:
- Brain & Behavior
- Development & Potential
- Society & Relationships
Students participate in hands-on laboratory and fieldwork experiences, gaining competency and skills in psychology. Curriculum for the program prepares students for graduate studies in a variety of fields for entry into the workforce.
Accreditations
The New England Association of Schools and College (NEASC)
Contact
Saint Anselm College
The Psychology Department
100 Saint Anselm Drive
Box 1655
Manchester, New Hampshire 03102
(603) 641-7131
E-mail: psychology@anselm.edu
Program Website
Southern New Hampshire University
The School of Arts and Sciences
Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private nonprofit, coeducational university. It’s located between Manchester and Hooksett. Undergraduate enrollment is about 4,000 students. Undergraduates can choose from more than 100 degree programs. In addition to traditional day courses, the university offers evening and weekend schedules, online programs and a combination of both.
The College Unbound@SNHU program allows students to earn a Bachelor of Arts in integrated studies in three years, completing assignments both on and off campus. There are also apprenticeships and internships. In 2016, Southern New Hampshire University ranked 131st for best Northern Regional Universities.
More than 90 percent of students receive some form of financial aid and students with a GPA of 2.5 and higher can receive up to $18,000 in grants and scholarships. The School of Arts and Sciences provides a curriculum to address how to manage a complex world and to live effectively.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a core understanding of human behavior and mental processes. Students gain the skills and knowledge of the major concepts in psychology including, human behavior and research methods. Student develop critical thinking and skills needed to communicate effectively in a variety of formats.
Additionally, students can tailor their program to meet their specific career and educational goals by choosing electives focused on a specific area in psychology. Graduates are prepared to enter careers in community, school and business settings as well as entry into graduate studies. Students can choose an area of concentration including:
- Child and Adolescent Development
- Forensic Psychology
- Mental Health
Competencies for graduates of the program include the following:
- Understand human thought and behavior concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, trends and ethical issues
- Demonstrate psychological knowledge, skills and values during experiential learning experiences
- Show insight in behaviors and mental processes and apply effective management and improvement strategies
- Apply fundamental research methods in psychology, research design, data analysis and interpretation
- Use major research methodologies to critique, analyze and interpret results of psychological research
- Display effective written and oral communication skills, correct use of APA format and extensive computer skills
Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
Southern New Hampshire University
The Department of Psychology
2500 North River Road
Manchester, New Hampshire 03106
(603) 668-2211
E-Mail: a.martino@snhu.edu
Program Website
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
The Department of Psychology
The urban campus of the University of New Hampshire is known as the University of New Hampshire Manchester. It’s a public coed university. The school was founded in 1985 as the sixth college and first branch campus of the University of New Hampshire. Other colleges in the University of New Hampshire include:
- the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences
- the College of Liberal Arts
- the College of Life Sciences and Agriculture
- the Thompson School of Applied Science
- the College of Health and Human Services
- the Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics
- the School of Law
There are more than 130,000 alumni worldwide. The student enrollment is over 12,000 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of New Hampshire as 103rd for best National Universities.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program studies the science behind the human mind and human behavior. Students participate in research labs and field experiences to broaden their learning experience. Students develop a core foundation in psychology, including:
- neuropsychology
- counseling
- developmental psychology
Graduates are prepared to enter graduate programs in psychology-related fields, or begin careers including:
- research assistant
- mental health worker
- social welfare caseworker
- teaching
Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
University of New Hampshire at Manchester
The Psychology Department
88 Commercial Street
Manchester, NH 03101
(603) 641-4101
E-Mail Form
Program Website
University of New Hampshire at Durham
The College of Liberal Arts
Founded in 1866, the University of New Hampshire is a public institution located in the city of Durham. The university offers students more than 2,000 courses and 100 majors, including graduate studies. Students can participate in 200 student organizations. The varsity sports teams compete in the Division I collegiate division. The undergraduate enrollment is nearly 13,000 students and 1,200 graduate students.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the University of New Hampshire as the 103rd best National University. The College of Liberal Arts provides students the opportunity to study:
- humanities
- social sciences
- fine and performing arts
- education
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a broad based education in psychology. Students can choose specific areas of concentration to meet career and educational goals. Students get a comprehensive look into the scientific study of behavior and a deeper understanding of behavior in humans and animals.
The psychology major includes:
- 12 credits of core coursework
- 32 credits of general psychology courses
- a capstone course
- completion of an internship
Psychology majors may also earn their Bachelor of Arts with Honors in Psychology by taking honors courses and completing a Senior Honors Thesis. Undergraduate psychology majors have the opportunity to present their research at the annual Haslerud Conference, sponsored by the Psychology Department.
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and Behavior
The BS in Neuroscience and Behavior provides a curriculum of study in the disciplines important in the understanding of brain function. The intercollege Neuroscience and Behavior coursework studies topics in neurobiology with elements of psychology and cognitive science. Graduates are prepared to enter graduate programs in:
- behavior
- neuroscience
- pharmacology
- medicine
The BS in Neuroscience and Behavior is offered in conjunction with the Psychology and Biological Sciences departments. Students already enrolled who intend on participating in the program should consult their Psychology Department coordinator. Incoming freshman and students may declare this major at the time of admission to the University.
Accreditations
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
Contact
University of New Hampshire at Durham
The Psychology Department
468 McConnell Hall
15 Academic Way
Durham, New Hampshire
(603) 862-2360
E-Mail: susan.moore@unh.edu
Program Website
Because New Hampshire has so many colleges and universities to choose from, students interested in a bachelor’s degree in psychology must find a program that suits their goals. Some students may find that an online or hybrid learning environment is a good fit. Others may do better in a traditional classroom setting. Students should consider their career goals and make a decision between a bachelor of arts and a bachelor of science, as well as whether a generalized degree or specialized degree is the best fit.
There are many additional considerations to make including tuition, how much financial aid they can receive, full or part time and many more. However, by answering the most pertinent questions each student can find the undergraduate psychology program in New Hampshire that will work for them.