Throughout the state of New Jersey students have many option to choose from psychology degree. These colleges and universities vary from larger, research universities to smaller, more intimate liberal arts colleges. Many of these schools have the flexibility in programs that allow students to find a degree that matches their academic and career goals.
While many schools offer undergraduate training in general psychology, there are programs that will allow you to choose an area of specialization. Additionally, you can choose whether a bachelor of arts (BA) or a bachelor of science (BS). Students completing a BA Degree will be required to complete a foreign language course requirement. Students opting for the BS course of study will not need to complete the foreign language requirement. Instead, they are required to complete additional math and science courses. Often the BS degree is considered preferable for students who plan to pursue graduate study in psychology or a related field.
Bloomfield College
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Founded in 1868, Bloomfield College is a four-year private liberal arts college located in Bloomfield. The college is affiliated to the Presbyterian Church through the Synod of the Northeast. It’s a member of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities. Bloomfield offers academic programs leading to the bachelor of arts and bachelor of science degrees. Undergraduate enrollment is over 2,000 students. The mission is “preparing students to attain academic, personal and professional excellence in a multicultural and global society.”
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Bloomfield College as Tier 2 for Best National Liberal Arts Colleges. The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers programs in:
- political science
- psychology
- sociology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology degree program provides a study of behavior and the internal and external factors that influence it. Coursework provides a foundation in the research methodology, biological, developmental, and cognitive bases of behavior. Electives from the program include courses in:
- abnormal
- social
- personality
- multicultural
- animal behavior
- industrial/organizational psychology
Additionally, Psychology majors can choose a specific area of concentration including the following:
- General Psychology
- Diversity Training
- Human Services Studies
Students in the psychology major are also required to take the following general education courses, including innovative courses like:
- Geographies of Experience
- Enhanced Analytic & Argumentative Writing
- Synthesis & Research Writing
- Aesthetic Appreciation Competency
- Scientific & Technical Skills Competency
- Multi/Transcultural & Global Awareness Competency
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Competency
- Problem Solving & Critical Thinking Competency
Accreditations
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSCHE)
Contact
Bloomfield College
The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Zachary Aidala, Ph.D. – Assistant Professor of Psychology
59 Fremont – Room 207
Bloomfield, New Jersey 07003
(973) 748-9000 ext. 1105
E-Mail: zachary_aidala@bloomfield.edu
Program Website
Caldwell College
The Department of Psychology and Counseling
Founded in 1939 by the Sisters of Saint Dominic, Caldwell University is a Catholic coed liberal arts university in Caldwell. The school is located in suburban New Jersey about 20 miles from Manhattan. It offers
25 undergraduate and 30 graduate programs, including:
- doctoral
- master’s
- certificates
- certification programs
- online options
The mission of the college is “preparing students for today’s global marketplace and to promote intellectual, spiritual, and aesthetic growth to a diverse population and welcomes all cultures and faith traditions.”
Undergraduate enrollment is over 1,600 students. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Caldwell University as the 103rd best Northern Regional University. Students in the Department of Psychology and Counseling can choose from multiple options and tracks. Undergraduates can pursue a double major in psychology and art. Qualified psychology majors may also take a combined bachelor’s-master’s degree program.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a core understanding of psychological science and thought. Learning outcomes for the program include the following:
- The ability to apply theory to applications in real life
- Understand the psychological principles of human behavior within a historical perspective
- Understand methods and statistical techniques in behavioral science research
- Ability for communicate orally and in written form
- Understand and apply theory that is related to lifespan from prenatal development through late adulthood
Curriculum for the program required completion of 120 credits including the following:
- 49 credits of Core Liberal Arts Courses
- 30 credits of Psychology courses
- 41 credits of open electives
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MCHE)
Contact
Caldwell College
The Department of Psychology and Counseling
120 Bloomfield Avenue
Caldwell, New Jersey 07006
(973) 618-3000
E-Mail: admissions@caldwell.edu
Program Website
Centenary College
The Behavioral and Historical Studies
Founded in 1867 as the Centenary Collegiate Institute by the Newark Methodist Episcopal Church, Centenary College is a private coed institution in Newark. Undergraduate enrollment is over 1,600 students.
In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Centenary College as Tier 2 for Best North Regional Universities. The mission is to be a “inclusive and collaborative learning community dedicated to preparing its students to enter society as professional and global citizens by providing experiences that foster skills of critical thought and purposeful action.”
Students in the Behavioral Department can choose from multiple tracks. Undergraduates can choose a double major pairing psychology and art. Qualified psychology majors may also pursue a combined bachelor’s-master’s degree program.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a study of the principle theories of human thought, behavior, and emotion across the lifespan. The major provides the fundamental knowledge and marketable skills essential to pursuing graduate studies. The major in psychology provides a liberal arts foundation with career concentration with four courses in either another discipline or a specific area of psychology.
Career concentrations include:
- Generalist
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Students can participate in research opportunities on campus or internships for academic credit for:
- regional clinical
- health care
- criminal justice
- social service agencies and organizations
A required Senior Research Seminar culminates the student’s experiences.
Accreditations
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Centenary College
The School of Behavioral and Historical Studies
400 Jefferson Street
Hackettstown, NJ 07840
(908) 852-1400
E-Mail: admissions@centenarycollege.edu
Program Website
College of Saint Elizabeth
The Psychology Department
Founded in 1899 by the Sisters of Charity, the College of Saint Elizabeth is located in Morristown, about one hour from New York City. The undergraduate enrollment is about 900 students. Students can choose from bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs. There are also various professional certifications and certificates. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the College of St. Elizabeth as the 112th best Northern Regional University.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology curriculum provides students with a core understanding of:
- human behavior
- the role of psychology in everyday life
- the importance of social justice
Students can design and conduct original research studies and present their findings at local and national conferences. They can also participate in internships at places like:
- Jersey Battered Women’s Service
- NJ AIDS Services and Avenel STU.
Graduates of the BA in Psychology will have the following abilities:
- Show a mastery of a basic core of psychological knowledge and theory
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of scientific methodology
- Show development of interpersonal and intercultural sensitivity
- Appropriately apply learned knowledge in Psychology
- Demonstrate understand of ethical issues and standards of psychology
- Integrate learning in psychology within the needs of an urban society
Accreditations
Middle States Association of Colleges and Universities (MSACU)
Contact
College of Saint Elizabeth
The Psychology Department
Michelle Barrett, Ph.D. – Undergraduate Director
2 Convent Road
Henderson Hall 222D
Morristown, NJ 07960-6989
(973) 290-4027
E-Mail: mbarrett01@cse.edu
Program Website
Drew University
The College of Liberal Arts
Founded in 1867, Drew University is a private coed institution located in Madison. The university’s nickname is “University in the Forest” because it is located on a secluded wooded 186-acre campus. Enrollment for Drew University is around 2,000 students at:
- the College of Liberal Arts
- the Drew Theological School
- the Caspersen School of Graduate Studies
The Drew Theological School is the 3rd oldest of the 13 Methodist seminaries affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The seminary includes 436 students engaging in the academic study of ministry and theology. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Drew University as the 112th best National Liberal Arts College. The College of Liberal Arts has programs offering concentrations in:
- the natural sciences
- social sciences
- languages and literatures
- humanities and the arts
- several interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary fields
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology program provides students with a study of the disciplines of psychology, the scientific study of behavior and mind. Emphasis is on theory and practice of psychology preparing students to pursue careers from private practice to university settings. Graduates are prepared to enter graduate school in:
- clinical psychology
- cognitive psychology
- social psychology
Requirements for the psychology major includes completion of 48 credits from the following:
- 24 credits of core curriculum including:
- Intro to Statistics
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Intro to Psychology
- Psychology Preceptorial
- Biological Psychology
- 8 credits of electives l including:
- Infancy
- Childhood and Adolescence
- Adulthood
- Theories of Personality
- Abnormal Psychology
- 8 credits of electives II including:
- Learning and Behavior
- Cognition
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- 4 credits for elected seminar
- 2 additional credits in Lab Experiences
- 2 credit capstone course
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Drew University
The College of Liberal Arts
36 Madison Avenue
Madison, New Jersey 07940
(973) 408-3000
E-Mail: email to cadm@drew.edu
Program Website
Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Department of Psychology and Counseling
Founded in 1942, Fairleigh Dickinson University is New Jersey’s largest coed private institution of higher education. Enrollment is about 12,000 students. The university has two campuses in New Jersey– Madison and Florham Park. Fairleigh Dickinson has campuses in Oxford shire in England and British Columbia in Canada.
The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs Students can pursue quality career-oriented programs on schedules flexible enough to meet their specific needs through daytime, evenings and weekends programs. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Fairleigh Dickinson University as the 83rd best Northern Regional University.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology degree program offers students a broad background in psychology, the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The coursework allows students to gain core competencies, including research skills and interpersonal skills. Students are also prepared for entry into graduate study. The major in psychology requires a minimum of 32 credits of coursework in psychology including the following:
- General Psychology
- Psychological Statistics
- Experimental Psychology
- Schools of Psychology
In addition, students are required one course from each of the following areas:
- Experimental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
- Industrial Psychology
Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
Fairleigh Dickinson University
The Department of Psychology and Counseling
Dr. Anthony Tasso, Department Chair
285 Madison Ave – M-AB2-01
Madison, NJ 07940
(973) 443-8094
E-Mail: atasso@fdu.edu
Program Website
Across the state, more and more students are choosing to major in psychology, making it one of the largest majors at many schools. A BA or BS in psychology is an ideal start for those who plan to pursue a career as a professional psychologist. It is also a way to start down the path of many career choices. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in psychology have gone on to careers in:
- nursing
- law
- medicine
- business
- human resources and many others
The curriculum in most undergraduate psychology programs is specific enough to prepare future psychologists but general enough to allow you to branch out if that is what you choose.