Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in New York – CUNY Part I

psychology colleges in nyc

New York is a state with a wide variety of options for students hoping to pursue an undergraduate degree in Psychology. Each student who plans to begin their college education will have a number of decisions to make when they set out to find an ideal college or university within the City University of New York System.

The first  question to ask is whether a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science is the best fit. While some larger schools will offer both options, many programs can offer only one or the other. Which degree you pursue should be largely dependent upon your career goals.

The next question is whether you plan to work toward a general psychology degree or whether you hope to specialize in a specific specialty area of psychology, such as developmental, experimental or industrial/organizational psychology.

Additionally, the student should consider the option of online versus traditional on-campus learning. Finally, each student must take a look at their life, their obligations, and their family to figure out whether a full-time program or a part-time (weekend or evening) program will be a better fit.

CUNY – Baruch College

The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences

Founded in 1919, Baruch College is part of the City University of New York System. It enrolls more than 14,800 undergraduate and 3,200 graduate students on the 3-acre main campus. The college is located in midtown Manhattan in New York and has been named one of the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. More than 110 languages and more than 170countries represented. Baruch’s mission is “providing a core a foundation in business and professional education as well as the arts and sciences”.

In 2016, US News & World Report ranked CUNY-Baruch College as 32nd for Best Northern Regional Universities. The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences provides students with more than 50 areas of study in 13 academic departments.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA with a major in Psychology program provides students with a core foundation in the principles in psychology to better understand the human and animal mind. The coursework outlines:

  • how people develop and learn
  • how we are motivated
  • the way humans perceive the world
  • our responses to the world both intellectually and emotionally
  • why these processes change throughout life

The psychology major includes coursework applicable to many settings, including:

  • legal
  • clinical
  • workplace
  • school

Students are required to complete courses in:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • mathematics
  • statistics
  • computer science
  • sociology
  • philosophy

The major in psychology is appropriate for students planning careers in:

  • business
  • law
  • healthcare
  • education
  • public affairs
  • nonprofits
  • computer science

To develop research skills students can pursue an independent study or honors thesis project.

Bachelor of Arts in Industrial and Organizational Psychology

The BA in Industrial and Organizational Psychology offers coursework in all areas of psychology. There’s an emphasis on the field of industrial/organizational psychology. The major is offered in conjunction with the Zicklin School of Business. The BA in industrial/organizational psychology provides the skills and knowledge required to pursue careers in:

  • business
  • sales
  • advertising
  • marketing
  • resource management

Students are prepared to pursue careers in government agencies or in public opinion and market research. Many career objectives may require a master’s degree  or a Ph.D. degree in industrial/organizational psychology.

Accreditations
The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International
The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSACS)

Contact
CUNY-Baruch College
The Weissman School of Arts and Sciences
Box B8-215
8th Floor Room 215
Vertical Campus
55 Lexington Ave.
New York, NY 10010
(646) 312-3780
E-Mail: Jennifer.Mangels@baruch.cuny.edu
Program Website

CUNY – Brooklyn College

The School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences

City University of New York-Brooklyn was founded in 1930 by the New York City Board of Education. It offers more than 70 undergraduate majors, more than 60 graduate majors and advanced certificates and programs in:

  • the humanities
  • sciences
  • performing arts
  • social sciences
  • education
  • pre-professional and professional studies

Brooklyn College is a senior college of the City University of New York system. It’s located on 26 acres in Brooklyn, New York. The college has a student enrollment of more than 17,300 students. It’s been referred to as “the poor man’s Harvard” because it has a low tuition and reputation for respectable academics. Brooklyn College is made up of the following five schools:

  1. School of Business
  2. School of Education
  3. School of Humanities and Social Sciences
  4. School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences
  5. School of Visual, Media and Performing Arts

In 2016, US News &World Report ranked CUNY-Brooklyn College as 83rd for best Northern Regional Colleges. The School of Natural and Behavioral Sciences offers programs in:

  • Anthropology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Earth and Environmental Sciences
  • Kinesiology
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Urban Sustainability

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Students can choose either a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) with a major in Psychology. The curriculum for both programs helps students to gain a better understanding of why humans behave the way they do. They also study the critical role psychology plays in society in promoting mental health and well-being. Coursework studies includes the following areas and many more:

  • Human behavior and the human mind, including cognitive processes such as thinking, language and memory, and how they are linked to brain functions
  • Social behavior, including how we perceive and interact with others individually and in groups
  • Human development and the changes that occur from birth through aging
  • Health and clinical psychology to increase well being in the community

Students  can participate in fieldwork and internship opportunities in:

  • city, state and federal agencies
  • schools
  • hospitals
  • social welfare and community organizations throughout New York City

Psychology majors can work with professors to conduct research and gather data. Students in the BA program are required to complete additional foreign language requirements. Those in the BS program must complete at least 60 credits in science and mathematics.

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact
CUNY – Brooklyn College
The School of Natural and Behavior Sciences
R. Glen Hass – Department Chairperson
5401 James Hall
2900 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11210
(718) 951-5601
E-Mail: adminqry@brooklyn.cuny.edu
Program Website

CUNY – City College

Department of Psychology

The City College of the City University of New York (City College) is a senior college of the City University of New York. It was founded in 1847. It is the oldest of the City University’s 24 institutions. It’s located on a 35-acre campus in Manhattan, New York. City College was the first free public institution of higher education in the United States and is considered the flagship for the CUNY public university system.

Enrollment is about 15,500 students in Liberal Arts and Science, Architecture, Engineering, Education and Biomedical Education. In 2016, US News & World Report ranked CUNY-City College as 66th for best Northern Regional Universities. The Department of Psychology provides programs to train leaders in the science and practice of psychology. The department offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in the fields of:

  • alcohol and substance abuse
  • mental health counseling
  • clinical psychology
  • general psychology
  • work psychology

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

While the majority of careers for professional psychologists require graduate-level degrees, a BA in Psychology provides a preparation for various positions in business, community and government including jobs as:

  • personnel analysts
  • management trainees
  • sales
  • data analysis

Students must complete a minimum of 32 credits in psychology coursework. Required fieldwork gives students  experience in real-life situations.

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

For students who are pursuing a pre-med degree or plan a psychology career specializing in neuroscience, a BS degree is appropriate. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science with a major in psychology will have the following competencies:

  • Show and apply critical thinking to the content of a discipline and to practical problems they confront in other settings. This includes at least these components:
    • Evaluate fact-based evidence
    • Engage in inductive and deductive logical reasoning
    • Identify and consider multiple points of view
  • Problem-solving the above processes
  • Core understanding of basic and more advanced psychological theories, principles, and concepts in a variety of areas including:
    • psychopathology
    • cognitive processes
    • human development
    • social interaction
    • the biological bases of behavior
  • Understand the connections between published research findings and their applications
  • Evaluate hypotheses, research design, research finding, and theories
  • Competence in quantitative reasoning and application of statistical procedures through the use of statistical software packages
  • Show an understanding of differences between pseudo-science and science as it applies to media reports about psychology
  • Apply psychological concepts and principles to understanding social, political, and cultural phenomena
  • Enable students to act ethically, both in the conduct of research and in their everyday interactions
  • Use effective communication in both oral and written formats

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact
CUNY – City College of New York
160 Convent Avenue
New York, New York 10031
(212) 650-7000
E-Mail: admissions@ccny.cuny.edu
Program Website

CUNY – College of Staten Island

Psychology Department

The College of Staten Island was founded in 1976 through merging of Staten Island Community College and Richmond College. The College of Staten Island one of the 11 four year senior colleges in the City University of New York system. The main campus is centrally located on Staten Island.

The College offers programs in liberal arts and the sciences and professional programs leading to bachelor’s and associates degrees. A master’s degree is offered in 13 professional liberal arts and science fields of study. The enrollment is over 13,300 students. In 2016, US News &World Report ranked CUNY-College of Staten Island as Tier 2 for Best Northern Regional Colleges. The Psychology Department’s mission is a “commitment to educational excellence through scholarship, service, and teaching”.

Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Psychology Department offers students the choice of pursuing a BA or BS with a psychology major and have requirements specific to each program. The curriculum for psychology major provides a comprehensive understanding of the scientific study of behavior. Coursework for the program emphasizes critical thinking through participation in research and internships. Students develop lifelong learning skills to design, execute, and summarize research investigation. They also study the way that biology, culture, social context, and the environment influence psychology. Graduates of the Psychology Major will have the following skills and knowledge:

  • Familiarity with major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology
  • Understanding and application of basic research methods in psychology to include:
    • research design
    • data analysis
    • interpretation
  • Use and respect of critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and scientific approach to solve problems that relate to behavior and mental processes
  • Understand and apply Psychology principles to personal, social and organizational issues
  • Weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, use ethical actions and reflect value of psychology as a discipline
  • Demonstrate information competence and use of computers and other technology for many purposes
  • Communicate effectively in a variety of formats
  • Identify, understand and respect the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact
CUNY – College of Staten Island
Department of Psychology, 4S-108
Bertram Ploog BA, MA, Ph.D. (Chair Psychology Department)
2800 Victory Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10314
(718) 982-4157
E-Mail: Bertram.Ploog@csi.cuny.edu
Program Website

CUNY – Hunter College

The Department of Psychology

Founded in 1870 as a women’s college, Hunter College is located in Manhattan. It’s the largest college in the City of New York system. It is one of the oldest public colleges in the United States. It enrolls more than 23,000 students in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in more than 170 areas of study. Hunter includes five schools:

  • the School of Arts and Sciences
  • the School of Education
  • the School of Social Work
  • the Hunter-Bellevue School of Nursing
  • the CUNY School of Public Health at Hunter College

In 2016, US News & World Report ranked Hunter College as 47th for Best Northern Regional Colleges.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

The BA with a major in Psychology curriculum studies all aspects of behavioral, developmental and cognitive processes. It uses various approaches, from social to biological to gain a better understanding of psychology disciplines. The program investigates the diversity of psychology as both a science and a profession. Courses include:

  • social and developmental psychology
  • experimental psychology
  • ethology
  • biopsychology
  • behavioral neuroscience

Graduates of the program are prepared to enter careers in:

  • psychology
  • education
  • social and welfare services
  • health services
  • industry

They are also prepared to enter most graduate-level psychology programs. A background in psychology with special training in other disciplines prepares students for careers in:

  • music
  • art and dance therapy
  • special education
  • nursing
  • human resources
  • speech pathology
  • social work
  • counseling

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact
CUNY – Hunter College
The Psychology Department
695 Park Ave
New York, New York 10065
(212) 772-4000
E-Mail: psychweb@hunter.cuny.edu
Program Website

CUNY – John Jay College of criminal justice

The Psychology Department

Founded in 1964, The John Jay College of Criminal Justice is a senior college of the City University of New York. It’s  located in Midtown Manhattan. The college was founded as the only liberal arts college that offered both a criminal justice and forensic focus. It’s well known for its programs in:

  • criminal justice
  • forensic psychology
  • forensic justice
  • public affairs programs

The college offers:

  • 27 majors
  • 40 minors
  • 11 master’s
  • 3 doctoral programs

Enrollment is over 13,000 undergraduate and 2,000 graduate students.  In 2016, US News & World Report ranked the John Jay College of Criminal Justice as 10th for Criminal Justice Doctoral Programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology

The BA with a Forensic Psychology major is for students interested in the relationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. Curriculum for the program emphasizes the students’ understanding of individual behavior.  Coursework utilizes an empirical approach to understand human behavior. Graduates of the Forensic Psychology major are prepared to enter various careers and graduate work in:

  • psychology
  • social work
  • law enforcement
  • other criminal justice professions

Graduates of the program are prepared with the following competencies:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the historical and theoretical foundations of psychology. This includes key concepts, content, and research methods in sub-disciplines of psychology and psychology and the law.
  • Ability to design an ethically appropriate psychological research study, and to analyze and interpret basic research data
  • Gather, utilize and critique primary source literature
  • Critical and skeptical evaluation of psychological information and its application to students own work and for life-long learning
  • Appreciate contextual influences on individual behavior and diversity of perspectives to include those related to:
    • race
    • class
    • gender
    • sexuality
    • disability
    • nationality
    • culture

John Jay College also offers students the option of pursuing a dual Bachelor of Arts  and Master of Arts Program in Forensic Psychology. Qualified undergraduate students may enter the program and graduate with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in forensic psychology.

Accreditations
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Contact
CUNY – John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Professor Daryl Wout, Psychology Department, Deputy Chair for
524 West 59th Street
New York, New York, 10019
(212) 237-8000
E-Mail: phdoffice@jjay.cuny.edu
Program Website

There are so many different types of programs that each student must answer a number of questions to figure out what they want and need out of a psychology program. There are options for both bachelor of arts and bachelor of science. Students can earn a bachelor’s degree in general psychology or in a more specialized area of psychology. Then the student should take into consideration their job, family, obligations and other limitations to time and flexibility. They need to consider whether an online, hybrid learning, or part-time learning format would be ideal. Fortunately for potential psychology students in New York, there is a great deal of options for how, when and where you earn your bachelor’s degree in psychology.

For More Bachelor’s Degrees in New York – A-C

For More Bachelor’s Degrees in New York – Ca-Co

For More Bachelor’s Degrees in New York – Co-Cu

For More Bachelor’s Degrees in New York – CUNY-Part-II