East Coast students intrigued by human mental processes can find many bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Pennsylvania. Let’s continue our journey with the fifth installment of “Keystone State” offerings (P-R).
Pennsylvania College of Technology
School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications
Enrolling over 5,500 Wildcats, Pennsylvania College of Technology is a public technical institution founded in 1914 upon a 994-acre urban campus in Williamsport near the Susquehanna River. Graded A- for campus food on Niche, PCT is ranked the North’s 13th best college and seventh top public university by the U.S. News. The School of Sciences, Humanities & Visual Communications boasts a 95 percent placement rate for majors from graphic design to fermentation science.
B.S. in Applied Human Services
Penn Tech’s B.S. in Applied Human Services stands out among Pennsylvania psychology degrees for using behavioral theories to promptly address people’s needs. With an average class size of 16, the four-year program includes peer mentoring and on-site counseling labs. Students could also intern with the Eckels Adoption Agency, study abroad in Germany, and pursue the 18-credit Psychology Minor.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1 College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
(570) 326-3761
cam13@pct.edu
Pennsylvania State University
College of Liberal Arts
Endowed for $3.64 billion, Pennsylvania State University is the flagship public, land-grant RU/VH institution educating over 99,100 students systemwide from its vast 5,448-acre campus in the State College borough. Ranked 10th nationally in the IIE “Open Doors Report,” PSU is America’s 50th best university and 14th top public school according to the U.S. News. The College of Liberal Arts is also acclaimed for the 30th best graduate psychology education.
Psychology B.A. or B.S.
The University Park campus offers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science to PSU psychology majors interested in the mechanisms that produce behaviors. Requiring 123 total credits, the curriculum has specializations in Clinical, Neuroscience, Social/Personality, Cognitive, Developmental, and Industrial/Organizational. Students could benefit from interning with the Department of Health, joining Psi Chi, studying in Melbourne, and more.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
140 Moore Building
University Park, PA 16801
(814) 863-1811
ava10@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Abington
College of Liberal Arts
Established in 1950 on Jay Cooke’s former estate, Pennsylvania State University-Abington is a regional public, co-educational institution serving over 3,950 Nittany lions from a 45-acre wooded campus 15 miles north of Philadelphia’s Center City. Graded A- for value, PSU-Abington is ranked America’s 213th “Most Diverse College” on Niche. The College of Liberal Arts offers 18 majors ranging from history to early childhood education.
Psychological and Social Sciences Major
Conferring a B.A. or B.S., the Psychological and Social Sciences Major allows PSU-Abington students to evaluate theories for explaining, predicting, and changing behaviors. The 121-credit curriculum requires a semester-long internship with agencies like City of Hope and Fox Chase Cancer Center. There’s also a 3+3 partnership with Thomas Jefferson University for finishing a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1600 Woodland Road
Abington, PA 19001
(215) 881-7479
mjb70@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Altoona
Psychology Department
Belonging to the Allegheny Mountain Collegiate Conference, Pennsylvania State University-Altoona is a public, co-educational research institution with over 4,100 students on its suburban campus in Logan Township outside Blair County’s largest city. According to Niche, PSU-Altoona is America’s 286th “Top Public University” with B+ professors. The Psychology Department employs full-time faculty trained at UNC-Chapel Hill, Wayne State, Dayton, and more.
Psychology, B.S.
Housed in the Smith Building, the Psychology B.S. makes PSU-Altoona students familiar with the scientific methodologies used to conduct empirical research on behavior. Offering a Business or Science option, the curriculum culminates with a capstone application project. Majors could also complete 120-hour internships with hosts like UPMC Altoona, participate in THON philanthropy, and research with the Child Maltreatment Solutions Network.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
3000 Ivyside Park
Altoona, PA 16601
(814) 949-5507
TBP1@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Beaver
Psychology Department
Positioned 25 miles northwest of Pittsburgh in Monaca, Pennsylvania State University-Beaver was founded on the Hartenbach Family’s farm in 1965 and is the system’s smallest public, baccalaureate institution with only 720 students. Niche picked Penn State Beaver as the country’s 79th “Safest College Campus” and 454th “Best Small College.” The Psychology Department is based in the Ross Administration Building for inspiring social science leaders.
Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology
Consisting of 124 credits, the Bachelor of Arts/Science in Psychology program at PSU-Beaver instills critical thinking skills to resolve problems concerning behavior. Adhering to the APA’s guidelines, the curriculum covers six psychological disciplines from personality and cognition to clinical practice. Students gain hands-on experience in the Neuropsychology Lab and often present for the Eastern Psychological Association.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1000 University Drive
Monaca, PA 15061
(724) 773-3800
klb48@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Berks
School of Arts & Sciences
Formerly called the Wyomissing Polytechnic Institute, Pennsylvania State University-Berks was acquired in 1958 as a fast-growing public, co-educational branch with over 3,200 students on its 258-acre suburban campus in Spring Township near Reading. Graded A for dorms on Niche, PSU-Berks is deemed America’s 182nd best liberal arts college by Washington Monthly. The School of Arts & Sciences houses 20 bachelor’s degrees, including professional writing and hospitality.
B.A. in Applied Psychology
PSU-Berks’ B.A. in Applied Psychology segues into entry-level human services employment with at least 60 previous credits and four semesters with immersive internships. The two-year, upper-division program delivers three tracks in Business/Human Resources/Training and Organizational Development, Health/Wellness/Behavioral Medicine, or Community Mental Health/Drug Rehabilitation. Graduates have excelled with organizations like ARC of Delaware County and Open Doors International.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1800 Broadcasting Road
Reading, PA 19610
(610) 396-6143
eem139@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Brandywine
College of Liberal Arts
Nestled on a 90-acre suburban campus in Media just 30 miles from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania State University-Brandywine is a public, coeducational institution with around 1,700 students. Granted the 2007 Green Star Honor Award, PSU-Brandywine is deemed the Commonwealth’s 21st “Top Public University” by Niche. The College of Liberal Arts capitalizes on Big Ten alliances to promote majors in American Studies, English, Philosophy, and Psychology.
Major in Psychology
PSU-Brandywine can complete four years of the Major in Psychology to finish a B.A. or B.S. and broaden understanding of human experiences to promote mental health. The 124-credit curriculum blends with minors like Peace and Conflict Studies, Biology, or Human Development and Family Studies. Students can also join Psychology Club, travel to the French Riviera, and take the Schreyer Honors Program.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
25 Yearsley Mill Road
Media, PA 19063
(610) 892-1409
jdm53@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Greater Allegheny
College of Liberal Arts
Tracing back to 1934, Pennsylvania State University-Greater Allegheny is a public, co-educational baccalaureate institution serving approximately 800 students from McKeesport just 12 miles upstream from Pittsburgh. With a net price of $15,495 yearly, PSUGA is ranked America’s 278th “Most Diverse College” by Niche. The College of Liberal Arts admits 76 percent of students interested in English, criminal justice, psychology, and letters.
Psychology (B.A./B.S.)
PSUGA students select from two Pennsylvania psychology degrees for their 124-credit curriculum. The Bachelor of Arts views behavioral theories through the lens of social sciences, arts, and foreign language. The Bachelor of Science, with Business or Science options, takes a research approach for graduate school preparation. Both include a 12-credit capstone internship or project.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
4000 University Drive
McKeesport, PA 15132
(412) 675-9010
psuga@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg
School of Behavioral Sciences and Education
Affiliated with the CAC, Pennsylvania State University-Harrisburg is a public, four-year research institution with over 5,300 students engaging on its 218-acre suburban campus in Middletown just nine miles from the Capitol. Recognized by the Washington Monthly as the 333rd best master’s-level university nationally, PSU-Harrisburg was graded A- for professors on Niche. The School of Behavioral Sciences and Education goes beyond NCATE-accredited teacher preparation for training good citizens.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Featuring a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology teaches PSU-Harrisburg undergrads the empirical skills to become good consumers of psychological literature. The 122-credit curriculum requires at least three applied credits, such as research in the Cognitive and Social Development Lab or internship with Make-A-Wish. Graduates could continue for the Master of Arts in Applied Clinical Psychology.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
777 West Harrisburg Pike
Middletown, PA 17057
(717) 948-6250
cmk292@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton
Department of Psychology
Occupying a 125-acre suburban campus in Sugarloaf Township off Interstate 81, Pennsylvania State University-Hazleton is a public, baccalaureate institution formed in 1934 that’s attracting around 1,000 students. Rated B for location, PSU-Hazleton is declared America’s 305th “Best Small College” by Niche. With an acceptance rate of 86 percent, the Department of Psychology is also named the 251st “Best College for Psychology.”
Psychology Bachelor’s Degree
From Memorial Hall, PSU-Hazleton delivers a Psychology Bachelor’s Degree leading to a B.A. or B.S. with optional specializations in Clinical, Developmental, or Social. Students master research methods while learning how behavioral science is applied to alleviate real-life issues. The 65-credit major can be supplemented with SARI Training, study abroad trips to Greece, and a Rehabilitation & Human Services Certificate.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
76 University Drive
Hazleton, PA 18202
(570) 450-3000
pbc1@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Lehigh Valley
College of Liberal Arts
As the system’s oldest public, co-educational branch opened in1912, Pennsylvania State University-Lehigh Valley stands atop a 40-acre suburban campus one mile north of Coopersburg to enlighten over 850 students. Graded A+ for safety, PSU-Lehigh Valley is ranked America’s 259th “Top Public University” on Niche. The College of Liberal Arts offers value-added majors like arts administration and corporate communication for a median starting salary of $47,500.
Psychology Major
PSU-Lehigh Valley selecting the skills-based Psychology Major complete a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science – Business, or Bachelor of Science – Science to fulfill the 123-credit degree. Coursework will delve into human development, abnormal psychology, stress, perception, social relations, positive psychology, and more. High schoolers with a minimum SAT score of 1000 and a GPA of 3.0 can pursue Dual Enrollment.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
2809 Saucon Valley Road
Center Valley, PA 18034
(610) 285-5000
kjk13@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-New Kensington
Psychology Department
Opened in 1958 for the Alle-Kiski Valley, Pennsylvania State University-New Kensington is another of the Commonwealth’s 24 public, land-grant institutions enrolling around 950 students just 25 miles northeast of Pittsburgh. With a 94 percent placement rate, PSU-New Kensington is ranked America’s 209th “Best Value College” on Niche. The Psychology Department features three full-time faculty who spark curiosity about the human brain.
4-Year Psychology Major
Upon a liberal arts foundation, the 4-Year Psychology Major at PSU-New Kensington confers a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science for 15 credits per semester and fosters in-depth behavioral understanding. Students could benefit from interning at Citizens General Hospital, studying abroad in Brazil, joining the G.R.E.A.T. Program, and pledging Psi Chi. Alumni are studying at graduate schools like Chatham University and Geneva College.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
3550 Seventh Street Road
New Kensington, PA 15068
(888) 968-7297
krb3@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-Schuylkill
School of Arts & Sciences
Led by President Eric J. Barron, Pennsylvania State University-Schuylkill is a public, co-educational teaching institution founded in 1934 that’s grown to accommodate 940 students on a suburban campus in Schuylkill Haven. Graded B- overall, PSU-Schuylkill is recognized for America’s 291st “Best College Dorms” and 145th “Safest College Campus” on Niche. The School of Arts & Sciences charges a net price of $15,232 yearly for majors like information science and biology.
B.S. in Psychology
PSU-Schuylkill Nittany lions pursuing the B.S. in Psychology complete a 122-credit curriculum to develop the critical thinking skills necessary to test human behavioral responses in graduate school. Graduates would also succeed in entry-level positions like recreation workers, social work assistants, and human resources specialists. Majors may benefit from choosing 30+ student-run clubs, pursuing the Honors Program, and studying abroad in nearly 50 countries.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
200 University Drive
Schuylkill Haven, PA 17972
(570) 385-6066
cory.scherer@psu.edu
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus
Undergraduate Studies Division
Launched in 1998, Pennsylvania State University-World Camps is headquartered in State College for more than 6,100 students to receive accredited “Public Ivy” education from anywhere. Noted for winning the 2012 Shirley Davis Award for Excellence in Synchronous Distance Learning, PSU-World Campus is ranked #1 for online bachelor’s degrees by the U.S. News. The Undergraduate Studies Division provides 40+ associate and baccalaureate programs ranging from international politics to turfgrass science.
B.A./B.S. in Psychology
Presently charging $542 per credit, the B.A./B.S. in Psychology program allows World Campus students to refine their knowledge of behavior and interpersonal interaction online. The 123-credit curriculum can be specialized with the Life Sciences or Business Option. Internships can be arranged in students’ own communities for the capstone. Students can also join the United States’ first Online Psychology Club and read the Mind Over Matters newsletter.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
100 Innovation Blvd. Suite 128
University Park, PA 16802
(814) 865-5403
pennstateonline@psu.edu
Philadelphia University
College of Science, Health & Liberal Arts
Located on a 100-acre suburban campus in the East Falls district of Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia University is a private, nonprofit institution endowed for $23 million to enlighten over 3,500 Rams. Picked as the 262nd “Best Small College” on Niche, PhilaU is deemed the North’s 60th best university and 24th top value by the U.S. News. The College of Science, Health & Liberal Arts nurtures students’ Hallmarks Folio with co-curricular activities.
B.S. in Psychology
Retaining 79 percent of freshmen, the B.S. in Psychology at PhilaU develops basic, generalist skills for matching each students’ unique ambitions in the human sciences field. The 16-course major offers extensive exposure along with potential internships in the Philadelphia School District, international trips to Honduras, and research training in the Genetics Lab. The degree could be paired with the M.S. in Community and Trauma Counseling.
B.S. in Biopsychology
Centered on a 21-course major, the B.S. in Biopsychology offers three avenues for PhilaU students to investigate the biological aspects of behavior: Pre-Medical, Graduate School, or Animal Behavior. Featuring a mentorship model with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, the degree includes professional-level research and optional internships. There’s also an affiliation with the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
4201 Henry Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19144
(215) 951-2700
admissions@PhilaU.edu
Point Park University
School of Arts and Sciences
Carrying a $31.4 million endowment, Point Park University is a private, doctoral-granting liberal arts institution attracting over 3,800 students to its campus in downtown Pittsburgh, Forbes’ “Top 10 City for Job Growth.” Ranked the 110th best Northern school by the U.S. News, Point Park is the country’s 178th best college without an application fee according to Niche. The School of Arts and Sciences confers 22 bachelor’s majors from funeral service to political science.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Housed in Lawrence Hall, the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Point Park fosters holistic, cross-cultural exploration into the human mind and behavior. The 60-credit major offers four concentrations in Clinical Psychology, Child Psychology, Community Psychology, or Forensic Psychology. Other valuable opportunities include interning at Mercy Behavioral Health, conducting research with the Confluence Psychology Alliance, and joining the Icarus Project.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
201 Wood Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
(412) 391-4100
jrussell@pointpark.edu
Robert Morris University
School of Education and Social Sciences
Noted for famous alumni like Kevin Colbert and Brianne McLaughlin, Robert Morris University is a private, nonsectarian research institution with over 5,100 Colonials studying on its 230-acre suburban campus in Moon Township just outside Pittsburgh. Included in the Princeton Review’s “Best Northeastern” list, RMU is crowned the 188th best national university by the U.S. News. The School of Education and Social Sciences holds a 15:1 student-faculty ratio for courses primarily in Nicholson Center.
B.S. in Psychology
Boasting a 96 percent placement rate, the B.S. in Psychology gives RMU the chance to integrate the latest empirical-based psychological principles into everyday life. The 36-credit major is customized through four concentrations: Clinical, Sport Psychology, Industrial-Organizational, or Early Law School Admission. Students must also complete a 120-hour supervised internship at placements like Chartiers Mental Health and Gateway Rehabilitation.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
6001 University Blvd.
Moon Township, PA 15108
(800) 762-0097
broman@rmu.edu
Rosemont College
Undergraduate College
Offering “the Power of Small,” Rosemont College is a private, coeducational Catholic liberal arts institution affiliated with the Society of the Holy Child Jesus to teach 1,100 students from the Philadelphia suburb of Rosemont. Graded A- for campus diversity, Rosemont is ranked the North’s 137th best regional university by the U.S. News. The Undergraduate College retains 72 percent of freshmen within its 24 majors and 20 minors.
Psychology B.A.
Unlike most Pennsylvania psychology degrees, the Psychology B.A. at Rosemont is clinically-oriented to apply empirical research findings to predict and positively influence behaviors. The 120-credit curriculum offers one-on-one faculty interaction with exciting courses like media psychology and health psychology. Experiential learning is involved with popular placements like Montgomery County Women’s Center, Odyssey Hospice, and Bryn Mawr Hospital.
Accreditation
Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)
Contact
1400 Montgomery Avenue
Rosemont, PA 19010
(610) 527-0200 ext. 2320
salessandri@rosemont.edu
If you haven’t found quite the right college campus that feels like home, don’t fret. We’ll continue highlighting bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Pennsylvania (S-T) here.
Related:
Top 20 Graduate Degree Programs in Forensic Psychology