Psychology
Major/Minor
Psychology Department
The bachelor's degree in psychology at NDMU explores mental processes and behavior through objective methods of data collection, critical thinking, and analysis with the goal of advancing science and improving the quality of human life. Our psychology majors learn by doing—lab courses, original research projects, service-learning, and a final practicum develop professional skills that prepare for graduate or medical school, as well as positions in clinical, research, and educational settings.
Program Location
Features of the Psychology Program
- Research – opportunities to actively design and implement research projects
- Applied Learning – clinical courses feature a skills component to apply concepts learned
- Partnerships for Experiential Learning – nonprofit and school partnerships provide opportunities to practice skills while also helping the community
- Professional Development – emphasis on leadership, communication, and soft skills valued by employers
- Social Responsibility – current topics explored through the lens of psychology as a discipline (advancement of women, addiction, climate change, etc.)
Customize Your Education
At NDMU, our strength is our ability to weave your unique interests into your individual education. Adding a minor to your degree is a great way to create a custom experience that aligns with your aspirations.
Psychology Minor
The Minor in Psychology introduces concepts of behavior, personality, development, and biological and social factors. It offers a deeper understanding of behavior and motivations which can be a huge asset for management, criminal justice, marketing, or working with children.
Majors that often add a psychology minor include Business, Criminology, Education, and Marketing Communications.
Forensic Psychology Minor
The Minor in Forensic Psychology develops skills in counseling and communication with diverse populations, including victims and offenders. It is especially advantageous for careers that involve policymaking, community action, social research, or social services.
Majors that often add a psychology minor include Biology, Computer Information Systems, Criminology, Nursing, and Political Science.
https://catalog.ndm.edu/undergraduate-catalog/school-of-arts-and-sciences/psychology
Research
One of the hallmarks of the rich educational environment at NDMU is the opportunity to participate in research in your field of interest. Our annual Nancy Kreiter Student Research Day provides the perfect forum to showcase your hard work with a formal research presentation to the NDMU community.
Practicum Experience
In the fourth year, psychology majors take everything learned and apply it through a supervised field placement. More than an internship, the practicum experience integrates theory, science, and practice. It is an opportunity to see where science falls short and where it needs to go within a real-world setting, which is explored through a final research project.
Practicum placements can include working with diverse patient populations and across all age groups.
Examples of Practicum Placements
Alum
Rebecca Becraft
Rebecca Becraft – School of Arts, Sciences & Business
Alum, NDMU Class of 2025
Psychology
What started with an AP Psychology class in high school became a lifelong calling for Rebecca Becraft '25. At Notre Dame of Maryland University, she built a foundation for empathy and understanding. Now Rebecca is ready to make an impact in mental health care and inspire the next generation.
Psychology Careers
Understanding human behavior and scientific processes of measurement and analysis provides a skill set that opens up a wide range of career opportunities.
While many graduates go on to attend graduate or medical school, you can use the principles of psychology in clinical or research settings, or in the fields of education and training.
To explore more careers in psychology, visit the American Psychological Association.
Graduate Programs
- Psychology (Psy.D.)
- Clinical, Counseling, Cognitive, Developmental, Educational, Experimental, Social, School, Forensic, or Industrial/Organizational Psychology (Masters or Ph.D.)
- Public Health
- Social Work
Clinical/Counseling Jobs
- Applied Behavior Analyst
- Counselor (Addiction, Career, Mental Health, Vocational Rehabilitation)
- Child Development Worker
- Clinical Psychologist
Corporate Jobs
- Human Resources Manager
- Business Analyst
- Market Researcher
Government Jobs
- Social Worker
- Forensic Psychologist
- Probation Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
Research Jobs
- Data Analyst
- Clinical Writer
- Social Scientist