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Psychology

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences

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Marist Helps You Help Others

Psychology majors at Marist have varied interests but one thing in common—they want to help people, and our resources will help you do that. We offer extensive research opportunities, diverse internships, and a flexible curriculum to guide you toward your career goals. Our students are very successful in transitioning to work after college or graduate programs in fields as varied as research, psychotherapy, counseling, public health, law school, medical school, and more.

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Student Learning Outcomes

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A Carefully Crafted Psychology Curriculum

Marist’s Psychology BA program enables our students to excel by offering coursework centered around their interests. Some of our unique courses include “Cognitive Neuroscience & Neuropsychology” and “Social Psychology of Modern Living.” The flexible core curriculum paired with the rigorous major curriculum provides our students with a breadth of foundational knowledge that lays the groundwork for practical experience opportunities.

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Learn From Experts in the Psychology Field

Our Psychology faculty are at the top of their field and have a diverse range of specialties. Our faculty is intentionally composed of professionals with a wide array of experiences, expertise, and training backgrounds, exposing our students to a variety of subdisciplines both within and outside the Psychology major. Meet a few of our faculty members below, or view all Psychology faculty>

E.G. Fredrick

Dr. Fredrick received their PhD in Experimental Psychology in 2017. Some of their current research includes bisexual microaggressions and quality of life, as well as LGBTQ+ individuals experience of structural stigma in the current political climate.

Jason Trent

Dr. Trent received his PhD in Social/Personality Psychology. His research has focused on first impression judgements, and he is also interested in how different aspects of modern society (e.g., smartphones, social media, consumerism, etc.) influence human behavior. Dr. Trent particularly enjoys working with students on research projects they are passionate about.

Kimery Levering

Dr. Levering teaches and researches cognitive psychology, trying to better understand how we perceive, remember, and think. Regularly involving students in her research, she is currently focused on how we develop stereotypes about social groups based on physical or psychological traits.

Research With Faculty From Day One

Marist Psychology students are encouraged to participate in thoughtful research with faculty early on in their academic careers. Whether you choose to pursue a graduate degree or jump right into the field, undergraduate research is invaluable in progressing toward your goals.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT: Emily S. and Clare R., in collaboration with faculty at Marist, present their Senior Thesis research on the effectiveness of "Mindfulness at Marist College," the results of which were compiled into a proposal for the College's Strategic Plan Committee.

Develop Important Skills to Succeed

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Understanding Human Behavior

Students identify causes that influence thoughts, actions, and feelings, then can predict and modify human behavior.

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Cultural Competence

Students integrate diversity, equity, and inclusion to support effective practices in their fields.

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Professionalism

Experience hones workplace demeanor and guides ethical decision making in employment settings.

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Public Presentation

Students become engaging public speakers, able to read an audience and generate productive discussion.

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Technological Skill

Students master the technology platforms that will support their success in any work environment.

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Scientific Reasoning

Students use empirical tools to develop hypotheses, collect and analyze data, and form evidence-based conclusions.

Customize Your Career Path

At Marist, we have mastered the art of pairing a well-rounded core education with unique classes specific to your goals and interests. What does this mean for you? It means your career opportunities are endless. Take a look at just a few academic paths and careers our students have explored.

Psychology Major + Music Minor =
Music Therapist

Criminal Justice Major + Psychology Minor =
Crime Scene Investigator

Psychology Major + Political Science Major =
Public Health Administration

Psychology Major + Pre-Med =
Physician

*formulas are examples of major and minor combinations that some students have explored en route to their corresponding careers. Each career in these examples requires more than only majors and minors, but are meant to convey the wide range of academic possibilities and career options available through Marist's Psychology Program.

Extensive Top-Tier Internship Opportunities

Internships are a core part of the Psychology curriculum. In an industry with increasingly high standards, field experience before entering the workforce is essential for helping our students excel in their careers. Here are just a few examples of internship opportunities our students are involved in:

Logos of Psychology internship locations: West Point, Anderson Center for Autism, Astor House, Family Services, Legal Services of the Hudson Valley, and Sprout Creek Farm
Logos of Psychology internship locations: Children's Home of Poughkeepsie, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Way, Abilities First, and The Institute for Family Health

Marist Psychology By the Numbers

99 percent

99% of graduates from the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

$79,000

According the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average wage of psychologists is nearly $80K.

14% increase

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the psychologist career outlook is expected to increase by 14% over the next decade.

There is truly nowhere else I would rather have my college experience! Since coming to Marist, I have grown tremendously as a person. I have met my best friends who have turned into family and been provided with ample opportunities to succeed in my career.

Alyssa Terralavoro

Hopewell Junction, New York

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I absolutely loved studying Psychology at Marist! Through my studies, I figured out that I wanted to become a school psychologist, so I ended up staying at Marist to complete my MA in School Psychology. After that, I was certified and ready to work.

Nicholas Montany

Psychology Major

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I feel greater appreciation for Marist even more now than I did my first year. The Hudson River is beautiful, and campus life is active and lively. The students are eager to learn, the classes are eye-opening and impactful, and we're able to have really important conversations about weighty topics.

Marika Cygert

Communication Major, Psychology Minor

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Marist equipped me with the leadership skills I needed through practical experience. The experiences I gained...helped me develop skills I have used throughout my entire professional life, including the importance of standing up for the most vulnerable in our community.

Andrew Paulsen

Sports Communication Major, Mathematics Major, Psychology Minor

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I applied early decision to Marist. I could tell that people had a lot of school spirit. I liked that it was a liberal arts schools because I wasn't sure what I wanted to major in at first. Marist also has a really good study abroad program; the Florence campus was really important to me.

Maggie Lyman

Social Work Major, Psychology Minor

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I love helping people, so I want to share these experiences with children and let them know that they, too, can have these opportunities. I want them to know that they're capable of more than they realize and that things can and do get better.

Justin Camero

Psychology Major, Sociology and Music Minor

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My education at Marist is what drives me to succeed. My personal story and experiences inspire me to keep being positive and not take anything for granted.

Qadan Mohamed

Psychology Major, Business Minor

Read Qadan's story >
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The Value of a Marist Education

At Marist, we pride ourselves on our dedication to providing our students with a well-rounded liberal arts education that prepares them for practical experience and profound success in their field. But don't just take our word for it - the numbers speak for themselves.

95%

Employed or attending grad school 6 months after graduation

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Of Marist Graduates Participated in one or more internships

82%

Graduation rate, higher than the average for public and private colleges

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Best Undergraduate Teaching

*As reported by U.S. News and World Report.

U.S. News & World Report

Top 10 Regional Universities-North

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Awarded one of America's Best Colleges

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