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All Mercy College campuses will close at 2 p.m. today, Wednesday, February 20, 2019 due to inclement weather. All classes, events and activities that are scheduled to start at 1:50 p.m. or later are cancelled. Administrative offices will also close at 2 p.m.

The Shuttle Service will operate as follows:
The last Mav Express Shuttle will depart Dobbs Ferry at 2:30 p.m. and the last shuttle will depart the Bronx Campus at 1:45 p.m. The Hotel shuttle will remain in service as long as practicable based on weather conditions. The last shuttle from the Dobbs Ferry Campus to the Ardsley train station, Palisades parking lot will depart at 2:30 p.m. The last shuttle from the Bronx Campus to Westchester Square will depart at 2:30 p.m.

Food services for residential students will be coordinated with meals being delivered to the hotel this evening.

Please continue to check your email, Mercy’s website www.mercy.edu and the Mercy College Weather Hotline (914) 674-7777 for further updates.

Updated at 12:53 p.m. on February 20, 2019.

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  • B.S. in Psychology

    An in-depth knowledge of human behavior, the mind and influencing factors
    Pursue your interest with more than 50 psychology courses to choose from.
    Degree:
    B.S.
    School:
    School of Social and Behavioral Sciences
    Location:
    Dobbs Ferry, Bronx, Yorktown Heights & Online
    Credits:
    120
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  • Psychology B.S.

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Academic Information

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Psychology B.S. Curriculum

General Liberal Arts and Sciences
General Education Requirements 60 Credits
Major Concentration
Psychology 36 Credits
Open Electives 24 Credits
Total 120 Credits

Students who choose the major concentration in Psychology must complete:

  • PSYN 210 Modern Psych/Historical Perspc
  • PSYN 320 Psychobiology
  • PSYN 370 Stats Socl/Behv Sciences
  • PSYN 372 Experimental Psychology I: Methodology
  • PSYN 374 Experimental Psychology II: Applications (Must be taken concurrently for students who entered in Fall 2018 and thereafter)
  • PSYN 426 Classics Soc/Beh Sciences

In addition to these six required courses, six major elective courses in Psychology numbered 200 or above must also be completed.

Once Psychology is declared as the major, it is recommended that a Psychology Advisor be contacted to be sure that all graduation requirements are met.

There is an 18-credit residency requirement in the major concentration of Psychology.
PSYN 101 is a prerequisite for the major courses in Psychology and fulfills part of the General Education requirements.

Suggested Courses for Students Planning to Attend Graduate School in Psychology

It is recommended that students planning to attend graduate school should complete the six required courses for the major, as listed above, in addition to selecting at least six courses from the following list:

• Psychology of Learning
• Abnormal Psychology
• Psychology of Personality
• Cognitive Psychology
• Health Psychology
• Psychological Tests and Measurements
• Social Psychology
• Child Psychology

Additional Academic Opportunities

Dual Degree in Psychology and Education Program (B.S. in Psychology + M.S. in Education)

The Bachelor of Science/Master of Science Dual Degree Program is an academic program that allows students interested in the teaching profession as a career choice to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in an accelerated format. Through this special program, qualified students who major in Psychology can receive teacher certification in Early Childhood or Childhood Education. A key feature of this program allows students to take up to 15 graduate education credits during their senior years. These can be used toward satisfying their bachelor's as well as their master's degree requirements.

Requirements for Dual Degree

Psychology students planning to complete the Dual Degree and receive the teaching certification in Early Childhood or Childhood Education must complete the 36 credits required for the undergraduate psychology major as described above, including Child Psychology (PSYN 254). They may take 3 graduate education credits in their upper junior semester and an additional 12 credits in their senior year. In addition, they must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA. Students may apply in their senior year for admissions to the M.S. Graduate Education Program.

Please see the School of Education Section of this catalog for program and course details.

Suggested Courses for Dual Degree

It is further suggested that students complete several elective courses from the following list:

• Psychology of Learning
• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychological Tests and Measurements
• Psychology of the Exceptional Child
• Psychological Disorders of Childhood and Adolescence

Four Plus One Program (B.S. in Psychology + M.S. in Psychology)

Qualified undergraduate psychology students have an opportunity to complete the M.S. Psychology degree in one year. Students can complete the 36-credit degree by taking three graduate credits each semester of their senior year (for a total of six credits), which will apply toward the graduate and undergraduate degree. Once the B.S. is completed, they can complete the M.S. degree within a single academic year.

Requirements for the Four Plus One Program

Student must meet the admissions criteria for the M.S. degree in Psychology including: 

at least a 3.0 GPA, a grade of B or higher in statistics (PSYN 370), and completion of 90 undergraduate credits. Students may apply in their junior year to the M.S. Psychology Program.

See Graduate Catalog for specific requirements for M.S. Psychology degree and Four-Plus-One Degree.

Students may also participate in the CASAC-T Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Standardized 350-Hour Education and Training Program.

CASAC-T Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor

Students may also participate in the CASAC-T Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor Standardized 350-Hour Education and Training Program.

Requirements for CASAC-T

Interested students should contact Deborah Day Aikens Ph.D., L.M.S.W., CASAC-G at daikens@mercy.edu. In addition, see School of Social and Behavioral Sciences CASAC-T Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse page.

Academic Program Sequence Map

Download a copy of the sequence map for:

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How long does earning a degree take?
Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.
What are the required courses to complete the psychology major?
Modern Psychology in an Historical Perspective (PSYN 210), Computers for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN 226), Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN 370) and Classic Readings in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN 426).
What is the first step in the admissions process?
Click on "Apply Now" on the Mercy homepage or call 1.877.MERCY.GO to apply for admission to Mercy College and arrange for an appointment with an Admissions Counselor. Bring your completed application form and copies of your high school and/or college transcripts with you at the time of your appointment.
Are department faculty available for academic advising?
Yes, faculty are always ready to help students with questions about what courses to take, the sequencing of courses, and career opportunities, including internships and cooperative education.
Can I complete the undergraduate psychology degree online?
Yes. You have the option to register for as many online courses as you want, or none at all. All the necessary required courses for completion of the psychology major are offered online. There is no special admissions to be an online student. All of the College's online programs are full accredited.
How many credits can I transfer in my major?
Maximum of 18 psychology credits towards the major. However, additional psychology credits may be transferred as elective credits toward your degree.
After I complete the undergraduate psychology degree, how do I know if I should continue my studies to obtain a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology?
Your career goals and grades may determine whether you go on for a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology. In general, acceptance to a doctoral degree program (PhD or PsyD) are the most competitive, requiring a high GPA. They typically take 4-6 years to complete. Students who are able to go directly into a doctoral program may receive their master's degree at the same time. Many students who are unable to be accepted directly into a doctoral program, may complete a master's degree first. This usually takes about 2 years. Following completion of the master's degree, students frequently apply to a doctoral program.
Do I have to take my psychology courses in a specific order?
The course number indicates level of difficulty. We encourage that you begin the required courses early in your studies. Among them: Modern Psychology in Historical Perspective (PSYN210), Computers for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN226), followed by Statistics for the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN370), Psychobiology (PSYN320), Experimental Psychology (PSYN372) and finally the Classics in the Social and Behavioral Sciences (PSYN426). Students need not complete their required courses before taking their elective courses.
Is Mercy College a nonsectarian institution?
Yes. Qualified applicants are admitted without regard to race, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age or physical disability.
How many credits can be transferred from another institution?
Up to 75 credits from a two-year institution. Up to 90 from a four-year institution. Up to 90 credits combined however the credits may not exceed 75 credits from any combination of two-year institutions as they apply to your chosen degree. In addition you may only transfer in two courses of upper-level business credit (six credits) to apply to the major / specialization.
Must I be a psychology major to be accepted into a psychology graduate program?
No. However, there are some required undergraduate psychology courses. Typically, undergraduate Psychology Statistics and Experimental Research are required by most graduate programs and the psychology major.
James Towey Professor, Psychology
Rossi Hassad Professor, Psychology
Ori Shinar Dir., Student Counseling Ctr./Assoc. Prof., Psychology
Alberto Manzi Associate Professor, Undergraduate Psychology
Ellen Sperber Associate Professor, Psychology
Kimberly Rapoza Associate Professor, Psychology
Mary Knopp Kelly Associate Professor, Psychology
Michael Grunes Associate Professor, Psychology
Rebecca Trenz Associate Professor
Kevin Kulic Assistant Professor, Psychology

Psychology Overview

Have you ever wondered….Why do you do the things you do? What do your dreams mean? Or, why do some people develop schizophrenia? If these questions interest you, then you should consider the Psychology Program. Psychology is the study of behavior, the mind and factors influencing them. With our highly esteemed faculty, diverse guest lecturers and extensive affiliations with area hospitals and clinics, Mercy College is the place to pursue your degree.

The Psychology Program at Mercy College offers more than 50 different psychology courses so students may succeed in a wide range of careers. You’ll have the opportunity for hands-on training and practical experience in several exciting Internships and Cooperative Education (COOP) placements in a number of human service agencies.

Whatever your goals are, we will help prepare you for success. 

For students interested in a career in research or pursing a graduate degree, there are many opportunities to gain research experience. Students are encouraged to work with our esteemed faculty on their research or on their own independent research project. 

For students interested in a career in teaching, our 5 Year Dual Degree Program allows students to obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Education. Upon completion, students can receive a New York Teacher Certification in Early Childhood or Childhood Education. 

For students interested in a career in Psychology, our Four Plus One Program (4+1 Program) is an accelerated program to help you complete your Bachelor's and Master's Degree in less time. Psychology students may complete the Bachelor's in four years and the Master's in only one year. 

For students interested in a career in the field of substance abuse, they may complete the New York State educational credential for the CASAC-T certificate (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor). The CASAC training program is integrated in their psychology course requirements and can be completed with the degree. 

Psychology FAQS

After I complete the undergraduate psychology degree, how do I know if I should continue my studies to obtain a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology?
Your career goals and grades may determine whether you go on for a Master's degree, PhD or PsyD in psychology. In general, acceptance to a doctoral degree program (PhD or PsyD) are the most competitive, requiring a high GPA. They typically take 4-6 years to complete. Students who are able to go directly into a doctoral program may receive their master's degree at the same time. Many students who are unable to be accepted directly into a doctoral program, may complete a master's degree first. This usually takes about 2 years. Following completion of the master's degree, students frequently apply to a doctoral program.
How long does earning a degree take?
Full-time students can complete the 120-credit degree program in four years.

Psychology Fast Facts

  • Research opportunities:
    • Research Infrastructure in Minority Institutions
    • Career Opportunities in Research
  • Extensive internships and Cooperative Education placements

Career Opportunities

A degree in psychology can help you succeed in a wide range of jobs including: academia and education, admissions, advertising, business, communications, counseling, child care, community services, consulting, gerontology, government, human resources, labor relations, market research, media, rehabilitation and service-related professions, to mention a few. It will also give you a solid foundation to pursue a graduate degree in many areas of specialization.

Program Outcomes

By the end of this program, students should be able to: 

  • Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
  • Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
  • Identify and explain ethical standards in psychological science and practice
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills (written or oral) for different purposes
  • Apply psychological content and skills to career goals

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