Department of Psychology

School of Liberal Arts

Faculty:

Chair: Associate Professor Christina Hardway
Professors Mascolo, Reichenthal, and Santiago-Rivera
Associate Professors Shaw and Stroud
Assistant Professors Kurdziel, Plocha, Seitchik and White

Psychology has traditionally been defined as the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, which captures the range of human experience. Individually, faculty members in the Department of Psychology at Merrimack College are interested in various aspects of human experience (developmental, social, perceptual. cognitive, clinical, etc.). Collectively, our goal is to gain insight into the central question that unites us: Why do people act the way they do? We also devote considerable attention to a corollary question: How can we go about studying human behavior and experience? The faculty invites our students to engage in conversation and inquiry about the dynamics of human behavior with us. In addition to developing a comprehensive understanding of classic and contemporary theory and research, we encourage students to participate in the activities that define psychology as a discipline. Through course work, research activities and field experience, the student joins with the faculty in building a comprehensive and critical understanding of what it means to be human.

The student who completes a major in psychology will display competency in each of the following areas:

understanding of fundamental aspects of human behavior and experience;
analytic reading skills;
theoretical analysis and critical thinking skills;
oral communication skills;
statistical and methodological skills;
group interaction and collaborative skills;
information literacy and technology skills;
understanding of ethical issues in psychology;
appreciation of human diversity.

Students are encouraged to think holistically about their personal and career goals, and to develop an academic program that helps to move them toward those goals. Toward that end, a major or minor in psychology may be combined successfully with other programs in the liberal arts, education, science and engineering, or business administration. The knowledge, skills and abilities developed through the study of psychology at Merrimack College will provide the student with a solid foundation for pursuing graduate study and/or work opportunities in psychology and related disciplines. More importantly, it will start the student on a path for pursuing meaningful lifelong learning.

The Department of Psychology at Merrimack College offers a minor in psychology.

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Psychology, B.A.

Minor

Psychology