Academics


Bachelor of Science in Psychology

A group of students gather in a circle for discussion
Psychology Degree Overview
Students in our psychology program develop extensive knowledge of the discipline of psychology as a science, including its modes of inquiry and major schools of thought. The program emphasizes the holistic appreciation of the human being through interactions among cognitive, social, emotional and biological factors.

Exceptional research opportunities, as well as a range of academic concentrations uncommon for an undergraduate program, prepare students for advanced training and successful careers.

In support of these concentrations, students may select from a variety of specialized courses such as clinical psychology, introduction to psychotherapy, eating disorders and body image, neuropsychology, child and adolescent psychopathology, health psychology, human sexuality, forensic neuroscience and psychological perspectives on death and dying, to name a few.
A psychologist holds notebook and pen while speaking to patient
Psychology Degree Coursework
The BS in Psychology is developed with guidance from the five undergraduate learning objectives recommended by the American Psychological Association:

• Knowledge base in psychology
• Scientific inquiry and critical thinking
• Ethical and social responsibility in a diverse world
• Communication
• Professional development

The depth and breadth of the program’s faculty allow students the uncommon opportunity to choose one of three optional concentrations, depending on their interests:

• Clinical/counseling psychology
• Behavioral neuroscience
• Health psychology
Two people compile research from reports and laptop
Undergraduate Research
Participate in undergraduate research and build your portfolio.

As part of the required coursework, students must complete two individual research projects. These hands-on experiences give all students a better understanding of psychology and create the necessary research foundation important for students who continue to graduate school. These research experiences also lead to exciting opportunities, such as presenting findings at the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference or getting published in peer-reviewed academic journals.
A psychologist holds a notebook and sits at a table with a child
Internship Opportunities
Students may arrange one or more internships for up to a total of 6 credit hours. Some of the internship sites where our students have been recently placed are:

• Albany Medical College, departments of Neuropharmacology and Neuroscience, Psychiatry and Pediatric Intensive Care
• Community Hospice of Albany County at St. Peter’s Hospital
• East Greenbush Schools
• Eddy Ford Rehabilitation Facility
• Greene County Long Term Care Facility
• Human Resource Associates
• Orange Regional Medical Center
• Parsons Family Child Center
• Samaritans Suicide Prevention Hotline
• St. Anne’s Institute
• St. Peter’s Hospital Pediatrics Ward
• St. Peter’s Hospital Alcohol Rehabilitation Center
A doctor smiles and stands in front of window with white coat and stethoscope on
Jobs Requiring a Bachelor of Psychology Degree
With an emphasis on research, the ACPHS Psychology program prepares students to pursue graduate study in a variety of fields, including psychology, business, counseling, social work, neuroscience, health psychology and medicine. Students completing the program are also prepared to enter careers in health care, human services, business and industry.

Psychology fields with the strongest projected job growth:

• Clinical, counseling, and school psychologists – 14%
• Social scientists and related workers – 11%
• Industrial-organizational psychologists – 8%
• Psychologists, all other – 11%
• Medical Scientists - 10%

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections through 2026