Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) / Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
Careers
The Psychology degree is an extraordinary versatile major. Beyond gaining knowledge about human behavior, core competencies such as critical and analytic thinking skills, oral and written communication skills and collaboration skills are developed and strengthened. This allows psychology students to pursue several diverse career pathways. An estimated 40% of Psychology majors use psychology as a starting point to pursuing careers in related fields (business, law, etc.). You should utilize the psychology courses and experiential learning opportunities to help you discover your strengths, weakness, likes, and dislikes. This ultimately will help to determine your future career path. URI psychology students have pursued medicine, occupational therapy, law school, social work and business graduate degrees. And, yes, many psychology students go into human service and/or pursue advanced degrees in Psychology or Neuroscience.
Center for Career and Experiential Education
The Psychology Department partners with URI’s Center for Career and Experiential Education to ensure a high level of support and guidance in career exploration. The Center is dedicated to “student success through engagement in high quality personal and professional experiences.” Chelsea Lenhart, Career Education Specialist, works with the Psychology Department, providing exceptional experiential learning placements, career-centric information and events. Additionally, CCE staff teach three courses that focus on careers:
1. ITR 300: Career Planning: Concepts and Skills (3 credits): Identify personal strengths, interests, and professional values related to career exploration. Develop professional job and internship search skills.
2. ITR 300 (Topic): Careers in Health & Healthcare: Identify personal strengths, interests, and professional values related to career exploration. Develop professional job and internship search skills in Health & Healthcare (offered: J Term)
3. PSY 477: Careers in Psychology (1 credit): Designed to assist students as they explore career options in the field of psychology. Students will prepare materials for job/graduate school applications, and practice interview skills.
Graduate School Opportunities
The Psychology Department offers career development workshops, a mentoring program, and a number of experiential learning opportunities to help gear you towards graduate school. Additionally, you may utilize GRE and LSAT practice exams and study programs offered by URI to assist you as you prep for graduate admissions examinations.
Master’s Degrees
Master’s degree options in the field of psychology majors include, but are not limited to Human Development and Family Studies, Business, Counseling, Social Work, and Higher Education. At URI, there is a Master of Science in Mental and Behavioral Health Counseling.
Doctorate Degrees
With a psychology degree, you may also go on to receive your doctorate in a separate area, such as Law. If you are interested in a doctorate in psychology you may choose one of two options, a PsyD or a Ph.D. A PsyD is intended for individuals interested in practicing psychology, while a Ph.D. is more geared toward academic and research-based careers, as well as clinical directions. If you are interested in the Ph.D. path, we highly encourage you to consider our Bachelor of Science program.
The Psychology Department at URI offers two psychology doctorate programs: Behavioral Science and Clinical Psychology.