University of New England

The Department of Psychology offers four degree programs: a B.A. in Psychology, a B.S. in Neuroscience, a B.S. in Animal Behavior, and a B.A. in Psychology and Social Relations.

Current students may also be majoring in Psychobiology, which in the summer of 2009 was split into two distinct majors:  Neuroscience and Animal Behavior.  These two new majors were formally tracks students selected within the larger major of Psychobiology. Current students scheduled to graduate in 2011, 2012, or 2013 may elect to stay as psychobiology majors  or switch their major to either Neuroscience or Animal Behavior.  The last class to graduate with a degree in Psychobiology will be the class of 2013.  

In addition to our four major programs, students from other departments may minor in psychology, neuroscience, animal behavior, or psychology and social relations. 

Psychology Major

The psychology major provides students with an introduction to the basic areas of the discipline, which include clinical, counseling, experimental, physiological, social, developmental, personality, and cognitive  psychology. Psychology Curriculum.

This broad foundation prepares students for a wide range of professional and academic experiences beyond college. Some of these options include entry level positions in the mental health and human services or other types of entry level business and industry positions.

For more information check out the gradPsych website or  Finding Jobs With a Psychology Bachelor's Degree: Expert Advice for Launching Your Career by Eric Landrom (2009).  The psychology major also prepares students for graduate study in psychology, counseling, social work, occupational therapy, and other allied health fields, and can provide a good foundation for professional studies in law, medicine, and business. Please visit the American Pyschological Association website for more information about careers with a psychology degree.

Animal Behavior Major

The Department of Psychology in conjunction with the Department of Biological Sciences offers a major in Animal Behavior. This course of study focuses on the behavior of animals. Courses in the major will be taught by members of both departments and will explore both the biological and psychological bases of animal and human behavior. The Animal Behavior degree will make graduates marketable in both the areas of psychology and the biological sciences. Animal Behavior Curriculum

Graduates from the program will have training and skills that could lead to employment working with animals in zoos, marine parks, and veterinary hospitals in addition to more general employment and opportunities for graduate study.    For more information on careers, check out this website.

Neuroscience Major

A Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary major offered by faculty from various departments with expertise in the neurosciences.  The neuroscience curriculum offers students an opportunity to explore the structure and function of the nervous system.  The major requires a general science background, a number of courses specifically devoted to the brain, and an in-depth experience that clearly defines the limits of knowledge in at least one aspect of neuroscience.  The major allows considerable flexibility for students to develop the last two years along the lines of individual preferences and interests, with potential focuses in areas of cellular/molecular neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience, or cognitive science. Neuroscience curriculum.

The majority of students who graduate with a degree in neuroscience enter graduate or professional programs culminating with careers in medicine/health care, research, and/or education.  Other neuroscientists conduct research or lead teams of scientists with positions in government laboratories, private research foundations, and in the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, and chemical industries.

Neuroscientists also work in government regulatory agencies such as the Food and Drug Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency, or in industrial organizations that work with these agencies. Entry level positions as technicians requiring an undergraduate degree in neuroscience can be found in biomedical research laboratories, in pharmaceutical or health product companies or public health programs.

Psychology and Social Relations Major

The Psychology and Social Relations major (PSR) is a unique integration of course work from psychology, sociology, and anthropology.  The coursework in this major emphasizes training in interdisciplinary methods, the human life span, global perspectives, and student internship opportunities.   This major prepares students for entry-level positions in the mental health and human services field, or for graduate study in psychology, sociology, social work, human services, and related fields. 

Majors complete an interdisciplinary core of courses in psychology and sociology. These are designed to develop research and thinking skills as well as to expose students to critical areas within and between the disciplines. Psychology and Social Relations Curriculum