Psychology

Suffolk University’s psychology program offers students a holistic, flexible approach to this dynamic field. You’ll examine the neurological components of the brain and study the way societies and circumstances cause different behaviors. Our wide range of advanced and elective topics—including human sexuality, psychopathology, counseling skills, veterans, adolescence, women, and other marginalized identities—will empower you to explore and dive deeper into areas that align with your career aspirations.

two students sit at a table with faculty member
There’s no limit to what you can do with a psychology degree. That’s why our faculty will work closely with you to help determine your career goals and map out a path to success.

Our department is also home to a renowned master’s degree program in mental health counseling and a respected PhD program in clinical psychology. This means you’ll have the unique opportunity to work closely with faculty members and graduate students on cutting-edge research. Along with a required internship and senior seminar project, you’ll gain critical hands-on experience to boost your resume or graduate school application.

Our majors go on to become therapists, psychiatrists, and psychologists or pursue careers or advanced degrees in fields like education, politics, nursing, law, advocacy, and public policy. This major is also great for students pursuing a health careers or pre-law track.

Students in our psychology program will:

  • Learn how the mind and body interact to influence psychological and physical health
  • Interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research
  • Read and summarize complex ideas accurately, including future directions, from psychological sources and research
  • Develop effective scientific, persuasive, descriptive and argumentative writing and presentation skills
  • Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice and exhibit sensitivity to issues of power, privilege, identity, and discrimination

Experience is Everything

Courses like Introduction to Counseling Skills give students a chance to both observe and practice one-on-one counseling.

Our professional development courses give psychology majors the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries and sectors so they can investigate all their potential career options.

Psychology students take a required internship course where they work off campus at a mental health clinic or other psychology-focused organization.

Our majors can put their studies into action working side-by-side with faculty or PhD students on conducting groundbreaking research.

Program Options

The Major

Students in this program choose to earn a Bachelor of Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Our curriculum includes core courses in general psychology, behavioral statistics, and research methods, and a course from each of our three area requirements: developmental, neurological and biological, and social or cultural. Combined with electives, a required internship, and a senior capstone project, you’ll build a strong foundation in the discipline while delving further into specific subjects that interest you. Our emphasis on professional development will also ensure you’re exposed to and prepared for the many different career pathways you can take with this degree.
View the Psychology Major Curriculum

The Minor

Explore the intricacies of human behavior and mental processes by minoring in psychology. To complete the minor, you’ll take general psychology and four electives. You can select a particular area to emphasize (e.g., human development, social-organizational, personality) or more broadly sample from our course offerings.
View the Psychology Minor Curriculum

Customize Your Degree

Many psychology students choose courses, minors, or double majors in areas that will complement their skills such as:

Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s

Kickstart your career by completing your undergraduate degree and an MS in Mental Health Counseling in six years. You can apply to this dual-degree program in the spring semester of your junior year and take your first graduate course the following fall. You’ll save time and tuition, as well as waive our GRE requirement.
Learn more about the Sociology Degree in Three


Our Students & Alumni


Beyond the Classroom

Several students sit at a table in Psychology Department office

As a psychology major at Suffolk, you’ll discover endless opportunities for your future—and a vibrant, supportive community to help you thrive.

Our space

You’ll feel at home in our inviting workspace on the 8th floor of 73 Tremont. With stunning city views and plenty of natural light, it’s the perfect spot for focused study, collaborative projects, and conversations with peers, professors, and students in our graduate and doctoral programs.

Get involved

Connect with friends who will both support and challenge you as you shape your goals through engaging activities like:

  • Joining a student club, such as the major-specific Psyched Out club, or one of the many interest and advocacy groups on campus.
  • Participating in novel research alongside faculty and PhD students.
  • Exploring new ideas and applications through events like our Brown Bag Research In Progress lecture series and doctoral student presentations.

Student at interview

How will you make a difference? At Suffolk, you’ll build valuable skills and grow your professional network in Boston, one of the most innovative cities for healthcare and human services. Internships at top hospitals, nonprofits, and research centers—along with professional development courses—will help you explore different areas of the field and refine your career path. Many students complete multiple internships before graduation, gaining real-world experience with organizations that serve diverse populations.

Recent placements include:

  • The Center for Addiction Medicine at Mass General Hospital
  • The Integrated Center for Child Development
  • Cambridge Women’s Center
  • Think:Kids at Mass General Hospital
  • The Middlesex District Attorney’s Office
  • The Home for Little Wanderers
  • Advances Learning Center
  • Bay Cove Human Services

Two students at a desk working on a shared laptop

Your degree will open countless doors. You’ll meet graduate and doctoral students who can offer valuable insights, as well as alumni making an impact across industries—from healthcare and human services to education and business. Many of our graduates go on to build fulfilling careers as:

  • ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Specialists
  • Activities Coordinators
  • Advocates
  • Case Managers
  • Care Coordinators
  • Clinicians
  • Community Health Workers
  • Correctional Officers
  • Counselors
  • Housing Coordinators
  • Intake Coordinators
  • Residential Program Assistants/Counselors

Our faculty will work closely with you—along with professionals from the University’s Center for Career Equity, Development & Success—as you prepare for your next step. You’ll also find information and events tailored to your interests in our Human Service and Social Impact Career Community.

Success after Suffolk


Here's a sampling of recent graduates’ current job titles and employers.

Triage Mental Health Counselor
Beth Israel Lahey Health
Clinical Research Assistant I
Boston Children's Hospital
Behavioral Therapist
Early Autism Services
Mental Health Specialist
Franciscan Children's Hospital
Human Resources Coordinator
Mycronic
Case Manager
Outside the Lines
After School Instructor
Youth EmpowerHouse
Programming Director
Benchmark Senior Living
Clinical Research Assistant
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Behavioral Health Technician
Boston Behavior Learning Centers
Clinical Investigation Technician
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Senior Behavioral Specialist
Center for Social Dynamics
Learn more about our Career Community

Continuing Education

Many of our graduates go on to pursue advanced degrees at reputable institutions including Northeastern University, Boston University, Boston College, University of Pennsylvania, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Science, and Suffolk University.

Questions? Get in touch!

Matt Jerram

Matthew Jerram

Associate Professor & Department Chair of Psychology

Email: [email protected]

Send a Message

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