our faculty
"My clinical experience includes individual and couples therapy for many problems such as mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, and adjustment disorders."
read his storyPrepare yourself for a wide range of careers by learning about the human mind and human behavior with a BA degree in Psychology.
Overview & Distinctions
Overview
Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors in the US, and for good reason: learning about the mind and behavior while earning your BA in Psychology gives you a solid foundation on which to build a wide range of careers from counseling to education to marketing to research.
D'Youville's Psychology bachelor's degree program will prepare you to understand the various dimensions of the field of psychology through a combination of personalized instruction, hands-on-experiences, and a unique series of professional development seminars that can help you decide where you want your degree to take you after graduation.
Our program offers a unique combination of high-quality instruction from accomplished faculty, practical professional development, and extensive opportunities for real-world experience both in the US and abroad.
Why Choose D'Youville?
- Small classes allow for individualized instruction directly from our accomplished faculty, not teaching assistants as is often the norm in larger colleges and universities.
- You can attend Psychology as a Profession Seminars starting in your sophomore year. These seminars help you explore your career options by providing real-life, practical information about the various career paths you can take with your Psychology degree, and the steps you'll need to take to get there.
- Our faculty advisors will help you tailor your curriculum to your interests by developing a personalized plan that allows you to study topics from our two dozen psychology elective offerings
- Once you become a Senior, our extensive internship program will allow you to apply what you've learned and gain the kind of real-world experience employers look for through actual on-the-job experience as an intern.
- D'Youville's long commitment to a liberal education means that you'll receive the kind of interdisciplinary education that will give you a rock-solid foundation. Students can gain skills like problem solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and written, visual, and oral communication — all skills that employers believe are critical to success, no matter what career path you decide to take.
Automatic Merit-Based Scholarship Consideration
When you apply for admission at D’Youville, we’ll automatically consider you for our merit scholarships. Undergraduate scholarships can cover as much as 50% of your tuition, and there is no need to fill out a separate application!
Transfer students can qualify for scholarships, as well. And unlike other schools, maintaining your scholarship is easier at D'Youville because we use a realistic 2.25 GPA requirement to determine your eligibility for merit-based scholarships each year.
Check out the chart below to see if you qualify:
| Scholarships | SAT (M & EBRW) or ACT* / GPA | Scholarship Amount |
|---|---|---|
| President's | 88/1170 or 24 | $13,000 + $3,000 Room and Board Waiver |
| Founder's | 83/1080 or 21 | $10,000 + $2,000 Room and Board Waiver |
| Dean's | 80/980 or 18 Anyone with a 90 GPA can receive this award without test score consideration. |
$8,000 |
| Transfer | 3.5+ | $5,000 |
| Transfer | 3.25 - 3.49 | $4,500 |
| Transfer | 3.0 - 3.24 | $4,000 |
| Transfer | 2.75 - 2.99 | $3,500 |
*D'Youville only requires that you submit the results from one test.
Find more information and additional scholarships on our scholarships page.
Curriculum
Curriculum
Psychology
Degree: B.A.
Course Requirements for the Major:
In the specific areas of concentration:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 |
General PsychologyThis course is an overall survey of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes.
Topics include biology of behavior,sensation and perception consciousness, learning
and memory,intelligence,motivation and emotion, stress and personality. |
3.0 |
| BIO 105 |
Human BiologyThis course surveys the function of the human body systems in health and disease and
includes topics of current interest, which may include diet and nutrition, treatments
for infertility, infectious diseases and vaccines, and the affect of drugs on the
nervous system. This course consists of three hours of lecture and three hours of
laboratory per week. The lab exercises are designed to complement the lecture topics,
and concurrent registration in both lecture and three-hour laboratory are required.
This course is not eligible for elective credit in the major but is a required course
in the psychology major. |
4.0 |
| Total | 7 | |
Psychology courses required by program:
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 102 |
History of PsychologyThis course examines the roots of modern psychological thought. Students will trace
these roots from their early origins in philosophy and the natural sciences through
the early schools of psychology and on into its current form. In addition to learning
about the major schools of psychology,students will explore how cultural and political
forces shaped the development of various psychological theories. In addition,students
will also examine the lives of the men and women whose works created psychology's
foundation. Students will select a person or a classic experiment to research and
present to the class. |
3.0 |
| PSY 201 |
Statistics in Behavioral SciencesThis course provides students with an introduction to statistical and research methods.Various
types of research designs and the process of developing a research proposal will be
studied along with the statistical techniques for analysis of numerical data. |
3.0 |
| PSY 202 |
Research Methods in Behavioral SciencesThis course is a continuation of Psy 201. Students will complete research projects
designed in Psy 201 and develop skills in data analysis and writing research papers. |
3.0 |
| PSY 203 |
Developmental PsychologyThis course explores milestones of physical,cognitive and psychosocial development
from conception through old age. Emphasis is placed on global principles that guide
human growth and change across the lifespan. The course meets the core requirement
in psychology. |
3.0 |
| PSY 204 |
Physiological PsychologyThis course examines the physiological basis of behavior through consideration of
nervous and endocrine system structure and function followed by a detailed analysis
of specific behaviors such as aggression,ingestion,sexual behaviors, sleep,and memory
and learning. |
3.0 |
| PSY 205 |
Social PsychologyThis course studies the individual in society,social learning and perception,formation
and measurement of attitudes,social norms and roles,public opinion and propaganda. |
3.0 |
| PSY 206 |
Abnormal PsychologyThis course scientifically describes and discusses the forms of abnormal behavior
guided by the DSM-IV. Specific focus is placed on assessment and diagnosis, etiological
factors,treatment possibilities,and predictions of recovery. |
3.0 |
| PSY 207 |
Cognitive PsychologyThis course will examine cognitive functioning in humans through a consideration of
sensory register, attention,short-term and long-term memory. Topics include encoding,retrieval,
comprehension, reasoning and problem-solving and language. |
3.0 |
| PSY 208 |
PersonalityThis course examines multiple perspectives on the construct of personality. It aims
to provide the student with a thorough background in the major theories as well as
an ability to integrate and apply the concepts in these theories. To accomplish this,
students will engage in case studies as they master the theories within each major
perspective. |
3.0 |
| PSY 209 |
Psychology As a Profession IThis first course in the two-semester Psychology as a Profession sequence provides
a foundation for students considering a career in psychology or related fields. Students
are guided in their own professional development via self-assessments of professional
interests,establishment of professional goals and how facets of the psychology curriculum
can be tailored to their individual needs. As part of the exploration,students will
be acquainted with contemporary and historical issues in the profession of psychology
(e.g.,professional organizations,licensure requirements)and will be provided with
an overview of the many sub-fields and disciplines within psychology. |
1.0 |
| PSY 210 |
Psychology As a Profession IIThis second course in the two-semester psychology as a profession sequence provides
a foundation for students considering a career in psychology or related fields. The
emphasis of this seminar is to enable students to become more acquainted with baccalaureate-level
career opportunities in psychology as well as professional career opportunities in
psychology and related fields. Students will be guided in the process of researching
and interviewing professionals within the community. Invited guest speakers from specialized
careers within psychology and related fields will supplement lecture presentations
of vocational and career opportunities. |
1.0 |
| PSY 469 |
Psychology Internship IThe purpose of this course is to allow students the opportunity to gain experience
in a psychology-related field setting that is in keeping with their educational and/or
vocational goals. It is the intent of the course that students will build upon their
knowledge and skills in a research or community internship placement. Thought agreement
among the instructor/internship coordinator,the student,and the internship supervisor,
the student will participate in an internship(s)for a minimum of 225 hours for the
semester(15 hours per week). |
4.0 |
| PSY 470 |
Psychology Internship IIThis course will allow students the opportunity to gain experience in a psychology-related
field setting wherein they can build upon their learning experiences from their first
semester of internship. Students learning may entail continued placement at their
first semester of internship(in keeping with their educational or vocational goals)with
the intent of advancing their skills and knowledge acquired from the previous semester,or
placement in an alternative setting that enables students to develop their knowledge,professional
networking,and further evaluate their educational and career goals. Through agreement
among the instructor/internship coordinator,the student,and the internship supervisor,
the student will participate in an internship(s) for a minimum of 225 hours for the
semester(15 hours per week). |
4.0 |
| PSY 489 |
Senior Seminar IThis course provides the student with extensive faculty and peer guidance and feedback
throughout the psychology internship experience during the senior year. |
2.0 |
| PSY 490 |
Senior Seminar IIThis course provides the student with extensive faculty and peer guidance and feedback
throughout the psychology internship experience during the senior year. |
2.0 |
| Total | 41 | |
Seven additional psychology elective courses are required, with courses chosen from at least four of the following fundamental areas and including at least two courses at the 400-level.
Developmental Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 353 |
Social Psychology of AgingThis overview of psychology of aging stresses the social aspects of the aging process.
Topics include theories of aging, intellectual, functioning and learning; mental health
of aged and organic brain dysfunction; culture and the family and aging;dying and
the grief process. This experimental course will include some field observations as
well as lectures and discussions. |
3.0 |
| PSY 363 |
Human SexualityThis course is designed to provide students with a multidimensional overview of human
sexuality and an opportunity to clarify their own sexual value systems. Human sexuality
is considered from biological,cultural,psychosocial,developmental, behavioral and
clinical perspectives. |
3.0 |
| PSY 453 |
Developmental PsychopathologyThis course examines the development of emotional and behavioral maladjustment in
children and adolescents. Emphasis will be given to theories,assessment strategies,
and research methods and findings regarding the etiology and treatment efficacy for
disorders including mental retardation, the pervasive developmental disorders (autism),elimination
disorders,attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)and learning disabilities,conduct
disorders,and eating disorders. Psychiatric conditions such as mood disorders,anxiety
disorders,schizophrenia,sleep disorders and emerging personality disorders will also
be considered from a developmental perspective. Psychosocial factors(e.g.family violence
and abuse)that have been empirically identified in affecting psychological adjustment
and research regarding prevention of these emotional and behavioral problems will
also be addressed. |
3.0 |
| PSY 463 |
Special Topics in Dev PsychologyThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of developmental psychology. |
3.0 |
| Total | 12 | |
Physiological Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 364 |
NeuropsychologyThis course applies the knowledge gained from Physiological Psychology to an advanced
study of human neuropsychology. Students will gain an appreciation of the relationship
between the structure and function of the nervous system and qualities of mind and
behavior. |
3.0 |
| PSY 454 |
Drugs and BehaviorThis course will examine the problem of addiction through a review of terminology,the
types and effects of psychoactive substances,and the current theories from human and
animal research identifying possible genetic,neuroanatomical,neurochemical and hormonal
factors. |
3.0 |
| PSY 464 |
Special Topics Physiological PsychologyThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of physiological psychology. |
3.0 |
| Total | 9 | |
Social Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 355 |
Group DynamicsThis course examines in detail the complicated dynamics that emerge in groups of people.
An overview is presented of the various types of groups and the effect of the group
on the emotion,thought and behavior of the individual. |
3.0 |
| PSY 365 |
Forensic PsychologyThis course will provide an introduction and overview to the field of forensic psychology.
Attention will be given to the ways in which psychologists,either clinically or empirically,have
or can influence the law in terms of issues such as assessment of competency and sanity,legal
decision-making,jury composition,police psychology,eyewitness testimony,criminal behavior
and profiling, and juvenile and family legal matters. |
3.0 |
| PSY 455 |
Multicultural PsychologyThis course will review the history and present status of multicultural psychology
with an emphasis on fundamental assumptions,fundamental theories and future directions.
Particular emphasis will be directed to understanding American Indian,Asian American,Black
American and Hispanic American individuals. |
3.0 |
| PSY 465 |
Special Topics in Social PsychologyThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of social psychology. |
3.0 |
| Total | 12 | |
Abnormal Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 356 |
Theories of CounselingThis course explores the major theories,basic concepts and techniques of counseling.
The student will be expected to demonstrate a working knowledge of the terminology,
concepts and counseling applications of the major counseling theories, such as Psychoanalytic,
Aldrian,Person-centered,Gestalt,Rational Emotive,Existential and Family Therapy. This
course is suggested for students in all areas in which such a need exists in their
professional work. |
3.0 |
| PSY 366 |
Psychological AssessmentThis course will provide an introduction to and focus on the major characteristics
of psychological assessment. Such assessment includes the measurement of human skills
and abilities,aptitudes,and aspects of psychological functioning such as personality
and psychopathology. The course will be organized in two parts. The first part of
the course will provide students with a background in psychometric principles including
how to evaluate tests (i.e,reliability,validity,etc) and procedures in test development
(e.g.,item analysis,construct validation). Issues in effective test administration
will also be covered. The latter portion of the course will cover popular means of
assessment including interviewing and a survey of the most popular psychological tests.
Students will gain some "hands on" experience with these assessment devices through
demonstration and self-administration. |
3.0 |
| PSY 456 |
Behavior ModificationsThis course examines major theories,basic concepts and techniques of behavior modification.
The student will develop an understanding of the application of operant conditioning
principles,implementation of behavior modification techniques,and assessment and evaluation
of program effectiveness. |
3.0 |
| PSY 466 |
Special Topics in Abnormal PsychologyThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of abnormal psychology. |
3.0 |
| Total | 12 | |
Cognitive Psychology
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 357 |
Sensation and PerceptionThis course is a review of the visual system,auditory system,somatosensory system
and systems for taste and smell. Students will experience the unique features of each
sensory and perceptual system through demonstrations and experiments. |
3.0 |
| PSY 367 |
Psychology of ConsciousnessThis course examines consciousness "last great mystery of science". Excluded from
scientific research for most of the last century,consciousness is now a rapidly expanding
area of study in both psychology and neuroscience. This course will discuss all the
major theories of consciousness,from those rooted in traditional western philosophy
to those coming out of neuroscience,quantum theory,and Eastern philosophy.Students
will engage in readings,self-assessments, and practical exercises that will allow
students to examine their understanding of their own consciousness. |
3.0 |
| PSY 467 |
Special Topics in Cognitive PsychologyThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of cognitive psychology.
|
3.0 |
| Total | 9 | |
Personality
| Course Number | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 358 |
Psychology of Human RelationsThis course is a study of theories and processes of interpersonal behavior. It is
primarily a laboratory for human relationship training and the content is designed
to help students understand themselves in order to understand and relate effectively
with others. |
3.0 |
| PSY 368 |
Stress & AdjustmentThis course explores the biology and psychology of the experience of stress. Students
will learn from both lecture and self-exploration. This course will provide the opportunity
for students to learn and practice traditional and "alternative" stress management
skills through individual and group practice. |
3.0 |
| PSY 458 |
Psychology of GenderThis course is a review of the scientific literature on gender differences and their
development. Discussion will include the impact of these differences on an individual's
life and in society. |
3.0 |
| PSY 468 |
Special Topics in PersonalityThis course is an in-depth consideration of topics in the field of personality psychology. |
3.0 |
| Total | 12 | |
Core requirements: 58
Required Psychology courses: 41
Elective Psychology courses: 21
Total: 120
Careers
Careers
Graduates with degrees in psychology typically pursue one of two career paths: either directly entering the workforce through an entry-level position in a variety of industries or continuing their education through graduate study.
Starting Your Career After Graduation
Graduates interested in starting their careers as soon as they graduate have a wide range of career options to choose from. Options range from from administrative or research assistant positions in academic and community agencies (human services, mental health care settings), vocational rehabilitation offices, medical settings, or legal/correctional institutions.
Graduates also find opportunities in settings, including outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment clinics, schools, community-based organizations, and public social service agencies. Graduates interested in private-sector business opportunities are also finding increased job opportunities in the rapidly-expanding arena of employee assistance programs.
A sample of job titles of recent graduates include:
- Administrative Assistant
- Alcohol and substance abuse clinician
- Case Manager/Trainer
- Channel Account Manager
- Child Protective Services (CPS)
- Case Worker and Investigator
- Commission and Reporting Specialist
- Day Habilitation Counselor
- Hospice social worker
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Medical Liaison
- Pharmacology Research Technician
- Probation officer
- Senior Residential Supervisor
- Skill Builder
- Special Education Teacher
- Social Welfare Examiner
- Surrogate Court Research Clerk
- Youth Care Professional
Specific jobs in the mental health field include:
- Activity director
- Addictions counselor
- Administrative program assistant
- Admissions counselor
- Admissions recruiter
- Adolescent care worker
- Therapy aid
- Group home residential counselor
- Supportive counselor
- Adolescent chemical dependency counselor
- Probation officer
- Foster care worker
- Service coordinator
- Behavior analyst
- Camp staff director
- Recreational center group worker
- Child care counselor
- Case manager
- Chemical dependency advocate
- Child care worker
- Community outreach coordinator
- Community service coordinator
- Crime prevention coordinator
- Daily living aid
- Applied behavior analysis specialist
- Director of a day care center
- Foster home parent
- Early childhood specialist
- Group leader
- Psychiatric center case manager
- Educational coordinator
- Youth worker
- Drug counselor
- Volunteer coordinator
- Women and children outreach worker
- Child abuse prevention Instructor
- Residential service coordinator
- Therapy aid
- Independent living specialist
- Director of human services
- Group home parent
- Developmental reading instructor
- Group home coordinator
- House parent
- Neighborhood outreach worker
- Group home manager
- Community support counselor
- Psychology teacher
- Half-way house worker
- Adolescent crisis services residential counselor
- Hotline support counselor
- Hospital admissions counselor
- Summer program for youth director
- Park and recreational director
- Social services worker
- Geriatric specialist
- Child care worker
- Assistant youth coordinator
- Individual aid
- Work program supervisor and trainer
Continuing Your Education with a Graduate Degree
The areas with the potential for the greatest career advancement are likely to be those that require graduate degrees. Your Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from D'Youville will serve as an excellent foundation for graduate study. Indeed, recent alumni surveys have indicated that the success rate of D’Youville Psychology graduates’ admission to professional programs of study (e.g., Psychology, Counseling, Teaching, Healthcare, etc.) is twice that of reported national averages.
Earning an advanced degree can qualify you for a wide range of professions careers as evidenced by our graduates who have done so. A sample of careers among graduates who have obtained an advanced degree include Clinical Psychologist, School Psychologist, College Professor, Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, and Nurse just to name a few.
Internships
Internships
An internship will provide you with the opportunity to apply what you've learned in the classroom to the workplace while gaining the kinds of valuable experience employers and graduate programs look for. By directly experiencing day-to-day life in a real-world setting, you'll also have the opportunity to better understand what career path is right for you. Additionally, an internship affords students the opportunity to network with professionals in their field of interest which can be invaluable for helping to secure post-graduate job or academic placement.
Students in D'Youville's Psychology program are fortunate to not only have a wide range of internship experiences to choose from that can be tailored to their specific career interests, but have the opportunity to participate in two such internships that are integrated into our comprehensive curriculum.
Internship Overview
During your senior year, you'll be required to complete two semesters of internship while also taking the Senior Seminar. You'll complete a minimum of 225 hours of internship each semester or about 15 hours per week of on-the-job experience. You'll have the opportunity to explore a wide variety of experiences that will help you explore your own goals and interests through internship placements at human or social service organizations, forensic and/or legal organizations, research institutions, medical settings, educational institutions, or other types of settings as long as they're approved by D'Youville.
Regardless of where you choose to complete your internship experiences you'll benefit from the knowledge and experience of a committed team of professionals and peers through supervision from those at your internship placement, mentoring from D'Youville faculty, and your fellow students in your co-requisite Senior Seminar.
Supporting Your Success Through the Senior Seminar
We're committed to your success. One major way we support your success as a student in the Psychology Department at D'Youville is through our Senior Seminar, a course designed to complement and expand on your internship experiences your senior year.
In the Senior Seminar you'll explore professionally-relevant issues such as ethics and legal issues, supervision, cultural diversity, and applying to graduate school as we help you to build your overall professional skills prior to graduation. Through interactions with your peers and your instructor, you'll not only build professional knowledge but you'll also receive the kind of support and encouragement that will help you excel during your internship placement and beyond, after graduation.
Sample Internship Placements
Unlike some institutions where students are required to seek and acquire their own internship opportunities, the faculty of the D'Youville Psychology Program are committed to helping students find internship placements within agencies and settings that are consistent with their career interests and plans.
The following is a list of locations that D'Youville Psychology student interns have been placed in since 2002:
- Aspire of Western New York
- Associate Physical and Occupational Therapists
- Avalon Eating Disorder Center
- Baker Victory Services – Preventative Services
- Buffalo City hall, Division of Citizen Services
- Buffalo C.O.U.R.T.S.
- Buffalo Police Department
- Buffalo Psychiatric Center
- Buffalo Public Schools
- Buffalo Speech and Hearing
- Buffalo Urban League
- Camp Cradle Beach
- Charter School of Applied Technology
- Child & Family Services
- Cheektowaga Central Schools
- City of Buffalo, Division of Substance Abuse Services
- Claddagh Commission, Inc
- Clean Air Coalition of Western new York
- Community Services Inc.
- Compass House
- Compeer of Western New York
- Crisis Services
- D'Youville Admissions Office
- D'Youville Athletic Department
- D'Youville Career & Professional Engagement
- D'Youville Public Relations Department
- East Aurora Union Free School District
- Edukids Early Childhood Center
- Erie County Court Judge – 8th District
- Erie County Department of Health & Teen Wellness
- Erie County Department of Probation
- Erie County District Attorney's Office
- Erie County Family Court
- Erie County Forensic Mental Health
- Escuela Secundaria Ángel María Herrera (Panama)
- Frontier Central Public Schools
- Gateway-Longview, Inc.
- Greenfield Continuing Care Community
- Hillside Family Agencies
- Holland Central School District
- Horizon Health Services
- Jericho Community Health Center
- Kaleida Addictions Center
- Kaleida Health Occupational Therapy
- Key Resource Group, LLP
- Kids Peace
- Lakeshore Behavioral Health
- Lackawanna Drug Treatment Court
- Lancaster Central Schools
- Lewiston-Porter Central Schools
- Lockport Central Schools
- Mental Health Association of Erie County, Inc.
- Moving Miracles
- Newfane Central Schools
- Native American Magnet School
- New Frontiers in Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- New York State Attorney General’s Office, Consumer Fraud Division
- Niagara Falls Public Schools
- Niagara Wheatfield Public Schools
- North Tonawanda Public Schools
- The Partnership, Ltd.
- People Inc.
- Research Center for Children & Youth (SUNY)
- Research Institute on Addictions
- Research Internships with Faculty at D’Youville and other Institutions
- Rochester-Henrietta Central Schools
- Roswell Park Cancer Institute
- Seneca Nation Clerks' Office
- Sisters Hospital Skilled Nursing Facility
- Snelling Personnel
- SPCA
- University of San Diego, Department of Psychology
- West Seneca Public Schools
- Western New York Child Psychiatric Center
- Western New York Developmental Disabilities Services Office
- Wheatfield Pediatrics
- Women & Children's Hospital Early Childhood Program
- YWCA Transitional Housing Program
Admission Requirements
Admission Requirements
Incoming Freshman
Applicants must meet the following three criteria:
- Combined SAT scores of at least 980 (or 19 ACT).
- A high school average of at least 80 percent.
- A high school rank in the upper one half of the class.
Transfer Admission
Students must have a minimum QPA of 2.5 and a minimum QPA of 2.75 in psychology courses. Transfer credits will be determined on a case-by-case basis to assess adaptability to curriculum requirements.
Each student accepted into the program must submit a letter of intent prior to course registration.