Why Choose Nazareth for Psychology?

How do people form opinions? Why do men and women perceive the world differently? How do video games affect learning in children? Is "multitasking" in the workplace really more efficient? Psychology is not simply the study of abnormal behavior. It's the science of how we behave, the key to questions of personality, intelligence, and social behavior. 

The psychology degree program at Nazareth University is a liberal arts major that gives you a solid foundation to pursue graduate school in psychology or a career in many related fields.

You can participate in research and fieldwork opportunities usually only found at the graduate level. For example, a gerontology course is taught on site at a local senior living community, where students take the class alongside elder residents.

The prominent place given to research and experiential learning fosters critical and precise thinking and clear communication in the use of evidence to support your conclusions, as well as in making connections between your intellectual life and life within the community. These intellectual skills will stand you in good stead in daily life and in many career choices.

Program Highlights

  • Benefit from a close-knit learning community with accessible faculty.
  • You'll have many opportunities for internships in community settings where psychology is applied.
  • Collaborate with faculty on research projects driven by both student and faculty areas of research interests.
  • Specialize through popular minors such as gerontology and cognitive neuropsychology.

Become a Changemaker

As a psychology major at Nazareth, you'll learn that your life doesn't "just happen." Your choices, skills, dedication, and experience matter — and you can understand how and why. You'll learn that to work as a counselor, teacher, therapist, or in careers of all kinds, you need to understand why people behave the way they do. You'll take challenging classes and then apply your understanding at places like Mount Hope Family Center, St. John's Home, and the Eastern Psychological Association research meeting. You'll change yourself. You'll change your future. You'll change your world.

Danielle Lindner, psychology major alumna, BA degree program, Nazareth College Rochester NY

Alumni Spotlight: Danielle Lindner '07

"The faculty at Nazareth were invested in my success as a student and as a person. The range of opportunities I had at Naz reflect that. I took nearly every course offered in the Psychology department, completed two internships and a research study, participated in several activities on campus, and had countless conversations with faculty mentors about my future. My education left me well-prepared for graduate school, and, after earning my Ph.D. in clinical psychology, I joined the faculty at a liberal arts institution."

Example Careers

  • Psychologist
  • Private therapist
  • Clinical researcher
  • Human resources
  • Social worker
  • University professor
  • Community organizer

Internships/Field Experiences

  • John F. Kennedy School in Berlin
  • Seneca Park Zoo
  • Rochester Psychiatric Center
  • Veterans Administration

Graduate Schools/Employers

  • Boston College
  • Syracuse University
  • University of Rochester
  • SUNY Geneseo
  • Temple University
  • ARC of Monroe County