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Psychology

Are you interested in understanding the complexities of the human mind? If so, then a Psychology degree may be the perfect choice for you. Through exploring concepts such as behavior, learning, and cognition, you will gain valuable insight into why humans think and do the things they do. McDaniel's Psychology program provides a unique opportunity to uncover the inner workings of humans and can open up new doors to insights that weren't previously available.

Mortarboard
Degree Types
Major , Minor
Institution
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Research Facilities
2 animal labs

Why McDaniel for your Psychology degree?

Earning a Psychology degree from McDaniel College will give you the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to understand and investigate questions of human and animal behavior. Utilizing psychological theories and scientific methods, you'll work on research projects individually or as a part of a team in our modern lab facilities. Through working with clients and organizations in the local community, your acquired skillset can be applied in a real-world environment. You may even have the chance to showcase your research at a regional or national conference.

Pathways to Success: Where will your degree in Psychology take you?

Graduates from McDaniel's psychology program are primed for success. Many decide to continue their studies in Psychology in graduate school and we've been successful in placing our students in leading programs. Other graduates go on to get jobs in the fields of education, business, counseling, and many others.

Recent graduates of our program now have job titles like:

  • Social and Human Service Specialists
  • Higher Education Teachers
  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
  • Guidance, Career, and Academic Counselors
  • School Counselors
  • Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Counselors

Check out our pre-medical and pre-professional allied health career advising options for additional guidance.

Master of Science in Counseling (Mental Health and School Counseling) Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs

McDaniel offers an Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s program for students interested in pursuing an advanced degree in Mental Health or School Counseling. McDaniel’s bachelor’s to master’s (BA/MS) pathway programs provide the unique opportunity for academically qualified McDaniel students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in an accelerated timeframe with less cost.

Learn more about BA/MS Pathway for Psychology Majors

Distinctive Courses in Psychology

PSY 2211 - Abnormal Psychology

The incidence, causes, treatment, and prevention of abnormal behavior of persons; major focus on adult populations.

PSY 2214 - Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience investigates the relationship between the brain and behavior.  The first part of the course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, nervous conduction and psychopharmacology; this will allow students to actively participate in classroom discussions in the second part, when major issues in behavioral neuroscience such as learning, memory, emotions, sleep, biological rhythms, and stress are investigated.

PSY 2209 - Developmental Psychology

The study of developmental changes from the prenatal period through adolescence, with particular emphasis on how physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development interact in forming the whole person. Special attention will be given to theoretical perspectives, the contexts within which development operates (home/school), and the application of research to current topics.

PSY 3200 - Writing in Psychology

This course is designed as an in-depth foray into writing in the discipline of Psychology. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to write clearly, concisely, and objectively using the format of the American Psychological Association in various formats common in the discipline of Psychology. These objectives will be met with the completion of multiple writing assignments focused on a particular area of Psychology and will require students to read and critically evaluate the primary literature in this area.

Special Opportunities for Psychology Students

Two female students in lab coats look at a pigeon in a clear glass box.

Pre-Medical Studies and Allied Health Advising

Interested in a career in the medical or allied health fields? McDaniel students have access to advising that is tailored to your desired career path, so you can discover your potential pathways on the Hill.

Senior Capstone Research: The culmination of four years of Psychology Training

Psychology major Lexi Andrea talks about her senior capstone, in which she studied the relationship between disability identity and psychological well-being. "After I graduate from McDaniel, I'm going to attend University of Maryland for their master's program in clinical psychological science."

McDaniel Psychology professor Wendy Morris (left) with students Matt Allen, Max Seigel and Katie Keegan at the Association for Psychological Science conference in Boston.

Psychology student presents groundbreaking research at national conference

During Katie Keegan’s senior year, the Psychology major’s curiosity sparked an Honors research study about perceptions of mass murder committed by Muslims versus Christians and landed her a presentation spot at a national conference. “It was an amazing opportunity,” says Keegan of Hadley, Mass. 

The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Professor holding pigeon in the pigeon lab speaking with students.

On Campus Animal Lab McDaniel College Pigeon Lab Research & Training

Many students worry that by attending a small college, they won't have access to cutting-edge labs or animal research studies that are hallmarks of large research universities. At McDaniel, you'll have the chance to engage in high-level animal research, including on-campus at our pigeon lab, where choice and decision-making are researched through a study of pigeon behavior.

“If you would have told me when I was graduating from McDaniel that I’d start my own nonprofit, I would have said, ‘No way, that’s a lot...But we just built from where we were and all of a sudden, it just makes sense.” Read Britt's story.

Britt Burr '11, Psychology and Theatre Arts Double Major
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Green Terror Alum Class of 2024: Tyra Pritchett 5-Year Psychology B.A. to Counseling M.S.

After graduating with her bachelor’s in Psychology, Tyra is continuing at McDaniel in the Mental Health Counseling master’s program — a five-year accelerated B.A. to M.S. pathway on the Hill. 

"I’ve had a few research experiences within my classes. I helped Dr. Maggie McDevitt with studying the behaviors of pigeons when motivated by food, and I got to research my favorite topics in classes with Dr. Jack Arnal and Dr. Holly Chalk. My favorite experience was my internship with Kennedy Krieger. I interned with their Child and Family Therapy Clinic for two summers in a row. I got to score measures, watch therapy sessions, and have Q&A sessions with the therapists there. I met so many people and made so many connections."

Class of 2023: Dylan Hughes

Senior Spotlight Class of 2023: Dylan Hughes Get to Know a Green Terror

Dylan Hughes, Psychology major and Chemistry minor, zeroed in on the pre-med track, taking part in hands-on medical internships and research that have prepared him for medical school. A transfer student, Dylan discovered his strong leadership skills on the Hill as a Writing Center tutor and founder of the Chess Club. 

Photo of a Black female wearing a red flower pattern dress in front of a gazebo.

Faculty Q&A Kristina Wright, M.A., LCPC

How does your experience as a therapist influence your teaching?
I used to work in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, and I’ve worked with people of all different backgrounds. The youngest I’ve worked with was 5 and the oldest was 75. I’ve learned what works with different populations and what doesn’t work, and I’ve found that generalizations about people are usually wrong. I bring this diverse experience to undergraduate students, so they can have this perspective right off the bat as opposed to waiting until they face it themselves.

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