Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

• Theory: Students will demonstrate knowledge of major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings within psychology. Students will learn to apply the knowledge for solving real-world problems through participation in internships, community-based research, and/or leadership opportunities.
• Research: Students will learn how to plan, conduct, and critically evaluate psychological research that promotes understanding of human behavior, diversity, and individual differences. Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate scientific concepts and results in written and oral form.
• Practice: Students will develop interpersonal and intrapersonal knowledge that fosters self-awareness and personal growth, the development of leadership skills, and a respect and understanding of human diversity. Students will apply psychological content and skills to promote attainment of post-graduation goals.

The curriculum develops the fundamental skills that predict success in the profession of psychology, human services, corporate jobs, education and graduate school. Classes stress the development of writing skills, both technical report writing and literature research papers and provide a range of instruction on statistical data analysis, online control of laboratory experiments, text processing and presentation software. In fieldwork placements, students gain work experience in a variety of human services programs within the community.

Members of the psychology faculty encourage students to become involved in research projects. Many Rider psychology seniors bound for graduate school receive offers of substantial financial aid in the form of assistantships and tuition waivers. These offers are made because our majors carry out research of high quality. Students have coauthored journal publications with the faculty and presented papers at regional and national conferences. Laboratories are always open for students and faculty supervision is always available.

The following educational plan is provided as a sample only. Rider students who do not declare a major during their freshman year; who are in a Continuing Education Program; who change their major; or those who transfer to Rider may follow a different plan to ensure timely graduation. Each student, with guidance from his or her academic advisor, will develop a personalized educational plan.

Year 1

Fall Semester

• PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology
• CMP 120 Seminar in Writing and Rhetoric
• MTH 102 Finite Mathematics
• HIS 150 World History to 1500
• Foreign Language I 1

Spring Semester

• PSY 105 Introduction to Research in Psychology
  & 105L Introduction to Research Methods Lab
• 200 Level Psychology Developmental Pillar (PSY230 or PSY231)
• CMP 125 Seminar in Writing and Research
• HIS 151 World History Since 1500
• Foreign Language II

Year 2

Fall Semester

• PSY 201 Statistics and Research Design
• 200 Level Psychology Biological Foundations Pillar (PSY238 or PSY255)
• Aesthetic Perspectives: Literature
• Social Perspectives (1 of 2)
• Scientific Perspectives

Spring Semester

• 300 Level Psychology Research Method w Lab
• 200 Level Psychology Cognition Pillar (PSY225 or PSY226)
• 200 Level Psychology Social & Personality Pillar (PSY215 or PSY240)
• PSY 292 Professional Development in Psychology
• Social Perspectives (2 of 2)

Year 3

Fall Semester

• 200 Level Psychology Mental & Behavioral Health Pillar (PSY220 or PSY245)
• Psychology 300 Level Pillar Depth Course 1
• Aesthetics Perspectives: Fine Arts
• Scientific Perspectives 2 (unless 1st course included a lab)
• Philosophical Perspectives

Spring Semester

• Psychology 300 Level Pillar Depth Course 2
• Psychology 300 Level Pillar Depth Course 3
• Global Perspectives Course
• COM 104 Speech Communication 3
• Elective Course Credits 2

Year 4

Fall Semester

• Senior Level Requirement - one of the following:
  • PSY 400 Senior Seminar
  • PSY 490 Independent Study: Research and Creative Expression
  • PSY 491 Internship in Psychology
• Psychology 300 Level Pillar Depth Course 2
• Elective Course Credits 2
• Elective Course Credits 2
• Elective Course Credits 2

Spring Semester

• Psychology 300 Level Diversity Requirement
• Elective Course Credits 2
• Elective Course Credits 2
• Elective Course Credits 2
• Elective Course Credits 2

1 For course placement information please contact us
2 Please note that elective credits may be used to complete requirements in a second major or minor.

Apply psychology outside the classroom

The Department of Psychology at Rider brings together faculty and students who share an interest in the critical interplay of the mind, brain, and the multitude of external variables that make people behave the way they do. Courses and experiences in our program provide an all-encompassing edge by teaching and sharing what is known about human behavior and cognition and how to best apply that knowledge. We don’t only teach Psychology. We also provide a “user’s guide” – through courses and experiences that emphasize real-world applications.

Distinctive professional development

Students directly apply what they learn about behaviors and the mind to their own lives. This unique curricular offering allows students to map out a career path, produce a resumé, and connect findings from Psychology with work experiences.

Combine theory with practice

During the COVID-19 pandemic, “flatten the curve” and the experimental design in the testing of vaccine efficacy was incorporated in Statistics courses, as were discussions of how social distancing & remote learning impact Child Development.

Internships

A range of internships match the students’ own interests with placements in a variety of organizations.

The Psychology Learning Community

The Psychology Learning Community hosts regular talks and events that highlight the applied value of Psychology knowledge.