Why Major in Psychology at AIC?
“What makes people act—or think—the way they do?” It’s a question medical, research, marketing, and counseling professionals ask each day, recognizing the answer isn’t so clear-cut.
American International College’s research-driven liberal arts education positions Psychology majors to not only find the answers but also to pursue questions that have yet to be asked. Receiving a comprehensive introduction to psychology’s areas and applications, they learn to design studies, gather and analyze data, and build their own conclusions. Observations come from a mix of theory, statistics, and fieldwork.
At its root, psychology encourages change, whether to sway behaviors, understand challenges, or explore big-picture obstacles. Yellow Jackets witness this first-hand: Campus outreach opportunities and local agency placements illustrate the discipline’s power and all the places their knowledge can lead.
What to Expect
- Research: Connecting the mind, brain, and socialization provides deeper insight into individual and group behaviors. Mentored by our expert faculty, you’ll have the opportunity to share your results at department presentations held throughout the year and the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium.
- Internships: Placements in hospitals, schools, senior centers, halfway houses, detention centers, and Western Massachusetts agencies let you observe where psychology theories apply in the real world.
- Teaching assistant opportunities: Guide the learning process as a junior or senior, engaging new students in psychology topics.
- Broad-reaching career skills: Psychology undergraduates grow as written, oral, and interpersonal communicators, researchers, problem-solvers, and analyzers—skills vital to success in any field.
- Specialize your knowledge: Gear your studies toward specific careers with a minor or second major in Criminal Justice, Sociology, Human Services, or Pre-Law.
- Human behavior from all sides: The all-encompassing perspective of AIC’s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers exposure to clinical, developmental, social, cognitive, and biological concepts.
- Applied electives: AIC’s diverse electives cover psychology along the lifespan, sociocultural influences, and how theories apply in medical, industry, school, and therapeutic settings.
- Complete a Certificate in Addiction Counseling: Prepare to assess and guide treatment for individuals with substance use disorders, qualifying to become a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LADC) in Massachusetts. Review program requirements.
- Jump-start your graduate education: Eligible seniors can take one to two graduate-level courses at the undergraduate rate. As you begin a master’s program at AIC, your motivation will pay off in terms of time and cost savings.
