The Science Behind Human Decisions Psychology is the scientific study of how and why people think, feel, and respond to the world around them. It explores forces that shape the human experience, including how cognitive processes such as perception, memory, and problem-solving affect our thoughts and emotions; how social influence, media, and organizational dynamics drive group action; and how cultural identity and human decision-making differ across the globe. From healthcare and education to law enforcement and marketing, the insights psychology provides are valuable and applicable across many professional fields, making it a degree that opens doors to a wide range of career opportunities.

Why Study Psychology at Champlain?

Experience the Champlain Advantage Our Psychology program is focused on applied, cross-disciplinary learning, giving you a strong foundation in psychological science and opportunities to stack skills on top of it. With 30 flexible credits built into the major — that’s an entire year’s worth of courses — you’ll have the freedom to explore psychology through different contexts or other interests. With both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees offered, you also have a clear path to go on to graduate school or clinical psychology if you choose. Plus, you'll have opportunities to expand your worldview and understanding of human nature by studying, interning, or completing a co-op abroad. Our advisors are dedicated to helping you make these opportunities a reality.

What will I learn while studying Psychology?

By the time you graduate, you will… Understand what drives people. Analyze individual and group behavior across diverse contexts, such as business, media, and technology, and explain the psychological forces behind them. Think critically about influence. Evaluate how social dynamics, culture, and technology shape how people make decisions, form identities, and interact with one another. See the world through a different lens. Apply cultural and global perspectives to psychological theories and understand how different societies, traditions, and ways of life influence who we are and how we relate to one another. Communicate with clarity and professionalism. Translate complex psychological concepts into clear, ethical, and culturally-aware communication for any audience. Design and conduct real research. Apply qualitative and quantitative methods, work with data, and use your findings to address real-world challenges.

What’s the difference between the BS and the BA in Psychology?

Both the Psychology BA and BS are built on the same core foundation, but differ in depth and flexibility. The BS (Bachelor of Science) includes curated courses in research, making it the stronger choice for students who want to deepen their skills in psychological research, data analysis, and evidence-based practice. If you're considering graduate school, clinical psychology, or pursuing a career that requires a strong research background, the BS is the path for you. The BA (Bachelor of Arts) offers more freedom to shape your academic experience around your interests. With 24 credits of open electives, you’ll have space to explore another field, pursue a passion, or build expertise in an area that complements your psychology studies. If you’re looking to jump into a professional career right after college or pair psychology with something uniquely your own, the BA is the path for you.

Curriculum for Psychology Degree

Develop an understanding of human behavior through professional field experiences, research, and hands-on application.

Understanding people starts here.

With Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum, hands-on experience begins your very first semester. You’ll build a strong foundation in psychological theories and research methods, and explore how social influence, cultural psychology, decision-making, media effects, and creativity shape how people think, feel, and behave.

You’ll also learn how to conduct and communicate psychological research using the methodological approaches, statistical techniques, and tools professionals rely on. Along the way, you’ll have opportunities for professional field experience, internships, co-ops, and even the option to study abroad.

Learning Outcomes for Psychology

This curriculum is an example of possible courses in this major. Always check the college catalog for the exact requirements.

Psychology, BS

Psychology Foundations

PSY 100 Psychology, Introduction to

A survey of the science of psychology, including an overview of human behavior in various areas such as physiopsychology, development, learning social psychology, personality and abnormal behavior.

Prerequisites
Credits	3

PSY 210 Cognitive Psychology

This course explores the nature of human cognitive processing by examining cognition (perception, learning, memory) and metacognition (knowledge thinking, problem solving). A combination of current research in the area, classic demonstrations, and related materials will be used to promote self-awareness of students as thinkers and learners.

Prerequisites	PSY-100 or 100-level COR class.
Credits	3

PSY 220 Developmental Psychology

A study of the physiological, cognitive, social and emotional development of individuals from infancy through old age. Important milestones during the years of infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and aging are explored. (Spring only)

Prerequisites	PSY-100 or COR-110.
Credits	3

Influence, Media, and Behavior

PSY 240 Social Psychology

Students will explore human behavior in the social context. They will consider such topics as the way people influence the behavior, thoughts, and attitudes of others and the way individuals process information about themselves and other people.

Prerequisites	PSY-100 or COR-1XX
Credits	3

PSY XXX Psychology of Media and Technology
PSY XXX Consumer & Organizational Psychology

Psychology in Creativity and Culture
- PSY 3XX Psychology of Creativity & Play
- PSY 4XX Culture, Identity & Global Psychology
- PSY 4XX Psychology of Judgment and Decision-Making

Social Sciences Research Methods

RSH 3XX Quantitative Research Methods

MTH 280 Applied Statistics

Teaches the practical side of exploring, presenting, and analyzing data. Students will learn to effectively use a statistical software package to accomplish these tasks. After learning to graphically display data in meaningful ways, students will learn to analyze data, test claims, and make valid conclusions. These analyses will include hypothesis tests involving more than one sample, linear and multiple linear regressions, chi-squared tests of independence and goodness of fit, and ANOVA.

Prerequisites	MTH-180 or MTH-380
Credits	3

—OR—

RSH 3XX Digital Methods

RSH 3XX Field Methods and Qualitative Research

Psychology, BA