Amherst College

What you'll study

Coursework typically spans core areas such as cognitive psychology, social and personality psychology, developmental psychology, and biological bases of behavior, alongside classes in research methods and statistics. Students gain hands-on experience through laboratory courses, data collection and analysis, and supervised independent research projects. Electives and tutorials allow you to pursue specific interests— for example, perception, learning, abnormal psychology, or interdisciplinary topics linking psychology with neuroscience, education, or public policy.

Entry requirements

Admission to the College is handled by the institution; applicants to the Psychology major are expected to complete a competitive undergraduate admissions process. Preparatory coursework that benefits applicants includes high-school mathematics (for quantitative reasoning), laboratory science, and coursework that demonstrates reading and writing skills. Once enrolled, the department typically expects students to complete introductory psychology and introductory statistics or methods before advancing to upper-level seminars and research placements.

Career prospects

A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from a liberal-arts college prepares graduates for a broad range of paths. Common next steps include graduate study (clinical, counseling, cognitive science, neuroscience, or research-focused masters/PhD programs), entry-level roles in research assistance, data analysis, program coordination, education, human resources, social services, and public-health related positions. The program’s emphasis on research, quantitative methods, and communication is valued in sectors that require analytical thinking and evidence-based decision making.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

Many liberal-arts institutions offer need-based financial aid and institutional scholarships; within the department, students can often access small grants or stipends to support summer research, conference travel, or supplies for independent projects. Prospective students should consult the college’s financial aid office for information on aid packages and look for departmental announcements about undergraduate research funding once enrolled.