Mercy College

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad-based education in psychological theory and practice, emphasising empirical methods, ethical practice and applied experience. Core undergraduate topics include introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology and social psychology. You will also study developmental psychology across the lifespan, personality theory, and abnormal psychology.

The BS/MS pathway adds accelerated or linked graduate-level coursework that can be taken in the senior year, reducing the overall time to a master's degree. Typical upper-level modules and experiences include:

• Advanced research methods and multivariate statistics
• Clinical assessment and interviewing techniques
• Psychopathology and evidence-based interventions
• Applied practicum or internship in community, hospital or school settings
• Electives such as neuropsychology, health psychology, forensic psychology and organisational psychology
• Capstone project or thesis supervised by faculty

Throughout the programme students are encouraged to engage in faculty-led research, complete supervised field placements in the New York metropolitan area, and develop transferable skills in data analysis, scientific writing and professional communication.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary-school qualification or equivalent. Admissions typically looks for a solid academic record (competitive applicants usually present grades in the mid B range or above) and evidence of interest in psychology or related fields. Requirements normally include:

• Completed application and official high school transcripts (or equivalent)
• Personal statement outlining academic interests and reasons for pursuing psychology
• Letters of recommendation from teachers or other professionals who can speak to academic potential
• Some programmes may request standardised test scores or consider them optional; international applicants must meet English language proficiency requirements

For students interested in the accelerated BS/MS route, selection may require a minimum cumulative GPA in undergraduate coursework and approval from the psychology department; applicants should consult the department for specific progression criteria and any additional materials (such as interviews or writing samples).

Career prospects

A BS in Psychology from Mercy College prepares graduates for a variety of entry-level roles in human services, research and business, and for further graduate training. Common career paths include:

• Research assistant or laboratory technician in academic or commercial settings
• Case manager, behavioural health technician or rehabilitation support worker in community agencies and hospitals
• Human resources, training and organisational development roles in the private sector
• School support roles and youth services
• With additional graduate training, clinical practice as a counsellor, therapist or licensed psychologist

The BS/MS option benefits students aiming for faster progression to master's-level qualifications that open professional opportunities in clinical counselling, school psychology, mental health counselling and applied research roles. Mercy College's location and partnerships also help students secure internships and practicum placements that strengthen employability.

Why study at Mercy College

Mercy College offers small class sizes and accessible faculty who actively supervise undergraduate research and practicum placements. The college's campuses in the New York metropolitan area provide strong ties to hospitals, community agencies and schools for applied learning. Students benefit from career services, writing and tutoring support, and flexible course delivery including evening and online options that suit working students.

The psychology department places emphasis on applied training and ethical practice, preparing students both for immediate employment and for graduate study. The accelerated BS/MS pathway is a practical option for motivated students who want to shorten the time to a master's degree while remaining in a familiar academic environment with continuity of mentorship and practicum opportunities.