Psychology is one of the most popular majors at NYSCAS — and for good reason. This versatile degree prepares you for many career paths while giving you deep insights into human behavior.
What Professional Path Will You Choose?
Whether you’re interested in counseling, research, human resources, marketing, or preparing for graduate study, NYSCAS’ psychology program offers the flexible foundation you need.
The major is intentionally designed so that you’ll gain essential skills in:
- Critical thinking and analytical reasoning
- Research design and statistical analysis
- Understanding human development
- Recognizing patterns in behavior and mental processes
- Effective communication and interpersonal skills
With NSYCAS’ small class sizes and dedicated faculty, you’ll also benefit from individual support and real-world advice at every step toward graduation. Many of our psychology majors show off their analytical skills by winning presentation prizes at Touro’s annual Research Day.
“ Four years ago, I didn't know anything about college life. I only knew that my goal was to study psychology. After moving to the U.S., I got lucky when I met a NYSCAS student who described her experience at Touro so positively that I instantly knew this was the place to begin my academic journey. ”
- Irina Bukhanova, NYSCAS psychology major and 2021 valedictorian
Educational Environments that Fit Your Life
We understand that NYSCAS students have varying needs and commitments. That’s why our psychology program offers courses in multiple formats.
Choose your preferred style (you can mix and match formats, too):
- In-person classes for a traditional college experience.
- Zoom classes for remote synchronous learning.
- Asynchronous online options for maximum flexibility.
Create your ideal schedule:
- Evening and weekend classes available.
- Complete required courses at your own pace.
- Transfer credits from other institutions to meet requirements faster.
- Balance education with work and family responsibilities.
Start when it makes sense for you:
- Begin in fall, spring, or summer.
- Part-time and full-time options available.
Learn From People Who've Been There
As a psychology major, you’ll get personal attention from faculty who understand your career goals because they’ve been there themselves. Our professors are passionate about helping you find your path, whether through research opportunities, internship connections, or preparing for graduate studies.
The department includes instructors with diverse expertise, including:
- Industrial and organizational psychology professionals
- Forensic psychology experts
- Clinical psychologists
- School psychologists
- Researchers who accept student interns
This variety reflects the field itself: dynamic and full of possibilities.
“ Psychology is incredibly multifaceted. We prepare students for a wide range of career paths, whether they're interested in clinical work, business, health sciences, or research. The beauty of our program is in helping students discover which path is right for them while giving them the solid foundation they need to succeed. ”
- Dr. Carrie DiMatteo, Deputy Chair of Psychology
Course Spotlight: Experimental Psychology
This upper-level course combines classroom learning with practical experience. In experimental psych, you don't just learn about research methods; you put them into practice. You’ll be challenged to:
- Design and carry out a real-world psychology study
- Use statistics to make sense of the data you collect
- Present your findings to your classmates and professors
- Develop skills that graduate schools and employers are looking for, like problem-solving and critical thinking
Your Path in Psychology
What You'll Learn (and When You'll Learn It)
Year 1: Build your foundation
- Introduction to psychological theories and concepts
- Research methodology basics
- Critical thinking and analysis skills
- General degree requirements
Years 2-3: Develop your expertise
- Advanced topics like abnormal, developmental, and social psychology
- Statistical methods for psychological research
- Specialized electives based on your interests
- Opportunities for hands-on research or internships
- Connect with peers, professors and guest speakers at Psychology Club events
Year 4: Launch your career
- Narrow your focus through specialized electives
- Do original research and present your findings at academic conferences
- Become a peer mentor to students just starting the major
- Prepare for graduate school applications or entry-level positions
- Network with alumni and potential employers
“ Many of my family members, and even some of my friends, didn’t finish high school — let alone enroll in college. I couldn’t ask any of them for advice when I was unsure of what my next steps should be. …One huge advantage of attending NYSCAS is that every student gets one-on-one attention. I never felt overlooked, no matter the class size. All my professors had an open-door policy and were extremely responsive when additional help was required. ”
- Erica Hunt, child welfare therapist and 2019 psychology graduate
Alumni Spotlight: Guendalina's "aha!" Moment
When Guendalina came to NYSCAS from Milan, Italy, she wasn’t sure where her studies would lead her. After earning her psychology degree, she went on to get her master’s in social work at Fordham University. She’s now an internship coordinator at a nonprofit that advocates for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Guendalina’s role means she sometimes supervises current Touro students as they intern with the organization. “I feel honored to have been chosen to guide interns as they navigate through the unfamiliar dynamics of being new to the field,” she says. “I love helping them develop skills they’ll use throughout their careers.”
“ When I started college, I didn’t have a specific career path in mind, but I knew I wanted to do something related to psychology. During one of my psychology classes, I learned about clinical social work. It was as if a lightbulb went off inside of my head! I thought it was very interesting and knew my skills from past roles could be easily transferable. The rest is history. ”
- Guendalina Almici, NYSCAS alumna
Behavioral Sciences Pathways at Touro: A Fast Track to Graduate School
Want to continue your education after your bachelor’s degree? NYSCAS students benefit from three pathway programs in collaboration with Touro’s School of Health Sciences. Choose from:
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling (MS): Prepare for licensure as a professional counselor.
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology (MS): Apply principles of psychology to workplace settings.
- Behavior Analysis (MS): Develop skills in behavioral intervention.
These programs offer a way to save time and money on a master’s degree. You’ll be able to:
- Take graduate courses as an undergraduate.
- Apply credits to both degrees.
- Complete your graduate degree quicker.
- Start your career sooner.
Other Advanced Degrees at Touro to Consider
NYSCAS psychology majors have many other choices for advanced study. These include degrees in:
- Psychology (MA) for those interested in deepening their research skills.
- Social work (MSW) for careers in community agencies and healthcare.
- Human resource management (MS) for those interested in workplace psychology.
- Clinical psychology (PsyD) for licensed professionals who provide therapy and conduct psychological research.
Your faculty advisor can walk you through these options to find the best fit for your career goals.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re passionate about understanding human behavior and want a degree that opens doors to countless career paths, apply today. You could be in class in a matter of weeks!
