Psychology graduates earn a median $29,141 Across 1,390 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →This Bachelor’s in Psychology at Dartmouth University provides a broad, research-led grounding in human behaviour, cognition and brain processes, combining classroom learning with hands-on laboratory and field experience. It suits students who want rigorous scientific training in psychology and who plan to progress to research, clinical training or careers that value data, critical thinking and interpersonal insight.
The programme builds core knowledge in the major domains of psychology while emphasising empirical methods and quantitative reasoning. Early-stage courses introduce fundamental topics such as Introduction to Psychology, Research Methods and Statistics for Behavioural Science, and Biological Bases of Behaviour. Core and elective modules typically include Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Social Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Perception and Learning, and Cognitive Neuroscience.
Substantial practical work is central to the degree: students complete laboratory courses, take part in research practicums, and learn experimental design, data analysis and scientific writing. Advanced students choose from small seminars and specialised topics — for example, developmental psychopathology, neuroimaging methods, computational models of cognition or health psychology — and many undertake an independent senior thesis or honours project under faculty supervision.
Students follow a combination of required foundations and flexible electives across their degree. Practical research experience is woven throughout, with increasing emphasis on independent inquiry in later years. Small seminars and supervision ensure close faculty contact for students pursuing research projects.
Entry is competitive. Applicants are normally expected to hold a strong secondary-school qualification or recognised international equivalent. Admissions decisions consider academic record, evidence of quantitative ability, and the quality of personal statements and references. Prior experience of lab work or research projects is an advantage but not essential.
Recommended preparation includes substantial study in mathematics (or statistics), biology or another science, and coursework that demonstrates written and analytical skills. International applicants should meet the university’s English-language requirements and provide the appropriate documentation for their qualifications.
Applicants intending eventual professional training in clinical psychology should be aware that qualification as a practising psychologist requires postgraduate professional training and relevant licensure; the bachelor’s is designed to prepare students for both graduate study and a range of careers.
Graduates of the programme move into a wide variety of careers. Common destinations include postgraduate study in psychology, neuroscience, education, public health or clinical psychology; research assistant roles in academic and applied settings; and professional training for clinical, counselling or occupational psychology.
Other career paths make use of the degree’s emphasis on research, data literacy and interpersonal understanding: roles in policy, human resources, user experience (UX) research, marketing and market research, social services, healthcare administration, and data analysis are typical. The combination of practical research experience and strong quantitative training also provides a foundation for careers in business, law and technology.
Dartmouth University emphasises undergraduate-focused teaching and close mentorship: students have sustained access to faculty who are active researchers across cognitive, social, developmental and clinical domains. The department supports early involvement in research through laboratory placements, summer research programmes and funding for independent projects.
The institution’s liberal-arts approach encourages interdisciplinary study, allowing psychology majors to combine coursework and research with complementary fields such as neuroscience, computer science, education and public policy. Small seminars, strong advising and local partnerships for internships and community placements help students translate academic learning into practical experience and prepare for professional or graduate training.
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