Fairleigh Dickinson University

What you'll study

The programme combines foundational courses in psychological science with applied training in research methods and practicum experience. Core topics typically include introductory psychology, research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, personality theory, and abnormal psychology. Students also take courses in ethics and professional issues, psychological assessment, and therapeutic approaches.

Most students complete a sequence of research-focused courses that develop skills in experimental design, data analysis (including descriptive and inferential statistics), and scientific writing. Many programmes include a capstone or senior seminar that emphasises integration of theory and practice.

Elective options allow specialisation in areas such as clinical and counselling psychology, forensic psychology, child and adolescent development, health psychology, organisational psychology, and neuropsychology. Applied components commonly include practicum placements, supervised fieldwork with community agencies or laboratories, and internship opportunities that provide professional experience and networking.

Typical modules and subjects

• Introduction to Psychology
• Research Methods in Psychology
• Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
• Biopsychology / Neuroscience
• Cognitive Psychology
• Developmental Psychology (across the lifespan)
• Social Psychology
• Abnormal Psychology
• Personality Theory
• Psychological Assessment and Measurement
• Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology
• Senior Seminar or Capstone Project
• Practicum / Internship in a community or clinical setting

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a secondary school diploma or equivalent. Typical admission criteria include a satisfactory overall academic record and submission of official transcripts. Standardised test scores (SAT or ACT) may be optional depending on the campus and admissions cycle; consult the university for current test policies.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English, commonly via recognised tests (for example TOEFL or IELTS) or other university-accepted evidence of English language ability. Recommended preparatory subjects at secondary level include mathematics, biology or social sciences, and courses that demonstrate research or writing skills.

Some campuses encourage or require a personal statement and letters of recommendation; applicants who have relevant volunteer, work or extracurricular experience in human services, research, or leadership roles may strengthen their application.

Career prospects

A Bachelor’s in Psychology provides versatile career options. Graduates often enter roles in human services, case management, behavioural support, community outreach, and social work settings (licensure for clinical practice typically requires further graduate study). Other common pathways include work in human resources, training and development, marketing and consumer research, rehabilitation services, and probation or juvenile services.

Many graduates continue to postgraduate study: master’s programmes in counselling, social work, industrial-organisational psychology, or clinical psychology, and doctoral programmes for research and licensed clinical practice. The programme’s research and internship components also prepare students for entry-level research assistant positions in academic, healthcare or private-sector labs.

Why study at Fairleigh Dickinson University

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a psychology programme with a focus on personalised instruction, small class sizes and opportunities for hands-on learning. Students benefit from faculty who are active in research and practice, and from institutional links to hospitals, clinics and community agencies that support practicum and internship placements.

The university’s career services and advising staff help students plan pathways to employment or graduate study, while cross-disciplinary options allow students to combine psychology with fields such as business, education, or criminal justice. Additionally, FDU’s campus environment and extracurricular organisations provide opportunities for leadership, volunteer work and applied experience that complement classroom learning.