Be a psychology major

at Sage and discover how you can become: A Woman of Influence.  Psychology will take you on the most fascinating journey of all: the exploration of the human mind and behavior. People who study psychology can work at an individual, group, organizational or community level and in a variety of work settings -- as counselors, career consultants or researchers, and much more! They apply their knowledge to assess, diagnose, treat, and ultimately, prevent problems that are part of the human condition. They help to transform lives.

A degree in psychology from Sage will prepare you well for work in a wide array of fields in health and human services, education, business and industry. Sage will give you the grounding from which to explore your interests and talents, molding your desire to understand and work with people into an exciting and rewarding career.  For example, one day you may find yourself:  Conducting research into human thought and behavior. Get a great start by doing an independent research project at Russell Sage!  Or, perhaps you'll want to work with students individually or in groups in grades K-12, or as a counselor at a college or university.  Combine psychology with study in education.  With advanced study, you may forge a career counseling individuals and families in non-profit agencies or in private practice.  Finally, we hope you'll learn to "give psychology away" to make this a better world through whatever career you pursue.  Wherever you go and whatever you do, you'll be in demand for your knowledge, expertise and commitment to making a difference.

Learning outcomes

Upon completing our program, students will:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives and historical trends in psychology
• Use basic research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis and interpretation of findings
• Generate applications of psychology to personal, social, and organizational issues
• Reflect the characteristic values of those trained in the science of psychology
• Emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to pursue careers in psychology and related fields
• Demonstrate information competence and the ability to incorporate technology
• Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to problem-solving
• Recognize and respect the complexity of socio-cultural diversity
• Communicate effectively
• Demonstrate interpersonal skills for interacting with others in diverse settings

American Psychological Association (2007).  APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major.  Washington, DC:  Author.

At Sage you'll

Engage in independent research through Senior Seminar or the Honors Research project. A number of our students have presented at regional and national conferences! Doing research is fun, so you may want to connect with a faculty research project. See our faculty profiles to get an idea of what they're working on.

Be prepared to begin a career upon graduation or to continue to masters or doctoral study. Participating in our varied internship opportunities may help you as you plan your future. Recently, some of our students interned at area elementary and high schools, learning about the work of a school counselor, school social worker or school psychologist; other students interned at the YWCA, at a drug and alcohol treatment facility, and (full-time) at the NYS Legislature.

Intern, Kristina Dunston, working in a self-contained classroom.

Combine Psychology with other majors/minors such as Sociology, Criminal Justice, Creative Arts and Therapy, Biology, Nutrition, English, and Women's Studies.