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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Study human behavior, cognition, and development while preparing for careers in counseling support roles, human services, business environments, or graduate study.
The ability to understand human behavior — why people do what they do — is critical for success in today’s workplace, no matter what career path you follow
In Centenary University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program, you will study the principle theories behind human thought, behavior and emotions. You will learn how you can gain invaluable insights into how people relate with each other by observing and recording their actions.
Our Psychology major lets you design a program suited for your style of learning and your career interests. The major combines a strong liberal arts foundation, core psychology classes and a career concentration comprised of four courses in either another discipline or a specific area of psychology.
Career concentrations include:
- Generalist
- Developmental Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Unlimited career options
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for graduate study in psychology, but it is also a common path to graduate and professional education in law, medicine, education, business and social work.
Many of our Psychology majors head straight to the workforce with highly marketable skills in career fields such as human resources, research, journalism and public and community service.
A focus on research
Throughout the curriculum, you will have the opportunity to engage in research — first by reviewing and presenting others’ scholarly work and later by designing and executing your own empirical research studies.
In addition to research opportunities on campus, Psychology majors may opt for internships for academic credit with more than 50 regional clinical, health care, criminal justice and social service agencies and organizations.
Accelerated options
Designed for transfer students (primarily those who have completed an Associate’s degree and have completed all Core Liberal Arts prior to coming to Centenary). Courses in this program are mostly online; completed in eight weeks. What sets this online program apart is that there are recorded lectures featuring a professor in the field of psychology, as well as weekly opportunities to meet with the professor (and classmates) using Teams, so that the student feels connected to the class. If a transfer student has all Core Liberal Arts courses completed, they may complete the accelerated program in one and one-half years.
Centenary University’s professor publishes book about substance use disorders and addictions
Dr. Keith Morgen, Professor of Counseling, Director, Graduate Counseling Programs, School of Natural, Health, Social, and Behavioral (NHSB) Sciences at Centenary University, recently published a book titled Substance Use Disorders and Addiction by Sage Publishing.
Your Future
Academic Advancement:
Next steps include MA/MS in Counseling, Social Work, School Counseling, I/O Psychology, ABA, clinical psychology, or doctoral study depending on licensure goals.
Career Pathways:
Behavioral Health Technician, HR Specialist, Case Manager, Research Assistant
Industry Outlook:
Entry-level roles common; highest earnings require graduate credentials (counseling, clinical psychology, social work). Mental-health sector expanding rapidly.
Regional employers include
RWJBarnabas Health; Hackensack Meridian Health; Atlantic Health System; Rutgers UBHC; SERV Behavioral Health; CFG Health Network; NJ school districts; nonprofit behavioral health agencies; HR departments.
Salary Outlook:
$40,000 – $70,000
Getting Started
For New Jersey entry-level roles aligned to BA in Psychology, a reasonable starting range is approximately $38,000–$55,000, depending on role, licensure/certification, employer type, and prior experience.
Early Career and Progression
Approx. $65,000 midpoint at about five years, with higher earnings in specialized, licensed, technical, supervisory, or high-demand settings.
Approx. $85,000 average or attainable mid-career benchmark around ten years, especially for advanced credentials, management responsibility, or specialized practice.
*Salary and Outlook Data