MINORS AND CONCENTRATIONS

PSYCHOLOGY MINOR

Students qualify for a minor in Psychology when they have completed at least 15 credits of Psychology courses at the 2000 and 3000 level, with a minimum of 6 credits at the 3000 level. A maximum of 6 credits may be satisfied on a transfer basis (excluding internship credits).

Nursing majors who minor in Psychology need PSY 2400 plus 9 additional credits in Psychology. Only three credits must be at the 3000-level.

ART THERAPY – PSYCHOLOGY EMPHASIS MINOR

The Education Committee of the American Art Therapy Association requires students to complete courses that provide “knowledge of and skills in usage of visual art and the creative process, coupled with application of theories and techniques in human development, psychology, and counseling” to proceed to study Art Therapy at the graduate level. The Art Therapy Minors compile courses that provide precisely the knowledge and skills required by the AATA to study at the graduate level.

The Art Therapy Minors provide students in the Psychology and Studio Arts majors direct pathways to pursue graduate study in Art Therapy. For those not in the Psychology or Studio Arts majors, they do not provide a direct pathway to graduate study unless they complete all courses in both emphasis areas.

For information on the Art Therapy Minor (Studio Arts Emphasis) please see the Visual & Performing arts program section of the Catalog.

PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATIONS

Students can earn a Gerontology Concentration or Minor, or a Substance Use Concentration or Minor. These programs should be considered as concentrations for Psychology majors, as minors for other majors, or as certificate programs offered through Continuing Education. The courses corresponding to either concentration may be taken as electives.

The Gerontology and Substance Use Counseling concentrations have been designed to focus explicitly on matters relating to these respective areas. Pursuing a concentration (or minor) is advisable if the student wish to focus on either area, or if he or she intends to pursue further academic or career opportunities in either area. Students may elect to concentrate on one of these areas by taking a minimum of five courses (15+ credits) designated as appropriate to that concentration, including the required (*) core courses. In addition, students are encouraged to develop internships or independent research/readings within the selected concentration, and to take courses in other disciplines that pertain to their area of concentration. However, psychology offerings frequently vary, and concentrations should not limit a student’s selection of courses in addition to the five or more selected from within a particular concentration. Psychology majors are urged to find an academic advisor in psychology to help them design an exciting and useful program of study. 

GERONTOLOGY CONCENTRATION OR MINOR

The Gerontology Concentration (for Psychology majors) or Minor (for students in other majors) is open to all students with an interest in learning about current concepts and trends, as well as research and advocacy related to gerontology. Available resources and practical considerations for careers working with older adults in a variety of settings are examined. Administered through the psychology department, the program promotes reflective examination of attitudes, perspectives and beliefs about aging. Experiential service learning opportunities prepare students to enter the workplace or graduate studies. 

SUBSTANCE USE COUNSELING CONCENTRATION OR MINOR

The Substance Use Counseling Concentration (for Psychology Majors) or Minor (for students in other majors) is open to all students who are interested in careers in substance use services, or in areas where an understanding of substance misuse is an important part of job performance, such as nursing and health care, social work and psychology, law enforcement and criminal justice, and college counseling and youth services. It is also relevant for students planning to pursue graduate studies in the social and behavioral sciences, as well as professional degrees in law, social work, nursing, and criminal justice.

Although there is no formal relationship between the Substance Use Counseling Concentration and the Massachusetts Board of Substance Abuse Counselor Certification (MBSACC), the program satisfies in part the educational and practicum requirements of the MBSACC. Requirements leading to licensure sometimes change per the Massachusetts Legislature; this program will be adjusted accordingly.