Psychology at Siena: Transforming Your Passion into a Purposeful Career
| program Type | Department | School |
| Undergraduate Major, Undergraduate Minor | Psychology | School of Liberal Arts |
Ready to dive deep into the human mind and behavior? At Siena, our psychology program does more than just teach—you’ll experience psychology in action, preparing you for an exciting career or advanced studies.
“I love the opportunities I’ve had here at Siena. The variety of classes and the expertise of our professors make it easy to explore different fields of psychology, find my passion, and develop my skills. I feel confident and prepared for my next steps!” Alyssa Pastina
Gain hands-on experience through internships in various psychology fields, such as:
Adult psychology/counseling, alcohol and drug treatment, child psychology/counseling, domestic violence support, mental illness treatment, school counseling/psychology
You’ll also have opportunities to collaborate on independent research projects, allowing you to build skills that stand out to future employers or graduate schools.
Dmitry Burshteyn Ph.D., associate professor of psychology, and Jami Cotler, Ph.D., associate professor of computer science, joined forces to offer Adaptability, Accessibility, and Resilience at War/Conflict Times (PSYC490) and Trauma Informed UX Design (CSIS200). They and their 22 students traveled to Poland, where they spoke with refugees from the Ukrainian conflict, met with an international aid organization, and bore witness at the infamous Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau.
In Burshteyn’s psychology class, the focus was on resilience, empathy, and providing social support to war victims. Students began by exploring techniques and practices aimed at managing stress in times of uncertainty. They then did a deeper dive into understanding the complex nature of trauma in war zones and other conflict environments.
What comes after Siena? Gus Byrne ’26 is exploring options, including a possible Fulbright application and a doctoral program in clinical psychology. He said the Netherlands would be an ideal site for further study. He noted that listening and learning in new cultures is good preparation for being a psychologist.
“You have to listen, pay attention, and put yourself in another person’s place,” he explained.
A Community That Cares: At Siena, you’ll feel the difference. We’re a community that values collaboration, support, and authentic connections. You’re not just here to learn; you’re here to grow alongside peers and mentors who genuinely care about your success.
Faculty Committed to Your Journey: Our faculty are committed to helping you explore and develop your passion. Whatever path you choose, you'll find a professor eager to guide you, challenge you, and help you thrive.
Siena’s Psychology graduates are well prepared and in demand. Many have launched successful careers in psychology practices, counseling centers, human resources departments, colleges, and school systems. Alumni work at organizations such as Baystate Medical Center, Bassett Healthcare Network, Capital Orthopaedics, Summit Psychotherapy, Rowman & Littlefield, Advanced Integrative Therapy, and Northwestern Mutual. Others have pursued advanced study at prestigious institutions including the University of Connecticut, Seton Hall University, St. John’s University, and more.
Yes. A psychology degree develops skills in communication, research, critical thinking, data analysis, and understanding human behavior. These skills can be applied to careers in mental health, healthcare, education, human resources, business, research, social services, and other fields. A psychology degree can also provide a strong foundation for graduate and professional programs.
A psychology degree can lead to careers in mental health, social services, education, healthcare, human resources, business, research, marketing, and other fields involving people and behavior. Many careers in psychology, including becoming a licensed psychologist, require additional graduate education.
Psychology graduates can pursue careers such as behavioral health specialist, case manager, social services professional, human resources professional, research assistant, mental health technician, community outreach coordinator, and behavioral or market research professional. Some careers, such as psychologist, counselor, or therapist, require additional education and professional licensure.
Yes. Psychology can provide a strong undergraduate foundation for students who plan to pursue graduate education in counseling, social work, clinical psychology, or another mental health field. However, a bachelor's degree alone generally does not qualify someone to practice independently as a licensed therapist.
Psychology majors study human behavior and mental processes using scientific research and evidence. Coursework can explore areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, personality, abnormal psychology, neuroscience, and research methods. Students also develop skills in research, data analysis, communication, and critical thinking.
Psychology focuses on understanding human behavior and mental processes through research and scientific study. Social work focuses more directly on helping individuals, families, and communities address social, economic, and personal challenges. Both fields can lead to careers in mental health and human services, but they involve different academic and professional pathways.
Yes. Psychology students can gain practical experience through research, internships, community engagement, service learning, and other opportunities to apply psychological concepts outside the classroom. These experiences can help students explore potential careers and prepare for graduate study.
Ready to make a difference? Take the first step toward a rewarding career with Siena’s psychology program, where hands-on experiences, dedicated mentorship, and a supportive community set you up for long-term success.
