Psychology Bachelor's Degrees in Massachusetts
A guide to Massachusetts’ best psychology bachelor’s programs in 2024.
Known for its prestigious universities and deep-rooted intellectual tradition, Massachusetts offers undergraduate psychology students a diverse and enriching learning environment. The Bay State also offers valuable student tuition assistance programs and lucrative employment opportunities for psychology graduates.
This page will spotlight the best psychology bachelor's programs available in Massachusetts. We'll also look at state-specific financial aid and scholarship opportunities, explore the career prospects and potential salaries for psychology graduates in-state, and answer FAQs from aspiring students.
What makes our rankings valuable?
Most degree rankings rely heavily on National Center for Education Statistics data, measuring school-wide rates for student retention, graduation, acceptance, etc. The NCES has good data, and we use it too; however, we go further to analyze the current and future demand for the skills and credentials gained. We also list actual tuition costs and delve deep into value and flexibility to consider dual-degree, accelerated, and distance learning options.
Top 3 Psychology Bachelor’s Programs in MA
We chose the best psychology bachelor’s degrees in Massachusetts based on numerous factors, including the relevance of the curriculum, school reputation, program benefits, value, and flexibility.
Here are the best psychology bachelor’s degrees in Massachusetts for 2024:
1. Harvard University
Harvard’s Undergraduate Psychology Program with the Mind, Brain & Behavior (MBB) Concentration offers a unique interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior and mental processes. This innovative program integrates psychology, biology, and neuroscience, providing students with a comprehensive psychological perspective. The MBB track emphasizes academic rigor and practical experience, preparing students for advanced study or careers in psychology and related fields.
Harvard University's vast resources and networks further enhance the educational experience, offering invaluable opportunities for growth and development in psychology. Students engage in advanced research alongside renowned faculty in state-of-the-art facilities, and of course, the Harvard name can help open doors when it’s time to enter the workforce.
- Format: On-campus
- Locations: Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Tuition Cost: $54,269 per year
- Related Programs at Harvard:
- Undergraduate Psychology Program - General Track
- Undergraduate Psychology Program - Life Sciences Track - Cognitive Neuroscience and Evolutionary Psychology (CNEP)
- Secondary Field in Psychology
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
2. Tufts University
Tufts University offers a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Engineering Psychology that blends human psychology with engineering and design. This interdisciplinary curriculum explores how psychological science can be applied to design to improve technology, products, and work environments, making them more user-friendly, safe, and efficient.
Students take interesting courses in human factors, ergonomics, and user experience, preparing them for future-ready roles in product design, UX research, and human-computer interaction. The program's emphasis on applied learning means more hands-on projects and research opportunities for valuable real-world experience. A psychology bachelor’s at Tufts isn’t cheap, but the ROI is high; Tufts is in the top 10% of four-year colleges for return on investment, according to a recent Bipartisan Policy Center analysis.
- Format: On-campus
- Locations: Medford, Massachusetts
- Tuition Cost: $66,358 per year
- Related Programs at Tufts:
- BA/BS in Psychology
- BA/BS in Clinical Psychology
- BA/BS in Biopsychology
- BA/BS in Cognitive and Brain Science
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
3. Boston University
Boston University's Bachelor of Arts in Psychology imparts in-demand skills in scientific reasoning, empirical research methodologies, research ethics, and effective communication in APA style. This program covers psychology's chief concepts, theoretical perspectives, and historical trends, emphasizing critical thinking and problem-solving to interpret complex psychological phenomena.
BU’s psychology program features participation in cutting-edge research studies for experiential learning and opportunities for independent work. The B.A. in Psychology is integrated with BU Hub, the university's general education framework; this enables students to fulfill requirements across diverse disciplines, enhancing their education and preparing them for various roles and advanced degrees.
- Format: On-campus
- Locations: Boston, Massachusetts
- Tuition Cost: $63,798 per year
- Related Programs at BU:
- B.S. in Psychological & Brain Sciences
- Undergraduate Minor in Psychology
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
Psychology Jobs & Salaries in Massachusetts
Earning a psychology bachelor's degree can lead you to various career paths. Here are some prevalent jobs for psychology graduates in Massachusetts, along with median salaries and education requirements:
| Psychology Occupation | Salary in MA | Education Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Industrial Organizational Psychologist | $126,000 | Master's Degree |
| Research Psychologist | $101,000 | Doctoral Degree |
| Social Worker | $92,000 | Bachelor's Degree |
| School Psychologists | $91,000 | Master's or Specialist Degree |
| Social Scientist | $71,000 | Master’s or Doctorate |
| Behavioral Health Specialist | $68,000 | Bachelor's Degree |
| Psychiatric Technician | $50,000 | Associate Degree or Certificate |
Source: Analysis of Online Job Boards
Financial Aid & Scholarships in Massachusetts
Here are some of the most valuable financial aid programs and scholarships available to undergraduate psychology students in Massachusets:
Massachusetts Cash Grant Program
This grant is designed to assist needy students who might not otherwise be able to afford a college education. Grant recipients get their tuition and fees fully paid at a public college or university in Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Gilbert Matching Student Grant Program
This program provides funding for Massachusetts residents enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program in-state. The grant amounts range from $200 to $2500 per academic year and are matched by the institution.
Massachusetts Public Service Grant Program
Aimed at students who have experienced the loss of a parent or guardian who was a Massachusetts public servant, this grant offers financial assistance for the total amount of the institution’s full-time tuition charges.
Boston University Trustee Scholarship
Boston University offers this scholarship to students with exceptional academic abilities. Trustee Scholars are selected based on academic achievement, leadership qualities, and community service. The scholarship fully covers undergraduate tuition and fees and can be renewed for up to four years.
FAQs
Education insiders answer commonly asked questions from psychology bachelor's candidates in Massachusetts.