Psychology is an exciting, diverse field that applies to all parts of the human experience. Psychologists study behavior at all levels, from the actions of large groups to the chemical processes occurring in individual brain cells. Students who study psychology gain a deeper understanding of themselves and those around them. They become better communicators, develop critical thinking skills, and are better prepared to interact with colleagues, no matter their profession.
Eastern’s Psychology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching or service career in the behavioral science or mental health fields. Through coursework and extensive applied learning experiences, psychology majors develop an understanding of the diversity of human behavior and the variables that influence it. Students receive a firm grounding in the science of psychology, including courses in research methods and statistics, from faculty whose own research reflects the breadth and diversity within the field. Six concentrations in Behavior Analysis, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, General Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling allow students to focus their studies in preparation for graduate school or employment. A Psychology minor is also available.
Concentrations
The General Psychology concentration in the Psychology major provides students with a broad selection of psychology courses, including developmental psychology, learning and cognition, biological bases of behavior and group psychology.
Careers ranging from working with children with autism to serving as a behavior therapist are available to students who pursue a concentration in Behavior Analysis within the Psychology major. The concentration is certified by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board.
This curriculum is chosen by students who want a strong training in neuroscience and cognitive research methods. It is appropriate for students who desire to continue their education at the graduate level to work in health care, social assistance, research, or professional, scientific, or technical services.
The Developmental Psychology concentration within the Psychology major offers a strong foundation in current theory and empirical research in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development. The program is ideal for students planning careers in areas such as child and family advocacy, school psychology, or developmental or intellectual disability assessment.
The Industrial Organizational Psychology concentration in the Psychology major teaches students to apply psychological principles in the workplace that enable them to recruit, hire, train, appraise, lead and motivate employees, as well as how to work within and facilitate groups and teams.
The Mental Health Counseling concentration in the Psychology major teaches students evidence-based assessment, diagnosis and intervention in mental health, as well as practices that promote adaptation and well-being.
All Psychology students are required to conduct research projects and have opportunities to work in one of seven research labs directed by faculty members. In addition, a number of Eastern students have received National Science Foundation fellowships for their work.
Summer Research Institutes
Other opportunities include a Summer Research Institute, as well as faculty-supervised internships and field experiences at more than 50 community.
Global Field Courses
The department also regularly offers global field courses ranging in topics from health psychology to history of psychology and attraction in Nepal, London, Ireland and Hawaii.
Faculty Spotlight
T. Caitlin Vasquez-O'Brien
Associate Professor
“Students should feel the same sense of excitement about learning that professors do, and students should be able to engage with the material and draw connections to the world around them.”
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Madeleine Fugere
Professor
“I really enjoy the interesting class discussions which arise during our classes. I also love mentoring undergraduate students who are interested in doing research in social psychology.”
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James Diller
Professor and Department Chair
Dr. James Diller is an expert in the field of behavior analysis. He is credited with developing the concentration in behavior analysis at Eastern, which allows students to sit for national certification.
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Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault
Professor
“It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to hear about our alumni’s lives and to know that I was able to join them on part of that journey.”
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Jenna L. Scisco
Associate Professor
“I have taken Eastern students to study abroad in England, Ireland and Italy. It is such a rewarding experience to be able to expose students to new cultures and the experience of international travel.”
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Career Options
Students who pursue undergraduate degrees in Psychology can have rewarding and successful careers in a variety of professional fields, including:
Behavior Analyst
Correctional Officer
Drug/Substance Abuse Counselor
Family Service Worker
Hospital Patient Service Advocate
Human Resources Specialist/Manager
Residential Youth Counselor
School Psychologist
Social Service Director
Veterans’ Advisor
Successful Alumni
Recent Eastern students who earned a bachelor’s degree or a minor in psychology are at the following companies and graduate schools:
Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science represented at two academic conferences this past October. At the annual meeting of the Berkshire Association of Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT) in Worcester, MA, Professor James Diller presented a poster with student co-author William Warkentin. Meanwhile, at the New England Psychological Association (NEPA) conference at Springfield College, students of Professor Jenna Scisco's Health and Human Performance Lab presented their research.
More than 20 academic programs and departments at Eastern Connecticut State University recognized student achievements this spring 2024 semester during honor society inductions and award ceremonies.
A new recognition for the behavior analysis concentration in Eastern Connecticut State University’s Psychology Department is “a real mark of distinction for the University” and will attract incoming students to the program, said James Diller, professor and department head.
A four-time Division III softball All-American, Molly is the new head softball coach at Trinity College. “Being a student-athlete has shaped me into the best version of myself and has made me realize my passion for helping others to do the same. I learned commitment and camaraderie and the importance of staying in the moment and focusing on the little things.”
Psychology
Amanda Brycki ’05
Amanda is Director of Behavioral Health at Wood River Health Services. “The faculty at Eastern instilled confidence in me that I could pursue a successful career in psychology following graduation. They gave me guidance on what strategies to use to get into graduate school, how to sort through programs and what classes to take.”
Elementary Education and Psychology
Kaitlyn Murphy ’16
Kaitlyn is pursuing a master’s degree in early childhood education with cross-certification in special education at Central Connecticut State University. “My experience at Eastern was wonderful. The classes I took helped me to better understand the special education field and how to incorporate research into my love for teaching.”
MedOptions
Kristin Hambidge ’07
Psychology major Kristin Hambidge is a psychologist at MedOptions and the University of Connecticut. “At Eastern, I completed an internship at a local psychiatric hospital, which was my first experience providing direct clinical services for those with mental health concerns. Eastern’s psychology faculty always made me feel welcome and supported in my academic and professional endeavors.”
Psychology
Jennifer Laney ’09
Jennifer is an adjunct psychology professor at Eastern Connecticut State University and the University of Connecticut. “My experience in Eastern’s psychology department has profoundly influenced my work ethic and teaching style. My professors challenged me to be the best version of myself in an environment that was both academically rigorous and empathetic. I strive to create this balance for my own students.”
Psychology
Nicole Ciccarelli ’24
Noelle interned at Windham Center School and Canterbury Elementary School in spring 2022. She hopes to offer support to children in schools as a school psychologist or social worker. “The whole point of completing an internship is to learn. As long as you are doing your best and know who to go to when you are having difficulties, then you are doing everything right.”
Dual Language Researcher
Abigail Bourdon ’22
Abigail’s research on the play of dual language preschoolers was published in a peer-reviewed journal. “I am lucky to not only have learned throughout the experience, but also grateful to have expanded the field of education. Having the opportunity to participate in research was one of the best parts of Eastern and it confirmed my passion to continue to teach and learn about children’s development.”
Psychology
Fatima Godina ’22
Fatima co-authored a published article on dual language learners in preschool classrooms. “As a dual language learner myself, it was really interesting to be part of this study. This experience really sparked an interest in the field of research. I love learning, and I think that’s one of the main things that you do as a researcher — you just never stop learning.”
Behavior Technician
Sumah Confer ’20
Psychology major Sumah Confer ’20 is a paraprofessional at Chesapeake Bay Academy in Virginia. She was the lead researcher on a published article that analyzes anti-vaccination practices and offers strategies to encourage vaccination among vaccine-hesitant groups. The faculty-supported project was published in the journal “Behavior and Social Issues” by the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI).
Licensed Realtor
Ana Skarzynski ’19
Ana worked as a marketing intern with Chartwells Food Service while at Eastern. With aspirations for a career in marketing, the internship allowed her to plan and promote events and put her advertising skills to the test. “I want to pursue marketing in the future; everything I learned here is beneficial. I am passionate about marketing and enjoy putting on events.” Ana is now a licensed real estate agent.
Psychology
Sierra Nastasi ’22
Sierra presented research at the annual meeting of the Human Behavior and Evolution Society. “Close collaboration with faculty helped me to feel comfortable taking on the main role in the presentation, as well as gain the skills and confidence that will aid me in my future aspirations and independent research.” She is pursuing a master’s degree in psychology and teaches history at Westerly (RI) High School.
Behavior Analyst
Paige Iverson ’21
Paige is a board-certified behavior analyst at the Center for Children with Special Needs. “Eastern’s psychology faculty made themselves accessible inside and outside of class, something I will be forever grateful for. The internship was especially helpful in solidifying my decision to follow the Board Certified Behavior Analyst track.” Paige earned her M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis in 2022.
Marketing Consultant
Marlana Carroll ’11
Psychology major Marlana Carroll is an inbound marketing consultant with Vital Design, an Internet marketing agency in Portsmouth, NH. “There are endless opportunities to get involved at Eastern! I worked on campus and was a part of eight organizations. I discovered what drove me to become the marketing professional I am today.”
Social Psychologist
Abigail Caselli ’17
Psychology major Abigail Caselli is an assistant professor of psychology at Western New England University. She earned her doctorate in social psychology at Syracuse University. “Being involved in undergraduate research was the best decision I made at Eastern. I presented at research conferences and developed a resume that helped me get accepted into graduate school.”
Psychology
Eric Cerino ’14
Eric earned his doctorate at Oregon State and is now a postdoctoral fellow at Penn State. “The willingness of Eastern’s psychology faculty to invest in every student’s success made it easy for me to develop a passion for research and apply my training to real-world situations. I had the best of both worlds — an opportunity to research with experts in the field while learning in an intimate setting.”
Resident Director
Katherine Rettie ’13
Psychology major and Women’s Studies minor Katherine Rettie is assistant director in the Office of Community Standards and Conflict Resolution at Berklee College of Music. “Women’s studies showed me how identity shapes how we experience the world around us. This is very relevant to my line of work as I interact with a diverse group of students; being aware of how identities affect experience is essential.”
