Bachelor of Arts - BA in Psychology Fairfield University

The foundation of psychology is the idea that behavior and mental processes can only be understood by appreciating the complex ways in which they are shaped by biological, psychological, and socio-cultural forces. As a Fairfield psychology major, you will gain exposure to these different perspectives by taking a wide range of courses that explore the study of neuro-chemical activity in the brain; developmental influences on thought and behavior, memory, attention, and learning; and social influences and group memberships that give rise to conformity with norms, prejudice, and prosocial behavior.

You will also learn the scientific principles that underlie psychology’s accumulation of knowledge across these domains. You will learn to think and problem-solve like a psychological scientist, developing skills in scientific reasoning and research methodology that will help you appreciate the importance and efficacy of taking an evidence-based approach to understanding and addressing social, cognitive, and behavioral issues across the lifespan and across various applied settings.

Psychology is often referred to as a “hub” discipline because of its many interdisciplinary links with other fields such as the natural sciences, the social sciences, the humanities, education, and public policy. Scientific contributions from psychology often inform the work being done in these fields, and psychologists regularly incorporate insights generated in other disciplines into their own work. Psychology thus stands well placed to facilitate the kinds of interdisciplinary conversations necessary to provide answers to the most pressing social and behavior issues facing modern society.

Fairfield University is a private Jesuit university located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Founded by the Society of Jesus in 1942, the university is one of 28 member institutions of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. Its primary emphasis is on undergraduate education, but it also offers graduate programs, including professional degrees.

The university is organized into five schools and colleges: the Fairfield University College of Arts and Sciences, the Charles F. Dolan School of Business, the School of Engineering, the Marion Peckham Egan School of Nursing and Health Studies, and the Graduate School of Education and Allied Professions.

Fairfield University's campus sits on a sprawling 200-acre property featuring manicured landscapes and views of the Long Island Sound. The school’s architecture is a blend of the modern and the historical, offering students a diverse and beautiful environment in which to study.

As a Jesuit institution, Fairfield places a high value on the personal, intellectual, and religious development of its students. It aims to cultivate critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to community service. It offers a wide range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, making it a vibrant place of learning. Fairfield University is known for its strong programs in business, nursing, and liberal arts. It has consistently been ranked well by institutions such as U.S. News & World Report in its regional university rankings.