As psychologists, we know that what makes a program outstanding are its people – students, faculty and staff alike – and the experiences they create. The common denominators among our faculty are a love of Psychology, excellence in teaching and scholarship, an approachable and supportive advising style, and an unwavering commitment to student success.
Rider’s Psychology program is designed to meet the needs of various types of students and to develop a broad understanding of the many topic areas within psychology. The program is committed to helping students understand and appreciate both the scientific foundations and human service aspects of the field of psychology.
Rider is where your future begins. First-year students are defined as recent high school graduates who are attending college for the first time. There are so many opportunities ahead. Take the first step towards your tomorrow at Rider.
No matter where you began your journey, Rider has the resources you need to continue moving forward. At Rider, transfer students are defined as students who are under the age of 25 and have credits from another college or university.
Rider offers flexible pathways for adult learners aged 25 or over, including veterans and active duty military personnel, that allow you to begin or complete your college degree, prepare for an advanced degree or grow your knowledge for personal enrichment. Non-matriculated or visiting students should apply using the Continuing Education application.
Share our focus on applications of psychology outside the classroom. We don’t only teach Psychology. We also provide a “user’s guide” – through courses and experiences that emphasize real-world applications.
Students directly apply what they learn about behaviors and the mind to their own lives. This unique curricular offering allows students to map out a career path, produce a resumé, and connect findings from Psychology with work experiences.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, “flatten the curve” and the experimental design in the testing of vaccine efficacy were incorporated in Statistics courses, as were discussions of how social distancing & remote learning impact Child Development.
A range of internships match the students’ own interests with placements in a variety of organizations.
The Psychology Learning Community hosts regular talks and events that highlight the applied value of Psychology knowledge.
Rider’s B.A. in Psychology program helps to develop the fundamental skills that predict success across many professions, from human services, counseling and clinical psychology, to education, graduate school, and corporate careers. Whatever your background and interests, we welcome you to explore the enriching possibilities of a major in Psychology at Rider.
Many of our psychology majors conduct independent empirical research under the supervision of the faculty. This is an important part of their undergraduate education for those seeking further education because graduate schools seek applicants with prior research experience and often provide these students with substantial financial aid in the form of assistantships and tuition waivers. Rider students have co-authored journal publications with the faculty and presented papers at regional, national and even international conferences.
About three-fourths of the graduating psychology majors each year will secure employment, while about one-fourth go on to further graduate and professional training at the master's and doctoral level. Rider psychology majors have been very successful in gaining admission to graduate programs. All seniors that sought admission to graduate school were accepted by at least one of the schools to which they applied, including many of the most prestigious universities in the country.
Many psychology students take advantage of our 4+1 program option, or remain at Rider to complete a second major in a related field, most often in the College of Education and Human Services, to later pursue a career in education.
A minor in Psychology offers not-so-minor benefits that extend far beyond college. Indeed, the combination of scientific training with an understanding of people provides a valuable complement to any major. Graduates with a minor in Psychology can pursue successful careers across many domains, from Business and Education to Law, Healthcare, and the Arts. Whatever career path you choose and wherever your personal journey takes you, the study of Psychology can pay off dividends for a lifetime.
The Department of Psychology at Rider brings together faculty and students who share an interest in the critical interplay of the mind, brain and the multitude of external variables that make people behave the way they do. Courses and experiences in our program provide an all-encompassing edge by teaching and sharing what is known about human behavior and cognition and how to best apply that knowledge.
Learn more about financial aid, tuition and the various options we offer to make your college education affordable.
Associate Professor, Department Chair
Mike and Patti Hennessy Science and Technology Center
escorpio [at] rider.edu
609-896-5343
