Psychology
Psychology Program Overview
Turn empathy into impact with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Quincy College.
Students will build a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, thought processes, and emotional functioning while developing core knowledge and research skills needed for a variety of psychology-related professions, including social work, guidance counseling, and mental health therapy.
With plenty of electives to choose from, students can tailor their Psychology coursework to specific interests, like child development, intercultural communications, or sports psychology, supplementing classroom learning with hands-on practice and internship experience. As a program requirement, students will also complete a culminating capstone project based on their chosen concentration.
Psychology Program Outcomes
Students who earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology will be able to:
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes of psychology
- Use scientific reasoning and research data to interpret psychological cases
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
- Develop effective communication skills that resonate with various audiences
- Align psychology-focused knowledge to career goals
Scholarships available
Earn your degree for a fraction of the price.
As of Fall 2023, students with an incoming GPA of 2.5 or above, and with 60 credits accepted for transfer into a baccalaureate program, are eligible for a $125 discount per course, not to exceed a total of $2,500, for as long as the student continues to pursue the same baccalaureate degree program. Please note that the eligibility requirement of 2.5 GPA or above is only for applications received after June 30, 2023. All previous agreements will be honored. QC has final determination on qualifications, award amount, and application of the award.
Questions?
The Admissions Office
[email protected] | (617) 984-1710
Psychology Courses
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Code
Course
Credits
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- BIO 111
General Biology I w/Lab
- 4
-
- CSI 101
Introduction to Computers
- 3
-
- ENG 101
English Composition I
- 3
-
- ENG 102
English Composition II
- 3
-
- HSV 260
Diverse Populations
- 3
-
- SOC 101
General Sociology
- 3
-
- PSY 101
General Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 103
Child Development
- 3
-
- PSY 210
Psychology of Learning
- 3
-
- PSY 215
Abnormal Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 216
Growth & Development
- 3
-
- PSY 221
Health Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 270
Psychological Dimensions of Climate Change
- 3
-
- PSY 280
Research Design & Methodology
- 3
-
- PSY 305
Personality
- 3
-
- PSY 300
Positive Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 301
Child Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 307
Psychology of Change
- 3
-
- PSY 311
Cognition
- 3
-
- PSY 317
Sensation and Perception
- 3
-
- PSY 330
Social Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 331
Psychology of Gender
- 3
-
- PSY 340
Psychology in the Workplace
- 3
-
- PSY 350
Group Dynamics
- 3
-
- PSY 413
Adolescent Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 419
Consciousness
- 3
-
- PSY 421
Psychology of Emotion
- 3
include cultural influences, developmental trajectories, evolutionary foundations, neurology, pathologies, self- regulation, and social relationships. Prerequisites: PSY 101 and PSY 280. -
- PSY 442
Cultural Psychology
- 3
-
- PSY 499
Psychology Capstone
- 3
-
- PSY 481
Advanced Research Seminar
- 3
Faculty Profiles
Carol DiFalco, Ph. D., LMHC
Education:
Ph.D. in Counseling and Psychology, Lesley University
M.S. in Psychology, Clinical Mental Health, Springfield College
B.S. in Biology, Springfield College
Dr. DiFalco is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and professor of psychology with more than two decades of experience in various clinical and education settings, bridging the worlds of clinical counseling, research, and pedagogy. Dr. DiFalco believes critical thinking and analytical skills are a student’s compass and map for their intellectual journey. These skills empower students to explore the depths of human behavior and emotion, to question conventional wisdom, and to dissect complex phenomena with precision.
At Quincy College, she teaches various courses in the Psychology Program, including Cultural Psychology, Group Dynamics, Psychology of Gender, and Psychology of Change. Her research focuses on advancing critical forms of community engagement curriculum by understanding the relationship between educators and their critical consciousness development. Through her work, she explores meaningful ways educators create bridges between communities to ensure equitable and socially just learning opportunities.
Carol is an outdoor enthusiast who enjoys hiking through conservation lands and open-water paddle boarding off the shores of Cape Cod, where she resides with her family.
Kenneth Texeira, Ph.D.
Education:
Ph.D. in Applied Developmental Psychology, Fordham University
B.S. in Psychology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Dr. Texeira is a professor of psychology and has taught at both our Quincy campus and Plymouth campuses for 15 years. He has received various teaching and mentorship awards and has worked in healthcare settings as a researcher and scientist.
He has published 10 articles in medical journals focused on increasing patient satisfaction and quality of life. He is currently producing a documentary on the Veteran Fishing Team he founded which is a peer-to-peer support group that aims to reduce isolation, raise awareness about mental health and foster blue economy skills.
Robert Newell, D.S.W.
Education:
D.S.W., University of Kentucky
M.B.A., Fitchburg State University
M.S.W., Boston University
B.S. in Social Work and Psychology, Roberts Wesleyan College
Dr. Newell has worked as a clinical social worker for more than 25 years working in residential treatment, schools, private practice, and in healthcare and has been employed both as a clinician and in social work management. He has provided all levels of social work care on the micro, mezzo, and macro levels.
Dr. Newell teaches courses in diversity, human behavior, policy, counseling skills, and addictions. He encourages students to think critically about social issues while building on their strengths. Dr. Newell has served as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Kentucky teaching courses in both the undergraduate and graduate social work programs. He also enjoys skiing, hiking, and mountain biking in his free time.
Thomas Connolly, Ph.D.
Education:
Ph.D in I/O Psychology, Adler University
M.S. in I/O Psychology, Stevens Institute of Technology
M.B.A. in Finance, New York University
M.A. in Healthcare Administration, University of Phoenix
B.A. in Psychology, University of Connecticut
Dr. Connolly has extensive for-profit experience as a corporate executive, change manager, and entrepreneur. He spent 25 years as a Wall Street executive, focusing on turnarounds and guiding organizations through transformational change. He has served on curricular-advisory boards at Suffolk University and Bunker Hill Community College and on the advisory boards of two successful startups, Patheer and Ignyte AI (where he was co-founder).
As a post-doctoral fellow at Adler University, his work focused on structural barriers to workplace equity, metacognitive decision structures and workplace civility. His prior published research addresses work/family role conflict and managing high-velocity change. Dr. Connolly teaches a range of classroom and online courses including Introductory Psychology, Life-span Developmental Psychology and Research Methods.
Henry Rubin, Ph.D.
Education:
Ph.D. in Sociology, Brandeis University
M.A. in Sociology, Brandeis University
B.A. in Sociology and Psychology, University of California, Santa Cruz
Dr. Rubin has been with Quincy College for over 18 years. He has served as the Dean of the college’s Liberal Arts Division, the Chair of the Assessment Committee, and the Co-director of First Year Seminar. Previously, he has taught at Harvard University and Tufts University. His research and teaching specialties include Sociology of the Media, Gender Studies, Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics. He has three cats and enjoys cycling, gardening, and the beach.
Fahri Ercem, MA
Education:
M.A. in Sociology, Northeastern University
M.A. in Social Anthropology, Cumhuriyet University, Türkiye
B.A. in Sociology, Middle East Technical University, Türkiye
Fahri Ercem is an experienced educator with a strong background in sociology and cultural anthropology, teaching for over 30 years. Currently, Fahri serves as an adjunct faculty member at Bunker Hill Community College and Quincy College. He has taught various sociology and cultural anthropology courses at Northeastern University, Middlesex Community College, and Massasoit Community College. His expertise includes curriculum development and teaching a wide range of sociology courses, focusing on global change, diversity, social inequalities, and world cultures. Additionally, Fahri has worked in the Office for Diversity Inclusion and Community Partnership (DICP) at Harvard Medical School for more than 20 years in various roles. In his free time, he enjoys reading and writing poetry, listening to jazz, and cooking.
Kerry Leary, M.Ed.
Education:
M.S. in Equity, Diversity and Social Justice Leadership, Tuft University
M.Ed. in Education Leadership, American International College
M.A. in Counselor Education, Bridgewater State University
B.A. in Psychology, Bridgewater State University
Kerry has 18 years as a school and crisis counselor, 5 years as a school administrator, and 18 years as an adjunct professor. Additionally, Kerry has spent a combined 6 years as a private mental health professional.
Kerry’s teaching is rooted in the belief that every student has the potential to learn and grow, regardless of their abilities or challenges. Kerry is committed in creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment that respects individual differences and fosters a sense of belonging. Kerry’s approach emphasizes the significance of understanding the brain and mental health, utilizing this knowledge to guide students in overcoming obstacles and achieving their full potential.
Brian Sasso, MA, LMHC
Education:
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, Remington College
B.S. in Sociology, University Massachusetts Amherst
Brian is an adjunct professor of psychology at Quincy College & has taught there since 2009. In addition, Brian has taught other courses within the school of Liberal Arts; including Human Service & Sociology.
Brian is a full-time employee of Quincy Public Schools and holds a School Adjustment Counseling license & school counseling license through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). These licenses allow him to work within an at-risk student population. Brian is also licensed through Allied Mental Health, as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Brian works as an independent therapist with adults who are experiencing challenges.
Becky DelVecchio, Ph.D.
Education:
Ph.D. in Early Childhood Education, UMass Boston
PMC in Research Policy and Practice in Early Childhood Education, UMass Boston
M.Ed in Integrating the Arts into Curriculum, Lesley University
B.S. in Early Childhood Education, University System of New Hampshire
Becky has over 25 years of experience in teaching young children and adults in diverse and dynamic settings. Her current work focuses on supporting pedagogical leadership from within the early childhood education workforce. She also has special interest and expertise in the benefits of, and barriers, to nature play for all children and families.
Gayl Crump Swaby. Ed.D.
Education:
Ed.D, Nova Southeastern University
M.S.W., Boston University
B.S.W. in Social Work, Oakwood University
In addition to teaching at Quincy College, Dr. Crump Swaby is a Professor of Practice in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at Springfield College. With over three decades of clinical experience in diverse settings such as schools, community centers, and private practices, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her work with a variety of populations has cultivated a deep understanding of mental health challenges, making her an invaluable mentor for aspiring counselors.
At Quincy College, Dr. Swaby has taught courses on substance addiction, gerontology, diversity, and human behavior. Her teaching philosophy emphasizes inclusivity, critical thinking, and practical skill development. A published author of two books focused on culturally responsive mental health treatment, Dr. Swaby is dedicated to preparing culturally competent clinicians.
Beyond her academic and clinical roles, Dr. Swaby enjoys traveling, music, gardening, and spending time with family.
Brenda K. Kimball, MA
Education:
M.A. in Counseling, Johnson State College
B.A. in Education/Counseling, Johnson State College
Administrator License (Principal), Lyndon State College
Professor Kimball began teaching as an adjunct faculty member at Quincy College in the fall of 2017. She has taught classes in both the Psychology and Sociology departments. Brenda began her career in Vermont as a School Counselor, Director of Guidance, and Principal. She is currently a full-time School Adjustment Counselor for Canton Public Schools, where she is also an active member of our school’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. She is a member of the American School Counselors Association and the Massachusetts School Counselors Association. She enjoys spending time with her two elementary-aged granddaughters and walking the beach with her dog, Allie.
Minor in Psychology
The minor in Psychology is available to bachelor students in other disciplines and is focused on enhancing the understanding of human behavior. Students will develop versatile skills in communication, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning that employers increasingly value across all professional sectors.
| Course Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| PSY 101: General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 215: Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 216: Growth & Development | 3 |
| PSY 221: Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 330: Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 311: Cognition | 3 |
| Total Credits Required for Minor | 18 |
Minors are designed to provide baccalaureate students with knowledge and skills in a field other than their majors, that may lead to a post-graduation competitive advantage. Bachelor’s students who have earned a minimum of 45 credits and have an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher are eligible. The Request for Minor Form must be completed and submitted to the Registrar. To be able to complete your minor within 120 credits (minimum credits required for a major), students are strongly recommended to meet with an Academic Advisor for course planning prior to declaring a minor.
The minimum number of credits for a minor is 18. A maximum of two courses required for the major (including the general education) can be used toward a minor, and open electives may be used to satisfy the remaining of the minor requirements.
Successful completion of a minor requires a grade of C or higher in all courses of that minor. A minor must be completed at the time of the bachelor’s degree and will be so noted on the student’s transcript. A student cannot be readmitted to complete only a minor.
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