Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. It helps us understand how people think, feel, and interact with the world. For students interested in careers in counseling, research, social work, human services, or organizational leadership, a strong psychology program lays the foundation for success, practical skills, and real-world insight.
New Hampshire offers a variety of colleges with quality psychology programs that combine excellent teaching, research opportunities, and supportive learning environments. With so many options available, it can be challenging for prospective students and parents to decide which school will best fit their academic goals, budget, and plans.
In this article, we highlight the best colleges for psychology in New Hampshire, based on academic reputation, program strength, student support services, and outcomes. Whether you are aiming for a bachelor’s degree or considering further graduate study, the list below will help you explore top choices and find the right fit for your interests.
Best Colleges for Psychology in New Hampshire
1. Dartmouth College – Psychology (B.A.)
Dartmouth’s psychology program explores how the brain and behavior work together. You take courses in cognition, social interaction, learning, development, and behavioral disorders. Many classes include labs or research components where you work directly with faculty.
Research opportunities are strong, letting undergraduates assist with real studies or design their own projects. Small class sizes help you build strong relationships with professors and classmates.
You learn research methods, psychology theory, and critical thinking skills over your four years. This program is excellent if you want to go into research, graduate school, counseling, or careers involving human behavior and mental processes.
2. University of New Hampshire (UNH) – Psychology (B.A.)
UNH’s psychology major gives you a strong foundation in the scientific study of human and animal behavior. You take core classes like Introduction to Psychology, Statistics, and Research Methods. Then you choose courses from areas such as sensation and perception, social psychology, personality, and child development.
The program also offers internships and capstone options, such as internships, independent research, or an honors thesis in your senior year. You present your work and learn how to write research reports in APA style. Many students join the Psychology Club and attend research conferences. This mix of theory, research, and hands-on experience prepares you for jobs or grad school.
3. Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Psychology (B.A.)
SNHU’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology helps you understand human behavior and mental processes. The curriculum blends research methods, ethical standards, communication skills, and case studies. You learn how people think, feel, and interact in real life.
You can tailor your studies with concentrations such as Child & Adolescent Development, Forensic Psychology, or Mental Health. The program also includes a 12-credit embedded certificate in Data Literacy in Psychology to boost research and analysis skills.
Many students complete projects and apply what they learn to careers in human services, counseling support, business, or graduate programs. Classes are available on campus or online for flexibility.
4. Saint Anselm College – Psychology (B.A.)
Saint Anselm’s psychology major focuses on the scientific study of behavior in both humans and animals. You take classes in areas like brain and behavior, development, and social relationships. Courses include lectures, seminars, laboratory work, and field experiences to help build strong practical skills.
The program also encourages student research, and many students work with faculty on real projects. Graduates go into fields like medicine, law, clinical research, business, education, and graduate study.
The small college setting means you get personal attention from professors and supportive mentoring. You also have opportunities to participate in summer research or special fellowships.
5. Keene State College – Psychology (B.A.)
Keene State’s psychology program focuses on understanding human behavior using a scientific and research-based approach. From your first year, a faculty advisor helps you plan courses and explore interests like clinical psychology, neuroscience, child development, or social behavior.
You join classes that include independent study, internships, and lab research in real topics such as emotion, belief formation, and neuropsychological processes. The program builds skills in research, ethical reasoning, and communication.
Graduates find work in human services, education, research, or continue to graduate programs. The close faculty mentoring and collaborative student environment make this a strong choice for psychology majors.
6. Plymouth State University – Psychology (B.S.)
Plymouth State’s psychology program explores the mind, brain, and behavior through scientific and practical study. You learn why people think and act as they do, using research tools and advanced data analysis.
The program has multiple study options, such as General Psychology, Mental Health, and accelerated 3+2 or 3+3 pathways that combine bachelor’s and graduate degrees. These accelerated tracks help you work toward credentials like mental health counseling or school psychology faster.
Plymouth State also encourages hands-on research and work with faculty in labs and community settings. This prepares you for careers in counseling, human services, or graduate studies.
7. Colby-Sawyer College – Psychology (B.A.)
Colby-Sawyer’s psychology program gives you a broad and flexible study of human behavior. You take core courses that cover research design, statistics, and major psychological theories. Upper-level electives include topics like forensic psychology, child psychology, sport psychology, or psychology and law.
The program also requires a senior internship where you work with a psychology-related organization to gain real-world experience. In your final year, you complete a capstone research project to demonstrate your skills.
Faculty support you through the process, and graduates are prepared for jobs in clinical settings, community work, or further study in graduate programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What jobs can I get with a Bachelor’s in Psychology from a New Hampshire college?
Graduates often begin in roles like human resources specialist, marketing research analyst, clinical research associate, or case manager. These use psychology knowledge, plus research and communication skills.
2. What is the typical job outlook for psychology graduates in New Hampshire?
Job growth for related fields like counseling, psychology, and social services is expected to increase, reflecting local demand for mental health support and human services professionals.
3. What salary can I expect after graduating with a psychology degree?
Entry-level psychology graduates in New Hampshire typically earn about $40,000–$50,000. With experience or advanced degrees, wages can rise to about $80,000+.
4. Do psychology programs in New Hampshire include internships?
Ye, many programs offer internships, practicum placements, or hands-on experience with community partners to build workplace skills while studying.
5. Is a psychology degree only for clinical careers?
No, psychology majors can work in business, marketing, education, counseling support, human services, research, and more, beyond clinical roles.
6. Do I need graduate school to become a licensed psychologist?
Yes, clinical or counseling psychologist roles require a master’s or doctoral degree plus supervised practice and licensure in New Hampshire.
7. Can a psychology degree lead to high-paying jobs outside psychology?
Yes, skills like research, analysis, teamwork, and communication help graduates move into fields like public relations, market research, organizational behavior, user experience (UX), and data roles.
8. What skills will I gain in a psychology program that employers value?
You’ll learn research methods, data analysis, critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, all useful in many industries.
9. Does New Hampshire have a demand for psychologists and counselors?
Yes, demand in mental health and counseling services is growing, especially in community health, education, and human services fields.
10. Is psychology a valuable degree in New Hampshire for job mobility?
A psychology degree can help you enter many fields. With internships and further training, it can lead to career growth and higher-paying roles in counseling, HR, research, and more.