Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology (BS)—Premedical Track

School of Arts and Sciences

Location: Boston
Start Term: Fall

Build a strong foundation in psychology as you fulfill the requirements necessary for an application to medical school.

Launch A Rewarding Career in Medicine

In this four-year program at our Boston campus, you'll gain a broad range of knowledge in psychology and contemporary healthcare issues. You will learn to provide quality care to your future patients through the National Academies of Medicine’s five core competencies: providing patient-centered care, working in interdisciplinary teams, employing evidence-based practice, applying quality improvement, and utilizing informatics. In the Premedical Track, you also will fulfill the prerequisite courses needed to take the MCAT and to apply to medical school. The program begins in the fall.

Your Four-Year Journey

Our in-depth curriculum combines biological, psychological, social science, and humanities coursework with career exploration and professional development.

First-Year Experience

  • form connections with members of the MCPHS community and develop strategies for success
  • learn about the breadth and applications of psychology
  • explore the ways in which biological, psychological, and social factors influence health and well-being

Second-Year Experience

  • develop the ability to critically evaluate and synthesize research to make evidence-informed decisions
  • deepen knowledge of psychological concepts and develop a foundational knowledge of chemistry
  • explore, compare, and develop strategies to succeed in medicine

Third-Year Experience

  • learn to design research and report findings
  • learn about organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics
  • learn about healthcare ethics and the rights of medical patients

Fourth-Year Experience

  • gain experience in a career of interest through field placement and prepare for job and/or graduate school applications
  • learn about biochemistry and physics
  • explore a topic of interest from a biopsychosocial perspective

The Future of Healthcare is Interdisciplinary

Interprofessional education (IPE) is a way of life at MCPHS.
Students participating in an Interprofessional Education event.

Influence Patient-Provider Interactions

In this program, you will achieve a deep understanding of behavioral factors in healthcare promotion and policy and be equipped to advocate effectively for your patients.

$183,655 average salary

for MDs (Salary.com 2022)

MCPHS: A healthcare think tank

At a university dedicated to healthcare like MCPHS, you are surrounded by peers who share your commitment to building a healthier world.

#1 in the U.S. for earning power

The 2018 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College
rankings place MCPHS graduates on top.

Kentner, Amanda - 04 - Randall Garnick Photography.jpg

MCPHS Professor Wins Grant for Environmental Enrichment Research

Psychology professor Amanda Kentner has been awarded a grant by the National Institutes for Health for her research in environmental enrichment—research especially relevant in the time of COVID.

Undergraduate Pathways to a Career in Health Psychology

If you have not yet earned your bachelor's degree, we offer additional undergraduate-to-graduate pathways. In all cases, you must apply to the graduate program after you have demonstrated success in the undergraduate portion.

Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Occupational Therapy Track

A five-year combined program that begins at the Boston campus before moving to MCPHS-Worcester.

Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology — Physical Therapy Pathway (BS/DPT)

A six-year combined program that begins at the Boston campus before moving to MCPHS-Worcester.

Bachelor of Science/Master of Arts in Psychology (BS/MA)

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus. If accepted, students then continue their education at the William James College in Newton, MA.

Bachelor of Science — Doctor of Psychology Pathway (BS/PsyD)

Four-year, full-time program on the Boston campus. If accepted, students then continue their education at our partner school, the William James College in Newton, MA.