Sacred Heart University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences, along with a graduate-level Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. SHU is a private Catholic university accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), located in Fairfield, Connecticut.
Sacred Heart University is a private Catholic university in Fairfield, Connecticut, founded in 1963. It offers psychology programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels through the College of Arts and Sciences.
Sacred Heart University Accreditation Details
Sacred Heart University holds institutional accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), which evaluates institutions across comprehensive standards, including mission, governance, academic quality, student support, assessment, and institutional effectiveness. NECHE conducts regular reviews to confirm ongoing compliance.
Psychology programs at Sacred Heart don’t hold specialized accreditation from the American Psychological Association — that’s standard at the undergraduate level, as APA accredits doctoral programs only. SHU does not currently offer an APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. Several other Sacred Heart programs carry field-specific accreditation, including social work, physical therapy, nursing, and athletic training.
Sacred Heart University Application Requirements
Applicants submit an online application through Sacred Heart University’s admissions portal via the Common Application. SHU takes a holistic approach to admission, reviewing academic performance (GPA and course rigor), recommendations, co-curricular involvement, and personal qualities. SHU is a test-optional institution — SAT or ACT scores may be submitted, but are not required.
Transfer students submit official transcripts from all prior institutions, and Sacred Heart evaluates transfer credits for applicability toward degree requirements. Graduate applicants should contact the program directly for current admission requirements, as GRE policies vary by program.
Tuition and Financial Aid
For the 2026–2027 academic year, full-time undergraduate tuition and mandatory fees total $54,520. Students living on campus can expect an estimated total cost of $75,220, which includes a median housing cost of $13,730 and a required first-year meal plan of $6,970. Commuter students have an estimated direct cost of $55,550, including a required commuter meal plan.
Many students receive some form of financial aid. Completing the FAFSA determines eligibility for federal and state assistance. Sacred Heart also requires the CSS Profile for consideration for institutional grants and scholarships. The financial aid office can walk students through available options after reviewing their applications.
Psychology Programs at Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart’s psychology programs are housed in the Department of Psychology within the College of Arts and Sciences. The department offers both undergraduate and graduate options. For a broader look at psychology master’s programs in Connecticut, see our state guide.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology major requires 38 credits and is structured around five curricular areas: Behavioral Health, Biological Bases of Behavior, Cognitive Processes, Human Development, and Individual and Society. Required courses include Introduction to Psychology, two Research Design and Analysis courses, and a capstone-level experience — either Advanced Psychological Research, a Research Assistantship, or a Psychology Internship. Students complete three elective psychology courses (at least one at the 300 level), plus Elementary Statistics as a required supporting course.
Master of Arts in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
The College of Arts and Sciences offers a graduate-level MA in industrial-organizational psychology for students who want to apply psychological principles to workplace settings. IO psychologists work in corporate, government, and institutional environments, focusing on employee performance, organizational behavior, and workplace design.
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