Barnard College psychology students can pursue an undergraduate major or minor within the Department of Psychology, including research-based capstone options like faculty-mentored theses and Toddler Center fieldwork. Barnard is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and operates as an affiliated women’s college of Columbia University in New York City.
Barnard College is one of the Seven Sisters, a group of historically women’s liberal arts colleges, and was founded in 1889 as a women’s alternative to Columbia College, which admitted only men. Barnard remains a women’s college today, closely affiliated with Columbia University, and accepts fewer than 10% of applicants, making it one of the more selective schools of its type. Barnard College’s psychology program attracts applicants for its blend of liberal arts rigor and hands-on research opportunities within a small college setting.
Accreditation Details
Barnard College is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). Accreditation confirms the college meets standards for academic quality and institutional effectiveness.
Application Requirements
Barnard encourages every applicant to meet with an admissions representative before applying. The college sends representatives to college fairs and other events across the country to answer questions about its programs and campus life.
Barnard looks beyond grades and test scores to build a well-rounded class. Students who pair strong academics with meaningful extracurricular involvement are more likely to be admitted.
The application has four main components: an official transcript showing coursework and GPA, one or more letters of recommendation, optional SAT or ACT scores, and a personal essay describing the applicant’s background and goals.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Tuition and fees change annually. Barnard publishes a current cost of attendance that includes tuition, housing, meal plans, and mandatory fees. Students seeking aid should complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile. Barnard meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students who qualify.
Psychology Programs at Barnard College
Psychology Major
The Department of Psychology at Barnard offers a major for students building a foundation in psychology research and theory to support graduate study or work in the field. The major requires a set of core courses in areas such as statistics, introductory psychology, and cognition and perception, plus two psychology laboratory courses for hands-on research experience. Seniors complete the major with a capstone option, such as a seminar, a written thesis, or a fieldwork placement, including opportunities like the Toddler Center Research Seminar. Transfer students must complete at least 18 credit hours of psychology coursework at Barnard.
Psychology Minor
Students who want exposure to psychology without the full major can pursue a minor, which requires introductory psychology plus additional psychology coursework specified by the department. Minor credit hours can also count toward the elective requirements of another major.
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