Welcome to the Psychology program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle, where our dedicated faculty provides personalized attention and support in a dynamic learning environment. With a comprehensive curriculum and opportunities for experiential learning, Psychology students are prepared for diverse careers in psychology and beyond. Our small class sizes and interactive teaching methods foster a culture of respect, diversity, and social responsibility, empowering students to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Join us at UMPI and embark on a transformative journey in understanding behavior and its underlying mental processes while gaining the skills and knowledge to succeed in your future endeavors in the field of psychology.

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Program Highlights

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EXPECT generous scholarships

Flexible degree options

Students enrolled in the traditional undergraduate program can take courses in-person, online, or a combination of the two. All of our courses are taught by dedicated faculty who are experts in the field of Psychology and committed to maximizing student learning and success. All of our courses are offered at least once a year with roughly half of them alternating between in-person and online offerings. While the competency-based YourPace program is only offered online, all of the courses that students need to complete their degree are offered during every session.

Grad school preparation

Breadth of Knowledge Through Academic Coursework: Students take courses in psychology that cover key areas such as abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, psychobiology, social psychology, and research methods, providing a solid academic background essential for success in graduate studies.

Research Opportunities: Students can work closely with faculty on research projects, helping them to develop critical thinking skills, understand research methodology, and potentially contribute to academic publications. 

Internships and Field Experience: Students can engage in internships or fieldwork placements in schools, counseling centers, or social service agencies, providing hands-on exposure to the field of psychology and helping students develop practical skills and professional networks.

Support for Graduate School Applications: Faculty members provide support for students navigating the graduate school application process, including guidance on selecting programs, preparing application materials (such as personal statements and letters of recommendation), and preparing for interviews.

EXPECT an education tailored to your needs

Professors who care

At UMPI, faculty take pride in being accessible and approachable. Faculty hold regular office hours, respond to student inquiries, and are open to scheduling appointments outside of office hours if needed. Faculty take the time to get to know students individually to show care and support. Our faculty recognize that students demonstrate proficiency in various ways and we offer constructive feedback in a supportive manner. Our faculty works towards fostering respectful dialogue, creating opportunities for collaboration, showing appreciation for diverse perspectives and celebrating student achievements within and outside the classroom.

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Research opportunities

The Psychology program at UMPI is committed to providing research opportunities and experiences for interested students. Students play important roles in the research process and can gain invaluable experience in designing and conducting both quantitative and qualitative research. Students are also encouraged to participate in data analysis and may be co-authors on presentations at professional conferences and/or scientific publications that result from the research experiences. Faculty currently conduct research in a variety of areas including: behavioral economics, clinical psychology, and sex and gender.

Field experiences

Students have the opportunity to engage in a practicum where they can gain applied experience and learn clinical skills. Currently students are completing their Practicum at a local school where they are working with children with developmental and behavioral disabilities. Using a behavior analytic framework, students are learning salient clinical skills in Applied Behavior Analysis. Upon completion, students will be able to sit for a Registered Behavior Technician Certificate (RBT) through the Behavior Analysis Certification Board. The RBT is a nationally recognized certification that leads to many employment opportunities.

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Podcast

The Psychology program is proud to sponsor a new podcast titled Two Neurons Short of a Synapse. This bi-weekly podcast covers a variety of topics related to Psychology, and students in the program are able to submit topics to be covered in future episodes. While still relatively new, the podcast has been popular among students and alumni and is a way to learn more about Psychology outside of the classroom. Be sure to check out the podcast, which is currently available on both Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and get a sense of who the faculty in the program are and their interests.

Faculty

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John Harrington

Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer III
Email
john.harrington@maine.edu
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William Jenkins

Associate Professor of Psychology
Location
South Hall 207
Phone
(207) 768-9457
Email
william.j.jenkins@maine.edu

Paul Johnson

Associate Professor of Psychology
Location
206 South Hall
Phone
(207) 768-9455
Email
paul.e.johnson@maine.edu

Franklin V Thompson

Adjunct Faculty, Lecturer III
Email
franklin.thompson@maine.edu

EXPECT to Finish in Four

Psychology Program Offerings

Our general concentration is offered with both an online and a face-to-face option. Within the general option, the curricula focuses on the breadth of study and provides students with learning germane to careers in human services.

The Biopsychology concentration is a useful background for students interested in neuropsychology, and biopsychology research.

What can you do with a Psychology BA, Biopsychology Concentration?


The Business Psychology major is useful for students desiring to make a career working in human resources, human services, or who are interested in pursuing graduate studies in industrial organizational psychology.

What can you do with a Psychology BA, Business Psychology Concentration?


Our online program is taught by the same professors who teach our live courses. Thus, you’ll be doing coursework that develops your ability to interpret, analyze, and communicate in a wide variety of professional and academic settings, while the fact that the coursework is done online allows you to create your own schedule.

Our minor in Psychology allows you to explore the Psychology field, though at a smaller scale than our majors. This minor provides students with learning germane to careers in human services.

This certificate allows individuals who are planning to provide community support services in positions funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and MaineCare to meet the special training mandates required by the State of Maine for certain public welfare positions.

This certificate allows individuals who are planning to provide community support services in positions funded by the Department of Health and Human Services and MaineCare to meet the special training mandates required by the State of Maine for certain public welfare positions.

In addition to a traditional classroom setting, adult learners seeking a MHRT/C Ceretificate have the option of participating in UMPI’s YourPace program, our online competency based degree completion program (CBE).

In addition to a traditional classroom setting, adult learners seeking a BA in Psychology have the option of participating in UMPI’s YourPace program, our online competency based degree completion program (CBE).

What can you do with a degree in Psychology?

Next Step: Admissions

We’re so excited that you’re considering the University of Maine at Presque Isle! As a student at UMPI, we want your experience to be anything but ordinary! So what makes UMPI extraordinary? Our Learning Environment, Our Student Engagement and Our Location!

No matter what stage of life you are in, we can help you take the plunge into higher education and put you on YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS!