FORT KENT, Maine – Committed to offering programs that align with students’ goals and career aspirations, the University of Maine at Fort Kent has recently renamed its bachelor of science in behavioral science program to the bachelor of science in psychology. The program offers the same, exemplary education that UMFK is known for. Students interested in studying human behavior, mental health and social dynamics often search for “psychology degrees” when exploring colleges and the name change will allow UMFK’s program to be more discoverable in online web searches.
Although behavioral science graduates discover that their degree leads to many pathways to the professions they desire, many college-seeking students shared that the degree name “behavioral science” didn’t clearly reflect what they were looking for in a college credential. To support this discovery, the mentalfloss.com article, The 50 Most Popular College Majors, According to Web Searches by CaLea Johnson, revealed which college degrees were most searched for in 2024.
Psychology topped the list at number one. This “data set [was compiled] using Google’s Keyword Planner, a free resource that shows how many searches keywords get per month” (Johnson, 2024).
By renaming the program to psychology, UMFK ensures that students immediately recognize the program as a strong foundation for the careers they want to pursue. The curriculum remains grounded in hands-on experiences, offering students opportunities for job shadowing, service-learning projects and internships. Coupled with learning from faculty who are practitioners in the field, these experiences help students build real-world skills for meaningful careers or advanced studies in psychology-related fields.
“The program name has been revised to Psychology to more accurately align with our academic focus,” said Dr. Shawn Graham, UMFK associate professor of counseling, behavioral science unit chair and faculty assembly chair. “This adjustment underscores our commitment to delivering a rigorous curriculum grounded in evidence-based theory, fostering critical thinking, and promoting the practical application of skills to prepare students for professional careers and advanced study in graduate programs.”
In addition to the name change, UMFK has also expanded its psychology portfolio to now offer a fully online bachelor of science degree in psychology. This was driven by the increasing number of students who are looking for flexibility to accommodate their busy lives, often balancing work, family or other responsibilities. The online option ensures that students can access the same high-quality education as those on campus, with courses designed to be engaging and applicable to real-world careers.
With both on-campus and online options, students can now choose the path that works best for them, making it easier to earn a psychology degree no matter where they are. In addition to preparing students for advanced studies in clinical counseling and psychology, graduates are prepared for jobs such as substance abuse counselors, adult and child case managers, and social work.
By listening to students and evolving to meet their needs, UMFK continues to offer programs that help students succeed — both in the classroom and beyond. To learn more about UMFK’s psychology program, visit: umfk.edu/academics/programs/psychology/.
The University of Maine at Fort Kent is a rural, public university committed to providing students with exceptional educational experiences. It is free to apply. For entry into the fall 2025 term, the UMFK Admissions Office recommends applications be submitted by Aug. 15.
