So Take the Next Steps

The School of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Mercy University invites applications for a full-time Associate or Professor of Psychology to serve as Program Director of the M.S. Psychology Program, beginning Fall 2026. The University seeks an experienced psychology faculty member with a strong commitment to graduate education, student research mentorship, inclusive pedagogy, and program leadership.

The Program Director will oversee all academic, administrative, and strategic functions of a dynamic graduate program that prepares students for a range of pathways, including advanced study, applied research roles, and human services careers. The curriculum includes practicum opportunities in fieldwork, research, or teaching; a two-semester research sequence culminating in an empirical report; and the option of either a master's thesis or a comprehensive exam. Students may also pursue OASAS-approved coursework leading to the CASAC-T (Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor–Trainee), New York State's entry-level credential for those preparing for careers in substance use counseling.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Administration

• Provide academic leadership for the M.S. Psychology Program, including curriculum oversight, scheduling, program assessment, faculty coordination, and long-term planning.
• Manage rolling admissions, including interviewing, evaluating, and admitting prospective students.
• Recruit, coach, and orient adjunct faculty members who teach in the program.
• Ensure alignment with institutional policies and best practices in graduate education.
• Collaborate with Graduate PACT advisors on student engagement, academic planning, and retention initiatives.
• Partner with graduate Program Directors across the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences (e.g., School Psychology, Criminal Justice, Marriage and Family Therapy, Mental Health Counseling) on shared courses, interdisciplinary learning experiences, and joint student opportunities.
• Work closely with the program practicum coordinator to ensure clear and consistent communication with students and practicum sites.
• Lead ongoing program evaluation, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.

Student Mentoring and Academic Support

• Advise and mentor graduate students on academic progression, research development, practicum planning, and career or doctoral pathways.
• Communicate regularly with the Undergraduate Psychology Program Director to ensure BS/MS students receive appropriate guidance from the undergraduate program as they transition into graduate-level study.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for M.S. Psychology student academic concerns, ensuring timely and appropriate resolution.

Teaching and Research Mentorship

• Teach 2–3 graduate-level psychology courses per term across in-person, hybrid, or online modalities.
• Lead and oversee the two-semester research sequence (PSYN 616/617).
• Advise students on research and capstone project progression.
• Ensure student research complies with IRB protocols and institutional academic standards.

Other Duties

• Participate in School and University service, including committees, faculty development activities, and institutional initiatives.
• Contribute to community and professional engagement aligned with the mission of the School and University.
• Maintain a scholarly agenda that demonstrates currency in the field.

Required Qualifications

• A record of excellence in graduate teaching, research mentorship, and service appropriate for appointment at the Associate or Full Professor rank.
• Ph.D. in Psychology (Clinical, Experimental, Counseling, Cognitive, Educational, Social, or Developmental), with scholarly interests that support engagement with our applied psychology graduate programs and diverse graduate student pathways.
• Demonstrated experience with curriculum development and program coordination, along with the ability to manage key administrative responsibilities within an academic program.
• Evidence of scholarly activity, applied practice, or professional engagement that enhances graduate student learning.
• Strong commitment to student-centered, inclusive teaching and advising.

To learn more about the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, please visit: https://www.mercy.edu/academics/school-social-behavioral-sciences.

A review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received before January 26 will receive priority consideration. Electronic applications are required and must include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for at least three professional references. Candidates must apply online at https://talenthub.mercy.edu.

About Mercy 

Mercy University is a dynamic, independent, coeducational New York City area university that offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs in six schools: Business, Education, Health and Natural Sciences, Liberal Arts, Nursing, and Social and Behavioral Sciences.  

Mercy is the region's largest private, nonprofit, Minority-Serving Institution, proud to serve a student body that is highly diverse. As a federally designated Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), Mercy University, has been ranked nationally among top colleges in the country for Hispanics by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) and by Excelencia in Education, earning their prestigious Seal of Excelencia for intentionally serving Latino students.

Mercy University was further recognized by HACU as a national leader in awarding bachelor's degrees to Hispanics in several disciplines, including Psychology, Sociology, and Business. Westchester Magazine has also named Mercy the Best College in Westchester County in 2019, 2020, and 2022.

Mercy is committed to offering an inclusive learning environment to help a diverse student body set a course for their future. To support its student body, Mercy has been awarded a number of federal grants which enable us to better develop and deliver education to our students. 

Mercy’s student body reflects the rich diversity of the New York metropolitan area. Enrollment, including full-time and part-time undergraduates and graduates, is approximately 8,800. Mercy students learn on campuses in Dobbs Ferry, the Bronx, and Manhattan as well as online.

At Mercy University we strive to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more. 

Our Mission: 

Mercy University is committed to providing motivated students the opportunity to transform their lives through higher education by offering liberal arts and professional programs in personalized and high-quality learning environments, thus preparing students to embark on rewarding careers, to continue learning throughout their lives and to act ethically and responsibly in a changing world.

Benefits Eligible: 

Mercy University strives to provide employees and their families with a comprehensive and valuable benefits package. We offer high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts, flexible spending, and much more.

EEO Statement

Mercy University is an equal opportunity employer. Mercy University actively engages in recruiting a diverse workforce and student body that includes members of historically underrepresented groups and strives to build and sustain a welcoming and supportive campus community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, national origin, ethnicity, creed, religion, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, height, weight, genetic information, disability, or protected veteran status.

As part of this commitment, Mercy University will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact The Office of Human Resources at (914) 674-7839, Option 6 or via email at HR@mercy.edu.

The posted salary range for this position is based on several legitimate, non-discriminatory factors set by the organization. Mercy is committed to ensuring equal pay opportunities for equal work regardless of gender, race, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local pay equity laws.

Campus Safety

Mercy University is committed to providing a safe and welcoming environment for all. Information regarding campus safety can be found here.