Psychology Major

Psychologists study mind and behavior in both human and non-human animals. They test hypotheses and theories using systematic observations of behavior in experimental, field, computer modeling and self-report settings.

We believe that the best way to communicate this empirical approach is by participating in it, so students learn and apply psychological methods in our courses. Our curriculum addresses current psychological theories that apply to a wide range of phenomena, but it also shapes students to employ various approaches to the empirical analysis of such theories. During this process, students develop analytical, research, quantitative and communication skills. Our empirical orientation also leads students to participate in collaborative and independent research experiences under the mentorship of our faculty.

Questions about behavior can be addressed at multiple levels of complexity (e.g., neural, cognitive and contextual) and from multiple perspectives (e.g., learning, perceptual, developmental and social). Our curriculum embodies these multiple conceptual approaches, as reflected in diverse course offerings as well as our participation in the Biological Foundations of Behavior and Scientific and Philosophical Studies of Mind interdisciplinary programs.

While Psychology students have the flexibility to create countless paths through the major, most students complete their major coursework in a common sequence that provides the scaffolding for deeper engagement with and application of psychological science. Majors are first introduced to a broad array of psychological phenomena, theories, and methodological techniques in Introductory Psychology (PSY 100 ). Then, students are prepared to explore different areas of psychology and related fields by taking five courses at the 200- or 300-level. At the same time, students develop their research skills by completing Research Design and Statistics (PSY 300 ) and further refine their research toolkit by taking a 300-level lab course in an area of interest. Finally, majors complete a pair of culminating experiences in their senior year. They collaborate on an empirical research project with their classmates in a 400-level Collaborative Research course and they demonstrate independence, integration, and depth of understanding in a 400-level Psychology seminar, senior independent research project (PSY 490 ), or a 400-level Psychology communitybased learning (CBL) course.