?Students in both majors receive training in the scientific approach as it has been applied to the study of such topics as: the structure and function of the nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, memory, development, social influence, attitudes, organizational behavior, and mental disorders and treatments. Understanding how these topics have been investigated scientifically requires the development of critical thinking skills, quantitative reasoning skills, and speaking and writing abilities necessary to communicate research knowledge to others, as well as an appreciation for the ethical issues involved in research and practice.?

These skills are developed throughout the curriculum for the Psychology and Neuroscience majors; and demonstrated competence in the Statistics and Research Methods is essential for success in both areas of study. Our majors have gone on to successful careers in research, counseling and teaching, medicine, business, journalism and law.

The senior capstone experience in psychology has two basic components: breadth of knowledge and focused in-depth investigation. You will demonstrate breadth of knowledge by successfully completing a comprehensive exam, given in three parts that cover major areas of the field (e.g., cognitive, developmental, learning, personality, physiological, social). You will also have the opportunity to pursue an area of psychology in greater depth by completing a senior thesis. One thesis option allows you to perform an empirical investigation of a research problem (review background evidence, design and carry out a study, and write up the findings) over both semesters of your senior year. The other thesis option is a one-semester in-depth, integrative review of the scientific literature on a topic in psychology. All students will publicly present their work. Both options allow you to apply the skills and knowledge that you have acquired over your first three years, and pursue a topic in which you are most interested.