In the department of psychology, our goal is to provide high quality teaching, advising, and mentoring of our students. Our psychology curriculum is scientifically rigorous and varied. We guide students in their investigation of human nature: How the mind works; how culture and the environment interact with the individual; and how we may understand ourselves, others, and social interaction. We teach our students to develop productive questions in the study of human behavior, and to find and evaluate answers systematically using the appropriate methods and data analytic techniques. In our curriculum, we encourage students to apply what they have learned in the classroom to real-world settings. We provide an education that prepares students for post-graduate work, and equips them with knowledge and skills that will be applicable across a wide variety of pursuits.

What Is Psychology?

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. In their research, psychologists observe and analyze the behavior of individuals and groups in both laboratory and field settings. Many psychologists are also interested in improving the quality of human life through the application of psychological knowledge. The department offers coursework in many areas of psychology, including clinical psychology, personality psychology, child development, social psychology, neuropsychology, educational psychology, cultural psychology, and cognition. The department is empirically oriented, placing a strong emphasis on understanding and using scientific methods in the study of behavior.