Psychology draws on methods and knowledge from other natural and social sciences to learn about mental processes with the goal of developing methods to promote psychological well-being.

Our psychology curriculum explores topics like how brain function determines behavior; how we see, hear, and learn; what constitutes abnormal personality; how people develop emotionally and cognitively; and how individuals work in groups. Through laboratory practice and experimentation, individual research projects, and small-group seminars, the program encourages critical evaluation of psychology’s accomplishments and its future.

The Bachelor of Arts degree is intended for students who wish to pursue a broad liberal arts education that explores the humanities, the social sciences, and to a lesser extent the natural sciences. The Bachelor of Science degree is more specialized and is usually recommended for students who have a strong scientific interest in psychology and the natural sciences.

Co-ops are based in community settings (often in the mental health field) or in research labs where students help develop current theories and see how they respond in practice. Since psychology is an excellent background for careers in so many fields, we work with students so they may gain experience in their areas of interest. Along with clinical or research work, some students have undertaken co-ops in the business sector, nonprofit organizations, education, and consulting.