The Psychology Department is housed in the Olin-Rice Science Center. The Department features over 10,800 square feet devoted to classrooms, laboratories, and offices.  Classrooms are all equipped with LCD projectors. A focal point of the Department is a dedicated computer laboratory/classroom, employed for instruction in statistical methods and other computer-intensive courses.  Separate laboratories for research in cognitive, clinical, developmental, perception and social psychology are each equipped with computer workstations and specialized equipment, including video monitoring and stimulus presentation equipment.  The Science Center also houses a state-of-the-art animal facility which supports the Department’s learning/behavior analysis and neuroscience courses, student projects, and research.

Psychology Majors and Minors

The Psychology Department supports approximately 80 majors and 15 minors. Our majors and minors have a wide range of academic and personal interests, and they double major or minor in disciplines such as American Studies, Art, Chemistry, Economics, Environmental Studies, Philosophy, and Sociology. A number of our students participate in athletics, choir and theater, and various student organizations. Our students also volunteer and intern in area schools, hospitals, and clinics.

Psychology Research Labs

In addition to the facilities described here, each faculty member in the Department has his or her own dedicated laboratory space.

" "Getting Involved

We strive to create a welcoming “home” for students, and we encourage you to get involved in the life of the Department.  There are many opportunities to get to know faculty, staff, and other students outside of the classroom, and we hope you’ll take advantage of as many as possible.

Johnson Lecture

Since 1988, the Psychology Department invites a distinguished psychologist to deliver the annual Johnson Lecture, named in memory of former faculty member Ray Johnson.

Mission Statement

The Psychology Major advances students’ understanding of the scientific study of behavior and experience. Through activities both in and outside of the classroom, as well as continual and incremental immersion in empirical research, the curriculum a) introduces students to the methods of investigation, theoretical and statistical analysis, and application most characteristic of a wide range of subdisciplines in psychology; b) develops students’ mastery of the specific theories and methodologies in one or more subdisciplines; and c) cultivates an appreciation for the context of psychological science by examining its cultural, social, and/or political dimensions. The major promotes the skills and knowledge necessary for students to become critical thinkers, strong communicators, and lifelong learners. In this way, students are prepared to succeed in a variety of educational and career pursuits.