Psychology is an academic and applied discipline that scientifically studies mental processes and behavior.  Psychologists try to understand the role of mental functions and the environment in individual and social behavior, while also exploring the underlying physiological and neurological processes.  Psychologists study a wide variety of phenomena, which has resulted in a diversity of specializations.  Psychologists work in academic settings, independent practice, hospitals, clinics, as well as government, business, and industry.

In the spirit of "cura personalis, care for the entire person", the Psychology Department prides itself on providing students with multiple opportunities for mentoring relationships with faculty.  We do so through small enrollment seminar and laboratory courses, field experiences in applied settings, individual advising, and three psychology student organizations, as well as  opportunity to work as teaching assistants, and to collaborate with faculty on research projects.

 Psychology Club students and faculty collected toys during their recent Christmas Tree Decorating Get-Together to donate to the University's Community Outreach Program for distribution to local needy children.

University of Scranton Students and Faculty
at Eastern Psychological Association meeting
Cambridge, MA
March 2011
(l to r: Dr. John C. Norcross, Kate Marino, Samantha Tobia, Karen Hudzinski, Brian Zaboski, Tiffany Perry, Jillian Hession, Dr. Jessica Nolan, and Dr. Thomas P. Hogan)

Students Christine Bennett and Kylie McColligan presenting poster at conference with Dr. Jessica Nolan and Dr. Barry Kuhle

Our students present and publish with faculty at a much higher rate than the national norm for undergraduate programs.  Under the supervision of faculty, our students organize and run the University of Scranton Psychology Conference (26th annual).  Following graduation, one-half of our students secure full-time employment and one-half go immediately to graduate school.

The Psychology Department's required core curriculum prepares students with a broad foundation in science of psychology.  We also provide a variety of elective courses allowing students to tailor their programs towards both occupational and graduate/professional goals. Our curriculum provides 33 credits of free elective which allow students to pursue minors, concentrations, and double majors within the 130 credits required for graduation.

All of our eleven full-time faculty hold doctorates in psychology and three are licensed clinical psychologists. All are actively involved in research with our students spanning the specialization of: clinical, child, cognitive, conservation, developmental, environmental, evolutionary, perception, physiological, psychometrics, and social.  In addition, our faculty review for journals, edit a journal, submit grants, participate in professional organizations, and provide public service to the community.