Behaviors result from a complex web of interacting influences. Our department takes an interdisciplinary approach, exposing students to the various approaches to psychological research that reveal these complex influences.
Behaviors result from a complex web of interacting influences. Our department takes an interdisciplinary approach, exposing students to the various approaches to psychological research that reveal these complex influences.
Our majors graduate with a comprehensive understanding of the content of the discipline and the skills required to work within it.
Learn MoreAlmost half of the student body takes our introductory course, Psychology 100, at some point while at Amherst.
Learn MoreStudents work with faculty in labs dedicated to physiological psychology and behavioral neuroscience; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; social psychology; personality psychology; and clinical psychology.
Learn MoreSenior honors majors work independently and in depth on an empirical or theoretical research project.
Honors ProgramFind answers to the frequently asked questions about our department.
Learn MoreOur majors go on to careers in such fields as research, teaching, psychotherapy, consulting, medicine, business and the law.
Catherine Sanderson, Poler Family Professor in Psychology and Chair of Psychology provides an overview of the psychology department, including some of the courses students can enroll in and careers that a psychology major can pursue.
This course will explore how children learn through play, focusing on defining play and exploring researchers’ differing perspectives on whether children can learn by playing.
The field of sports psychology examines psychological variables that impact athletic participation and behavior. This course introduces students to theories and research across diverse areas of psychology.
The course will begin by examining how musical information is stored and, subsequently, retrieved from memory, including comparing learning and memory of musical and non-musical stimuli.
The Department of Psychology provides numerous laboratories for studying many aspects of psychology—from physiological psychology and behavioral neuroscience to cognitive psychology, and much more.
Learn more about post-grad job opportunities in the field and summer internships for undergraduates, including research assistantships, applied internships and departmental honors research.