Psychology

If you’re fascinated by why people think, feel, and behave the way they do, a major in psychology might be the perfect fit. At its core, psychology is the scientific study of the connections between the mind, behavior, and environment. Students explore how mental processes develop, how people make decisions, how relationships form, and how internal and external forces shape behavior across a lifetime.

What You’ll Study

Because psychology is rooted in scientific research, most programs begin with foundational coursework in:

• Statistics

• Research methods

• Experimental psychology

These classes teach students how to gather, analyze, and interpret data—skills that power every subfield of psychology. Once the foundation is set, students can branch into a wide range of concentrations, such as:

• Developmental psychology

• Clinical psychology

• Cognitive psychology

• Forensic psychology

• Health psychology

• Behavioral neuroscience

• Industrial-organizational (I/O) psychology

Where to Study It: Notable Programs

Different colleges bring unique strengths to the field. A few standouts include:

• University of Michigan — Renowned for groundbreaking research in social psychology, including studies on social media, self-esteem, and relationships.

• UC San Diego — A leader in behavioral neuroscience and the biological bases of behavior.

• John Jay College of Criminal Justice — One of the top destinations for forensic psychology, corrections, and criminal behavior analysis.

• Purdue University & Colorado State University — Excellent options for students interested in industrial-organizational psychology, a rapidly growing specialty used in HR, consulting, and workplace leadership.

• Tufts University — Offers a rare undergraduate major in Human Factors Psychology, blending psychology with engineering to study how humans interact with technology.

• University of Minnesota — A national leader in developmental and lifespan psychology.

• George Mason University — Offers a strong concentration in health psychology.

• Kent State University & University of South Carolina — Popular among students pursuing sport and performance psychology.

What the Coursework Looks Like

Psychology majors study behavior across a wide variety of contexts. Depending on the program, students may:

• Conduct lab research involving human or animal subjects

• Design experiments and run studies

• Analyze data using advanced statistical software

• Participate in internships in hospitals, schools, nonprofits, human resources departments, marketing firms, or criminal justice agencies

This blend of scientific training, real-world experience, and interpersonal insight is one of the reasons psychology remains such a popular and flexible major.

Careers for Psychology Majors

One of psychology’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Graduates pursue careers in:

• Business

• Marketing and sales

• Human resources

• Research

• Education

• Social services

• Counseling

• Organizational consulting

There is a growing demand for psychology specialists in HR and organizational leadership, where understanding motivation, communication, and workplace culture is essential.

Pathways to Becoming a Therapist

Students who want to provide therapy will need graduate training. Common options include:

• PhD or PsyD in Psychology → leads to licensure as a psychologist

• Master’s in Counseling, Social Work, or Marriage and Family Therapy → leads to licensure as an LPC, LCSW, or LMFT (depending on state)

These careers focus on helping individuals, couples, and families navigate mental health challenges, relationships, and life transitions.

Why Choose Psychology?

Psychology appeals to students who want to make a meaningful impact—whether through research, direct support, leadership, or understanding human behavior at a deeper level. It encourages curiosity, empathy, critical thinking, and a nuanced understanding of what makes people tick.

For students who dream of supporting children, improving workplaces, studying the brain, helping individuals in crisis, or conducting research, psychology offers a rich and rewarding pathway.