Since the beginning of history, humans have wondered why people and animals behave as they do. Why do birds sing? Why do children think that the moon follows them wherever they go? Why do ducks follow their mothers all in a row? How do people fall in love?
The modern study of psychology has brought those musings into the realm of scientific thought.
At Lafayette, psychology majors examine behavior, thinking, emotions, and physiological processes. The department courses encompass historically experimental fields, such as learning, cognition, and physiological psychology.
Other courses focus on clinical, developmental, health, and social areas and some examine the psychology of industry and organizational behavior.
As students progress through the major, they study advanced research designs and statistical methods and explore the different areas of psychology in increasing depth.
Psychology majors, helped by department advisors, may choose between working toward a B.S. or an A.B. degree (see Courses for details). Many A.B. students choose to double major, combining psychology with economics and business, government and law, a foreign language, etc. Students majoring in another subject also may minor in psychology. The department is also an active contributor to the neuroscience major, which includes many psychology courses.
Lafayette College focuses exclusively on the education of undergraduates. As a result, students have opportunities to work closely with faculty on independent research, in laboratory courses, and in classroom learning.
Psychology News
- Amy Sichel ’75 to Lead National School Administrators Group
- Alexandra Meis ’08 Wins National Public Policy Challenge from Penn’s Fels Institute
- Lafayette Honors Students for Academic Excellence
- Three Lafayette Graduates Excel at Rutgers Law School
- Doctoral Candidate Alberto Luna ’08 Researches Motivation for Learning-Disabled Students
