A knowledge of psychology can be a useful aid to successful functioning and understanding in today's complex world. An appreciation of human behavior, and of the factors which affect people's moods, habits, effectiveness, and likes and dislikes, can make one's life more interesting and effective. An appreciation of individual differences in personality, ability, and background can enrich personal relationships. Coursework in psychology introduces the student to different areas of study in psychology and to the research from which psychological knowledge comes.
Psychology is considered to be both a natural science and a social science.
Moreover, it is not only a scientific discipline but also a service profession. Psychologists investigate developmental, behavioral, and cognitive processes and the social contexts in which these occur. Other research psychologists are concerned with biological factors in normal and abnormal behavior. Psychology is an appropriate undergraduate major for those planning careers in business, law, medicine, nursing, or teaching. Courses available to undergradutaes include child, aging, and developmental psychology, personality and social psychology, humanistic psychology, abnormal psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, diversity psychology, and courses in psychological theories in the history of the field.