Detailed instructions regarding an interdepartmental major are available from the Department or the Arts and Science Advisement Center and Dean's Office. The courses offered by the Department of Psychology provide students with an understanding of the principles of behavior, of the scientific methods used to derive and add to those principles, and of appropriate ways in which to apply such knowledge. Experimental psychology seeks to isolate in the laboratory the basic processes involved in neural systems, learning, perception, social behavior, personality development, thinking, etc. Applied psychology focuses on methods used to approach problems in settings such as industry, government, and the general community, as well as in the field of mental health. The many aspects of theoretical, experimental and applied psychology are represented in the introductory and 300-level courses, and more advanced courses enable students to pursue special interests in greater depth.
Many courses offer experience in laboratory or field research.
Laboratory experiences include the study of cognitive, learning, perceptual, physiological, and social processes, and the investigation of clinically interesting phenomena. Facilities are also available, both on campus and at nearby institutions, for computer modeling of psychological processes and for data analysis.