Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of behavior and experience.
It seeks to explain how physiological, personal, social, and environmental conditions influence thought and action. Research with humans and animals aims at understanding, predicting, and influencing behavior. In the past century, psychology has moved from being a branch of philosophy to being both an experimental science and an active helping profession. A strong grasp of psychology requires knowledge of the approach and content of each of its subareas. Students gain this understanding by completing core courses.