The curriculum reflects the breadth of the field of psychology and encourages integration of psychology course work with the Common Curriculum required of all Trinity students. The major in psychology exposes students to two major concentrations in the understanding of human behavior. Requirements for the major include the completion of three upper-division courses from each of the two approaches. Majors are also expected to become knowledgeable about methods for the study of human behavior, to go beyond the study of theories and findings that have been generated and established by others. Majors are encouraged to take courses from other disciplines that can serve to broaden their understanding of specific areas within psychology.
Some majors complete a related interdisciplinary minor in Cognitive Science.
Also, many Trinity students combine a degree in psychology with a second major in a related field such as Sociology, Philosophy, Biology, or Business. The minor in psychology is tailored to the needs of the student who might want to explore psychology in relation to specific Understandings from the Common Curriculum or as an independent academic pursuit. The Department of Psychology is located in the Cowles Life Science Building, a four-story research and classroom facility. The opportunity our alumni report appreciating most is the chance to work with faculty members on individual research projects. Some students complete a supervised practicum at a University or Community site.