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Psychology

Are you interested in understanding the complexities of the human mind? If so, then a Psychology degree may be the perfect choice for you. Through exploring concepts such as behavior, learning, and cognition, you will gain valuable insight into why humans think and do the things they do. A psychology degree provides a unique opportunity to uncover the inner workings of humans and can open up new doors to insights that weren't previously available.

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Degree Types
Major , Minor
Institution
Complementary Programs
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S.
Heart
Distinctive Requirements
Capstone
Document
Research Facilities
2 animal labs

Why McDaniel for your Psychology Degree?

Earning a Psychology degree from McDaniel College will give you the foundational knowledge and hands-on experience necessary to understand and investigate questions of human and animal behavior. Utilizing psychological theories and scientific methods, you'll work on research projects individually or as a part of a team in our modern lab facilities. Through working with clients and organizations in the local community, your acquired skillset can be applied in a real-world environment. You may even have the chance to showcase your research at a regional or national conference.

Distinctive Courses

PSY 2211 - Abnormal Psychology

The incidence, causes, treatment, and prevention of abnormal behavior of persons; major focus on adult populations.

PSY 2214 - Behavioral Neuroscience

Behavioral Neuroscience investigates the relationship between the brain and behavior.  The first part of the course is designed to provide students with a solid background in the fundamentals of neuroanatomy, nervous conduction and psychopharmacology; this will allow students to actively participate in classroom discussions in the second part, when major issues in behavioral neuroscience such as learning, memory, emotions, sleep, biological rhythms, and stress are investigated.

PSY 2209 - Developmental Psychology

The study of developmental changes from the prenatal period through adolescence, with particular emphasis on how physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development interact in forming the whole person. Special attention will be given to theoretical perspectives, the contexts within which development operates (home/school), and the application of research to current topics.

PSY 3200 - Writing in Psychology

This course is designed as an in-depth foray into writing in the discipline of Psychology. Upon completion of the course, students should be able to write clearly, concisely, and objectively using the format of the American Psychological Association in various formats common in the discipline of Psychology. These objectives will be met with the completion of multiple writing assignments focused on a particular area of Psychology and will require students to read and critically evaluate the primary literature in this area.

Senior Capstone Research: The culmination of four years of Psychology Training

Psychology major Lexi Andrea talks about her senior capstone, in which she studied the relationship between disability identity and psychological well-being. "After I graduate from McDaniel, I'm going to attend University of Maryland for their master's program in clinical psychological science."

Baby in a classroom full of Developmental Psychology students.

Babies steal the show in Developmental Psychology class

It’s “Baby Day” in Psychology professor Stephanie Madsen’s class. In addition to the mostly Psychology, Education, Sports Coaching and Pre-Med majors taking the class, McDaniel faculty and staff moms are attending with their babies, age 2 to 10 months. “Part of this really is about having a little fun while connecting students with community members,” says Madsen. “They also discover that theories and research findings can be translated into real life.”

McDaniel Psychology professor Wendy Morris (left) with students Matt Allen, Max Seigel and Katie Keegan at the Association for Psychological Science conference in Boston.

Psychology student presents groundbreaking research at national conference

During Katie Keegan’s senior year, the Psychology major’s curiosity sparked an Honors research study about perceptions of mass murder committed by Muslims versus Christians and landed her a presentation spot at a national conference. “It was an amazing opportunity,” says Keegan of Hadley, Mass. 

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The McDaniel Commitment in Action

The McDaniel Commitment—a series of opportunities guaranteed to all students—provides enhanced mentoring and coaching, and ensures every undergraduate student completes at least two meaningful experiential learning opportunities.

Students in Budapest.

Study Abroad

An employer talks to students at a job and internship fair.

Internships

Student-faculty researchers senior Phuc Truong, senior Jake Holechek, Chemistry professor Dana Ferraris and senior Bobby Lease.

Research

Professor holding pigeon in the pigeon lab speaking with students.

On Campus Animal Lab McDaniel College Pigeon Lab Research & Training

Many students worry that by attending a small college, they won't have access to cutting-edge labs or animal research studies that are hallmarks of large research universities. At McDaniel, you'll have the chance to engage in high-level animal research, including on-campus at our pigeon lab, where choice and decision-making are researched through a study of pigeon behavior.

Learn about Research at McDaniel

“If you would have told me when I was graduating from McDaniel that I’d start my own nonprofit, I would have said, ‘No way, that’s a lot...But we just built from where we were and all of a sudden, it just makes sense.” Read Britt's story.
Britt Burr '11, Psychology and Theatre Arts Double Major

Future Career Paths

Graduates from our program are primed for success. Many decide to continue their studies in Psychology in graduate school and we've been successful in placing our students in leading programs. Other graduates go on to get jobs in the fields of education, business, counseling, and many others.

Recent graduates of our program now have job titles like:

  • Social and Human Service Specialists
  • Higher Education Teachers
  • Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists
  • Guidance, Career, and Academic Counselors
  • School Counselors
  • Behavioral Health and Substance Abuse Counselors

My Career: Where Will The Hill Lead You?

With the one-on-one guidance of your faculty mentors and advisors, you’ll focus on the practical knowledge and career skills that will prepare you to succeed in a professional environment. And as you build your step-by-step plan for life after the Hill, you’ll have everything you need to become who you’ve always wanted to be.

Explore the Center for Experience and Opportunity
Kassidee Wright hitting a tennis ball.

Alumni Spotlight Class of 2022: Kassidee Wright

Kassidee Wright is confident in her path after completing two capstone projects for her dual degree in Psychology and Communication — a combination she was glad to find was easy to pursue at a liberal arts college. Determined to have a career as a counselor, she will be completing McDaniel’s master’s program in School Counseling. Having traveled to Paris for Jan Term and interned at the Boys and Girls Club of Westminster, Kassidee gained plenty of professional experience both locally and internationally.

Read "Class of 2022: Kassidee Wright"

Recent News for Psychology

  • Daria Buese and Tracey Lucas

    McDaniel faculty awards presented

    To kick off the 2022-23 academic year, various awards were presented to McDaniel College faculty members during the opening faculty meeting.
  • Women's soccer team photo on a grassy field.

    Recent Psychology graduate studies how DIII student-athletes coped with COVID

    Psychology major and women’s soccer player Lauren Murray ’22 conducted research on the coping mechanisms of Division III student-athletes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. She presented her findings at the 36th Annual Association for Applied Sport Psychology Conference and McDaniel's Inaugural Academic Symposium.
  • President of Active Minds Bri Vaughn and Syd Hinnant

    Psychology major earns Griswold-Zepp Award for mental health awareness and support project

    Sophomore Sydney Hinnant was awarded a Griswold-Zepp award from the college for a mental health awareness and support project. The Center for Experience and Opportunity (CEO) at McDaniel oversees the Griswold-Zepp Award, which can total up to $3,000 for proposed volunteer experiences of McDaniel students, addressing the needs of local, regional, national, or worldwide communities.

Related Programs

Philosophy Sociology School Counseling, M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.S. Social Work
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Keep in Touch

Tell us a little about yourself and we'll share updates & information. (We'll also make sure you don't miss any important deadlines.)

Request More Info
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See Yourself Here

Take your first steps on the Hill! Visiting campus is one of the best ways to determine if McDaniel is right for you.

Visit McDaniel
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