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Psychology

“Why are you like that!?” If you’ve ever blurted that question at a friend, family member, or romantic partner, a degree in Psychology would be your best bet for coming up with an answer that made sense. How we behave, and what causes us to behave that way, are at the heart of this fascinating major.

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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

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. At McDaniel, you will examine the questions of human and animal behavior using psychological theories and scientific methods. You will work closely with faculty and other students on research projects (all laboratory facilities are designed to be used by students) and may even present your own research at a regional or national conference. In addition, you will have the opportunity to use your developing skills by working with clients and organizations in the community.

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:

  • Behavior Specialist
  • Director of Suicide Prevention
  • Workplace Violence Threat Assessor
  • Sexual Health Educator
  • Mental Health Counselor/Therapist
  • Clinical Research Program Coordinator
  • Psychiatric Rehabilitation Counselor

Distinctive Courses

PSY 1106 - Introduction to Psychology

An introductory course designed to develop an understanding of the basic principles governing behavior, with emphasis on the scientific method of studying behavior. Intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, learning, personality, workplace issues, and social factors that influence the individual will be considered.

PSY 2215 - Cognitive Psychology and Cognitive Laboratory

This course will introduce students to theory and research in cognitive psychology: how the human brain and mind give rise to our perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Topics discussed will include perception, attention, memory, language, emotion, reasoning and judgment, conscious and unconscious mental processing and cognitive models.

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.

Inside McDaniel’s Pigeon Lab

Professor holding pigeon in the pigeon lab speaking with students.

Among our other facilities where students have the opportunity to get hands-on laboratory and research experience, our pigeon laboratory is always among the most popular. Having the opportunity to engage in research in animal labs is something that doesn't happen at every small liberal arts college. But at McDaniel, you have big opportunities in a personal setting. 

Learning & Presenting Your Psychology Degree in Action Developing Your Skills

Baby interacting with a classroom full of Developmental Psychology students.

Babies steal the show in Developmental Psychology class

As if on cue, 10-month-old Ethan barreled across the classroom after his mom, McDaniel volleyball coach Jess Wolverton, as fast as his hands and knees would take him — unaware that he had just vividly demonstrated Attachment Theory to a classroom full of Developmental Psychology students.

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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

Last fall, 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.

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Senior Capstone

Psychology major Lexi Andrea talks about her senior capstone — her study on the relationship between disability identity and psychological well-being as the culmination of her Psychology training at McDaniel

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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.

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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.

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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

Brittany Sears holding books standing next to daughter.

Student Spotlight Brittany Sears Psychology, 2019

“Psychology professor Maggie McDevitt most influenced who I have become. She is the epitome of what a professor should be. She provided me with opportunities outside the classroom that were invaluable. I was a tutor, lab technician, and researcher for her Psychology of Learning class. All of those experiences were wonderful, but we connected on another level. We talked sometimes and both of us would sit there in tears (happy tears, of course) while we had very heartfelt discussions. I think she knew the apprehensions I had about myself and about being a non-traditional student. She knew me better than I knew myself. I know I have Dr. McDevitt on my team for the rest of my life and that is one of the most important things I will take away from McDaniel.”

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Recent News for Psychology

Related Programs

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