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A research study participant taking a survey.

Explore psychology as a social and a natural science

Students conducting research.

Integrate education, training, and research

A student interviewing a research study participant.

Consider real-world applications of psychology

Major & Minor

Pursue a degree or take courses in psychology as a social science or natural science.

Graduate Studies

We offer three graduate training programs that lead to a PhD.

Research

Our department’s research coalesces in four signature areas.

Students in a summer course.

Summer 2024 Psychology Courses

We are excited to offer a wide range of psychology courses this summer! Summer courses are open to both University of Rochester students as well as students from other universities.

A hand holding a tablet with an image from the Agape app on the screen.

Can an app improve your romantic relationship?

Couples report healthier, stronger relationships after one month of using a relationship app codeveloped by a Rochester psychologist.

Headshot of Christie Petrenko.

Christie Petrenko recognized for her work on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders

Christie Petrenko, a research associate professor at the University’s Mt. Hope Family Center, director of clinical training in the Department of Psychology, and an associate professor of pediatrics, has been recognized with the 2024 Starfish Award, presented at FASD United’s 9th International Research Conference on Adolescents and Adults with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders. The award, whose recipients are selected by a committee of adult self-advocates with FASD, recognizes Petrenko’s considerable contributions as a researcher and an advocate in the field.

Petrenko is the codeveloper of an FASD mobile app. She has coauthored a training manual to help medical professionals diagnose the disorder as well as a comprehensive FASD resource for clinicians and researchers.

Our psychology clusters satisfy the divisional requirement in social sciences.

Collaborations

We maintain strong ties with biological and social disciplines across the University, including ones in the Medical Center, Mt. Hope Family Center, Warner School of Education, School of Arts and Sciences, and Hajim School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Why PSY?

Our students study psychology as both a natural science and social science. Because of our program’s breadth and depth, they are able to tailor their education for postgraduate studies and careers in psychology, medicine, social work, law, education, and more.

Clinical research project

Clinical Psychology

Social-Personality Psychology

Developmental psychology research project

Developmental Psychology

Want more information about the Department of Psychology? Contact us or follow us on Twitter.
The Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences also offers PhD training in cognition, perception, neuroscience, and cognitive development.