About the Department

Since its founding in 1893, the Department of Psychology has been renowned for scientific research and scholarship that cuts across traditional disciplinary boundaries. Today, this broad and integrative vision of psychological science is reflected in the diversity of laboratories and collaborations within the Department, as well as research initiatives that connect psychology to other areas of the University and beyond. This vision also is reflected in the Department's teaching. The PhD program encourages students to take advantage of the many research opportunities at the University, emphasizing intellectual breadth as well as training in specific areas.  Similarly, the undergraduate curriculum emphasizes faculty-taught courses and research opportunities, making Psychology one of the most popular majors at the University. 

Featured Video

Nora and Edward Ryerson Lecture 2017

“The Resilience of Language and Gesture” with Susan Goldin-Meadow

Susan Goldin-Meadow is the Beardsley Ruml Distinguished Service Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Comparative Human Development, Center for East Asian Studies, and the College at the University of Chicago.

The Ryerson Lecture grew out of a 1972 bequest to the University by Nora and Edward L. Ryerson, the latter a former Board of Trustees chair. A faculty committee selects the Ryerson lecturer based on research contributions of lasting significance.