About Us

Why and how do people act, think, and feel as they do? Many of the answers to such questions are found in psychology, the science of mental processes and behaviors. At William & Mary, we present psychology as both a natural and a social science in terms of its philosophy, principles, and methods.

Our department offers one of the largest and most active undergraduate programs at William & Mary, graduating about 150 majors each year. We also offer an M.S. and support the undergraduate Neuroscience program. Through our integration of research opportunities, students at all levels work with faculty on projects exploring the various areas of psychology.

Psychology lies at the intersection of the social and natural sciences, and the wide range of courses offered by our department reflects the diversity of the discipline. Classes cover topics such as human development, psychopathology, learning, personality and motivation, physiology, social behavior, community and health psychology, statistics, and research methods. We present psychology as a science in terms of its philosophy, principles, and methods.

Mission Statement

The Psychological Sciences Department of William & Mary is committed to the development, dissemination, and application of new knowledge in the psychological sciences. Consistent with this commitment, the Department strives to attract and support a diverse faculty that is nationally and internationally recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and service. The Department also strives to provide excellent, inclusive undergraduate and graduate programs of study in the psychological sciences. Our goal is for all students to develop knowledge and critical thinking skills through didactic, laboratory, and practical training experiences, and hence, an understanding of the relationships among theory, research, and application for the advancement of science and the betterment of society.

The Psychological Sciences Department maintains active ties to local human-service institutions and organizations. A number of our faculty members are licensed clinicians with considerable practical experience. The department also sponsors the Psi Chi honor society.