Fear of majority-minority changes perceptions of race
Learn More
Department of Psychology
Understanding thoughts, feelings and behaviors, through theoretical and applied research
In the Department of Psychology we focus on the investigation of behavior and its cognitive, neural and hormonal underpinnings in the full range of environmental situations. Our strengths lie in four broadly defined areas of development, cognition, neuroscience, and social and personality psychology. We develop and conduct theoretical and applied research to advance health and well-being. Currently, we offer two majors and minors for undergraduate students. The Psychology major and minor are offered through the College of Arts & Sciences while the Human Development major and minor are offered through the College of Human Ecology. We also offer graduate degrees in the field of Psychology through the College of Arts and Sciences and the field of Human Development through the College of Human Ecology.
Read more about our transition to an expanded cross-college department here.
Department of Psychology News
View News
WARNING: Parents on Social Media
Learn More
Afghan women scholars find safe haven at Cornell
Learn More
Smell and Situation, Entangled in Our Brains
Learn More
Nexus Scholars Program applications now open
Learn More
New center will integrate human development research
Learn More
Students reflect on Marsalis visit: ‘He really touched my soul’
Learn More
Center for Social Sciences awards fall ’21 grants
Learn More
Alumna Spotlight: Kaylin Ratner, Ph.D. ’20
Learn More
‘Still a long way to go:’ Looking back on the start of women’s studies at Cornell
Learn More
I am looking forward to helping our faculty members learn about each other’s work and find synergies that strengthen our research and teaching. I’m excited to see what happens as we work together.
- Felix Thoemmes, department chair
Pick a Destination
Preparing undergraduate students for the future of psychological research and practice
Undergraduate students develop critical thinking skills, emphasizing the foundational nature of the science of psychology.
Learn at the nexus of graduate level scientific inquiry
The Department of Psychology embraces multidisciplinary and translational research and graduate training, viewing psychology as a “hub science” at the nexus of many other areas of scientific inquiry.
A cross disciplinary approach to research
The Department of Psychology embraces a “big tent” approach to methods, techniques and analysis that can be used to expand the frontiers of psychological science.