Department Homepage
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 translational 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.
Cornell University helped pioneer the collaborative field of behavioral economics, where economists and psychologists work side by side to uncover how human behavior drives decision-making in markets and beyond.
Click here to read more about the impact of our behavioral economics research
A standout squash player since childhood in India, former Big Red star Veer Chotrani ’23, BA ’24, who majored in psychology in Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences, hopes to compete in his sport’s first-ever Olympics. He is a professional squash player, ranked 38 in the world.
Season 2 of Cornell's Research Matters podcast launches Aug. 25 with 18 episodes on how academic discoveries translate into practical insights that shape everyday life and society. Cornell College of Arts and Sciences faculty from astronomy, government, physics and psychology will be featured in the new season.
Mice use distinct neuron groups for squeaks and social vocalizations, psychology researchers from Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences have found. The study reveals how mammalian brains organize vocal communication and may inform research on speech impairments linked to neurological diseases.
Cornell professor David Rand '04, a graduate of the College of Arts and Sciences, advances misinformation research using AI tools that help counter conspiracy beliefs and improve accuracy judgments. The former MIT scholar and punk musician now leads cross-college initiatives on informed society applications.
A study led by Cornell College of Arts and Sciences psychology researchers David Rand and Gordon Pennycook won the 2026 Behavioral Science & Policy Association publication award. The study across 16 countries found analytic thinking and accuracy prompts improve truth discernment and reduce sharing of false information.
Tom Gilovich, a psychologist in Cornell's College of Arts and Sciences, ffers five evidence-based travel tips prioritizing experiences over material purchases. He highlights journaling, exciting moments, physical preparation, thoughtful gift-giving, and strong trip endings to boost happiness and lasting memories.
Undergraduate students develop critical thinking skills, emphasizing the foundational nature of the science of psychology.
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.
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.