beyond your textbook

Psychology Portal

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Understanding human behavior requires more than reading psychology texts. It takes persistent questioning, skepticism, research, and more questioning. Psychology majors at Drew are exposed to the major theoretical perspectives through their required coursework. Additional electives allow student to explore a variety of specialized topics.

But the study of psychology at Drew is also highly research-oriented, and there are many opportunities and resources for scientific inquiry.  "Some students come to Drew thinking psychology is solely about Freud and therapy, but even if you want to be a clinical psychologist, you have to be skilled researcher," says Patrick Dolan, chair of the psychology department.

The foundation of psychology as a research science is established with two required research courses and a statistics course. The department's faculty members provide additional research opportunities for students, and by their junior and senior years, some psychology majors are designing and conducting their own studies. Drew's psychology faculty members also strive to help their students communicate effectively to professional and scientific communities.

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Learning about the scientific method teaches students to think critically and creatively, skills that are at the core of a liberal arts education.  And, in addition to their psychology courses, majors are encouraged to take advantage of the many liberal arts courses offered at Drew.  Students are also urged to complete internships, and participate in off-campus and international programs -- experiences that contextualize their psychology coursework.

Faculty Highlights

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Our psychology faculty are experts in the study of mental processes and behavior. They're at the forefront of new research that's changing the way we think about the mind.

Learn more about them and their research interests.

Meet Our Majors