Psychology is a scientific approach to the understanding of covert and overt human and animal behavior.
It is concerned with such processes as learning, memory, thought, perception, motivation, psychopathology, and development, and their physiological and neurophysiological bases.
Psychological principles are applied to the understanding of the behavior of individuals, groups, and societies, and to the solution of a wide range of practical human problems.
Psychology majors take courses that teach analytical and computational skills, as well as courses that explore a wide range of topics in contemporary science of behavior.
Engagement in scientific inquiry is emphasized through opportunities including senior thesis research, research in laboratories of faculty, and independent study.
The department is also the home of Colgate’s interdisciplinary neuroscience program.