Psychology is behind everything we do. Explore the human mind. Understand how people interact with each other and what drives behavior. Learn more about the human experience and make lives better.
Why study psychology?
Whatever career you pursue, a background in psychology—the scientific study of behavior—enhances your employability. Just as importantly, it helps you understand yourself and others.
Psychology teaching and research cover four distinct areas:
- Clinical Health Psychology: how mental, emotional and social factors affect physical well-being.
- Cognitive Psychology: understanding fundamental mechanisms underlying cognitive and neural processing—how we think, perceive, remember, forget, solve problems, focus and learn.
- School Psychology: assessment and intervention to improve learning, behavior and mental health among children and adolescents.
- Social Psychology: study of thought and behavior in social and physical environments.
Check out our research page.
You have many study options—a bachelor of arts major, a bachelor of science major and a minor. Opportunities for undergraduate research helps you apply what you learn in class, find a mentor, improve your critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and pursue a topic that fascinates you.
What can I do with a psychology degree?
According to the 2019 Princeton Review, psychology is one of the ten best majors in terms of job prospects, salaries and popularity.
When you study psychology, you gain skills to succeed in graduate school, professional school, and the workplace. Professional psychologists may be researchers investigating behavior and/or practitioners applying their knowledge and skills to individual and social problems.
Psychology degrees can lead to positions in:
- Public and private healthcare
- Education
- Mental health support
- Law
- Social work
- Therapy
- Counseling
- Child development
- Media and advertising
- Human resources
- Business and management
Psychology faculty are distinguished psychologists known for the highest achievement in research, a strong commitment to teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, and active engagement in community settings.
Upcoming Events
Recent PSY News
(Sept. 28, 2026)
A&S Faculty Featured in Syracuse.com Coverage of Syracuse University’s Future-Focused SummitCollege of Arts and Sciences researchers highlighted the power of interdisciplinary scholarship, emerging technologies and community impact at Syracuse University's "Into the Future" summit.
(July 16, 2026)
Syracuse University and Golisano Center for Special Needs Launch New Internship and Research PartnershipThe pilot program gives undergraduates hands-on exposure to clinical care, behavioral health and translational research.
(July 16, 2026)
Researcher Earns National Clinical AwardAn A&S postdoctoral researcher earned a recognition from Division 38 of the American Psychological Association.
(July 2, 2026)
Psychology Professor Shares Expertise on Sleep and HealthProfessor Katie Kidwell was a guest on PBS' Cycle of Health.
(June 16, 2026)
Psychology Department Honors Student AchievementStudents were recognized for academic, research, service and all-around excellence at the department's spring ceremony.
(Dec. 9, 2025)
A&S Psychology Doctoral Candidate Wins Research AwardBenjamin Valen was announced as one of the six winners of a 2025 Heritage Dissertation Research Award.