Psychology
Gain insight into human behavior to create meaningful change in your community and career.
Why psychology matters:
Psychology seeks to understand how people think, feel, and act — insights that shape fields as diverse as healthcare, education, business, law, and public policy. By studying the science of human behavior, students gain the tools to analyze complex social challenges, promote well-being, and improve lives. A background in psychology opens pathways to graduate study in clinical, counseling, developmental, social, and experimental psychology, as well as careers in human services, public health, human resources, and beyond.
How psychology is taught at Muhlenberg:
At Muhlenberg, the psychology department offers an innovative curriculum grounded in the liberal arts, blending rigorous scientific training with an emphasis on curiosity, critical thinking, and intellectual exploration. Small classes and close faculty mentorship foster a collaborative learning community. You’ll examine topics ranging from cognitive processes to social influences, often integrating insights from other disciplines, and have the opportunity to apply what you learn through research, fieldwork, and community-engaged projects.
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The major builds a strong foundation in statistics, research methods, and core areas of psychology, preparing students to think like scientists. Advanced courses explore specialized topics such as developmental, social, clinical, and cognitive psychology. Students may tailor their studies with electives in areas like psychopharmacology, developmental psychopathology, and the psychology of poverty. The program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills, ensuring graduates are prepared for graduate study or immediate entry into professional fields.
Hands-on experience is central to the Muhlenberg psychology experience. Students can participate in faculty-led research, pursue independent projects, or complete a year-long senior thesis featuring original empirical or theoretical work. Community-engaged learning opportunities connect classroom study with real-world impact, from working in early education programs to collaborating with organizations serving incarcerated populations. An active alumni network and internship opportunities further support students’ professional growth and career readiness. Psychology Day, an in-house conference held each semester, provides an opportunity for students from all class years to present and discuss findings from the research or internship projects they have conducted that semester or year.
Meet a Psychology Major
Sophia Gordon '20, a psychology major at Muhlenberg, is working with The Jed Foundation (JED) to help expand partnerships with school districts nationwide.
Powerful Outcomes
A Muhlenberg education sets you up for success. The liberal arts will hone your ability to think critically, communicate, and problem-solve, skills that are in high demand across all employment sectors.
Psychology News
Muhlenberg Rises in U.S. News Top National College Rankings
The college was recognized for value, undergraduate teaching, social mobility, and the psychology department.
Read MoreMuhlenberg Receives $1M Gift to Establish Endowed Professorship in Psychology
The gift from Ronald F. Levant, Ed.D. GP’09 will be matched by $1 million from the estate of Edward ’42 and Lois Robertson.
Read MoreBri Astbury '24 G'25 Joins Major League Baseball
The psychology major pursuing a master's in data analytics landed a position with the league as a replay administrator.
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