Psychology (PS)

The mission of the psychology major is to provide students with a foundation of concepts, theories, methodologies, and empirical findings related to the scientific study of the mind and behavior. In part, this goal is achieved by student exploration of a number of perspectives within the field including, cognitive, social, developmental, clinical, perceptual, and neuroscientific phenomena. Faculty expect that Skidmore psychology majors will acquire basic knowledge about several areas of psychological science and gain the research skills necessary to make informed judgments about psychological research. In addition, students will learn to evaluate, integrate, and think critically about theoretical and applied issues and to communicate their knowledge of psychology effectively through written and oral forms. There is no formal program for a minor in psychology.

If you are considering a major in psychology, it is important to realize that psychology is a broad field and can lead to many kinds of career paths. If you think that you might be interested in learning more about these career paths as well as projected paths through the major, we invite you to visit the department’s website. As a start, it is important to know about the many opportunities for individualized learning experiences by way of independent study, research, or internships regardless of the path you may choose. These kinds of learning experiences involve working as an apprentice with faculty. Research projects may occur in one of the department’s many research labs or in field settings (e.g., nursery schools, grade schools, clinics or community agencies). The research experiences are quite varied and are available at both the exploratory and more advanced level of study. Field experiences, a second kind of intensive and individualized learning experience, can include working with special populations at local facilities (e.g. mental health facilities, residential and day service programs for adults with developmental disabilities, and senior housing facilities). The department website has all sorts of intriguing information including descriptions of the faculty and the “scoop” about what happens to psychology majors after graduating. You are also more than welcome to make an appointment to discuss the major with the chair of the department or with any other faculty member. Our offices and labs are on the first and third floor in the Tisch Learning Center. If you feel like wandering around before classes start, you might find of particular interest the posters on the first floor describing student and faculty research projects completed during the past year.

Welcome and best wishes for a great first year at the College!