Majoring or minoring in psychology will help you understand the workings of the brain in its complex control of behavior, emotion, and cognition. At Southwestern, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of provocative questions, including

• How do we influence others, and how do they influence us?
• How do people learn, remember, and make decisions?
• How do such factors as human evolution, individual personalities, neurotransmitters, and hormones shape behavior?
• How do behaviors, emotions, and cognitions change across the lifespan?
• How do psychological processes and outcomes differ among individuals and groups from different social classes or cultural backgrounds?
• What factors influence sexual attraction and relationships?
• How are mental disorders classified, diagnosed, and treated?
• What role do psychologists play in criminal investigations and court cases?

You’ll also apply the knowledge you develop in coursework to high-impact learning experiences. For example, our students conduct novel, high-quality scientific research. They engage in internships with local schools, hospitals, police departments, and nonprofits. And based on these experiences, they’ve presented their research at national and international scientific conferences and coauthored scientific publications with faculty on such topics as the neural development of reproductive physiology and behavior, sexuality and relationships, and evolutionary psychology. By majoring or minoring in psychology, you’ll be prepared not only for top-ranked graduate programs but also for a wide range of careers, from medicine and veterinary science to marketing and business.