Explore the science of mind, brain, and behavior.

Psychology majors explore the science of the mind, behavior, and mental health through interactive coursework and hands-on research. Guided by faculty whose expertise spans diverse subfields—from cognition and neuroscience to social and clinical psychology—students engage in experiential learning opportunities across Washington, D.C. and beyond. Graduates emerge with the skills and knowledge to thrive in graduate programs, research, healthcare, education, and public service.

 

Student Spotlight

Elizabeth M. (Class of 2025)
Elizabeth is a senior Psychology major interning with the American Psychological Association’s Digital Strategies & Communications team, where she helps translate research findings into engaging public content for social media and the APA website.
On campus, she serves as the lead research assistant in the Child Cognition, Affect, and Behavior Lab, supporting a study that evaluates a group intervention for children with selective mutism in partnership with a local therapy practice. She also spent a semester studying abroad in Rome, enriching her understanding of cross-cultural perspectives on human behavior.

Peter V. (Class of 2020)
Peter is currently a DPhil candidate in Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford, working in the Emotion & Social Relations Group. His research explores how emotion is transferred through music — from composers to listeners — including how inspiration, awe, and affective states “flow” across creative experiences. (psy.ox.ac.uk)

 

Where Our Graduates Go

Our alumni pursue advanced study and careers across fields such as neuroscience, education, public policy, mental health, and government service.

Recent Graduate Program Placements:

  • Ph.D. in Neuroscience, Georgetown University

  • Medical School (multiple institutions)

  • Ed.S. in School Psychology, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

  • M.A. in Forensic and Legal Psychology, Marymount University

  • M.S. in Speech-Language Pathology, George Washington University

  • M.S.W., University of Denver

  • M.A. in Higher Education Administration, Georgetown University

Career Placements:

  • Department of Justice (Administrative Specialist)

  • National Institute of Mental Health (Research Trainee, Computational Decision Neuroscience Unit)

  • Children’s National Hospital (Clinical Research Coordinator)

  • Department of Defense (Federal Law Enforcement Officer)

  • Campus Recruiting Coordinator

  • Behavioral Health Technician

  • Missionary, Life Teen

 

Internship Highlights

Our students gain practical experience through internships at:

  • American Psychological Association

  • American Association of Suicidology

  • Uniformed Services University

  • National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

  • EveryMind (Youth & Family Services)

  • Center for Safety & Change


Courses You’ll Love

  • PSY304: Brain and Behavior

  • PSY302: Forensic Psychology

  • PSY443: Social Neuroscience

  • PSY261: Psychology & the Media

  • PSY372: Psychology of Minds and Machines

 

Did You Know?

  • Many undergraduates work alongside graduate students and faculty in active research labs.

  • The department offers a 4+1 Master’s in Psychological Sciences, allowing students to earn both degrees in just five years.

  • Psychology pairs well with majors and minors such as Criminology, Theology, Politics, Business, and Social Work.

  • Psychological & Brain Sciences is a popular choice for Pre-Med and Allied Health pathways.

  • Students can join the Psychology Club and Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology.

 

Fun Fact

Distinguished Alumna: Angela Santomero
Creator of Blue’s Clues and Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Angela Santomero earned her degree in Psychology from Catholic University. Her groundbreaking work in children’s television draws on her training in developmental psychology to create educational programs that have inspired millions of young viewers around the world.

Apply Now