Psychology

This is an archived copy of the 2020-2021 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://e-catalog.sewanee.edu.

Website: Psychology

Psychology is a diverse discipline that borders on the biological and social sciences. It is at once a science and a means of promoting human welfare. Reflecting its historical roots in philosophy, physiology, and clinical practice, it embraces a variety of theoretical perspectives, methodologies, and areas of study. The Department of Psychology at Sewanee provides majors and non-majors with the basic principles of psychology within the context of a liberal arts education through a curriculum that emphasizes scientific thinking and equips majors with multiple perspectives and research methods with which to understand behavior and mental processes. 

The major in psychology combines a broad grounding in psychology with opportunities for depth in selected areas. Majors in psychology begin with an introduction to empirical psychology, organized topically, and a course in research methodology that prepares students to design and carry out research. Students also choose survey, seminar, and upper-level laboratory courses in areas such as abnormal, behavior modification, cognitive, developmental, gender, industrial, personality, physiological, and social psychology. 

Advanced students may study independently or conduct research under faculty supervision, work as laboratory assistants, or aid faculty members with research. Summer internships are available through the Tonya Public Affairs Internship Program for those who are interested in gaining experience in business or public service. For those students planning to do graduate work in psychology, STAT 204 is highly recommended.