Psychology
Laura Knouse, Chair
Professors Berry, Bukach, Knouse, Lambert
Associate Professors Kochel, Lowder, Lundberg, Nonterah
Assistant Professors Peifer, Robbins, Stanaland
Visting Professor Webster
The Department of Psychology offers a rigorous, graduated curriculum that combines high aspirations for achievement in an environment rich in opportunities for intellectual stimulation and growth. Our primary mission is to provide an inclusive and welcoming academic setting for students to become knowledgeable, skilled, reflective, and highly accomplished, preparing them to excel in graduate and professional schools and careers. We prepare students to lead productive lives characterized by an inquiring attitude, engagement in the life of mind, and immersion in the larger community. Our faculty are dedicated to excellence in teaching and scholarship, and seek to cultivate in students a love of learning and involvement in their academic community by providing multifaceted mentoring opportunities. We strive to encourage and empower students as they work towards reaching their potential.
Collaborative research pursuits between students and faculty are the cornerstone of the psychology major. Most students engage in meaningful mentored research as psychology majors and many present their work at conferences. Some are published authors! Internship opportunities are available in various educational, clinical, corporate, medical, and other professional settings for students who seek to gain knowledge in applied contexts.
As professors, we practice pedagogy grounded in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our courses emphasize knowledge gained through scientific methods and experiential learning to spark student interest in the complexities of human behavior, and its cultural, developmental, and historical roots. We teach students the value of using primary source material to hone critical and analytical thinking, and to master their oral and written expression and communication skills. We value psychology's connections to the arts, humanities, and natural sciences; we embrace diverse perspectives and individual differences; we promote student involvement in local and international culture, community, and society; and we teach the ethics of conducting and applying psychological science. These curricular emphases reflect our collective aspirations to foster intellectual and interpersonal growth in students.
Related Fields
Study Abroad
Psychology majors are encouraged to study abroad. Students should plan to take their 300-level laboratory courses at UR and use their time abroad to take electives for the major, as well as other courses outside of the major that they need for graduation. The key to successful integration of a study abroad experience with a psychology major is early and careful planning with the student's advisor and department chair.