Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences

What is Psychological and Brain Sciences?

Psychological and Brain Sciences is your gateway to understanding human behavior at multiple levels — from brain organization to interpersonal relationships — while developing the critical thinking and scientific expertise that transforms lives and communities. Our department empowers you with scientifically rigorous education that prepares you to be both a critical consumer of research and a catalyst for positive change in our interconnected world. With over 1,000 students working alongside nationally recognized researchers, you'll engage in transformative learning experiences from hands-on lab research to community outreach that connects classroom knowledge with real-world impact. 

Our unique opportunities include access to the prestigious Grawemeyer Award in Psychology, which recognizes outstanding ideas with prizes exceeding $100,000, giving you exceptional exposure to leading scholars and cutting-edge research. Here, your curiosity about human behavior transforms into the scientific expertise and critical thinking that drives innovation in mental health, education, business and countless fields where understanding human psychology creates meaningful change.

Career Prospects

Where Understanding Human Behavior Becomes Your Gateway to Transformative Impact

Transform your fascination with the human mind into a career that touches every aspect of society, from individual healing to organizational change. Psychology and Brain Sciences graduates don't just study behavior — they become the therapists, researchers and strategic thinkers who improve lives, drive innovation and solve complex human challenges. With 99% employment rates for doctorate holders, $94,310 median psychologist salaries and 7% faster job growth than average, your psychology training becomes your foundation for meaningful and financially rewarding professional success.

Clinical and Mental Health Services

Salary Range: $50,000-$147,000 
Make a direct difference in people's lives through therapeutic practice and mental health intervention. Your understanding of human psychology positions you perfectly for careers that provide healing, support and transformation.

Career Opportunities:

• Clinical Psychologist providing individual and group therapy
• Counseling Psychologist helping clients overcome life challenges
• Mental Health Counselor supporting community wellness
• Substance Abuse Counselor guiding recovery and rehabilitation
• Marriage and Family Therapist strengthening relationships
• Trauma Specialist helping survivors heal and rebuild
• Crisis Intervention Counselor providing emergency mental health support

Healthcare and Medical Psychology

Salary Range: $75,000-$150,000 
Apply psychological principles in medical settings to improve patient care and health outcomes. Your expertise becomes essential for holistic healthcare delivery.

Career Opportunities:

• Health Psychologist promoting wellness and healthy behaviors
• Neuropsychologist assessing brain function and cognitive abilities
• Rehabilitation Psychologist helping patients adapt to disabilities
• Pediatric Psychologist supporting children's mental health
• Geropsychologist specializing in aging and elder care
• Medical Team Psychologist integrating mental health into treatment
• Pain Management Specialist addressing chronic pain through psychology

Education and Developmental Services

Salary Range: $60,000-$120,000 
Shape learning environments and support student development through evidence-based psychological interventions and educational strategies.

Career Opportunities:

• School Psychologist addressing learning and behavioral challenges
• Educational Consultant developing evidence-based curricula
• Special Education Coordinator supporting students with needs
• Child Development Specialist promoting healthy growth
• Academic Success Coach helping students achieve their potential
• Learning Disability Specialist providing targeted interventions
• Student Counselor supporting emotional and academic development

Research and Data Analysis

Salary Range: $65,000-$130,000 
Advance scientific understanding of human behavior while contributing to evidence-based solutions across industries and institutions.

Career Opportunities:

• Research Scientist conducting studies on human behavior
• Data Analyst interpreting psychological and behavioral data
• UX Researcher improving user experience through psychological insights
• Market Research Analyst understanding consumer behavior
• Social Science Researcher studying societal trends and patterns
• Program Evaluator assessing effectiveness of interventions
• Statistical Consultant applying psychological research methods

Business and Organizational Psychology

Salary Range: $70,000-$200,000 
Leverage your understanding of human behavior to optimize workplace performance, culture and employee wellbeing in corporate environments.

Career Opportunities:

• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist improving workplace dynamics
• Human Resources Specialist managing talent and organizational culture
• Training and Development Manager designing employee growth programs
• Organizational Development Consultant optimizing company performance
• Executive Coach supporting leadership development
• Employee Assistance Program Coordinator providing workplace mental health
• Change Management Specialist guiding organizational transitions

Forensic and Legal Psychology

Salary Range: $60,000-$140,000 
Apply psychological expertise to legal settings, criminal justice and public safety through specialized forensic practice and consultation.

Career Opportunities:

• Forensic Psychologist evaluating criminal behavior and competency
• Court-Appointed Evaluator assessing child custody and family dynamics
• Correctional Psychologist providing rehabilitation services
• Victim Advocate supporting survivors through legal processes
• Expert Witness providing psychological testimony in legal cases
• Police Psychologist supporting law enforcement mental health
• Probation Officer using psychological principles in case management

Technology and Innovation

Salary Range: $80,000-$160,000 
Pioneer the future of human-computer interaction and digital mental health through cutting-edge applications of psychological principles.

Career Opportunities:

• Digital Mental Health Developer creating therapeutic apps and platforms
• Human Factors Engineer designing user-friendly technology
• Behavioral Design Specialist optimizing digital experiences
• AI Ethics Researcher ensuring responsible technology development
• Virtual Reality Therapist using immersive technologies for treatment
• Social Media Researcher studying digital behavior and wellbeing
• Technology Consultant applying psychology to product development

Government and Public Policy

Salary Range: $55,000-$120,000 
Shape public policy and programs through psychological research and evidence-based recommendations that benefit entire communities.

Career Opportunities:

• Policy Analyst researching behavioral interventions for social issues
• Program Manager overseeing mental health and service initiatives
• Research Coordinator conducting studies for government agencies
• Public Health Specialist promoting community mental wellness
• Administrator managing programs for vulnerable populations
• Military Psychologist supporting service member mental health
• Federal Research Scientist advancing psychological science for public benefit

Your Journey to Human Understanding Awaits

Every path in Psychology and Brain Sciences connects your passion for understanding human behavior with the power to create positive change in individual lives and society as a whole. Whether you're drawn to the $147,000 potential in clinical specialties, the intellectual rewards of research that advances scientific knowledge or the emerging opportunities in digital mental health and technology, your degree provides the scientific foundation for careers that matter deeply. With exceptional performance on graduate school exams, the highest employment rates among academic fields and growing demand for psychological expertise across all sectors, your investment in Psychology becomes your gateway to both personal fulfillment and professional success that grows with every life you touch and every breakthrough you help discover.