About Us
Study the mind, brain and behavior through rigorous psychological science. We prepare you for impactful careers and advanced study, and for using research to improve lives locally and globally.
Explore Comprehensive Programs
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers comprehensive programs in psychological science, from undergraduate majors to doctoral study in clinical and experimental psychology. We foster scientific rigor, critical thinking and hands-on research, preparing students for impactful careers and advanced study through expert mentorship, state-of-the-art research facilities and engagement with diverse communities.
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History & Mission
Accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1973, one of the longest-standing markers of excellence in clinical training, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences has built a legacy of rigorous, science-driven education that predates even this distinction. As a STEM-focused discipline, the department prepares students to become psychologically literate scholars, leaders, and engaged citizens through immersive training in research, data analysis and the scientific study of behavior and the brain.
Guided by a mission of inclusive excellence, the department fosters critical thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and strong communication skills that translate across scientific and public domains. Students will explore cognition, development, and neuroscience while engaging in hands-on research and community-focused service that improves quality of life locally and globally.
Who We Serve
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences primarily serves undergraduates majoring in Psychology or Neuroscience. Together, these programs represent the largest segment of undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences. Because of our size, our programs support traditional and non-traditional students, students from diverse backgrounds, first generation students, and military-affiliated students. Our courses also play important roles in the broader mission of the university. Nursing students take our Lifespan Development courses, and many students choose to take Introductory Psychology to fulfill their Cardinal Core requirements. No matter who you are, or what your background is, our courses will add value to your education at UofL and your life beyond campus.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Anything! A degree in psychology is highly versatile and provides students with strong transferable skills, including analytical reasoning, research literacy and interpersonal communication. These competencies allow you to pursue opportunities across many professional fields, ranging from mental health and social services to education, business, healthcare, research and public administration.
Our students build experience both inside and outside the classroom. This includes engaging in the local community, seeking leadership roles on campus, applying to become an undergraduate research assistant and working part time in a related field. Developing strong relationships with peers and faculty is also essential for mentorship, professional growth and letters of recommendation.
You should plan to attend class consistently and stay engaged in lectures and discussions. If you ever feel that you are struggling or want to go deeper in the material, meeting with faculty during office hours helps clarify course content and build mentoring relationships. When courses are challenging, we encourage our students to attend tutoring sessions or study groups and ask for help early. Using campus resources such as the University Writing Center and the departmental Student Success Specialist can further support success. Additionally, we have department programs, such as the annual Psychology Research Fair, where you can explore opportunities and stay connected to the psychology community.
By making arrangements with a faculty mentor, you may register for one to three credit hours of PSYC 491: Undergraduate Psychology Research. This process is arranged independently by the student. If you are interested, you should contact faculty members by email at least one semester in advance to inquire about research opportunities in the faculty’s lab. The student and faculty mentor will agree on responsibilities and evaluation methods, and the faculty mentor will submit the required form to enroll the student in the independent study course. You can also meet with your Student Success Specialist to explore undergraduate research opportunities.
Transform Lives Through Scientific Understanding
Ready to turn your curiosity about behavior, cognition and mental health into professional impact? Explore Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Louisville — where rigorous scientific training, active research labs and direct pathways into clinical, research and applied psychology prepare you for careers that change lives.