Psychology

Karen Sutton, Professor; Department Chair

Sam C. Carrier, Associate Professor

Nancy Darling, Associate Professor

Patricia Ann deWinstanley, Professor

Cynthia Frantz, Associate Professor

William J. Friedman, Professor

Joy Hanna, Assistant Professor

F. Stephan Mayer, Professor

Albert L. Porterfield, Associate Professor

Joanne M. Ruthsatz, Assistant Professor

Dennison A. Smith, Norman D. Henderson Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, thought, and feeling. Its subject matter includes biological, cognitive, developmental, and social perspectives on normal and abnormal behavior. The Department of Psychology’s curriculum prepares students for graduate work in psychology and for other academic and career goals for which knowledge of psychology and its methods are relevant.

Psychology is an appropriate major for students who wish to pursue careers in research and teaching or in the delivery of professional clinical services. Although students interested in academic careers in Psychology must eventually obtain a PhD degree, doctoral training is not the only avenue for those interested in careers in counseling, therapy, social work, and related helping professions. For such students, psychology is one of several appropriate undergraduate majors. Undergraduates interested in applied areas of psychology are encouraged to obtain field experience through Winter Term projects and summer jobs.

For up-to-date information on the major, courses, and the department, consult the Psychology web page at www.oberlin.edu/psych/.