Department of Psychology

"The test of learning psychology is whether your understanding of situations you encounter has changed, not whether you have learned a new fact." - Daniel Kahneman

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    Buffett Institute graduate scholars share research Learn more

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Have you ever wondered why everyone stares at the numbers flashing by on a crowded elevator? Or why so many people are interested in celebrities and the tabloids? These everyday behaviors are what make the study of psychology so interesting. Psychology examines nearly every aspect of how people think and behave.

As most people already realize, a large part of psychology is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues. It may surprise you to learn that psychology can be - and often is - applied to a variety of issues that impact health and daily life:

  • Emotions
  • Motivation
  • Development
  • Learning
  • Memory
  • Productivity
  • Happiness
  • Creativity

Because psychology is so diverse in its focus and research, it also prepares students for a wide variety of careers. It helps students develop universally useful skills like communication, critical-thinking, and a proficiency with statistics and data. 

By knowing the "what" of people's motivation, you can gain a greater understanding of the "why" of people's actions. Psychology can make you communicate better, become a better leader, and even improve your personal life. The potential to impact others and yourself with your new knowledge is boundless!