Understand brain science and behavior. Use your insights to improve lives.
In the Department of Psychology, you’ll explore the fundamental principles of human behavior and learn how to apply that knowledge to positively impact individuals and their communities. The department offers both Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts degrees to meet a wide range of student interests. In addition to traditional doctoral education, our graduate program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to effectively address society’s pressing challenges. Our faculty research, which receives more than $12 million annually in grants and contracts, applies our understanding of brain science to enhance social equality, optimize human potential, and strengthen society.
Undergraduate Programs
Graduate Programs
- M.A., Applied Child & Adolescent Psychology: Prevention & Treatment
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Ph.D., Psychology
Animal Behavior; Behavioral Neuroscience; Clinical Psychology; Child Clinical Psychology; Cognition and Perception; Developmental; Social and Personality; Quantitative Psychology
- Ph.D., Psychology: Advanced Data Science Option
- Ph.D., Psychology: Clinical Psychology
- Ph.D., Psychology: Data Science Option
Careers
Psychology studies the broad spectrum of behavior, and the career paths it opens up are equally broad. Students who pursue a bachelor of science or graduate study are equipped to succeed in scientific and research-based roles. Students who receive a Bachelor of Arts use their knowledge of human and animal behavior in more general roles. Regardless of which track you follow, the analytical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills developed through the study of psychology will position you for success in many fields, including education, business, government, healthcare and the nonprofit sector.
Career Paths
Psychology majors pursue a wide range of careers, including:
- Psychologist
- Counselor
- Philanthropy officer
- Animal behaviorist
- Therapist
- Researcher
- Educator
- Social worker
- Physician
- Human resources manager
- Attorney
- Marketing specialist
Impacting our community, with national recognition
The Department of Psychology is committed to translating its research discoveries into actions that positively impact our communities. Examples include:
- Partnering on PTSD therapies with the Veterans Administration and local refugee communities
- Collaborating with local service organizations
- Providing mindfulness and parenting workshops at our Center for Child and Family Well-Being.
Through the department’s Clinical Psychology Graduate Training Program, consistently ranked among the top 10 programs nationally by U.S. News & World Report, graduate student therapists provide services to Seattle area residents under the supervision of licensed psychologists.
More About Our Community Outreach
Find Yourself in Psychology
Use your knowledge of behavior to address mental health disparities, promote social equality and optimize human potential.
Department of Psychology Stories
A Voice for Undocumented Students
Edgar Quiroz Sanchez, graduating with two bachelor's degrees, has been a powerful voice for the needs of undocumented students at the UW.
A Closer Look at Teens & Digital Technology
The impact of digital technology on teens' mental health is the focus of a new course developed by Lucia Magis-Weinberg in the UW Department of Psychology.
Protecting Ghosts of the Forest
Lisa Dabek (PhD, Psychology, 1994), senior conservation scientist at the Woodland Park Zoo, studies and protects tree kangaroos in the cloud forests of Papua New Guinea.