Department of Psychology

"'Beauty of the Beasts' is chock-a-block with wonderful scientific and cultural facts. We get a clear-eyed look at disgust, a nearly universal human response to the likes of maggots, cockroaches, ticks, leeches, slugs and lice," writes David Barash, professor emeritus of psychology at the UW.

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. 

The University of Washingtons graduate and professional degree programs again were recognized as among the best in the nation, according to U.S. News & World Reports 2026 Best Graduate Schools released late Monday.

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. Sign up to receive a monthly notice when the ArtSci Roundup has been published. ArtSci On Your Own Time or From Your Own Home Video | Katz Distinguished Lectures Playlist (Simpson Center for the Humanities) From Mourning across...

Most of my clients were raised in sex-avoidant homes, where the topic wasnt discussed. It was often deflected and felt awkward when it did come up. People who grow up in such information vacuums often dont know how to approach the topic of sex with their partners when they reach adulthood. Nicole McNichols, associate teaching professor of psychology at the UW, is interviewed.

"The events of this past year have both instigated and brought to light seismic changes in higher education that will affect us for decades to come. Among the most dramatic is the changing landscape for graduate and professional education, which have long bolstered our countrys competitiveness by serving as a magnet for top international talent," writes Ana Mari Cauce, professor of psychology and UW president emerita.

In her new book, "You Could Be Having Better Sex," psychology professor Nicole McNichols shares frank information based on academic research. 

Happy almost-Valentines day to all who celebrate.Its a time for love, of course. For fancy dinners. Cute notes. And hopefully, for some, a time for intimacy. We review some of the research, and get some advice, on our burning questions about sex, love and relationships. Nicole McNichols, associate teaching professor of psychology at the UW, is interviewed.

For Valentines Day, relationship experts share a few ways to show our partners that we care. Nicole McNichols, associate teaching professor of psychology at the UW, is quoted.

You cant escape Valentines Day, a social and retail ritual involving exchanges of cards, flowers, chocolates, candy, and an exhaustive, sometimes expensive list of other gifts, many in eye-searing blasts of red and pink. Pepper Schwartz, professor emerita of sociology at the UW, is quoted.

From the thousands of undergraduate students at the University of Washington, three are selected each year for the prestigious President’s Medalist Award.

Kaytlin Rose Vanderhorst (Psychology; Education Studies: Wellness and Social Emotional Learning), Carilyn Brandt (English: Creative Writing) and Luna Crone-Barón Drama: Performance; English) are the medalists for 2024–25, selected by a committee for their high GPAs, rigor of classes and number of Honors courses. All three Honors students are pursuing the Interdisciplinary Honors track, a unique academic opportunity that challenges students to explore connections across disciplines and prepares them to address complex societal challenges.

The University of Washington was awarded $2.5 million from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation to fund 16 postdoctoral fellows in a number of fields across the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of Engineering and the College of the Environment.

Come curious. Leave inspired. The UW offers an exciting lineup of in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University. And you don’t have to wait until Marchtake a look at everything still happening this February. In addition,sign up to receive a monthly notice when the ArtSci Roundup has been published. ArtSci On Your Own Time Exhibition |...

PSYCH 210 has become a rite of passage for many UW students and as it is now the most popular course at UW with over 4,000 students taking it annually. But not everyone can take the class. So after five years of writing, McNichols is bringing her lessons to a wider audience with her first book “You Could Be Having Better Sex: The Definitive Guide to a Happier, Healthier, and Hotter Sex Life.”

While February might be just 28 days, the UW College of Arts & Sciences offers an exciting lineup of more than 40 in-person and online events. From thought-provoking art and music to conversations on culture, history, and science, the UW community invites you to explore, learn, and connect across disciplines throughout the University.