What forces shape the way we think and act? What defines our relationships? With psychology—the intersection of science and the human condition—these answers (and more) can be found.

Why study psychology at Sewanee?

Psychology is an ever-growing field that explores the biological and social underpinnings of human thought. With roots in metaphysical and clinical practice, psychology is able to give you a better understanding of yourself, the people around you, and the dynamics of human relationships.

The study of psychology at Sewanee offers multiple perspectives and research methods that will equip you with the foundational knowledge to then narrow your area of study. Once you adopt a focus that’s suited to your specific interests, the curriculum becomes customizable. Upper-level courses include in-depth exploration of specific topics like behavior modification, cognitive illusions, psychology of gender, and animal behavior, among many others. The skills acquired in this program will increase your awareness and sharpen your ability to analyze complex topics.

FIRST DESTINATIONS: Psychology MAJORS

Sewanee graduates secure positions in a variety of fields. Some you would expect, others, are a bit of a surprise. Sewanee prepares you for your profession and your passion. Below is a sampling of recent graduates' first job.

  • Global Leadership and Development Intern, Cognizant Technology Solution, Norfolk, VA.
  • Research Assistant, Anxiety and Health Research Laboratory/ Substance Use Treatment Clinic, Houston, TX.
  • Therapeutic Riding Instructor, ManeGait Therapeutic Horsemanship, McKinney, TX.
GRADUATE SCHOOL & PREPROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Psychology MAJORS

Sewanee graduates enjoy extraordinary acceptance rates to top graduate and preprofessional programs–about 95 percent to law school and over 85 percent to medical school. Below is a sampling of where Sewanee grads continue their education.

  • M.Ed. in Clinical Psychology, Vanderbilt University.
  • M.S.W. in Social Work, University of Chicago.
  • MD/MPH, St. George's University, Grenada.

A Sampling of Courses

Child, Family, and Community Development in Rural Appalachia
Psychology

This course covers social and political history of the region, social psychology and developmental neuroscience of stress and resilience, structure and health of rural Appalachian communities, community infrastructure, and implementation of social development and mental health care for children and families in rural communities.

PSYC 230
Psychobiography
Psychology

Psychobiography draws on psychological theories and research to understand the work of an historically significant figure from the vantage point of the person's life history. Readings include studies that trace meaningful connections between the lives and work of several well-known figures.

PSYC 406
Emotional Intelligence
Psychology

The ability to integrate emotional information with cognitive processes is essential for management of personal and social life. The emotion-related skills comprising emotional intelligence defined, measured, and developed. How these skills relate to effective social functioning, mental health, and quality of life at home, school, and work.

PSYC 482
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Psychology

Programs of Study & Related Courses

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Psychology

Requirements for the Major & Minor in Neuroscience | Website

Contact

C. Alberti Bardi
Associate Professor of Psychology, Chair of Psychology Department 

cabardi@sewanee.edu

Woods Lab 303A, Ext. 1151

Sewanee-at-Yale
Top notch research

The Sewanee-at-Yale internship is an eight-week experience in biomedical research at the Yale Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine. Interns are placed in research laboratories, exposed to clinical settings, and get to see the day-to-day workings of a behavioral neuroscience research.

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Wellness Center
Resilience, mindfulness, connection

The University Wellness Center is a campus resource which offers integrated and holistic health care and peer health education. As part of a growing initiative to provide wellness outreach to campus, the Wellness Center offers lectures on various topics related to well-being, nutrition, stress management, and spiritual wellness.

Be well
Writing Center
Sharpen your pencils, sharpen your skills

Need help with a paper? The Writing Center provides you with objective peer support and instruction for writing projects. The student tutors represent a wide range of majors, and they can help you at any stage in the writing process—topic development, rough drafts, final drafts, revisions, etc. They’re basically your cheerleader from brainstorming to final draft.

Write On