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Psychology
From your first course, you will use the scientific method to pursue questions about human nature. Our coursework spans the broad scope of psychology, including neuroscience, cognitive, affective, social, developmental and clinical topics. The concentration provides a firm grounding in research methodology and statistics. You’ll find many opportunities for research and fieldwork with faculty — perhaps in our program at the New England Center for Children, a treatment facility for children and adolescents with autism.
About the Major
Students build a body of knowledge about the forces and influences great and small that shape mind, brain and behavior. In addition, through laboratory work and field studies they learn the scientific method, perhaps the most important means we have of acquiring knowledge. Hamilton psychology grads have gone on to pursue graduate study in a variety of areas, to teach, and to work in a variety of clinical and professional fields.
I am kind of the classic liberal arts student. I’ve taken geology and am currently in sociology, and most of my classes this year are psych classes but I’m fascinated with earth sciences, which is just an aside for me – I’m so privileged to go to a school that lets me do that. And I love philosophy. I find it to be just wonderful and kind of a break from the sciences, so I do have a breadth.
Corinne Smith — psychology major
Hamilton's psychology program reflects the strengths of a versatile, highly regarded faculty with wide research interests and a deep commitment to teaching. The curriculum includes major branches of contemporary psychology: clinical, cognitive, educational, developmental, personality, physiological, sensory and social psychology. The program's range and appeal make the major one of the most popular at Hamilton.
Careers After Hamilton
- Senior Financial Analyst, IBM
- Clinical Social Worker, Washington, D.C. Department of Mental Health
- Product Quality Analyst, Google
- School Psychologist, Dundee Central School
- Neuroscientist, Massachusetts General Hospital
- Chief Architect, Port Authority of NY & NJ
- Vice President of Global Marketing Solutions, Facebook
- Professor, Georgetown University Law Center
- Assistant Surgeon General, U.S. Public Health Service
- Program Director, National Science Foundation
- Senior Deputy General Counsel, San Francisco Unified School District
A Sampling of Courses
Counseling Psychology 254S
An overview of the theoretical orientations, treatment approaches and empirical literature in the field of counseling psychology. Examines the mechanisms by which counseling interventions facilitate personal and interpersonal functioning with a focus on emotional, social, educational, vocational and developmental concerns. Does not count toward the Psychology or Neuroscience concentration or the Psychology minor.
View All CoursesThe Self in Social Psychology 311F
Theoretical and methodological understanding of the study of the self in social psychology. Topics include organization of self-concept and its effect on information processing; self-awareness; self-esteem maintenance processes; cultural influences; stigmas; and self-regulation. Class time devoted to discussion of research articles. Laboratory component involves conducting two research projects. Data collection, statistical analysis, papers based on findings, oral and poster presentations. Three hours of class and three hours of laboratory. Writing-intensive. Quantitative and Symbolic Reasoning. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesChild Development 351
An introduction to the science of child behavior and the principles of child growth and development from conception to early adulthood. Focuses on integrating the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains of development. Includes an experiential component whereby students will work with children or adolescents in an applied setting (e.g., child care center or school). Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesPsychopharmacology 352F
A study of the effects of drugs on animal and human behavior. Topics include neuropharmacology, antipsychotics, analgesics, stimulants, hallucinogens, antidepressants, alcoholism, addiction, effects of drugs on society, and the implications of drug effects for neurochemical theories of behavior. Oral Presentations.
View All CoursesStereotyping and Prejudice 359S
In this course we will take a social psychological approach to understanding stereotypes, prejudice(s), and discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and other group memberships. We will examine classic and contemporary theories and research on topics such as cognitive, motivational, evolutionary, and sociocultural explanations of prejudice; modern forms of prejudice/implicit bias; the impact of prejudice and discrimination on targets of prejudice; and prejudice reduction.
View All CoursesField Study in Psychology 455F
Seminar in psychological services combined with eight to 10 hours per week of field study in one of several cooperating local agencies and schools. Extensive written project addressing theoretical issues relevant to field work. Topics include methods in provision of psychological, educational and applied services, and methodological and ethical issues in psychotherapy, counseling and educational psychology.
View All CoursesToday and Tomorrow
