Why study psychology?

Psychology as a science studies questions that are fundamental to understanding ourselves and our day-to-day lives. We explore why and how people think, feel and act the way they do in an ever-changing world.

We are a community of students and faculty passionate about psychology as a scientific discipline, and we use and practically apply our discoveries to improve the lives of individuals and communities. We welcome students to contribute to our research labs and community-based partnerships as part of their learning experiences and work toward their degree.

Learn more about what psychologists do and why employers value these skills.

News

Sydney Griffin hopes to make community the center of her professional career as a psychology researcher. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Dec. 17, 2024

Class of 2024: For Sydney Griffin, a passion for psychology is personal

Inspired by her brother, she found new direction when returning to college.

A new study shows that students at schools with salad bars have healthier dietary intake compared with students at schools without. (Getty Images)

Dec. 16, 2024

Salad bars in school cafeterias boost students’ dietary quality, new VCU study finds

Researchers compared before-and-after photos of student lunches in a Virginia school district.

Jennifer Cousins (second from right) with her daughter, Reagan; husband, Kevin; and son, Jack. Cousins said her family has been “cheerleading me on and supporting me” while she pursues a nursing degree at VCU. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Dec. 16, 2024

Class of 2024: For Jennifer Cousins, VCU is a family affair in the spirit of care

The former teacher joined her two children on campus, pursuing a nursing degree inspired by her daughter’s medical journey.

Psychology Spotlight