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
Dec. 19, 2025
At VCU, impactful innovation follows multiple paths
Here is how researchers turn inventions into ventures — and why industry and government are taking notice.
Dec. 12, 2025
Class of 2025: Chelsea Rushbrook finds, and shares, success in recovery
Powered by her experience with substance use disorder and the justice system, the psychology major wants her studies and her peer support to continue.
Dec. 1, 2025
Class of 2025: Demond Middleton II still carries his mom’s spirit
The psychology major and aspiring counselor first crossed the stage in 2019 – at age 15 – to accept his mother’s posthumous diploma.
Psychology Spotlight
Meet Araba
Araba Amissa developed a passion for understanding human behavior and emotions in high school and decided to lean into that interest with a psychology degree. Visit our 'Meet a Student' page to read more about Araba's favorite classes, professors and her work in the Cultural Psychology in Africa lab.
Fast track to a master's degree in counselor education
Earn your B.S. in psychology and M.Ed. in counselor education in six years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of your undergraduate program.
Study in our new STEM building
Our brand new, 169,000-square-foot building is dedicated to all things STEM, including psychology. Psychology students will have the opportunity to learn in state-of-the-art labs, classrooms and shared study spaces.