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

At the 2024 PACME ceremony: (from left to right) Faye Z. Belgrave, Ph.D., vice president and chief diversity officer; Austin Ezzard, a social work student; Kim Case, Ph.D., professor of psychology and affiliate professor of gender, sexuality and women’s studies; KáLyn "Kay" Coghill, a media, art and text student; Christina Davis, advisor and instructor in the Interdisciplinary Studies Program; Shawn Utsey, Ph.D., professor of psychology and acting chair of the Department of African American Studies; Brooke Berry, interim associate vice president for strategic initiatives, inclusion & belonging; and VCU President Michael Rao, Ph.D. (Thomas Kojcsich, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

April 18, 2024

‘We are diversity’: Five VCU community members honored at the 2024 PACME ceremony

Shawn Utsey, recipient of the Riese-Melton Award, notes ‘how much work we still have to do. We cannot afford to become complacent in the face of injustice.’

Aditya Kotha and Andy Shar, who are both juniors at VCU, have earned Goldwater Scholarships. (Contributed photos)

April 16, 2024

Two undergraduates selected for prestigious Goldwater Scholarships

Aditya Kotha and Andy Shar reflect excellence in STEM and a commitment to research.

Ana Edwards, an assistant professor of African American studies at VCU, has been interviewing members of the Family Representative Council, including Joe Jones and others who have been connected with the work going back to 1994. (Contributed photo)

April 2, 2024

VCU students, faculty document oral history of the East Marshall Street Well Project

The Health Humanities Lab, a research lab at VCU’s Humanities Research Center, is conducting the project in collaboration with the Family Representative Council.

Psychology Spotlight