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

Patients at a new eating disorder clinic on VCU’s Monroe Park campus are treated by supervised psychology graduate students. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Sept. 29, 2026

VCU clinic expands eating disorder treatment and training in Virginia

The new research-based clinic, led by psychologists Ann Haynos and Bek Urban, accepts adolescents and adults statewide while developing a new generation of practitioners.

An illustration of the shilloettes of differnt colored people with different colored speech bubbles above them.

Sept. 28, 2026

Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

Transgender study participants viewed the more than 2,000 laws proposed in the U.S. since 2020 ‘as an existential threat’ to their lives and the lives of other transgender people.

(File image)

Aug. 20, 2026

Nearly 50 VCU faculty honored for their research and teaching

The 2026 NIRA and PEIA awardees elevate VCU’s reputation and the student learning experience.

Psychology Spotlight