Our curriculum aims to provide students with an understanding of human behavior and experience that will support their ability to participate as informed members of our society, to help others, and to add to scientific knowledge. We view the application of scientific methodologies to problems of human interest as central to our mission. One path to this goal involves mastery of the theoretical concepts psychologists use in describing and understanding behavior; the other involves competence in the use of the methods employed in the study of behavior. We emphasize the importance of both concepts and methods of inquiry across diverse topic areas within psychology, including biological, cognitive, social, and personality areas.

The psychology program attracts students with a wide range of interests, reflecting the diversity of the field itself. Many students who choose to major in Psychology also supplement the major with a concentration in Educational Studies, Neural and Behavioral Sciences, or Feminist and Gender Studies. We also enjoy a high level of cooperation with the Psychology Department at Bryn Mawr College.

Like most liberal arts majors, the Haverford psychology major is not a "pre-professional" program, but rather prepares students with the critical thinking and communication skills that are valued across a wide range of employment settings. Consistent with this aim, our alumni follow diverse career paths after graduation. A number work as research assistants in academic and medical institutions, and many work in social services, mental health, and educational settings. Furthermore, a substantial portion of our graduates have used their degrees as springboards into a wide range of professions not directly related to psychology, such as business, consulting, computer industries, libraries, and acting. Finally, almost two-thirds of alumni ultimately earn advanced degrees, both in psychology and neuroscience, as well as in such fields as medicine, law, education, social work, the arts, and business.