Psychology

The undergraduate program in Psychology at Cornell University offers students a comprehensive exploration of human behavior, mental processes, and biological bases of cognition. Designed to provide a rigorous academic foundation, the curriculum combines theoretical understanding with practical research experience, preparing graduates for diverse careers in psychology, healthcare, education, and related fields. Students begin their journey by engaging with core courses that cover essential topics such as developmental psychology, social psychology, neuropsychology, and abnormal psychology. As they progress, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas of interest through advanced elective courses, including clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, and health psychology. The program emphasizes scientific inquiry, with many courses incorporating research methods, statistical analysis, and hands-on laboratory work. Undergraduate students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, often assisted by faculty members renowned for their contributions to psychology. This experiential learning cultivates critical thinking, data analysis skills, and an understanding of ethical considerations in research. In addition to classroom learning, the program fosters an interdisciplinary approach, integrating insights from neuroscience, anthropology, and philosophy to deepen understanding of complex human behaviors. Cornell's Psychology Department provides access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources, including laboratories equipped for neuroimaging and behavioral experiments. Students are also encouraged to gain practical experience through internships and community engagement activities. The program prepares students for graduate studies in psychology or related disciplines, as well as for careers in counseling, community service, research, and healthcare. Graduates are equipped with a solid scientific foundation, analytical skills, and a nuanced understanding of psychological phenomena, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to society. Whether pursuing academic research or applied work, students leave Cornell's Psychology program well-prepared to tackle contemporary mental health and societal challenges with insight and professionalism.

• PSYCH 1101 - Introduction to Psychology
• PSYCH 1102 - Introduction to Cognitive Science (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 1103 - Introductory Psychology Seminars
• PSYCH 1104 - WIM: Introduction to Cognitive Science (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 1280 - Personality and Social Psychology: The Individual in the Social World
• PSYCH 1650 - Computing in the Arts (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 1990 - Sports Psychology
• PSYCH 2050 - Perception
• PSYCH 2090 - Developmental Psychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2150 - Psychology of Language (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2230 - Introduction to Biopsychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2231 - WIM: Introduction to Biopsychology
• PSYCH 2610 - Development of Social Behavior (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2650 - Psychology and Law (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2750 - Introduction to Personality (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2800 - Introduction to Social Psychology
• PSYCH 2820 - Community Outreach (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3050 - [Visual Perception] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3135 - [The Psychology of Good and Evil]
• PSYCH 3140 - Computational Psychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3150 - [Obesity and the Regulation of Body Weight] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3160 - [Auditory Perception: The Music Lab]
• PSYCH 3220 - Hormones and Behavior (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3240 - Biopsychology Laboratory (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3250 - Adult Psychopathology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3260 - Evolution of Human Behavior
• PSYCH 3270 - Field Practicum I (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3280 - Field Practicum II (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3300 - Introduction to Computational Neuroscience (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3320 - Biopsychology of Learning and Memory (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3350 - The Psychology of Attention
• PSYCH 3420 - Human Perception: Application to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display(crosslisted)
• PSYCH 3500 - Statistics and Research Design
• PSYCH 3800 - [Social Cognition]
• PSYCH 3820 - Prejudice and Stereotyping
• PSYCH 3850 - [The Psychology of Emotion]
• PSYCH 4030 - [Inequality, Power and Happiness]
• PSYCH 4050 - Judgment and Decision Making
• PSYCH 4060 - Language and Social Groups
• PSYCH 4070 - The Origins of Us vs Them
• PSYCH 4120 - Laboratory in Cognition and Perception (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4180 - Psychology of Music (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4200 - [Advanced Neurobiology Learning and Memory]
• PSYCH 4230 - Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do? (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4240 - [Neuroethology: A Comparative Approach to Neural Circuits and Behavior](crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4250 - [Cognitive Neuroscience] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4260 - Cognitive Behavioral Ecology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4270 - Evolution of Language (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4280 - [Computational Psycholinguistics] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4300 - [Moral Reasoning]
• PSYCH 4320 - Topics in Cognitive Science (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4330 - [Neural Views on Mental Illness] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4500 - Psychology at the Sciencenter!
• PSYCH 4650 - [Topics in High Level Vision] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4700 - Undergraduate Research in Psychology
• PSYCH 4710 - Advanced Undergraduate Research in Psychology
• PSYCH 4750 - Quantitative Methods 1 (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4760 - Quantitative Methods 2 (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 4770 - Advanced Developmental Seminar
• PSYCH 4810 - Advanced Social Psychology
• PSYCH 4820 - [Automaticity]
• PSYCH 4840 - Goals, Needs, and Desires
• PSYCH 4850 - [The Self]
• PSYCH 4910 - Research Methods in Psychology (crosslisted)

Advanced Courses and Seminars:

Advanced seminars are primarily for graduate students, but with the permission of the instructor they may be taken by qualified undergraduates. The selection of seminars to be offered each semester is determined by the needs of the students.

A supplement describing these advanced seminars is available at the beginning of each semester and can be obtained from the department office (211 Uris Hall). The following courses may be offered either semester and carry 4 credits unless otherwise indicated.

• PSYCH 6000 - General Research Seminar
• PSYCH 6030 - Inequality, Power and Happiness
• PSYCH 6050 - Perception
• PSYCH 6070 - The Origins of Us vs Them
• PSYCH 6120 - Perception Lunch Seminar
• PSYCH 6121 - Laboratory in Cognition and Perception
• PSYCH 6140 - Computational Psychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 6180 - Psychology of Music
• PSYCH 6181 - Topics in Psycholinguistics
• PSYCH 6200 - [Advanced Neurobiology Learning and Memory]
• PSYCH 6210 - Behavioral and Brain Sciences (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 6230 - Navigation, Memory, and Context: What Does the Hippocampus Do?
• PSYCH 6250 - [Cognitive Neuroscience]
• PSYCH 6260 - Cognitive Behavioral Ecology
• PSYCH 6270 - Evolution of Language
• PSYCH 6271 - Topics in Biopsychology
• PSYCH 6280 - [Computational Psycholinguistics] (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 6300 - [Moral Reasoning]
• PSYCH 6320 - Biopsychology of Learning and Memory
• PSYCH 6350 - The Psychology of Attention
• PSYCH 6420 - Human Perception: Applications to Computer Graphics, Art, and Visual Display
• PSYCH 6500 - Psychology at the Sciencenter!
• PSYCH 6650 - [Topics in High Level Vision]
• PSYCH 6750 - Quantitative Methods 1 (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 6760 - Quantitative Methods 2 (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 6770 - Advanced Developmental Seminar
• PSYCH 6800 - Experimental Social Psychology
• PSYCH 6810 - [Advanced Social Psychology]
• PSYCH 6820 - [Automaticity]
• PSYCH 6840 - Goals, Needs, and Desires
• PSYCH 6850 - [The Self]
• PSYCH 6910 - Research Methods in Psychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 7000 - Research in Biopsychology
• PSYCH 7050 - Judgment and Decision Making
• PSYCH 7090 - Developmental Psychology
• PSYCH 7100 - Research in Human Experimental Psychology
• PSYCH 7160 - [Auditory Perception: The Music Lab]
• PSYCH 7200 - Research in Social Psychology and Personality
• PSYCH 7220 - Hormones and Behavior
• PSYCH 7750 - Proseminar in Social Psychology I
• PSYCH 7760 - Proseminar in Social Psychology II
• PSYCH 9000 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Biopsychology
• PSYCH 9100 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Human Experimental Psychology
• PSYCH 9200 - Doctoral Thesis Research in Social Psychology and Personality

Summer Session Courses:

The following courses are also frequently offered in the summer session, though not necessarily by the same instructor as during the academic year. Not all of these courses are offered in a particular summer. Information regarding these courses and additional summer session offerings in psychology is available from the department before the end of the fall semester.

• PSYCH 1101 - Introduction to Psychology
• PSYCH 1102 - Introduction to Cognitive Science (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 1280 - Personality and Social Psychology: The Individual in the Social World
• PSYCH 1990 - Sports Psychology
• PSYCH 2230 - Introduction to Biopsychology (crosslisted)
• PSYCH 2800 - Introduction to Social Psychology
• PSYCH 3500 - Statistics and Research Design

Only applicants seeking the Ph.D. degree are accepted. Applicants must submit GRE general test scores in addition to transcripts of the undergraduate record, three letters of recommendation, and a personal statement of interests. Applicants are not required to submit scores on the GRE subject test in psychology, or to have had an undergraduate major in psychology. Prior research experience is highly desirable; applicants may submit research reports or work. The closing date for applications is December 15. Persons whose primary interests lie in clinical, counseling, industrial, or school psychology should not apply.

• Diplom Bakalavra; or, for institutes that do not award Diplom Bakalavra,a Diplom accompanied by transcript of courses taken and a letter from the university confirming that the applicant completed 3 years of study
• Transcripts 
• TOEFL. A minimum TOEFL score of 600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based) is required.
• 3 recommendations
• GRE general test

The financing of the Psychology undergraduate program at Cornell University is structured through a combination of need-based financial aid, merit-based scholarships, work-study opportunities, and loans aimed at supporting both domestic and international students. Cornell University is committed to making education accessible and affordable, and thus offers a robust financial aid program that includes grants, scholarships, and loans to qualified students. For domestic students, the university provides comprehensive need-based aid that covers a significant portion of tuition fees, living expenses, and other associated costs. These aid packages are determined through an extensive financial need assessment process, involving the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. The university guarantees that any undergraduate student admitted to the program with demonstrated financial need will receive sufficient aid to meet that need, ensuring that financial circumstances do not hinder access to education.

International students applying to the Psychology program are also considered for institutional aid, although the availability and amount of aid may differ from that provided to U.S. residents. Cornell offers a limited number of competitive scholarships specifically aimed at international students, and applicants are encouraged to submit supplementary materials demonstrating exceptional merit or financial need. Additionally, students may utilize federal and private student loan programs to finance their studies, with Cornell's financial aid office providing guidance on borrowing options and repayment plans.

Work-study programs organized by the university give students the opportunity to earn funds that can offset educational expenses while gaining valuable work experience related to their field of study. These positions are often related to the campus community or administrative offices, and sometimes include research assistant roles that help support faculty projects within the Psychology department.

In terms of funding for research or special projects, undergraduate students can apply for grants or stipends through university-sponsored programs or external research foundations. Moreover, the university encourages students to seek external scholarships and fellowships that support undergraduate research and professional development. Cornell also emphasizes transparency and personalized guidance in its financial aid process, providing prospective and current students with detailed counseling to help them navigate funding options effectively. Overall, the financial structure of the Psychology program at Cornell is designed to promote inclusivity and ensure that motivated students have access to high-quality education regardless of their financial background.

The undergraduate Psychology program at Cornell University offers a comprehensive exploration of human behavior, cognitive processes, and the biological and social factors that influence mental health and behavior. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in both theoretical concepts and empirical research methods. Students have the opportunity to study a broad range of topics including development, social psychology, clinical psychology, neuroscience, and perception. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, data analysis, and scientific inquiry, preparing graduates for diverse careers or advanced studies in psychology and related fields.

At Cornell, the program benefits from a distinguished faculty renowned for their contributions to psychological science, as well as access to cutting-edge laboratories and research facilities. Students are encouraged to participate in original research projects under faculty supervision, which enhances their understanding of the scientific process and provides practical experience. The department also offers a variety of specialized courses allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests such as behavioral neuroscience, cognitive psychology, or counseling.

The program typically includes core coursework in introductory psychology, statistics, research methods, and ethics, alongside elective courses that cover advanced topics. Students are also encouraged to pursue internships, service projects, or study abroad programs to gain real-world experience and broaden their perspectives. Graduates of the program have gone on to successful careers in clinical settings, counseling, research, education, and industry, as well as pursuing graduate studies in psychology, medicine, law, and other health-related fields.

Additionally, Cornell’s interdisciplinary environment fosters collaboration among students from diverse academic backgrounds, enhancing their understanding of psychological concepts within broader social and scientific contexts. The program emphasizes a rigorous, research-oriented approach to understanding human thought and behavior, making it an ideal choice for students interested in both the scientific and applicative aspects of psychology. With access to extensive academic resources and a vibrant campus community, students are well-equipped to succeed academically, professionally, and personally through the Cornell Psychology program.