Psychological and Brain Sciences

The Major in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College offers students an in-depth understanding of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, with a particular emphasis on the biological foundations of cognition and emotion. This interdisciplinary program integrates perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, and related fields to prepare students for careers in research, healthcare, education, and industry. Throughout their coursework, students explore key topics such as neural mechanisms underlying perception, memory, decision-making, and social behavior, as well as the developmental processes that shape the human mind from infancy through adulthood.

The curriculum includes foundational courses in psychological theories, biological sciences, and research methods, enabling students to develop strong analytical and experimental skills. Students have the opportunity to engage in hands-on research in cutting-edge laboratories, working alongside faculty who are leaders in their fields. This practical experience fosters critical thinking and scientific inquiry, equipping students with the ability to design experiments, analyze data, and interpret findings within a broader scientific context.

In addition to quantitative coursework, the program encourages exploration of the philosophical, ethical, and societal implications of psychological and neuroscientific discoveries. Students can tailor their academic experience through electives in areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, developmental psychology, and social psychology. The program also supports interdisciplinary collaborations, enabling students to integrate knowledge from other fields like computer science, philosophy, and anthropology.

Graduates of the Psychological and Brain Sciences major are well-prepared for graduate study or professional careers in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, data science, education, and public health. The program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, scientific communication, and ethical research practices, which are essential for success in multiple fields related to human behavior and brain function. Overall, the major provides a rigorous and comprehensive foundation for understanding the complexities of the mind and brain, fostering a lifelong engagement with scientific discovery and human understanding.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Our curriculum combines rigorous coursework, research opportunities, and experiential learning to prepare students for careers in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, and related fields. The program emphasizes the integration of biological, psychological, and social perspectives to foster a well-rounded understanding of human behavior and brain function. Students have the opportunity to study core areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, clinical psychology, and neuroscience. Through laboratory experiences, research projects, and collaborations with faculty, undergraduates are encouraged to develop critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry capabilities, and practical expertise. The department’s faculty are distinguished scholars actively engaged in cutting-edge research, which students can participate in, contributing to ongoing scientific discoveries. Our program also highlights experiential learning, including internships and community-based projects, to connect theoretical knowledge with real-world applications. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue advanced study in graduate or professional schools, or to enter the workforce in fields such as mental health, healthcare, research, and education. At Dartmouth, students benefit from a personalized academic environment, small class sizes, and close mentorship from faculty dedicated to student success and intellectual growth. The program aims to foster curiosity, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to advancing human well-being through scientific understanding.

The undergraduate program in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College requires students to complete a combination of core courses, elective coursework, and research experiences to ensure a comprehensive understanding of psychological theories and brain sciences. Incoming students typically begin with foundational courses such as PSYC 1: Introduction to Psychology, which provides an overview of major concepts, theories, and research methods in psychology. Following this, students are encouraged to take intermediate courses like PSYC 10: Brain and Behavior or PSYC 25: Cognitive Psychology, to deepen their understanding of the biological bases of behavior and mental processes. Advanced courses include topics such as neurobiology, developmental psychology, social psychology, and clinical psychology, allowing students to explore specialized areas of interest.

In addition to coursework, the program emphasizes research engagement through laboratory and independent research projects. Students are required to participate in research assistantships, often under the mentorship of faculty members who are actively involved in neuroscience, cognition, social, and clinical studies. These research experiences usually culminate in a senior thesis or capstone project, enabling students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research, analyze data, and communicate scientific findings effectively.

To gain breadth and depth in the discipline, students are also encouraged to take related courses in neuroscience, biology, and statistics. Statistical methods, including courses like STAT 10: Introduction to Statistical Methods, are essential for analyzing research data and interpreting experimental results. The program may also recommend or require some coursework in ethics and scientific integrity to prepare students for responsible conduct in research.

Students must meet Dartmouth’s general graduation requirements, including a minimum number of total credits, completion of a writing requirement, and the distribution of courses across core areas. International students and those with specific academic interests may have additional requirements or recommendations.

Overall, the program aims to produce graduates who are well-versed in psychological theory, research methods, and the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. Graduates often go on to pursue advanced degrees in psychology, neuroscience, medicine, or related fields, as well as careers in research, healthcare, education, and industry. Continuous advising and mentorship are integral to supporting students throughout their academic journey in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College.

The Psychology and Brain Sciences program at Dartmouth College offers a range of financial aid options to support students throughout their undergraduate studies. Dartmouth is committed to making its education accessible and affordable, and provides need-based financial aid to meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students. The college's financial aid program is comprehensive, ensuring that students from diverse economic backgrounds can attend without the burden of excessive debt. Applicants to the program are encouraged to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile to be considered for institutional aid. Dartmouth does not offer merit-based scholarships; aid decisions are based solely on financial need. Once admitted, students receive a financial aid package tailored to their individual circumstances, which may consist of grants, work-study opportunities, and loans. Grants do not need to be repaid and can significantly reduce the overall cost of attendance. The college's endowment allows it to provide generous financial support to its students. Additionally, students may seek external scholarships and fellowships to supplement their funding. Dartmouth also offers the Dartmouth College Partner Network, which includes opportunities for financial assistance for students from partner institutions. International students are also eligible for need-based aid, ensuring a diverse and inclusive academic community. For students pursuing research or internship opportunities related to Psychology and Brain Sciences, there are specific funding options available, including research stipends and travel grants. The college’s financial services office assists students with questions regarding payment plans, financial planning, and other resources to manage educational expenses effectively. Overall, the program’s financing studies aim to minimize financial barriers, enabling students to focus on their academic and research pursuits in Psychology and Brain Sciences.

The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the scientific study of mind and brain. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating insights from psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, and related fields to understand behavior and mental processes. Students have the opportunity to explore various areas such as perception, cognition, social behavior, neurobiology, and clinical psychology through core courses, laboratory work, and research projects. The program encourages active engagement in empirical research, providing students with hands-on experience in designing experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting results under the guidance of faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Dartmouth's close-knit academic environment fosters collaboration and mentorship, helping students develop critical thinking skills and scientific literacy essential for graduate study or careers in health, research, and related fields. Additionally, students can participate in seminars, workshops, and internships to gain practical insights into psychology and brain sciences in real-world contexts. The program also aims to promote interdisciplinary learning by offering related courses in biology, philosophy, computer science, and other disciplines. Graduates of the program are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary for graduate education, careers in mental health services, neuroscience research, technology development, and other areas related to understanding the human mind and behavior. The department emphasizes a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, encouraging diverse perspectives in scientific inquiry and teaching. Overall, the Undergraduate Program in Psychological and Brain Sciences at Dartmouth College prepares students to contribute meaningfully to the scientific community and society by understanding the complexities of the mind and brain through rigorous research and scholarship.