Welcome to the University of Mary Washington Department of Psychological Science!

Our department is made up of faculty who are award-winning teachers and researchers, passionate students, and amazing staff. Below are just a few of the amazing things we are doing and the beautiful spaces in Mercer Hall where we work.
What We Do
- Award-winning Teaching – With small classes, no teaching assistant instructors, and personalized attention, UMW’s Psychology education is second to none.
- Nationally-recognized Research – Students and faculty work together on cutting-edge research in a range of areas in psychology and across disciplines.
- UMW offers many experiential learning opportunities, including internships, NECC, and Community service learning. You can find more information and how to apply to these on the out-of-class experiences pages.
Where We Work: Mercer Hall
- Classrooms
- Laboratories
- Collaboration spaces
- Formal and informal student spaces
Opportunities to Get Involved
- Department Representatives – Students are elected as representatives so that students’ voices are heard on major decisions we make.
- Department Jobs – There are job opportunities within the department for students with a range of skills and interests!
- Psi Chi – Our chapter of the Psychology honor society has been named the national chapter of the year twice!
Psychology Major and Neuroscience Minor Information
- Psychology Major and Neuroscience Minor Requirements
- VCCS Transfer and AP/IB/Cambridge credits
- Psychology Program Brochure
What can I do with a degree in Psychology?
Psychology majors are uniquely poised to enter a wide variety of professions after they graduate with a bachelor’s degree. Many students pursue a career within the field, some pursue a master’s or doctoral degree to obtain additional knowledge and skills. However, the majority of students who earn their bachelor’s degree choose to enter into a profession other than psychology, but one that makes good use of the skills and knowledge they acquired as a psychology major. Go here for information on careers capitalizing on a psychology education: After-Graduation Guidebook to Non-Psych Jobs
Our majors engage in careers both within and outside of Psychology, including:
- Therapy
- Social Work
- Teaching
- Government Contracting
- Human Resources
For more job possibilities with a psychology education, see this list: What can I do with a degree in Psychology?
Questions?
- Check out our FAQ
- View our welcome video
- Meet Dr. Dave Kolar who recorded a Q&A with prospective students
- Email our department chair, Dr. Miram Liss (mliss@umw.edu), or any of the faculty