Welcome to the Department of Psychology at UMass Lowell. Join us to understand human behavior and cognition, contribute solutions to human problems and respond to a changing world.

Why Study Psychology at UMass Lowell?

  • Small, diverse classes. We offer small classes in a wide variety of subjects. 
  • Dedicated faculty. Work with and learn from a distinguished group of faculty who are leaders in their fields. Many are nationally recognized authors, editors of journals, investigators of groundbreaking research, presidents of national organizations and collaborators in the Lowell community.
  • World-class facilities and equipment. Our facilities include several computer labs, fNIRS equipment, EyeLink eye-tracking, biomonitoring devices, immersive computing (e.g., virtual reality) and access to a high-dimensional computing cluster.
  • Make a difference. Gain the knowledge and skills to respond to social problems and promote well-being through your career and in your community.

Meet Our Students

Emily Makrez poses next to lettuce growing on her farm.
Emily Makrez ’07, ’09
Psychology

Emily Makrez ’07, ’09 turned her passion for farming, fermenting and foraging into her own business.

Maybe I can’t affect the big factory farms, but I can take care of the soil that I’m currently on.
Read More About Emily Makrez 
Larry Siegel, left, along with another student, Edina Hirt and Chancellor Jacquie Moloney at the awards ceremony.
Edina Hirt '19, '21
Psychology, Autism Studies

Honors student Edina Hirt faced hurdles from learning English to battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while working toward her degree. Still, she won an award for her dedication to community service.

I joined the Honors College because of what I could learn. I have a passion for learning.
Read More About Edina Hirt 
UMass student Sandi DeRuntz stands in front of Difference Maker sign.
Sandi DeRuntz '25
Bachelor of Liberal Arts: Art and Psychology

Sandi DeRuntz invented ZipperBuddy, an aid for people with disabilities, through an interdisciplinary class and DifferenceMaker.

I’ve found my purpose: I want to create accessible devices.
Read More About Sandi DeRuntz 
Rianna Grissom talks with Assistant Professor Yana Weinstein
Rianna Grissom '20
Applied Psychology & Prevention Science

Rianna Grissom does research on how stereotypes and prejudices affect biracial and multiracial people.

I’m interested in what it’s like to be multiracial in America right now.
Read More About Rianna Grissom 
Nicole Cruz Merced and friends at the undergraduate commencement exercise in 2018.
Nicole Cruz Merced '18, '20
Psychology & Community Social Psychology

When Nicole Cruz Merced overcame her shyness and reached out to a professor, it changed her life.

I found myself as a student in undergrad; I found myself as a professional in grad school.
Read More About Nicole Cruz Merced