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

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 
UMass Lowell student David Levenson shakes hands with another student on stairs leading to a campus building.
David Levenson '25
Psychology

David Levenson’s Mock Trial team experience led to a real legal internship.

The opportunities I’m getting through Mock Trial are so exciting.
Read More About David Levenson 
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 
Portrait of Tara Lynch in glasses looking away from the camera
Tara Lynch '15, '19
Psychology, Public Health

Tara Lynch's experience during her undergraduate psychology program practicum working with a community agency to improve outcomes for rape survivors led her to pursue a Master of Public Health.

Designing studies, analyzing risk factors and human behaviors – that's what I'm doing right now, and it's what I love.
Read More About Tara Lynch 
  • A woman with long hair and in a black top works at a laptop at her desk in her office.

    Behind the Scenes of a New Professor’s First-Class Experience

    Just like students, every faculty member has a “first day” in a new classroom. Here’s what the first day was like for Asst. Prof. of Psychology Sarah Merrill, who is continuing a family legacy at UMass Lowell.
    Featured Story
  • Liberal Arts Gabrielle Salvatore '24 in front of UMass Lowell's Coburn Hall

    Build Your Own Major in Bachelor of Liberal Arts

    Students can customize their studies to meet their personal interests and goals through the Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree. They choose two concentrations among 27 options in UML’s flexible, interdisciplinary program.
    Featured Story