The UMass Lowell Psychology Department enables students to understand human behavior and cognition, contribute solutions to human problems and respond to a changing world.

Why Study Psychology at UMass Lowell?

We offer small classes in a wide variety of subjects. Our students 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 on groundbreaking research, presidents of national organizations and collaborators in the Lowell community.

Meet Our Students

UMass Lowell student Debby Fernand stands next to RHSA Director Matthew Hurwitz
Debby Fernand '22
Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies

Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.

The RHSA was the first aspect of college I got to know and love.
Read More About Debby Fernand 
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 
Rocio Rosales
Rocio Rosales
Psychology

Rocio Rosales studies the special challenges faced by bilingual families of children with autism spectrum disorder.

That’s the part of my job that I love – that mentoring piece and getting students excited about the integration of application and research.
Read More About Rocio Rosales 
Sara Khun-Leng, seated in her office, speaking with staff members
Sara Khun-Leng '99
Criminal Justice

Sara Khun-Leng ’99 helps immigrants and refugees, veterans and others needing assistance as director of constituent services in the district office of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.

I felt like I had to do this, to speak for people who are not always able to help themselves.
Read More About Sara Khun-Leng 
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 

News

More News
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    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.
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  • 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.
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