Psychological Science

The Department of Psychological Science at Gustavus Adolphus College affirms the Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Statement from the Association of Psychological Science.

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all areas of our leadership, membership, activities, staff, and field. Including members of underrepresented groups in meaningful ways is a vital part of this commitment. Acknowledging the harmful roles that racism and other forms of discrimination and exclusion have played in all aspects of society, including our field, is critical in order to turn this commitment into action. This includes investigating potential consequences within our own organization. We fully embrace the guiding organizational principle that psychological science has the ability to transform society for the better and can and must play a central role in advancing human welfare and the public interest. To that end, we support the pursuit of a wide variety of scientific work that furthers our understanding of the causes and harmful effects of racism, stereotypes, and inequities; the psychological and societal benefits of diversity, equity, and inclusion; and the most effective ways to foster these outcomes and advance a more just and equitable world.

Mission Statement 

The Department of Psychological Science is committed to fostering an academic environment that exposes students to different scientific approaches and embraces diverse psychological perspectives. Through coursework, students develop skills to conduct individual research and ethically apply psychological theory, which we believe, strengthens understanding of mind and behavior. The department’s primary goals are to provide knowledge and cultivate skills that will serve students well as they continue to grow professionally and move forward into their careers.

Why Study Psychology?

Psychology is a social science that strives to understand human behavior and its underlying mental processes. In other words, psychologists explore why people behave the way they do and why they think the way they think. The skills and knowledge gained by students will prepare them for a variety of careers, such as social work, counseling, advocacy, and more. Those who choose careers in psychology may work in vocational settings, advocacy centers, counseling centers, businesses, hospitals, and schools. The psychology program at Gustavus creates an academic learning environment that fosters research skills, teaches comprehensive theoretical perspectives, and lends to personal growth.