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Psychology is a prototypical liberal arts major. The subject, by nature, calls for study and consideration of perspectives across multiple academic disciplines.

"We really are a bridge between the natural and social sciences," says Professor of Psychology Chuck Huff. To conduct well-rounded studies of human behavior, he explains, it is necessary to consider both the physical characteristics of the brain and the surrounding social factors that shape personality and decision-making. "On both sides we are rigorously scientific," Huff says."If you want to use psychology to help people, you can't just be empathetic. You need to understand the science of psychology to do that well."

FACT: St. Olaf psychology majors often co-author papers that are published in peer-reviewed journals and present findings to audiences at local, regional, national and international professional conferences.

Psychologists examine how people adapt to their environments through biological, social, emotional, spiritual, perceptual, behavioral, linguistic and cognitive processes, so relevant coursework isn't limited to the social and natural sciences. Classes in fine arts and the humani-ties can also contribute to a psychology education.

Learn more about psychology at St. Olaf. Download the psychology PDF (Requires Adobe Acrobat).

Visit the psychology department website.