Located in the heart of Los Angeles, the University of Southern California Department of Psychology has among its faculty internationally recognized scholars and one of the most diverse student populations in the United States. Our faculty and students are engaged in groundbreaking studies, investigating basic theoretical questions and bringing their work to bear on some of society's most pressing needs. The department offers graduate training in five areas: Brain & Cognitive Science, Clinical Science, Developmental Psychology, Quantitative Methods and Computational Psychology, and Social Psychology.
Psychology is a remarkably broad field that studies mind and behavior at all levels of analysis ranging from the micro to the macro; from single cells to complex systems; from individuals to groups and cultures; and from invertebrates to humans. Our department is committed to research, teaching/mentorship, and service. We have over 1,000 undergraduate majors and enroll approximately 100 graduate students in our Ph.D. programs. Graduate students have an unusually high success rate in securing external funding, and we have an excellent track record for placing them following their Ph.D.s.
The OSU Department of Psychology aims to produce exceptional, innovative research to advance knowledge about mind, brain, and behavior, with the goal of understanding and improving the human condition. We create, synthesize, and translate knowledge about behavioral, psychological, and brain processes to provide a foundation for educating our students and the public. We train undergraduate, graduate, and post-doctoral scholars to become 21st-century psychological scientists able to evaluate, apply, and create knowledge. We value diversity and inclusion of persons, perspectives, and approaches because it enriches our work and fosters a supportive and intellectually stimulating department community.
Did you know that the Psychology Department at Western was ranked 4th in Canada and in the top 150 Psychology Departments worldwide in the 2023 QS World University Rankings?