The field of Psychology first emerged at Harvard in the late 1800's under the scholarship of William James, and ever since then Harvard has been at the forefront of the field. The Department has a long and rich history, and its past faculty and researchers have included some of the most famous names in psychology, including B.F. Skinner, Gordon Allport, Jerome Bruner, George Miller, and Henry Murray. Psychology is one of the most popular courses of study among undergraduates at Harvard.
Harvard's Department of Psychology is a leader in psychological research, education, and practice. The department's work spans a wide range of areas including cognition, emotion, social psychology, clinical psychology, and neuroscience.
We've got the brains for the future. For the benefit of society.
The Psychology & Neuroscience community is dedicated to creating an academic and social environment where each person can flourish. We have ongoing Diversity, Equity & Inclusion efforts, led by the Psychology & Neuroscience Task Force, to develop strategic priorities for diversity and inclusion with measurable outcomes. It is our priority that all students, staff, faculty, mentors, and trainees – every member of our community – is represented and supported.
In the Department of Psychology we focus on the investigation of behavior and its cognitive, neural and hormonal underpinnings in the full range of environmental situations. Our strengths lie in four broadly defined areas of development, cognition, neuroscience, and social and personality psychology. We develop and conduct theoretical and translational research to advance health and well-being.