Welcome to the Department of Psychology at UMass Lowell. Join us to understand human behavior and cognition, contribute solutions to human problems and respond to a changing world.

Why Study Psychology at UMass Lowell?

  • Small, diverse classes. We offer small classes in a wide variety of subjects. 
  • Dedicated faculty. 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 of groundbreaking research, presidents of national organizations and collaborators in the Lowell community.
  • World-class facilities and equipment. Our facilities include several computer labs, fNIRS equipment, EyeLink eye-tracking, biomonitoring devices, immersive computing (e.g., virtual reality) and access to a high-dimensional computing cluster.
  • Make a difference. Gain the knowledge and skills to respond to social problems and promote well-being through your career and in your community.

Meet Our Students

Emily Makrez poses next to lettuce growing on her farm.
Emily Makrez ’07, ’09
Psychology

Emily Makrez ’07, ’09 turned her passion for farming, fermenting and foraging into her own business.

Maybe I can’t affect the big factory farms, but I can take care of the soil that I’m currently on.
Read More About Emily Makrez 
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 
Dejonai Willis with UMass Lowell professor Stephanie Block
Dejonai Willis '22
Psychology, minors in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Dejonai Willis began her UML career in a support program for first-generation college students. Now she’s thriving.

I was scared, but I was integrated into the community through the RHSA my first day, and it was smooth sailing after that.
Read More About Dejonai Willis 
UMass Lowell student David Levenson shakes hands with another student on stairs leading to a campus building.
David Levenson '25
Psychology

David Levenson’s Mock Trial team experience led to a real legal internship.

The opportunities I’m getting through Mock Trial are so exciting.
Read More About David Levenson 
Nicole Cruz Merced and friends at the undergraduate commencement exercise in 2018.
Nicole Cruz Merced '18, '20
Psychology & Community Social Psychology

When Nicole Cruz Merced overcame her shyness and reached out to a professor, it changed her life.

I found myself as a student in undergrad; I found myself as a professional in grad school.
Read More About Nicole Cruz Merced 
  • A woman with long hair and in a black top works at a laptop at her desk in her office.

    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.
    Featured Story
  • 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.
    Featured Story