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

Larry Siegel, left, along with another student, Edina Hirt and Chancellor Jacquie Moloney at the awards ceremony.
Edina Hirt '19, '21
Psychology, Autism Studies

Honors student Edina Hirt faced hurdles from learning English to battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma while working toward her degree. Still, she won an award for her dedication to community service.

I joined the Honors College because of what I could learn. I have a passion for learning.
Read More About Edina Hirt 
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 
Douglas Correa Ospina headshot
Douglas Correa Ospina '23
Economics and Psychology

Douglas Correa Ospina plans to combine his studies in psychology and economics to help immigrants and others from marginalized groups become more financially secure.

I would not be who I am today if we hadn’t come to Lowell.
Read More About Douglas Correa Ospina 
Melissa DiPano poses with a large group of students in a classroom.
Melissa DiPano '20
Psychology & Spanish

A class in cognitive psychology inspired Melissa DiPano to do research with two professors and aim for a Ph.D.

I think I just lucked out as much as a psychology major possibly can.
Read More About Melissa DiPano 
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 
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    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.
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  • 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.
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