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

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 
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 Lowell student Debby Fernand stands next to RHSA Director Matthew Hurwitz
Debby Fernand '22
Psychology, Sociology and Race and Ethnic Studies

Debby Fernand says the River Hawk Scholars Academy has introduced her to friends and faculty mentors – and turned her into a leader herself.

The RHSA was the first aspect of college I got to know and love.
Read More About Debby Fernand 
Jesse Friedman poses while traveling in San Sabastian, Spain on top of Mount Igueldo.
Jesse Friedman '27
Psychology

Jesse Friedman’s path from Middlesex Community College to UMass Lowell included stops in Northern Ireland and Spain through study abroad programs.

Traveling abroad with UMass Lowell in a structured environment helped me build confidence and independence.
Read More About Jesse Friedman 
Jared Socolow meets with Associate Teaching Professor Mary Duell in her office.
Jared Socolow '20
Psychology

Jared Socolow turned his own struggles into a research project that he will present at the annual conference of the Association for Psychological Science.

I like to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself.
Read More About Jared Socolow