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

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

Psychology and Sociology major Debby Fernand serves on the university’s Student Mental Health Advisory Committee.

I just love being a part of this community. I love being around faculty and staff who mirror some of my interests.
Read More About Debby Fernand 
UMass Lowell student Rafaela Gonzalez poses with some of her GloryScent products
Rafaela Gonzalez '18
Sociology

Rafaela Gonzalez wants to care for people as individuals and in communities, so she's majoring in sociology and minoring in psychology. She's also started her own business.

I like to encourage people and give them hope - especially teenagers when they have problems and people aren't actually listening.
Read More About Rafaela Gonzalez 
Rianna Grissom talks with Assistant Professor Yana Weinstein
Rianna Grissom '20
Applied Psychology & Prevention Science

Rianna Grissom does research on how stereotypes and prejudices affect biracial and multiracial people.

I’m interested in what it’s like to be multiracial in America right now.
Read More About Rianna Grissom 
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