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 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 
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 
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 
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