Welcome to Undergraduate Psychology

Welcome to the Stony Brook Department of Psychology! Whether you're a prospective student, just starting out, or continuing your journey as a psychology major, we're glad to have you with us.

The study of psychology provides an understanding of the biological, cognitive, social, and clinical origins of behavior, thought, and emotion, and the methods that psychologists use to investigate them. Knowledge of psychological principles and the ability to evaluate theories and research are essential in our rapidly changing society.

Established in 1965, the Stony Brook Department of Psychology is among the university's largest and most robust undergraduate departments. We boast a rich history of teaching and research excellence, with faculty members recognized for their outstanding contributions at local, state, and national levels. Many of our faculty are esteemed researchers, offering students ample opportunities for involvement in research and teaching.

Our undergraduate programs lead to either a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, both providing a comprehensive overview of psychology and related fields. The B.S. program emphasizes natural sciences and mathematics, while the B.A. program offers a broader interdisciplinary perspective. Both programs equip students with foundational knowledge necessary for graduate studies or careers in various fields, including medicine, education, law, management, business, marketing, and data science. If you're uncertain about which degree pathway to pursue, we recommend you make an appointment with one of our Psychology academic advisors. They can discuss whether the B.A. or B.S. degree aligns best with your long-term goals.

During your time here, we encourage you to enhance your coursework by exploring a variety of opportunities. This may include participating in supervised research or internships, engaging in honors psychology, or serving as a teaching assistant. Whatever path you choose, the Department of Psychology is dedicated to preparing you for a range of career and graduate school options.

Please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section for answers to commonly asked questions. For inquiries specifically about the undergraduate degree programs in Psychology, please visit our contact page.