Psychology

The Psychology Department at Macalester is a place where curiosity, research, and hands-on learning come together. Our research-focused curriculum and experiential teaching approach give students the tools to dive deep into the scientific study of behavior and experience. Whether exploring cognition, behavioral neuroscience, moral reasoning, or social development, students spend time both in the lab and out in the community applying what they learn.

Our majors begin with foundational courses across a wide range of psychology subfields and continue into advanced seminars that provide rich training in specialized topics. Every psychology major also completes an individualized capstone project, working closely with faculty mentors who are actively engaged in their own research. Students play pivotal roles as collaborators and research assistants, gaining real-world experience throughout their time in the department.

Support Psychology at Macalester!

The Psychology Department is raising funds to enhance student learning through two key initiatives:

• Bringing Distinguished Speakers to Campus – Guest speakers introduce students to groundbreaking ideas and leading scholars in psychology, enriching classroom discussions and inspiring new research.
• Supporting Student Research – Many students face financial barriers to conducting research. Your donation will help cover costs like participant payments, materials, and conference travel, allowing students to pursue impactful projects.

Our goal is to raise $2,500 to support these efforts. As a thank-you, donors will receive invitations to speaker events and psychology research showcases. Every gift—big or small—helps shape the future of psychological research at Macalester!