What factors shape the way we develop, think, and act? What defines our relationships? Psychology uses scientific approaches to investigate and understand the human condition. Psychology at Sewanee aspires to take that further.

why study psychology at sewanee?

Both in and out of the classroom, Sewanee students do more than learn about psychology—they do psychology. And they do it with increasing attention and commitment to Psychology for the Public Good.  How might a deeper, more nuanced understanding of psychology impact the lives of others? And how might that orientation shape the very nature of the questions we ask, the methods we use, and who is involved in that process? Our dedicated faculty equip students with a rigorous foundational understanding of psychological principles and the creative and varied methodological approaches that inform our understanding of thought and behavior, and think together with them in discovering how to apply their knowledge and skills toward creating a more just and equitable world.

Psychology for the Public Good

Using Data to Inform Drug Education

The mission of the Grundy Safe Communities Coalition is to establish a safe, caring, drug-free community that supports local youth and families. Professor Kate Cammack and her students have been partnering with the GSCC to collect and analyze data on local adolescents’ perceptions, attitudes, and worldviews, to help inform evidence-based approaches to education and prevention.

Promoting Resilience in Our Community

Professor Sherry Hamby is the Founder and Director of Life Paths Research Center, which works to create spaces for scholars and advocates to gather and work toward a joint mission of reducing the burden of trauma and building resilience. Life Paths is also the home of ResilienceCon.

Giving Voice to Rural Education

Professor Chris Silver co-hosts The Rural Voice, the official podcast of the National Rural Education Association. Professor Silver and his co-hosts consider common themes and experiences of teachers, parents, and administrators in elementary and secondary rural education.  

Helping Us Think, With Kindness

Professor Karen Yu urges us to consider how we might apply what science tells us about how our minds work to all that we do and design, in ways that liberate and empower the full cognitive potential of each person. Better thinking—deeper, more creative, more nuanced, more expansive thinking—is arguably what we need most, with implications for our interactions, policies, and civic discourse.

Learn More About Psychology at Sewanee

Courses & Teaching

Sewanee’s Psychology curriculum is designed to cultivate core competencies in psychology. Students explore core subdisciplines in psychology and engage in hands-on laboratory courses that allow them to develop and conduct inquiry-driven research projects in psychology. Our current course offerings reflect the breath of psychology and emphasize modern and integrative approaches to understanding the human condition.

Research & Scholarship

Explore the research programs run by our Psychology faculty and discover how our students conduct and present scientific research of their own.

Our Community

Sewanee’s Psychology community welcomes all members, from the psych-curious to the newly declared major to the graduating senior. Discover the many ways to connect with other students, interact with faculty, engage with social and professional networks, and contribute to your local and global communities.

Spend a Summer or Summer + Semester at Yale

A diverse and developing collection of innovative collaborations between Sewanee and Yale School of Medicine combining the unique strengths these two institutions offer tremendous possibilities for students, faculty, and community partners both on the Mountain and in New Haven. Our cross-institutional collaborations range from courses to research projects to community engagement efforts. The partnership between these two institutions continues to grow and evolve and the opportunities are many.

Contact

Karen Yu
Professor & CHAIR of Psychology 

kyu@sewanee.edu
Woods Lab 321, Ext. 1920