students at desk
Real-World Impact

Our faculty and students conduct research that reaches out to Pittsburgh communities and far beyond.

Discover what sets us apart
Attend an event
Educational excellence begins here

Our psychology major and PhD programs prepare students for careers in psychology and allied disciplines, and develop strong research and analytic skills.

Our Areas of Emphasis
women working in a lab
Bio-health Program
Trains students in understanding biological, psychological, social, and behavioral determinants of physical health and disease.
people in discussion
Clinical Program
Trains clinical scientists who will apply basic psychological and biological knowledge to the understanding of major clinical psychological and health problems
experiment
Cognitive Program
Domains of strength include: Language, reading, and text processing, High-level cognition, complex learning and instruction, and Cognitive neuroscience
man observing child
Developmental Program
Trains students in socio-emotional development, cognitive development, language development, and social-cognitive development
two students talking
Social Program
Prepares students to make significant empirical and theoretical contributions to social psychology
teaching a class
Teaching Program
The Teaching Program is a home for teaching-focused faculty and teaching mentorship

News

Congratulations to Isabella Kahhale!

Isabella Kahhale is the winner of the APA Division 12 (Society for Clinical Psychology) 2026 Dissertation Award! The committee was particularly impressed by her many contributions to our profession in education, science, service, and clinical practice. Congratulations, Isabella!

Image_Daniel_Shaw

Congratulations, Danny!

Congratulations to Danny Shaw, who has been awarded a 2026 Chancellor's Distinguished Research Award in the senior scientist category for his research in developmental psychopathology and the evidence-based interventions he has developed for improving the lives of children and families facing economic and social challenges!!

Image_Michael Sayette_

Michael Sayette’s research highlighted in New York Times article

A recent New York Times article examining alcohol’s role as a “social lubricant” and the broader implications of social drinking highlighted the research of Department of Psychology Distinguished Professor Michael Sayette, whose laboratory studies have helped illuminate how alcohol can enhance social bonding and group interaction. NYT account required to view full article. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/02/10/health/social-drinking-risks-alcohol…

View All News

Events

View All Events