Psychology

The Department of Psychology is well-known for its innovation and leadership in the field, conducting formative research in the fields of cognitive neuroscience and developmental psychopathology. We have made important contributions through cutting-edge work that uses machine learning, wearable data collection devices, and a suite of neuroimaging tools — to name just a few of our techniques.

What you can do with a degree in Psychology

A psychology degree from the University of Oregon opens the door to a variety of careers. Our coursework teaches skills in problem solving, communication, and analytical thinking. Our alumni have used their training to find success in careers across a number of different fields, including: 

  • Hospitals, rehab facilities and healthcare providers
  • Market research firms and public relations
  • Media, communications, and journalism
  • Large corporations
  • Schools and educational institutions
  • Federal, state, and local government agencies
  • Colleges and universities
  • Nonprofit agencies
  • Private research organizations
  • Consulting firms and think tanks
300+
BACHELOR'S DEGREES AWARDED ANNUALLY
#5
ONLINE MASTER'S PROGRAM RANKED BY COUNSELINGPSYCHOLOGY.ORG
3
FACULTY IN NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
Psychology alum, Daniel Levitin

A Brain on Music

Psychology alum Daniel Levitin, an acclaimed cognitive psychologist and award-winning former music executive, writes bestselling books that get people excited about the neuroscience of music. He recently visited campus and spoke about his newest book to students in Cognitive Psychology.

Three women with a global map in the background

Faculty Receive Recognition from APS

Three Psychology faculty members have received recognition from the Association for Psychological Science, which represents more than 25,000 psychological scientists worldwide. Two of our newest assistant professors were named APS Rising Stars for their early-career contributions to the field.

university of oregon psychology clinic

University of Oregon Psychology Clinic

We support the well-being of our community by providing low-cost, high-quality, evidence-based therapy services to UO faculty, staff, and students as well as members of the Eugene-Springfield community. Our clinic serves as the primary training site for doctoral students in the University of Oregon clinical psychology program, with services provided by advanced graduate students under the supervision of licensed psychologists. We provide culturally sensitive and affirming services that incorporate important (and often marginalized) identities.

Our Degree Programs

Our department is constantly working to push the boundaries of psychological science in the classroom, in the lab, and in the clinic. We pair the wisdom of decades of foundational work with an excitement for shaping the future of our field.

Psychology_Rachel Jacobson and Dr. Sara Weston
Learn from Experts in the Field

Our talented faculty conduct cutting-edge research across five broad areas in psychology: clinical, cognitive neuroscience, developmental, social and personality, and systems neuroscience. Three of our faculty are members of the National Academy of Sciences, and included among the many awards they have earned are the Benjamin Franklin Medal in Computer and Cognitive Science as well as a Grammy.

Lab technician examining an MRI brain scan
Get Real-world Experience

The Department of Psychology offers a wide range of opportunities for students to gain practical knowledge and experiential learning experience. A practicum placement allows students to earn credit while working in a specific area of psychology. We also encourage students to participate in research within one of our many laboratories and collaborative institutes.

Scholarships and Funding

In addition to university-wide opportunities for funding and scholarships, the psychology department offers multiple scholarships and awards for both undergraduate and graduate students.

Undergraduate Scholarships Graduate Funding

Academic Support

There are many opportunities for psychology students to receive advising and help with experiential learning as well as career and graduate school preparation. Peer advisors, graduate student and faculty advisors are all available throughout the academic year.

Undergraduate Advising Support for Graduate Students

Psychology News and Events

PSYCHOLOGY - Adolescence isn’t a time of dysfunction; it’s a peak period of brain development, adaptability, and growth. Jennifer Pfeifer, a psychology professor at the College of Arts and Sciences, discusses at the 2025 TEDxPortland that it’s time to flip the script and recognize that young people are acting exactly as they’re wired to, and are capable of far more than we’ve been led to believe.
Different mental health disorders can present drastically different symptoms, but many share a common thread: disruptions to episodic memory, or the ability to recall personal experiences. Students, faculty and staff in the Department of Psychology explored the role of episodic memory in mental health disorders during a recent workshop on “Episodic Memory as a Window to Understand Psychopathology.
PSYCHOLOGY - Two of the Psychology department’s newest faculty members, assistant professors Lauren Forrest and Tina Gupta, were recognized as Association for Psychological Science Rising Stars, an award presented to early-career researchers who are advancing the field. The organization also named Psychology department head Sara Hodges an APS fellow.

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Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference
Sep26
Consortium of Oregon Diversity and Equity Scholars (CODES) Conference Sep 26 Straub Hall
Department of History: Fall Get-Togeter
Oct3
Department of History: Fall Get-Togeter Oct 3 McKenzie Hall
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
Oct8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources Oct 8
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop)
Oct13
How to: Resume and Cover Letter Tips (Workshop) Oct 13 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Experiential Learning Opportunity Panel
Oct14
Experiential Learning Opportunity Panel Oct 14 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Next Level Resumes and CVs
Oct15
Next Level Resumes and CVs Oct 15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches)
Oct15
Resume Extravaganza! (Drop-In Resume Reviews with Career Coaches & Peer Coaches) Oct 15 Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall
Career Tour-Tech Edition
Oct17
Career Tour-Tech Edition Oct 17 Ford Alumni Center
2025 Oregon Postdoc Symposium
Oct17
2025 Oregon Postdoc Symposium Oct 17
The BIG10 Academia Postdoc Hiring Fair
Oct21
The BIG10 Academia Postdoc Hiring Fair Oct 21

All events »