Psychology - Lewis & Clark
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One way for our students to collaborate with faculty is through our annual Rogers Summer Science Research Program. 

One way for our students to collaborate with faculty is through our annual Rogers Summer Science Research Program.

Professor stands at the front of a classroom, gesturing and speaking to many students sitting at their laptops. 
Students learn together in our Psychology of Gender course.

Academics
Psychology
Psychology
Our students
do
psychology—they don’t just read about it. Plus, they build relationships with faculty (often as a coresearcher!), engage in hands-on learning opportunities in Portland and overseas, and learn from and collaborate with their peers, both in and out of the classroom.
Majors
Art (Studio)
Art History
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Biology
Chemistry
Classics
Computer Science
Computer Science and Mathematics
Data Science
Economics
Environmental Studies
French Studies
German Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
International Affairs
Mathematics
Music
Philosophy
Physics
Political Science
Psychology
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Sociology and Anthropology
Student-Designed Major
Theatre
World Languages
Minors
Art and Art History
Artificial Intelligence
Asian Studies
Chemistry
Chinese
Classics
Computer Science
Cybersecurity
Dance
Data Science
Earth System Science
Economics
Education
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation
Environmental Studies
Ethnic Studies
French Studies
Gender Studies
German Studies
Health Studies
Hispanic Studies
History
Japanese
Latin American and Latino Studies
Law and Policy
Mathematics
Middle East and North African Studies
Music
Neuroscience
Philosophy
Physics
Political Economy
Political Science
Religious Studies
Rhetoric and Media Studies
Russian
Theatre
Why Choose a Degree in Psychology?
While you build a scientifically rigorous foundation in the psychology discipline, you will also design studies, analyze and interpret data, communicate your findings, and have the opportunity to apply these skills in real-world settings.
We believe this active, engaged approach to learning is the best preparation for your life after Lewis & Clark, both as a professional and a scientifically literate citizen.
Apply
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What You’ll Study
Our psychology curriculum is multidisciplinary, and spans social, clinical, developmental, cognitive, and biological/neuroscientific aspects of the field. We believe in working closely with our students both in the classroom and our laboratories. Undergraduates are deeply involved in our research programs exploring the psychology of health-related behaviors, the neuropsychology of bilingualism, the use of technology to teach coding concepts to children, the social construction of depictions of mental illness, and many other topics.
Outside the classroom, psychology students often complete off-campus internships and practica at a variety of relevant agencies and organizations. Many of our students
study overseas
. In addition to general cultural programs that are open to all students, there are programs designed and led by psychology faculty to
Australia
and
Ireland
, in which students gain credit toward their psychology degree and gain valuable internship experience.
Curriculum
Connect With Lewis & Clark!
After you hit submit, we will follow up with information about L&C, and you will have the opportunity to share a bit more about yourself.
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Favorite Class



Think Like Ant: An Introduction to Complex Systems



It has helped me understand how a group of organisms execute collective behaviors without a leader to guide them.




Ainsley Rios BA ’27


Major: Psychology







Favorite Class



Cognitive Psychology with Professor Erik Nilsen



It really opened my mind to understanding why we are the way we are and confirmed my desire to go to grad school. Erik blended interactive activities and lab work with his lectures, which helped me grasp the material in a hands-on way. He’s incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help.




Gabby Beltran BA ’23


Major: Psychology

Minor: Health Studies







Favorite Class



Value creation with Matt Fox



An assignment we did was the $20 challenge, and it sparked my interest in marketing/promotions.




Jeremiah Bernal BA ’25


Major: Psychology

Minor: Entrepreneurship







Favorite Class



Key Monuments with Associate Professor Benjamin David



Ben brought new and remarkable perspectives to Western art history that I had yet to experience. His kindness and caring for students is clear, and he emulates a well-rounded approach to knowledge in his lectures and assignments. 10/10, would recommend!




Lucia Sheridan BA ’23


Major: Psychology and German Studies (double)

Minor: Art and Art History







Favorite Class



I had so many favorite classes, I can’t pick just one!



My favorite psychology classes, though, would have to be: Abnormal Psychology and Psychiatric Health, taught by Dr. Amelia Wilcox; Social Construction of Madness and Personality Theory, taught by Dr. Tom Schoeneman; Psychology of Sustainability (Capstone), taught by Dr. Jolina Ruckert; and Behavioral Neuroscience, taught by Dr. Yueping Zhang. My favorite non-psychology classes would be: Intro to Poetry, taught by Dr. Mary Szybist; and Key Monuments, taught by Dr. Dawn Odell.




Ruth Liebendorfer BA ’22


Major: Psychology







Favorite Class



Medical Anthropology with Professor Sepideh Bajracharya



It deconstructed the way I thought of illness, health, and healing. The books we read in class have left a lasting impact on me. I keep revisiting the topics of embodied care, bearing witness to pain, and the importance of paying attention to phenomenological experience while I search for my place within the health care system.




Ami Bošelová BA ’23


Major: Psychology

Minor: Health Studies, Art (double)







Favorite Class



Rhetorical Theory with Professor Kundai Chirindo



His perspective was that the entire history of Western thought is essentially a search for the best way to discover “Big T” Truth—truth in its transcendent, absolute form. He broke down the distinction between that “Big T” Truth and “small t” truth, which is more situational and tied to kairos, the idea of the appropriate moment. That framework has stuck with me, as it’s a great reminder that context and timing are just as important as the truth itself. Plus, Kundai is a phenomenal speaker, which made the class even more engaging.




Curtis Shirey BA ’15


Major: Psychology and Rhetoric and Media Studies (double)







Favorite Class



Advanced Social Psychology: Focus on Intergroup Relations capstone course with Dr. Diana Leonard



It expanded my knowledge of how social identities play a huge role in the way people interact across groups and it helped me better understand group conflict and how intergroup relations can be improved through reconciliation processes and collective healing. I also got to write my thesis on multiracial identity and social anxiety and this was a very powerful experience to design and conduct a research study driven by my own identity and experiences.




Maya Postigo BA ’23


Major: Psychology







Favorite Class



Voice and Movement with Associate Professor Rebecca Lingafelter



That class taught me how to ground myself not only as a performer but as a person. It connected me to my classmates and collaborators and laid the foundation for more intentional, meaningful, and beautiful creations beyond the classroom.




Mack Mae BA ’25


Major: Theatre (Performance Concentration) and Psychology (double)







Favorite Class



Health Psychology and Cross Cultural Psychology



I learned about the importance of the body-mind connection (especially when it comes to stress) and cultural sensitivity—I am able to apply what I learned in these courses to my current job where I work with children of diverse backgrounds.




Kathryn Kiskinen BA ’23


Major: Psychology

Minor: Music







Favorite Class



Feminist Theory with Associate Professor Kim Brodkin



The course readings were captivating, and class discussions and assignments allowed my classmates and I to engage in these vital and fascinating conversations with nuance and respect. I always say this class broke my brain and rebuilt it, and I continue to grapple with the ideas and discourse of this class a year later.




Zoë Smith BA ’25


Major: Psychology

Minor: Gender Studies







Favorite Class



Psychology of Sustainability with Assistant Professor Jolina Ruckert



Jolina is so supportive and knowledgeable that it makes you excited to go to class, and she allowed the main project to be really flexible in order to make room for anyone’s passion or interest to be explored.




Cloe Moreno BA ’24


Major: Psychology

Minor: Health Studies and Art (double)







Favorite Class



Abnormal Psychology with Visiting Professor Kate Schoeneman



I enjoy learning about mental disorders, and Prof. Schoeneman has stories from her career that help give context and feeling/reality to the disorders we discuss.




Sarah Duncan BA ’27


Major: Psychology

Minor: Neuroscience







Favorite Class



Philosophy: Ethics with Visiting Assistant Professor Eli Lichtenstein



I left with a vast array of knowledge and critical-thinking procedures that I was not aware I lacked. What’s more, I got the experience of having a professor who cares about and values his students, and is someone who wants to get involved even outside of class.




Kenan Imamovic BA ’25


Major: Computer Science and Psychology (double)







Favorite Class



Data, Privacy, and Ethics



We explored a lot of current events relating to AI and machine learning and the ethical implications of their uses in policing, government, etc. 




Rosa Caldera BA ’26


Major: Psychology

Minor: Philosophy




Complement Your Education With One of These Minors
The most popular minors for our psychology majors are:
neuroscience
gender studies
, or
ethnic studies
What Students Are Saying About Lewis & Clark
I am a double major. Every moment I am in the theatre, I feel like I am coming home. And what I appreciate about psychology is that I’m constantly learning about things that I didn’t even know I wanted to learn about.
Mack Mae BA ’25
Theatre (Performance Concentration) and Psychology (double) | Ogden, Utah
More about Mack
I chose both of my majors (psychology and biology) because I believe that everything is so connected. I wanted to learn how the human mind works and how the surrounding world that cares for us works; how I can take care of other people and other things; and how absolutely every piece of our lives intersect with one another.
Deenie Bulyalert BA ’27
Biology and Psychology (double) | Entrepreneurial Leadership and Innovation | Grants Pass, Oregon
More about Deenie
I chose Lewis & Clark College because it checked all of my boxes: swim team, an art community, and a highly ranked psychology program—all on a beautiful campus.
Ainsley Rios BA ’27
Psychology | Hillsboro, Oregon
More about Ainsley
What Can You Do With a Degree in Psychology
Our alumni use their BA in psychology in a variety of careers in research, clinical work, social services, teaching, and the health professions, while others go on to earn their master’s and doctoral degrees. Many also utilize the problem solving, statistical, writing, organizational, and public speaking skills they learned at Lewis & Clark in fields not directly related to psychology.
Dedicated Faculty
Our expert professors are your expert mentors. You will learn directly from faculty (no graduate assistants here!) that are nationally recognized in their fields of study who love to work with and learn from their students. Your professors will inspire you to be a thoughtful and passionate participant in a diverse world. Your small classes will support you as you explore new ideas, find your voice, and speak your truth.
Psychology faculty rely on their students to be collaborative researchers in the lab, a rare opportunity for many undergraduate students. Students are frequent coauthors on peer-reviewed faculty publications and professional presentations.
Meet the Professors
L&C students are some of the brightest, most curious, loving, and hard-working people, and collaborating with them is the best part of my work.
Assistant Professor With Term of Psychology
Jolina Ruckert
More about Jolina
I cannot imagine a lab without my undergrad collaborators! I love to watch my students develop into thoughtful, independent investigators.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Todd Watson
More about Todd
19
Average class size for undergraduate students
4-5-6
Lewis & Clark’s
4-5-6 Commitment
can help you make the most of your future.
52
nationalities represented in our undergraduate student body
Top
For the seventh time in 11 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a
Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution
for 2023–24.
47
U.S. states represented in our undergraduate student body
Invest in Yourself
A private, liberal arts education is often
more affordable than you think
. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources. Additionally, we’re so confident that first-year students will
graduate in four years
that if you don’t, we’ll
cover the extra semester of tuition
Find Your People
Our student-led Psychology Club organizes symposia, lectures, and social events. In April 2021, Noam Chomsky presented a Q&A via Zoom on linguistics and the cognitive revolution!
Where Lewis & Clark Will Take You
My liberal arts education taught me to think critically from multiple perspectives. This skill has been invaluable to me ever since.
Marjorie Pichon BA ’14
Psychology | Rhetoric and Media Studies | Seattle, Washington
More about Marjorie
I feel very well-equipped to work with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences due to the wide range of knowledge I gained at L&C.
Carley LaPlaca BA ’22
Psychology | Gender Studies | Santa Clara, California
More about Carley
L&C taught me the critical thinking and analytical skills that I have needed in order to devise creative solutions to problems in both my personal and professional life. The ability to pull from many areas of study and make connections between multiple disciplines is invaluable in my field.
Hanna Lyubinina BA ’19
Computer Science and Mathematics and Psychology (double) | Concord, California
More about Hanna
Featured News
Finding Post-Grad Success
Graduating from Lewis & Clark College means you will earn a bachelor of arts degree that is grounded in critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills, teamwork, and problem solving—all of the essential qualifications you need to succeed in any career.
Read the story
More News and Events →
Brian Detweiler-Bedell
Professor of Psychology and department chair; Executive Director of the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership
bedell@lclark.edu
LC.PsychologyDepartment
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