Department of Psychology
UNCP Psychology offers career-focused pathways grounded in scientific exploration and human understanding. Whether you're passionate about mental health, education, research or social services — or planning to pursue graduate study — our department provides the academic foundation and real-world experience to help you thrive.
Our expert faculty are not only dedicated teachers but also active researchers who mentor students in meaningful, hands-on projects across cognitive, social and developmental psychology. You'll have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals shaping the field while building critical thinking, data analysis and communication skills that translate across careers. We offer a Bachelor of Science, minor and academic concentration in Psychology.
The Science of Human Nature
For centuries, people have asked: What is human nature? Psychology seeks to answer that question by examining the patterns behind how we think, feel and behave. Using scientific methods such as interviews, case studies, field observations, neurophysiological recordings and controlled experiments, psychologists explore the full range of human experience.
Over the past century, psychology has expanded rapidly, offering deeper insight into how we learn, how childhood shapes adult personality, how social relationships influence behavior and how brain chemistry affects mental and emotional health. At UNC Pembroke, psychology students are part of that discovery — building the knowledge and skills to better understand themselves, others and the world around them.
Finding Your Community
At UNCP, you'll find your community through faculty-led research opportunities, academic support programs and a department that's committed to your growth — inside and outside the classroom.
Research Participation
Participate in cutting‑edge psychological research at UNC Pembroke! By joining our psychology studies, you'll contribute to discoveries in human behavior, learning, memory, social interaction and more. Whether you're earning course credit or a volunteer, your involvement supports meaningful research while offering you an invaluable glimpse into the scientific process.
Psychology Major Success Initiative
UNCP Psychology offers additional support for students who may need help staying on track to complete the major. Students who meet certain academic criteria are referred to the Psychology Student Success Committee and added to a dedicated Canvas shell. There, they'll engage in activities designed to strengthen academic skills, receive tailored advising and explore future opportunities within the field. This initiative reflects our commitment to helping every student succeed — both in the classroom and beyond.
Beyond Graduation
Psychology has opened my eyes to the world and helped me understand what I want to do for my career and the impact I can make. It has fueled my research and my passion for making a difference.
Ahelayus Oxouzidis
Psychology, '25Common Careers
Studying psychology at UNCP prepares you for a wide range of careers where understanding people and behavior makes a difference — in healthcare, education, business and beyond, including:
- Human Resources Specialist
- Case Manager
- Behavioral Health Coordinator
- Market Research Analyst
- School Counselor (with additional education)
- Substance Abuse Counselor (with licensure)
- Academic Advisor
- Rehabilitation Specialist
- Research Assistant
- Graduate School
Department Chair
Connect With Us
Sampson Academic Building, Room 128
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
Phone: 910.521.6240
Fax: 910.521.6518
psychology@uncp.edu
Arts & Sciences News
May 20 Mark Locklear
UNCP’s Donavin Hansberry Turns Personal Wake-Up Call into Mission to Improve Mental Health Literacy
For Donavin Hansberry, a senior mass communication major at University of North Carolina Pembroke, a life-changing moment in 2024 reshaped his path.
May 19 Adrielle Cooper
UNCP REACH Fellows Turn Research into Career Pathways and Community Impact
UNC Pembroke REACH Fellows are using archives, oral histories and community storytelling to preserve overlooked histories while opening doors to graduate school, national internships and careers in public humanities.
UNCP Students Find Inspiration and Opportunity at Glaxo Conference
For decades, the GlaxoSmithKline Foundation has touched the lives of women across the state by encouraging outstanding scholarship and professional development and by providing one-on-one mentoring to navigate careers. Glaxo's Women in Science Scholars are selected from among the best and brightest students at 30 universities across the state. UNC Pembroke's Shelley Chavis, a biology major, and Kathryn Bering, a chemistry major, joined dozens of women during the annual scholars' conferences last October and April.