Discover the science of behavior and the brain in a technological world. Learn how behavior and thought are influenced by neurophysiological, emotional, cognitive, developmental, social, and environmental factors.
Program Overview
The B.S. in Psychological Science at Rensselaer provides students with a technology-driven education for a technology-driven field.
Psychological science is a rapidly evolving discipline that seeks to understand human thought and behavior through the use of scientific methods. With advances in technologies that track and predict thought and behavior, psychological scientists are continually making discoveries that improve the way people live and work.
The curriculum in Psychological Science provides access to cutting-edge research methods, data analysis techniques, and technologies in order to equip students with the skills and experiences needed to navigate an evolving field.
Program Highlights
The Science of Thought and Behavior
Psychological Science at RPI applies data-driven and experimental methods to understand how people think, feel, and act. Students explore topics in cognition, learning, neuroscience, and social interaction while developing strong quantitative and analytical skills.
Technology-Enhanced Exploration
The program leverages RPI’s technological environment to study the human mind using innovative tools such as computational cognitive modeling, virtual reality, and large-scale online data collection. Students integrate behavioral data with computational and statistical tools to uncover how cognition and emotion shape human behavior and decision-making.
Hands-On Research and Flexibility
Through advanced seminars and research projects, students work directly with faculty mentors to design experiments and analyze data. The program’s flexibility allows students to connect psychology with fields like computing, biology, or design, preparing them to address complex human and technological challenges.
Curriculum overview
This page provides a high-level summary of program requirements unique to the Psychological Science B.S. program. For complete details, please see the official Rensselaer Catalog via the links provided below.
Math/Science Requirements
CSCI 1100 – Computer Science I
MATH 1010 and MATH 1020: Calculus I and II
(or MATH 1500 and MATH 1520)
Required Courses (students take all 4)
PSYC 1200 – Introduction to Psychological Science
PSYC 2310 – Research Methods and Statistics I
PSYC 4310 – Research Methods and Statistics II
PSYC 4350 – Math Methods in Psychological Science
Core Content Courses (students choose any 4 courses)
PSYC 2730 – Social Psychology
PSYC 4320 – Behavioral Neuroscience
PSYC 4330 – Intro to Cognitive Neuroscience
PSYC 4370 – Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 4410 – Sensation and Perception
PSYC 4450 – Learning
COGS 4230 – Human & Machine Learning
Psychology Elective Courses (choose 2 courses)
Psychology Elective courses are 2000- or 4000-level PSYC courses, chosen based on the student’s interests. See the Rensselaer Catalog for current course offerings in Psychological Science.
Culminating Experience
Students can satisfy this requirement by completing an Undergraduate Thesis, by taking an Advanced Seminar course, or by participating in research with a faculty mentor through the Undergraduate Research Program. Advanced Seminars are upper-level courses with small class sizes and a hands-on or project focus.
For More Information
For complete details on the Psychological Science B.S. program requirements, as well as a listing of current courses offered, please see the Rensselaer Catalog. Note that program requirements are specific to the academic year you started at RPI. Use the drop-down box at the top-right of the Rensselaer Catalog page to select the appropriate year.
For questions regarding the Psychological Science B.S. program, please contact:
Psychological Science Program Coordinator: Prof. Alicia Walf (walfa@rpi.edu)
Undergraduate Program Director: Prof. Chris Sims (simsc3@rpi.edu)
HASS Student Services Advising Hub (hassinfo@rpi.edu)
Program Outcomes
Students who graduate from this program will have:
- An understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in focused areas of psychology.
- The ability to apply basic research methods in psychology, including aspects of research design, data analysis, and data interpretation.
- The ability to apply psychological principles to personal, interpersonal, and organizational issues of cognitive, emotional, and occupational areas of psychological interest.
After Graduation
A degree in psychological science prepares students for:
Graduate studies in psychological science, medicine, education, law, business, and more.
Careers in a wide variety of sectors including business, data science, information technology, health care, government, education, and law.