About the Department

The Department of Psychology distinguishes itself through its diverse and specialized faculty members, ranging from social and clinical psychologists who study relationships and mental health issues in children, adults and family systems to behavioral neuroscientists who study the effects of drugs and hormones on behavior using animal models. These professors conduct highly regarded, cutting-edge research that is published in top-tier, peer-reviewed journals. Because the department maintains a strong commitment to the teacher-scholar model, our faculty's research is – by design – complementary to the courses taught at the College.

Among comparable colleges in the Southeast, our department is one of the few that maintains both animal and human research programs supported by laboratory facilities. In addition, we maintain strong ties with the nearby Medical University of South Carolina and other community agencies, providing students with unique opportunities for research training and internships.

Departmental Vision

The Department of Psychology seeks to act on the liberal arts and sciences tradition of the College by developing students’ understanding of the scientific study of human behavior and preparing them to become scientifically literate citizens with the skills necessary to thrive in life and work and act in a socially responsible manner. 

Departmental Mission

The Department of Psychology at the College of Charleston is made up of a diverse group of psychologists who offer courses and conduct research in the major domain areas of study within the field of psychology.  Because psychology is relevant in every human endeavor, our classes by their very nature cut across disciplines and add to student learning in an integrative fashion.  As a faculty, we strive to nurture those skills that develop from the traditional liberal arts and sciences education (e.g., analytical and critical thinking, evidence-based arguments and persuasive writing, data-analytic skills, and scientific literacy), and we also foster the development of human virtues, such as empathy, compassion, and tolerance, that are necessary for living an ethical and meaningful life.  Our scholarship informs our classroom instruction and we also provide personalized learning experiences by inviting students to be collaborators in our human and animal research programs, allowing students to gain experience in creating scientific knowledge.  Additionally, we offer a range of high impact learning experiences, including study abroad courses that illustrate the role that culture plays in human behavior and internships that give students an opportunity to apply their developing skills and knowledge in the real world. Finally, we strive to serve not only our campus community, but also the larger community, thereby providing a clear model to our students of the importance of civic engagement and public service.