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Psychological Science

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The Department of Psychological Science provides challenging and engaging opportunities for students to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities of psychology as a scientific discipline. The department follows the American Psychological Association’s 2013 standards of undergraduate education, supporting faculty who:

  • Deliver high quality teaching
  • Create research opportunities
  • Foster close student-faculty mentorship

Mission & Department History

Contact

student presenting her work
professor speaking to class
student psychological testing
department faculty group photo

Faculty Spotlights

T. Caitlin Vasquez-O'Brien

Associate Professor

“Students should feel the same sense of excitement about learning that professors do, and students should be able to engage with the material and draw connections to the world around them.” Read More

T. Caitlin Vasquez-O'Brien

Christopher Krebs

Associate Professor

“Eastern is a small public liberal arts college similar to that to which I attended during my undergraduate studies, and I am surrounded by colleagues who share a passion for teaching and genuinely care about our students.” Read More

Christopher Krebs

Madeleine Fugere

Professor

“I really enjoy the interesting class discussions which arise during our classes. I also love mentoring undergraduate students who are interested in doing research in social psychology.” Read More

Madeleine Fugere

James Diller

Professor

Dr. James Diller is an expert in the field of behavior analysis. He is credited with developing the concentration in behavior analysis at Eastern, which allows students to sit for national certification. Read More

James Diller

Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault

Professor

“It gives me such a sense of accomplishment to hear about our alumni’s lives and to know that I was able to join them on part of that journey.” Read More

Kristalyn Salters-Pedneault

Jenna L. Scisco

Professor

“I have taken Eastern students to study abroad in England, Ireland and Italy. It is such a rewarding experience to be able to expose students to new cultures and the experience of international travel.” Read More

Jenna L. Scisco

In the News

Psychology students and faculty gather at the Eastern Psychological Association conference.

Student psychologists make strong showing at regional conference

 April 06, 2026

Students and faculty in Eastern’s Department of Psychological Science brought a potent presence to the Eastern Psychological Association (EPA) conference in Boston, MA from Feb. 26-28. Professors Theah Vasquez-O'Brien, Jennifer Leszczynski, Stan Kolek, and Phyllis Lee mentored a total of 14 students each of whom gave presentations on various topics in psychology.

Gabriel Williams

Psychology major awarded for behavior analysis research

 April 01, 2026

A psychology major at Eastern may be able to help you understand how physical exercise influences your diet and financial decisions. Senior Gabriel Williams earned recognition for his honors thesis research at the Connecticut Association for Behavior Analysis (CTABA) annual conference on Feb. 27 at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, CT.

Communication Lecturer John Murphy delivers a presentation at Eastern's "Liberal Arts Education in the Age of AI" colloquium.

Colloquium explores ‘wicked problem’ of AI

 April 01, 2026

On today’s college campuses, one can hardly go a single day without hearing the letters “AI.” Eastern Connecticut State University recently dedicated a full day to unpacking the impact of artificial intelligence on liberal arts institutions. The colloquium, titled “Liberal Arts Education in the Age of AI,” took place March 24 in the Student Center.

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Programs of Study

  • Eastern’s Psychology program provides a solid scientific background for students seeking a research, teaching or service career in the behavioral science or mental health fields. Through coursework and extensive applied learning experiences, psychology majors develop an understanding of the diversity of human behavior and the variables that influence it. Students receive a firm grounding in the science of psychology, including courses in research methods and statistics, from faculty whose own research reflects the breadth and diversity within the field. Six concentrations in Behavior Analysis, Cognitive Neuroscience, Developmental Psychology, General Psychology, Industrial-Organizational Psychology, and Mental Health Counseling allow students to focus their studies in preparation for graduate school or employment. A Psychology minor is also available.

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