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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 and Assistant Department Chair

“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

Students from "Global Studies in Psychology" visit Eldfell Volcano on the island of Heimaey.

Psychology students explore Nordic happiness in Iceland

 August 12, 2026

Why is Iceland, a cold, remote island nation, consistently ranked among the happiest countries in the world? This June, 20 students from Eastern’s psychology program traveled to Iceland on a “global field course” to answer that question.

Psychology professor James Diller presents a lecture.

Eastern’s behavior analysis program receives accreditation

 July 28, 2026

Eastern Connecticut State University’s behavior analysis concentration in the psychology major has received accreditation from the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI). One of only eight such bachelor’s programs in the world accredited by ABAI, Eastern is the only accredited bachelor’s degree program in New England.

A student writes on a white board during "Resilience: The Science of Grit and Overcoming

Pre-College Summer gives high schoolers taste of college life

 July 22, 2026

Local high school students got a firsthand look at college life during Eastern’s fourth annual Pre-College Summer, held July 13-17. The weeklong, summer-camp-style academic program welcomed 37 high schoolers to campus, where they explored one of three disciplines: psychology, health science, and filmmaking.

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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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    View Minor Details