Dartmouth College

What you'll study

The programme provides a broad survey of psychological science alongside intensive training in research methods and quantitative analysis. Core topics typically include cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology, biological bases of behaviour, abnormal psychology and learning.

• Foundations: introductory courses in psychological theory and the biological bases of behaviour that establish key concepts and experimental approaches.
• Research methods and statistics: courses in experimental design, statistics for behavioural sciences, data analysis and computing for research (e.g. R, Python or other packages commonly taught in lab courses).
• Specialist electives: options in cognitive neuroscience, perception, language, emotion, clinical psychology, developmental psychopathology, social cognition and health psychology.
• Laboratory experience: multiple opportunities for supervised lab work and practicum placements; many students join faculty laboratories to gain hands‑on experience in data collection, analysis and presentation.
• Independent research or capstone: opportunities to undertake an independent research project or senior thesis under faculty supervision; some students pursue honours or advanced research pathways.
• Interdisciplinary options: electives and joint work with departments such as neuroscience, computer science, biology, statistics, education and the Institute for Health Policy to support applied or computational interests.

Entry requirements

Admission to Dartmouth is highly selective and based on a holistic review of academic performance, recommendations, personal statements and extracurricular engagement. Applicants aiming for the Psychology programme should demonstrate strong academic preparation and evidence of quantitative reasoning.

• Academic background: strong secondary‑school record with coursework in mathematics (algebra, statistics or calculus) and science (biology or psychology where available).
• Recommended preparation: prior coursework or experience in psychology, statistics, biology or computer science is helpful but not strictly required; demonstrated intellectual curiosity and analytical ability are important.
• International applicants: expected to present equivalent qualifications from recognized secondary systems; standardised test submission policies vary, so consult the college’s admissions guidance.
• Other elements: strong letters of recommendation, a personal statement that articulates interest in psychological science, and evidence of research, volunteer or work experience in relevant settings strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates leave the programme prepared for a wide range of pathways. The strong emphasis on empirical methods and data analysis makes graduates attractive to employers and graduate programmes alike.

• Further study: many alumni pursue graduate training in clinical psychology, counselling, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive science, social psychology, public health, medicine or related research fields.
• Professional roles: common career areas include research assistantships, data analytics, user‑experience research, programme evaluation, human resources, education, healthcare coordination and policy roles.
• Applied settings: graduates also work in non‑profit organisations, community mental health, rehabilitation services, and private sector roles that require strong interpersonal and analytic skills.
• Transferable skills: critical thinking, statistical literacy, research design, communication of findings and teamwork are emphasised and valued across sectors.

Why study at Dartmouth College

Dartmouth offers psychology training within a tight‑knit liberal arts environment where undergraduates have early access to faculty and research facilities. Small class sizes and a commitment to undergraduate research mean students can gain hands‑on experience that is often reserved for graduate students at larger institutions.

• Faculty mentorship: close working relationships with faculty who are active researchers in areas such as cognitive neuroscience, developmental and social psychology.
• Research infrastructure: access to departmental labs and institutional resources for brain imaging and behavioural research, enabling projects across basic and applied domains.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: easy collaboration across departments and institutes — for example, with neuroscience, computer science, statistics and health‑policy units — to pursue interdisciplinary questions and combined skill sets.
• Career support: dedicated advising and strong alumni networks help students explore careers, internships and graduate study options both regionally and internationally.