About this Department

Students who study psychology develop a strong foundation in psychological theory, then build upon that foundation through experiential applications such as day-to-day fieldwork, student/faculty-led research opportunities, and internships.

Our psychology major emphasizes practical applications in all kinds of fields, including clinical settings, sports, legal systems, education, business, health promotion, decision-making, testing, and the environment. Students also may choose to pursue a concentration or a minor.

Our faculty

The department’s faculty members are active in a number of areas of psychology including clinical, cognitive, developmental, environmental, educational, health, and social behaviors. As dedicated teachers, they work closely with students in collaborative research, by supervising internships, or advising them about graduate school and careers. 

Student involvement

The Bryant Psychology Association brings together all students who share an interest in the field of psychology and involves them in academic as well as social functions related to the field. The organization offers a wide variety of guest speakers as well as opportunities to attend annual psychological conferences, alumni panels, and graduate school seminars.

Psychology - Department Page - Highlight - Butler Design Thinking - 562x372

Department Highlight

Professor of Psychology Allison Butler, Ph.D., co-authored a research article published in Research-Technology Management titled “When Cognition Interferes with Innovation: Overcoming Cognitive Obstacles to Design Thinking" with Trustee Professor of Management Michael Roberto, D.B.A., which details their latest findings on distinct psychological and behavioral patterns in the design thinking process, which is a unique methodology for generating innovative breakthroughs.

Distinctive Program

With the help of mentoring, expert faculty who create a supportive atmosphere, students build a strong foundation of psychological principles through experiential applications. This solid background in combination with exposure to core business courses prepares students for either entry-level careers or graduate study.

A Bryant University psychology professor speaks with two students.

Meaningful Real-World Experience

Students develop critical research skills through coursework and graduate-level research projects with distinguished faculty, often resulting in co-publishing a paper with a faculty mentor. Students also apply what they’ve learned in internships with organizations like Special Olympics; the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp; and the Rhode Island Department of Health.

Bryant Professor Heather Lacey stands with a group of students.

Inspired Faculty

Our accomplished Psychology faculty are award-winning educators, and dedicated mentors with deep knowledge and real-world experience in a variety of disciplines. They include practicing clinical psychologists and scholars with expertise in decision-making, developmental and environmental psychology, psychosocial aspects of illness, leadership, and learning and cognition. Among them is:

Joseph Trunzo, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology
Department Chair

Bryant Professor Joe Trunzo speaks with a group of students.

Latest News

Psychology (News Feed)

Student Profiles

Steph Kotropoulos '26

Steph Kotropoulos ’26

“Bryant allows me to explore both paths of education — behavioral science and business — in a more cohesive way.”
Katelyn Caldarone '24

Katelyn Caldarone ’24

“My extensive research experiences solidified my goals to pursue a Ph.D. in neuroscience … I’ve become motivated to contribute to favorable patient outcomes by conducting research that uncovers the molecular mechanisms underlying disease states.”
Samantha Mendez '24

Samantha Mendez ’24

“Bryant’s psychology program is a close community. The faculty are beyond supportive and have had a positive impact on my time at Bryant.”

Where our students go

Graduates of Bryant's Psychology program go on to prestigious graduate programs and are in demand by business, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies.

Boston University
Bradley Hospital
Cintas
Cyberark Software, Inc.
Fordham University
Groden Center
Lifespan
May Institute
Mediahub
New England Center for Children
New England Research Institutes
Northeastern University
Rice University
Rushford Center
Sunrise Community School
Tufts University
University of Virginia
Yelp