Undergraduate program accomplishments

Outstanding Teaching Faculty:

University of Connecticut Alumni Association Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching at the Undergraduate Level: David B. Miller (2005).
University of Connecticut Board of Trustees' Distinguished Professor Award: Howard Tennen (2004)
University of Connecituct Board of Trustees' Distinguished Professor Award: Deborah A. Fein (2003)
University of Connecticut Board of Trustees' Distinguished Professor Award: David A. Kenny (2002)
University of Connecticut Alumni Association Award for Faculty Excellence in Teaching at the Undergraduate Level: John D. Salamone (2002).
Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising, UConn Chapter of Psi Chi: Etan Markus (2001)
Award for Excellence in Independent Study Supervision, UConn Chapter of Psi Chi: Antonius H. N. Cillessen (2001)
University of Connecticut Board of Trustees' Distinguished Professor Award: Michael Turvey (2000)
Sigma Phi Epsilon Outstanding Professor of the Year Award: David B. Miller (1999)
Chancellor's Information Technology Award: David B. Miller (1999-2000)
American Association of University Professors' Award for Teaching Promise: Michelle Williams (1999-2000)
University of Connecticut Teaching Fellow: David B. Miller (1997-1998)
University of Connecticut Distinguished Alumni Professor: Michael Turvey (1994-1997)
University of Connecticut Awards for Excellence in Teaching: Irving Kirsch (1993), George Allen (1987), Charles Lowe (1979), and Michael Turvey (1975)

Diverse Course Offerings:

51 different undergraduate courses representing 6 different areas of Psychology [behavioral neuroscience, clinical, developmental, experimental (cognition, language, and perception), industrial/organizational, and social psychology].
Broad training for majors, emphasizing a balance between: (a) the Natural Science perspective (e.g., neuroscience and experimental courses), and (b) the Social Science perspective (e.g., social, clinical, and developmental courses).
Currently, there are:
- 34 core content courses (fundamental knowledge about basic psychological processes and issues).
- 13 research courses, including 8 laboratory courses that offer undergraduates training and supervision in the process of scientific inquiry.
- 17 "W" courses which provide individualized training in written expression, generally, and in scientific writing, in particular.
Psychology majors are also required to individualize their education by taking courses in other, related disciplines. This requirement offers opportunities to meet unique educational objectives and/or enhance career goals.

Research and Field Experience:

In 2003-2004, psychology professors were awarded over10 million dollars of federal grant money for research projects. Each year, approximately 300 undergraduates receive active research training on these projects.
On average, over 90% of our faculty participate as sponsors of undergraduate research.
In 2003-2004, approximately 40 undergraduates were co-authors on book chapters and journal articles and/or presenters of papers at professional conferences.
Students may also receive academic credit for supervised work in a variety of field settings (e.g., mental health facilities, businesses, community organizations). Field work allows students to apply their basic knowledge to "real-world" problems and to explore a variety of career opportunities for psychologists.

Up-to-Date Facilities:

Currently 4 computer-based laboratory courses and 6 animal research laboratories.
Psychology majors can use our laboratory classrooms to help design research projects and analyze the resulting data that are required in our undergraduate research methods class. In 2001-2002, 407 undergraduates presented their projects at two mini-conferences hosted by the Psychology Department and attended by President Philip Austin, Provost John Petersen, Dean Ross MacKinnon, and other notable University administrators.

A Large and Diverse Student Body:

Over 2400 undergraduate students (including over 50% of the University's freshman class) enroll in our introductory psychology course each year.
Over 1300 psychology majors (as of May 2005), over 20% of all College of Liberal Arts and Sciences students who have declared a major.
In 2004-2005, 40 Psychology majors were elected to Phi Beta Kappa, the most distinguished academic designation for undergraduates.
In 2000, a new Psychology Minor was initiated, allowing students from other departments to be formally recognized for their interest in, and completion of, core requirements in Psychology.
In 2001, a new Neuroscience Minor was initiated.
Minority Advancement in Psychology Program, which has won university-wide acclaim.
Of our 365 graduating seniors in 1997-2001, 82% rate their learning experience in the Psychology Department as Very Good or Excellent.