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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

From left: Karim Ismaili, Xing Liu, Cheryl Wilson

Academic year closes with 7 faculty, staff awardees

May 19, 2026

Seven faculty and staff members received University and Board of Regents awards at the conclusion of the 2025-26 academic year, representing the best of excellence in teaching and service to the Eastern community.

Student presenting

VIDEO: Students shine at CREATE conference

 May 04, 2026

Student research and creative activity took center stage at Eastern Connecticut State University on April 24 during the annual CREATE conference, a campus-wide celebration of undergraduate scholarship.

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.

Read more articles

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