Department of Psychology

 UNCP Psychology offers career-focused pathways grounded in scientific exploration and human understanding. Whether you're passionate about mental health, education, research or social services — or planning to pursue graduate study — our department provides the academic foundation and real-world experience to help you thrive.

Our expert faculty are not only dedicated teachers but also active researchers who mentor students in meaningful, hands-on projects across cognitive, social and developmental psychology. You'll have the opportunity to learn directly from professionals shaping the field while building critical thinking, data analysis and communication skills that translate across careers. We offer a  Bachelor of Science, minor and academic concentration in Psychology.

The Science of Human Nature

For centuries, people have asked: What is human nature? Psychology seeks to answer that question by examining the patterns behind how we think, feel and behave. Using scientific methods such as interviews, case studies, field observations, neurophysiological recordings and controlled experiments, psychologists explore the full range of human experience.

Over the past century, psychology has expanded rapidly, offering deeper insight into how we learn, how childhood shapes adult personality, how social relationships influence behavior and how brain chemistry affects mental and emotional health. At UNC Pembroke, psychology students are part of that discovery — building the knowledge and skills to better understand themselves, others and the world around them.

human heads with psychology icons

female students in UNCP psychology classroom

 

Finding Your Community

At UNCP, you’ll find your community through faculty-led research opportunities, academic support programs and a department that’s committed to your growth — inside and outside the classroom.
student with research poster at UNCP

Research Participation

Participate in cutting‑edge psychological research at UNC Pembroke! By joining our psychology studies, you’ll contribute to discoveries in human behavior, learning, memory, social interaction and more. Whether you’re earning course credit or a volunteer, your involvement supports meaningful research while offering you an invaluable glimpse into the scientific process.
psychology faculty in front of a powerpoint

Psychology Major Success Initiative

UNCP Psychology offers additional support for students who may need help staying on track to complete the major. Students who meet certain academic criteria are referred to the Psychology Student Success Committee and added to a dedicated Canvas shell. There, they’ll engage in activities designed to strengthen academic skills, receive tailored advising and explore future opportunities within the field. This initiative reflects our commitment to helping every student succeed — both in the classroom and beyond.

 

After UNCP

UNCP student Ahelayus Oxouzidis sitting in front of bookshelves at a table, smiling at the camera.
Psychology has opened my eyes to the world and helped me understand what I want to do for my career and the impact I can make. It has fueled my research and my passion for making a difference.

Ahelayus Oxouzidis

Psychology, '25

Common Careers

Studying psychology at UNCP prepares you for a wide range of careers where understanding people and behavior makes a difference — in healthcare, education, business and beyond, including:

  • Human Resources Specialist

  • Case Manager

  • Behavioral Health Coordinator

  • Market Research Analyst

  • School Counselor (with additional education)

  • Substance Abuse Counselor (with licensure)

  • Academic Advisor

  • Rehabilitation Specialist

  • Research Assistant

  • Graduate School
More Student Stories

Department Chair

headshot of Kelly Charlton

Kelly Charlton

Chair and Professor of Psychology


910.521.6459
Our Faculty & Staff

Psychology student at his desk in psychology class, smiling at the camera at UNC Pembroke.

Connect With Us

Sampson Academic Building, Room 128
PO Box 1510
Pembroke, NC 28372
 
Fax: 910.521.6518

Arts & Sciences News

Shirsendu Mondal
Jul 25

UNC Pembroke Computer Science Student Earns NASA Recognition for Cybersecurity Discovery

NASA recently recognized a UNC Pembroke computer science student for his exceptional cybersecurity skills. Shirsendu Mondal received a formal letter of appreciation from the agency's Vulnerability Disclosure Program for identifying and responsibly reporting a security vulnerability in one of NASA's digital systems.

Dr. James Hudson
Jul 9

Professor James Hudson Named 2025–26 Faculty Fellow with Carolina Asia Center, UNC Institute

Dr. James Hudson, associate professor of history at UNC Pembroke, has been selected as a Minority-Serving Institutions Faculty Fellow for the 2025-26 academic year. The fellowship, a joint initiative of the Carolina Asia Center and the Institute for the Arts and Humanities at UNC Chapel Hill, supports faculty at minority-serving institutions pursuing research related to Asia.

Dr. Nikolay
Jun 13

UNCP Professor Lays Groundwork for Study Abroad Program Immersing Students in the World of C.S. Lewis

This summer, Dr. Nikolay (Nick) Petrov, assistant professor of Religion at UNC Pembroke, spent time at the Marion E. Wade Center at Wheaton College, one of the foremost research institutions dedicated to British writers such as C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.

More News