Psychological Science

Vision

The Department of Psychological Science at Central Connecticut State University strives to be one of the most prestigious departments in New England for public institutions of higher education. We want to be among the top choices for prospective undergraduate and graduate students who want a quality education in the field of psychology in the state of Connecticut.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Psychological Science is to facilitate life-long learning and application of the fundamental concepts, advanced concepts, and research skills of psychological science among our students from diverse background. As faculty, we will prepare them for civic engagement, employment, and/or the pursuit of advanced degrees. We strive to be excellent instructors and mentors, to make scholarly contributions to science and to serve the community in a dedicated and professional manner.

Goals

Undergraduate Students

As Faculty we are committed to partnering with our undergraduates to help them develop a solid knowledge base in psychological science, scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, communication skills, sociocultural and international awareness, ethical and social responsibility, and applied knowledge in professional settings. Faculty will engage with their students and colleagues, in scholarly activity that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline. Faculty will also engage in continuing professional development to stay current and augment their scholarly and teaching activities. Faculty and students will be actively engaged in the campus, local, and global communities which is informed by empirically-based psychological principles.

Graduate Students

As faculty we are committed to partnering with our graduate students to hone their critical reading and evaluation skills, methodological and analytical skills, professional-level presentations and publications, critical integration and application skills in real-world contexts, and expertise within a specific domain of psychological science. Faculty will engage with their students and colleagues, in scholarly activity that adds to the knowledge base of the discipline. Faculty will also engage in continuing professional development to stay current and augment their scholarly and teaching activities. Faculty and students will be actively engaged in the campus, local, and global communities which is informed by empirically-based psychological principles.

Faculty Spotlights

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Marianne Fallon on her new position as the incoming executive director for Psi Chi, the international honors society in psychology, starting July 1st. During her time here at Central, she has contributed extensively to the university serving most recently as the Interim Chairperson of theater, Professor of Psychological Science, and Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs – Planning and Resources. She is well known for her award-winning teaching, especially in research methods. No matter what committee she has served on, she has given it 100%. She is a favorite among students, faculty and staff, and will be greatly missed! Dr. Fallon, we wish you the best in your new position.

Each year, the Central Psychology Club recognizes one professor in the Department of Psychological Science for the Professor of the Year Award. The students in the Department of Psychological Science assist in nominating a professor in which they believe deserves this recognition. On behalf of the Central Psychological Science students, we would like to congratulate Dr. John Protzko for the 2023-2024 faculty award.

portrait of a student with fun graphics around them

“Central Connecticut State University’s Psychology Department is leading the way in innovative teaching methods, combining traditional classroom instruction with cutting-edge techniques to enhance student learning and engagement. I really feel the program is preparing me for life after graduation”

—Rhamel Wilson ‘26