POPULARITY CONTEST: Colleges with the biggest psych departments?

Hey there, I'm looking to major in psychology. I know it’s popular, but I want to find a place where the psych department is valued. Which colleges are the most popular amongst psych majors, and why do you think that is?

Psychology is indeed a popular field of study, and many colleges and universities across the U.S. have recognized that and developed strong psychology programs. Schools like Stanford University, University of California--Berkeley, and University of Michigan--Ann Arbor are known for having robust psychology departments.

Stanford's psychology department is one of the oldest and most renowned in the country. The major is designed to provide students with a thorough grounding in both theoretical and empirical approaches to psychology. With several concentrations within the major, Stanford allows students to tailor their studies to their unique interests and career goals.

UC Berkeley's psychology department is another standout, not only owing to the breadth and depth of topics covered but also the quality of its faculty. The psych department at Berkeley has made notable contributions to areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, and social psychology. It also encourages students to pursue research opportunities.

The University of Michigan, with its reputation for excellence across a wide array of disciplines, also has a very strong psychology department. UMich offers different tracks including General Psychology, Biopsychology, Cognition & Neuroscience, and Social Psychology. The students also get access to lab experiences and an immersive honors program.

These departments' popularity stems from the fact that they offer comprehensive and innovative curriculums, have faculty conducting groundbreaking research, and provide students with plenty of opportunities for deep engagement with the material, whether through undergraduate research, internships or study abroad programs. However, "popularity" isn't just about enrollment numbers – make sure the programs you're investigating align with your interests in the field of psychology.