The Department of Psychology at Bates helps students understand people and prepares them to put that understanding into practice.
Beginning with foundational coursework, students build up to advanced work through hands-on training in statistics, research design, and data analysis. The major culminates in a senior thesis that strengthens preparation for graduate and Ph.D. programs in major areas of psychology such as clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology; social work; and related professions such as business, health, and law. Bates psychology graduates are well prepared to contribute thoughtfully and effectively to their professions and to their communities.
Tobie Akerley Gordon
353 Pettengill Hall
Phone: 207-786-8295
takerley@bates.edu
Our alumni have gone on to follow a wide range of paths, including careers in mental health, public policy, research, journalism, finance, and industry, and pursuing graduate and Ph.D. programs in related applied clinical and research fields. Their work has earned them awards that have included Fulbright fellowships.
of 2020-2024 Bates graduates are employed and/or attending graduate school — settled into their next opportunity within 6 months of graduation.
“Studying psychology at Bates College gave me more than a foundation in human behavior — it gave me a lens I’ve never stopped looking through. From my very first courses, I was drawn to understanding what drives people: how they think, how they heal, and how they connect. My course in abnormal psychology with Professor Kelsey cemented my interest in mental health. That curiosity led me naturally to pursue an MSW, where I could translate that understanding into real support for individuals and communities navigating some of life’s hardest moments.”
— Leah Ciappenelli ’91
As a psychology major at Bates, you will learn to use rigorous scientific methods to explore behavior and mental processes in humans and, in some cases, non-human animals. Our commitment to small class sizes gives students the opportunity to develop close relationships with fellow majors as well as faculty, offering individualized guidance and support. Opportunities for hands-on research and community-engaged learning in Lewiston, across Maine, and around the world help students develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to succeed in graduate and professional programs or to begin meaningful careers.
“Majoring in social psychology at Bates shaped the way I understand human behavior, decision-making, and organizational dynamics, skills that have proven invaluable in my career in healthcare leadership. Courses spanning social psychology, cognitive science, neuropsychology, statistics, and experimental design gave me both insight into how people and systems function, and a strong analytical foundation.”
Beth Greene Grabowski ’04
Chaired by Associate Professor of Psychology Michael Sargent, the Bates Psychology department is made up of nationally and internationally respected scholars who bring cutting-edge expertise and individualized guidance to undergraduate teaching. They have earned numerous professional honors — including the American Psychological Association’s Departmental Award for Culture of Service — served in leadership roles in major psychological organizations, and held editorial positions at leading journals.
Each year the graduating class at Bates picks a faculty or staff person to offer the Baccalaureate Address. The Class of 2026 selected Professor of Rhetoric, Film, and Screen Studies Stephanie Kelley-Romano.
On Sunday, May 31, 2026, 480 Bates students became Bates alumni, ready to face uncertainty with the support of the lessons they’ve learned at Bates, both in and out of the classroom.
The skies were changeable but the mood was resoundingly upbeat on Sunday, May 31, as 480 members of the Class of 2026 celebrated their Bates graduation surrounded by family and friends, and bolstered by speeches that dwelled on bright promises, both those already delivered and those to come.
