Psychology is the academic field that studies behavior—both human and animal. It is a broad field with many areas of specialization. At Iowa, the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences offers course work in five areas: behavioral and cognitive neuroscience, clinical psychology, developmental science, cognition and perception, and personality and social psychology.

Clinical psychologists work in clinics, hospitals, or in private practice, where they diagnose and treat psychological disorders. Clinical psychology is sometimes confused with psychiatry, but psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs) with specialized training in the treatment of mental disorders.

Psychologists in academic settings teach and conduct research designed to increase the knowledge about behavior. They also work in governmental and industrial organizations, carrying out basic and applied research and providing professional advice.

The BA program is designed for students who are interested in law, business, education, the allied health professions, or fields such as counseling, rehabilitation, and social work.