Psychology
At Bennington, students work closely with faculty to design the content, structure, and sequence of their study and practice—their Plan—taking advantage of resources inside and outside the classroom to pursue their work.
Psychology is more than the study of the mind and its effect on behavior; it also demands a nuanced understanding of the scope and limits of theories and other generalizations of human behavior. At Bennington, some psychology courses focus on understanding the generalizations made by others, while other courses focus on the process of research, where students make their own generalizations about human behavior. In both cases, students learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate published work in psychology. They develop the skills to write a convincing, non-prejudicial argument. And they learn how to apply ethical standards to research and theory in psychology.
Because of the interdisciplinary nature of students' individual academic plans, Bennington students often apply their psychological studies in fascinating ways: using clinical psychology to inform painting or poetry, or using work in social psychology to inform documentary film-making or biology. We have sent curious and well-trained scholars into the world, and we find they are often ready to do original work in a variety of settings. The solid foundations and disciplined and independent habits of inquiry we provide serve our students well in their post-college careers.
Current Courses
Qualitative Inquiry
Özge SavaşThe Third Decade of Life
Emily WatermanTrends in Adolescent Mental Health
Emily WatermanThe Personal and Political
Özge SavaşKnowing the self and the other: Critical explorations of psychoanalytic and psychotherapeutic case studies
Maxwell Levis
Faculty
David Anderegg has informed and comforted millions of parents with his books and writings on children and the mind, backed by extensive research and a longtime psychotherapy practice.
Özge Savaş is a critical and applied social psychologist. She works with historically and systemically disadvantaged and marginalized individuals and communities, combining decolonial and intersectional feminist theories in explaining how systems of oppression are maintained. She examines the role of stigma, stereotypes, and prejudice in intergroup conflict.
Emily Waterman is an applied developmental scientist who aims to improve the lives of adolescents and young adults by preventing sexual and dating violence.
Visiting Faculty & Technicians

Maxwell Levis is a mental health researcher focused on advancing personalized suicide prediction and prevention mechanisms. His work leverages critical theory, psychodynamic perspectives, and big-data resources to inform psychotherapeutic and psychoeducational interventions.