Department of Psychology Records

In the beginning years of the university, Chancellors Moore and McDowell taught a single course in “Mental Science” under the umbrella of philosophy. The class was usually taken by Juniors. After 1898, psychology was also often affiliated with education. In the 1911-1912 course catalog, the Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy includes the subjects of Education, Ethics, Philosophy and Psychology. The first department head in 1913, Daniel Edward Phillips, was a “Professor of Psychology and Education.” Phillips also helped to develop the Extension College (later City College) at University of Denver, offering classes to the public, including several in psychology.

By late 1920s, 16 psychology courses were available for undergraduates and another nine for graduate students. In 1922, the department officially separated from Education. Dr. Lawrence Miller joined the faculty in 1930 and as departmental chair from 1947 until his death in 1961, was instrumental in further expanding and strengthening the department. In 1976, the School of Professional Psychology opened, offering a Doctorate in Psychology (PsyD).

The department now offers undergraduate studies, as well as graduate studies in Affect/Social, Cognitive, Clinical Child, Developmental, and Developmental Cognitive Neuroscience. Two clinics are also associated with the department: the Clinic for Child and Family Psychology and the Developmental Neuropsychology Clinic.