The University of Pennsylvania (commonly referred to as Penn or UPenn) is a private Ivy League research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It is one of nine colonial colleges chartered prior to the U.S. Declaration of Independence when Benjamin Franklin, the university's founder and first president, advocated for an educational institution that trained leaders in academia, commerce, and public service. Penn identifies as the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, though this representation is challenged by other universities. Benjamin Franklin and other Philadelphians established the university in 1749, which would make it the fifth-oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
The Department of Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA, is the oldest continuously functioning psychology department in North America, established in 1887 and home to Lightner Witmer's pioneering first psychological clinic in 1896. It serves as a distinguished center for the scientific study of the mind, brain, and behavior, cultivating a vibrant research environment and comprehensive educational programs. Faculty and students pursue cutting-edge research across diverse areas including cognition, neuroscience, clinical, positive, and social psychology, often engaging in interdisciplinary collaboration. The department provides robust undergraduate BA and BS degrees alongside graduate PhD and MS programs, focusing on rigorous research training to prepare students for impactful careers in psychological and brain sciences.
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