Harvard University's Department of Psychology, a globally recognized leader in its field, has a rich history beginning with William James, who established America's first psychology laboratory between 1874-1875 and supervised the nation's first psychology Ph.D. in 1878. Initially integrated with philosophy, the department gained full autonomy in 1936, largely due to Edwin Boring's efforts, fostering independent experimental research.

The department's structure evolved significantly, including the formation of the interdisciplinary Department of Social Relations in 1946, which later dissolved, leading to the psychology department acquiring its current name and complete independence from sociology in 1986. Today, it offers Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate degrees, excelling in clinical, cognitive, developmental, and social psychology research. Its esteemed list of past faculty includes iconic figures such as B. F. Skinner, Gordon Allport, and George Miller.