Initially, psychology classes were offered in 1963 as part of a Bachelor of Arts concentration. Later in 1976, a psychology program began as part of the School of Engineering and Science undergraduate degree program, with Dr. Gary Harbaugh helping to establish the psychology curriculum. In September of 1977, Dr. Charles Corman was appointed Professor and Head of Psychology, which signaled the establishment of a new academic unit within the School of Science and Engineering and, in conjunction with the International Graduate School, offered courses leading to the Doctor of Philosophy degree. Dr. Charles Corman creating and heading the Department of Psychology in 1978, which now offered a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and both a Master of Science in Psychology and a Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology, Behavioral Sciences, or Mental Health Sciences. Also on July 1, 1978, The Center for Student Development was established as part of the Department of Psychology’s responsibility. In 1980, Dr. Charles Corman created and became Dean of the School of Professional Psychology , with Drs. Elizabeth Wolf, Arthur Gutman, Thomas Harrell, and Frank M. Webbe constituting the founding faculty. By 1983, the PhD was no longer offered because the focus shifted to the accreditation of the PsyD program, which received partial accreditation that same year and full accreditation in 1986. Additionally, in 1983 a Master of Science in Engineering Psychology program was initiated, and in 1986 a Master of Science in Personnel Psychology began.

In 1985, Dr. Charles Corman stepped down and Dr. Frank Webbe became dean serving until 1994. In 1994, Dr. Charles Prokop became dean and served until 1998, followed by Dr. Carol Philpot from 1999-2001. Dr. Mary Beth Kenkel took over as dean from 2002 until 2018. The current Dean of the College of Psychology and Liberal Arts is held by Dr. Lisa Steelman since 2018.

Since its inception, the School of Psychology has expanded and grown to include more programs as well as adding several affiliated research institutes and centers that add an academic component to the facilities activities.