Love, Connection and Science: Inside Dr. Patrick Morse’s Relationship Psychology Class

Class encourages students to approach relationships through a scientific lens

Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Patrick Morse’s relationship psychology class encourages the exploration of human relationships through a scientific lens. Now in its fourth iteration, the increasingly popular elective entices students through its blend of practical wisdom and psychological teachings.

"Broadly speaking, the course covers how psychology research can inform our understanding of the progression of relationships, maintaining relationships and outcomes of relationship maintenance or dissolution," said Morse. "Relationships are foundational to living well, so the more people that can learn to have long-lasting relationships, the better."

His enthusiasm for the subject stems from his own background in social/personality psychology and a natural inclination toward understanding human connections.

While the theoretical foundation of psychology remains consistent, Morse regularly updates class materials to reflect the modern relationship landscape. The curriculum resonates particularly well with students interested in counseling and clinical psychology, with several graduates pursuing advanced degrees in marriage and family therapy.

"Even if a student's path doesn't involve any sort of counseling or therapy profession, they will absolutely gain a ton of information and tools to apply to their own relationships," continued Morse. "I joke with students that the class divorce rate will be significantly lower than the national average because they'll all be experts by the end of the course."

The course culminates in a project in which students develop and propose a concept for a book on relationships, allowing them to apply their learning and draw from their own experiences to benefit their target audience.

The growth and demand for Morse’s relationship psychology class reflects both the quality of instruction and universal relevance of its content. His belief in the importance of relationship education makes the course a standout among Belmont’s psychological sciences class offerings.