Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the Midwest

Throughout the U.S., nearly all universities and colleges offer training in the field of psychology, and some of the top psychology degree programs in the Midwest are provided at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Midwest is home to some of the most competitive, prestigious post-secondary institutions in the country, and hundreds of accredited, nationally recognized psychology degrees are available to suit a broad spectrum of career paths. Students may choose from bachelor, master’s, or doctoral degrees, offered either on-campus or online, in areas such as general psychology or more specialized subfields of the discipline.

Although a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology are terminal degrees leading to a number of professions, a bachelor’s in psychology degree can be a stepping stone to many rewarding career paths. Students who are interested in psychology may pursue a liberal arts degree in this field and apply their education to industries such as human resources, law, medicine, business, and other settings. To learn more about this exciting yet challenging industry and to find a psychology degree program that best suits your personal interests and career goals, keep reading for the top 20 psychology degree programs in the Midwest for 2019.

Methodology

The purpose of the following ranking methodology is to identify and compare the top 20 psychology degree programs in the Midwest. In addition to considering tuition rates and national rankings, we also evaluated schools based university acceptance rates and the percentage of classes they offer that enroll 20 or fewer students. To start, we conducted a search for the term “Bachelor’s in Psychology degree online” using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator Tool and narrowed down the initial pool of 25 schools into the top 20 programs in the Midwest based on the following methodology.

Average Cost of Attendance

To start our ranking criteria, we first looked at the tuition rates for the different programs and schools. Using data obtained from the College Navigator database as well as the institutions on our list, we developed the following table and assigned points to each college or university based on the cost ranges as indicated below.

Points:
Under $20,000: 3 points
$20,001 to $39,999: 2 points
$40,000 or more: 1 point

College Ranking

In addition to considering the cost of a psychology degree, it is important to also note whether the school and/or institution has earned national recognition from reviewing organizations such as U.S. News & World Report. For the purpose of this list, we looked at categories such as Best Midwestern College, Best National University, Top Public School, and Best Value School.

Points:
U.S. News & World Report: Best National University, Best Midwestern College Ranking:
Top 10: 5 points
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 point
Top 100: 1 point

U.S. News & World Report: Top Public School, Best Value School Ranking:
Top 25: 3 points
Top 50: 2 points
Top 100: 1 point

University Acceptance Rates

As more bachelor’s degree-seeking students are realizing the benefits of psychology careers, the acceptance rates among schools and colleges across the country grow increasingly competitive. Using data compiled from U.S. News & World Report, we awarded the highest possible number of points to the schools with the highest acceptance rates.

Acceptance Rates:
More than 90 percent: 5 points
81 percent to 90 percent: 4 points
61 percent to 80 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 60 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point

Percentage of Classes With 20 or Fewer Students

Students may wish to pursue a degree from a smaller school or one that offers opportunities for one-on-one studies, the development of close relationships between faculty members and students, and smaller class sizes. Using data compiled from each school, we awarded the most points to institutions that have the fewest number of students in their classrooms.

Points
More than 60 percent: 3 points
41 percent to 59 percent: 2 points
Less than 40 percent: 1 point

Accreditation

When considering a program, it is important to pursue a degree from an accredited university or college as accreditation indicates that the school has met or exceeded high standards of quality. Although some programs may have earned specialized accreditation, for the purpose of this list, we awarded one point for regional or national accreditation without recognizing programmatic accreditation.

Points:
Each Accreditation: 1 point

Ranking Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the Midwest

20. Lewis University

Romeoville, Illinois

Points: 13
Program Website

Located in Romeoville, Illinois, Lewis University is a private Roman Catholic institution that offers undergraduate and graduate programs to around 6,800 students. Lewis University’s College of Arts and Sciences confers a number of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the field of psychology, including a B.A. in Psychology, an accelerated B.A. in Psychology, an M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and an M.A. in School Counseling. The school’s degree programs provide students with a number of career options in a wide variety of contexts, including research, educational, organizational, legal, and clinical settings in both the public and the private sector.

Degree Options:
Psychology, B.A.
Psychology, B.A. (Accelerated)
Clinical Mental Health Counseling, M.A.
School Counseling, M.A.
Average Program Cost: $32,450
Acceptance Rates: 54 percent
Class Percentage: 64.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#36 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

19. University of Michigan Dearborn

Dearborn, Michigan

Points: 13
Program Website

The University of Michigan Dearborn was originally known for its elite management and engineering programs. Now it offers three doctoral programs, 28 master’s degree programs, and more than 90 academic majors across all disciplines.

The school’s College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters offers an undergraduate degree in psychology. The B.A. program is designed to accommodate:

• non-majors seeking personal enrichment
• majors intending to pursue an advanced degree in psychology
• majors who will go on to psychology in a human services career or in a related field

In addition, the Behavioral Sciences Department offers an M.S. in Psychology in two specializations:

• health psychology
• clinical health psychology.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $12,930
Acceptance Rates: 64 percent
Class Percentage: 29.7 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#38 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

18. Hamline University

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1854, Hamline University is a private liberal arts college. It’s known for its emphasis on:

• social justice
• service
• experiential learning

Students in the undergraduate program in psychology take coursework in:

• general psychology
• abnormal psychology
• lifespan development
• statistics
• research methods
• child development
• cognitive neuroscience
• cross-cultural, social, and industrial/organizational psychology

Undergraduates are strongly encouraged to select an internship in psychology to fulfill one of the required electives. Graduates have pursued careers in:

• government services
• management
• human resources
• law
• health and medicine
• education.

Degree Options:
Psychology Major
Average Program Cost: $41,473
Acceptance Rates: 69 percent
Class Percentage: 46.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Best Value Schools
#5 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

17. Elmhurst College

Elmhurst, Illinois

Points: 14
Program Website

Elmhurst College is a four-year private liberal arts college affiliated with the United Church of Christ. Students gain a solid understanding of psychological science in both experiential and laboratory environments. Psychology majors pursuing a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology are able to tailor their coursework to areas that include:

• personality
• psychology
• cognition
• social psychology
• abnormal psychology and more

Classes consist of eight to 30 students who:

• engage in presentations
• participate in fieldwork
• work closely with faculty
• pursue their own research interests

In the M.A. program students:

• complete a rigorous curriculum
• develop critical thinking and communication skills
• complete cutting-edge, real-world projects
• design and implement organizational interventions.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Master of Arts Degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Average Program Cost: $37,055
Acceptance Rates: 71 percent
Class Percentage: 55.4 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#20 in Best Value Schools
#20 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

16. Dominican University

River Forest, Illinois

Points: 14
Program Website

Dominican University is a Catholic University affiliated with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, certificate, and doctoral degrees in more than 50 majors. The Rosary College of Arts and Sciences offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Psychology. Those pursuing the B.A. degree may choose from a specialization in clinical psychology or general psychology. This program provides a solid framework for those interested in:

• human services
• teaching
• research in a social science-related field

The B.S. is for students who plan to pursue doctoral training in the field. In addition to completing the B.A. requirements, B.S. students will complete additional courses in:

• biology
• mathematics
• history and systems of psychology
• learning and cognition
• behavioral neuroscience.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $33,434
Acceptance Rates: 46 percent
Class Percentage: 66.2 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Best Value Schools
#11 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

15. Butler University

Indianapolis, Indiana

Points: 15
Program Website

Offering more than 60 major academic fields of study across six colleges, Butler University is a private university. Students may choose from a number of degrees in the field of psychology, including a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Science in Counseling.

In addition, students pursuing the B.A. program can choose to combine the psychology major with a major in other areas such as:

• political science
• philosophy
• criminology
• anthropology
• social work/social policy

The M.S. program enrolls 24 students each year in a cohort format. Up to 10 students may be accepted into an optional fast-track option that reduces the length of the program by one or two semesters.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.S. in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $41,120
Acceptance Rates: 65 percent
Class Percentage: 52.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#21 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

14. Xavier University

Cincinnati, Ohio

Points: 15
Program Website

Xavier University is a Jesuit, primarily undergraduate, liberal arts university. It enrolls more than 4,400 undergraduate and more than 2,100 graduate students. Approximately 98% of Xavier graduates are attending grad school are employed or are working in volunteer or service positions within six months of graduation.

Undergraduate and graduate students pursuing one  Xavier’s psychology degrees have the unique opportunity to choose, create, and present research projects to faculty members and peers. The school’s Mentor Program has matched more than 2,500 students with career professionals and executives in the Cincinnati area and across the country. All students have access to a minor. Class sizes are kept small at around 21 students per class.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in General Experimental Psychology
M.A. in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Mental Health Counseling
School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $38,530
Acceptance Rates: 74 percent
Class Percentage: 42.3 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#8 in Regional Universities Midwest
#31 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

13. Bethel University

St. Paul, Minnesota

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1871 as a Baptist seminary, Bethel University is a private, liberal arts, evangelical Christian university. Bethel offers a B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology. Both integrate Christian perspectives with current psychological methods. Areas of study include:

• data analysis
• experimental design
• counseling
• research techniques
• developmental psychology
• neuroscience
• behavior analysis
• academic and laboratory research

Faculty members conduct significant research in areas such as:

• adoption
• neuroscience
• post-traumatic stress disorder

In addition to taking a rigorous curriculum, students can gain hands-on experience through required internships at local:

• ministries
• corporations
• hospitals
• counseling practices, and other settings.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Average Program Cost: $37,300
Acceptance Rates: 83 percent
Class Percentage: 55.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#17 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#22 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

12. Baldwin Wallace University

Berea, Ohio

Points: 15
Program Website

Baldwin Wallace University is a four-year liberal arts college founded in 1845 by Methodist settlers as Baldwin Institute. The Department of Psychology at Baldwin offers both undergraduate and graduate training in a number of areas. These include a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology as well as a dynamic neuroscience program. The comprehensive undergraduate curriculum allows students to focus their studies on:

• developmental psychology
• cognitive psychology
• counseling psychology
• other disciplines of the field

The neuroscience program includes courses in:

• chemistry
• biology
• psychology

The program is grounded in:

• one-on-one mentoring
• research
• experiential learning
• academics.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Neuroscience Program
Average Program Cost: $32,586
Acceptance Rates: 78 percent
Class Percentage: 63.4 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#6 in Best Value Schools
#13 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

11. Eastern Illinois University

Charleston, Illinois

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1895, Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive university. It offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in:

• humanities
• sciences
• arts
• business
• education

The Department of Psychology emphasizes the scientific study of cognitive, affective, and behavioral processes and their application to real-world issues. Students engage in integrative learning experiences such as:

• graduate and undergraduate research
• internships
• enhanced classroom experiences

Students may pursue either an online B.A. in Psychology or a B.S. in Neuroscience at the undergraduate level. They  can also pursue an M.A. in Clinical Psychology or a specialist degree in school psychology at the graduate level.

Degree Options:
Online B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Neuroscience
Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology
Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Average Program Cost: $11,803
Acceptance Rates: 52 percent
Class Percentage: 52.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 (tie) in Top Public Schools
#37 in Best Value Schools
#38 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

10. University of Wisconsin – La Crosse

La Crosse, Wisconsin

Points: 15
Program Website

Founded in 1909, the University of Wisconsin La Crosse is part of the University of Wisconsin System. Organized into five colleges and schools, UWL offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs to just over 10,000 students. UWL’s College of Liberal Studies offers a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology as well as an Ed.S. in School Psychology. The program has a 100 percent placement rate.

More than 25 instructors span the important sub-disciplines of psychology such as:

• social
• school
• experimental
• educational
• developmental
• cross-cultural
• cognitive
• counseling/clinical

The psychology department has a strong commitment to undergraduate research opportunities and to the application of psychological principles via internship and volunteer experiences in the community.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
School Psychology (Ed.S.)
Average Program Cost: $8,922
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 26.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Top Public Schools
#32 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#58 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

9. Drake University

Des Moines, Iowa

Points: 16
Program Website

Drake University is a private university that offers a number of graduate and undergraduate programs as well as professional programs in:

• pharmacy
• law
• business

Drake’s College of Arts & Sciences offers three undergraduate degrees in the field of psychology:

•  B.A in Psychology
• B.S. in Psychology
• B.S. in Neuroscience

Although the coursework requirements are the same for the B.A. and B.S. in Psychology, students pursuing the B.S. must complete an additional 12 hours of natural science coursework outside of psychology. The B.S. in Neuroscience degree consists of neuroscience classes and year-long course sequences of:

• organic chemistry
• biology
• general chemistry.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
B.S. in Neuroscience
Average Program Cost: $41,396
Acceptance Rates: 69 percent
Class Percentage: 54.5 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Regional Universities Midwest
#17 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

8. Valparaiso University

Valparaiso, Indiana

Points: 16
Program Website

Valparaiso University (Valpo) is a co-educational, four-year Lutheran institution. It enrolls approximately 4,500 students from more than 50 countries.It has five undergraduate colleges, one graduate school, and one law school. Valpo offers two undergraduate and three graduate degrees in psychology. The programs are built on a solid foundation of research and statistical methods. Students are encouraged to integrate their other interests with their study of psychology.

Graduates are prepared for careers in either psychology or any of the many professions where methods of understanding and analyzing human behavior are helpful.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
J.D./M.A. in Mental Health Counseling
J.D./M.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $40,260
Acceptance Rates: 84%
Class Percentage: 45.6%
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Best Value Schools
#5 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

7. Creighton University

Omaha, Nebraska

Points: 16
Program Website

Founded in 1878 by the Society of Jesus, Creighton University is a member of the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities. It enrolls nearly 8,400 graduate and undergraduate students each year. Students considering a bachelor’s degree in psychology may pursue a B.A. in Psychology from the College of Arts and Sciences. Students may earn either a generalist psychology degree or choose a specialization in the area of behavioral and cognitive neuroscience. The latter provides a comprehensive introduction to the neural basis of normal and abnormal behavior and mental functioning.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $39,916
Acceptance Rates: 72 percent
Class Percentage: 46.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#4 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

6. Bradley University

Peoria, Illinois

Points: 16
Program Website

Bradley University enrolls 5,400 students in its 30 graduate and 100 undergraduate programs in five colleges. Bradley’s Department of Psychology offers undergraduate training leading to either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology degree. Students develop an empirical, comprehensive understanding of human behavior. The curriculum consists of core courses that address influences on behavior, including:

• societal
• cognitive
• physiological

Specialized course offerings include classes in:

• neuroscience
• environmental psychology
• child psychology
• forensic psychology

The M.A. in Counseling with a specialization in clinical mental health counseling prepares students to be professional counselors who work with diverse populations in a variety of settings such as:

•  mental health
• community
• educational.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in Counseling With a Specialization in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Average Program Cost: $33,760
Acceptance Rates: 71 percent
Class Percentage: 55.6 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#5 in Best Value Schools
#6 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

5. University of Northern Iowa

Cedar Falls, Iowa

Points: 16
Program Website

The University of Northern Iowa offers more than 90 majors to more than 11,200 undergraduate and graduate students. The school’s Department of Psychology in the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences offers an undergraduate and graduate degree. Students study issues that affect people at all life stages and learn how to positively address concerns. T

The B.A. in Psychology program is rooted in research. Graduates are prepared to pursue graduate school or enter the workforce. The M.A. in Psychology program has a strong empirical orientation and emphasizes competence in research methodology. Students are required to complete a thesis. They may choose one of two emphases:

• social psychology
• clinical science.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $8,938
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 29 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#2 in Top Public Schools
#25 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
#54 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

4. John Carroll University

University Heights, Ohio

Points: 17
Program Website

John Carroll offers a major in psychology with concentrations in:

• mental health services
• industrial/organizational psychology
• forensic psychology
• child and family studies

Students may also pursue an interdisciplinary concentration in neuroscience. Undergraduate psychology majors gain a solid foundation in:

• experimental design
• statistics
• psychological concepts and theories

Students also choose from lab courses and advanced seminars. Topics include:

• the mind, brain, and behavior
• human memory and cognition
• personality theories
• child and adolescent development
• sensation and perception

Students may also pursue graduate degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling from the Department of Counseling.

Degree Options:
B.S. in Psychology
M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
M.A. in School Counseling
Average Program Cost: $39,990
Acceptance Rates: 85 percent
Class Percentage: 54 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#4 in Regional Universities Midwest
#8 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

3. University of Evansville

Evansville, Illinois

Points: 17
Program Website

The University of Evansville is a private liberal arts university. Founded as Moores Hill College in 1854, the school is focused on science and liberal arts degrees. It’s affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Students interested in human thoughts, behavior, and interactions with their environment may pursue either a B.A. or B.S. in Psychology degree.

These programs prepare students to become competitive in the workforce and in graduate programs. Optional concentrations are offered in:

• industrial business psychology
• forensic psychology/pre-law
• clinical social work
• behavior neuroscience/pre-medical.

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $36,416
Acceptance Rates: 70 percent
Class Percentage: 68.1 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#7 in Regional Universities Midwest
#7 in Best Value Schools
Accreditations:
HLC

2. Grand Valley State University

Allendale, Michigan

Points: 17
Program Website

Established in 1960, Grand Valley State University is a public liberal arts university. The Psychology Department in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences offers a number of degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. Students may pursue one of four bachelor’s programs:

•  B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology
•  B.A. or B.S. in Behavioral Neuroscience

All major areas of psychology are covered through a diverse, comprehensive undergraduate curriculum. At the graduate level, students may earn either an M.S. or a Psy.S. in School Psychology. They get extensive training through:

• research experiences
• practicum experiences
• coursework in the intervention, prevention, and assessment of mental health
• social and academic problems that affect students

Students are automatically admitted to the graduate certificate program in applied behavior analysis (ABA).

Degree Options:
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
School Psychology, M.S.
School Psychology, Psy.S.
Average Program Cost: $12,484
Acceptance Rates: 81 percent
Class Percentage: 24.9 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#3 in Top Public Schools
#14 in Best Value Schools
#29 (tie) in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

1. Truman State University

Kirksville, Missouri

Points: 19
Program Website

A member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, Truman State University enrolls more than 6,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Students may choose to pursue either a B.A. or a B.S. in Psychology. They explore the mental process and behavior through a combination of coursework and learning opportunities outside the classroom.

The program is designed to maximize students’ freedom in choosing courses that appeal to them. It also ensures all students gain the breadth of coverage they need. Undergraduate students are also involved in all aspects of research, from the development of the hypothesis to presenting conclusions at national, regional, and local conferences. Internship and study-abroad opportunities are also available.

Degree Options:
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Average Program Cost: $7,656
Acceptance Rates: 67 percent
Class Percentage: 46.2 percent
U.S. News & World Report Ranking:
#1 in Top Public Schools
#2 in Best Value Schools
#9 in Regional Universities Midwest
Accreditations:
HLC

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Career Options for a Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree?

Psychology is one of the most popular undergraduate majors in the U.S. The question “What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in psychology” is a common one. According to experts, more than half of graduates with a bachelor’s in this field enter the workforce, while a quarter of students pursue graduate studies in psychology. The remainder go on for additional education outside of the field. Some of the most common career paths for individuals who complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology include:

• Child Care Worker
• Case Manager
• Advertising Agent
• Career Counselor
• Rehabilitation Specialist
• Laboratory Assistant
• Parole or Probation Officer
• Market Researcher
• Psychiatric Technician
• Writer
• Sales Representative
• Teacher or Professor
• Social Service Specialist

There is a common misconception that a bachelor’s in psychology degree by itself is practically useless or only useful as a prerequisite for a master’s or doctoral degree. This simply is not true. While a bachelor’s degree is certainly a great stepping stone toward a graduate degree, it can be applied to a broad spectrum of career paths outside the field of psychology.

Bachelor’s in Psychology degrees are versatile and can be applied to a large number of disciplines. The most common occupations which employ individuals who have earned an undergraduate degree in psychology include:

• marketing
• insurance
• real estate
• labor relations
• social work
• middle- and upper-management/administration
• sales.

How Much Can You Earn in This Field?

You may be wondering what the top paying psychology positions are in the U.S. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average psychologist in the country earned an average salary of $77,030 in May 2017, the most recent data available. However, what this number does not take into consideration is the lows and highs of salary differences among various specialty areas in the field. For instance, while some psychology fields can pay below $45,000 annually, others can skyrocket well above $200,000 per year.

However, the amount a psychologist will make will ultimately depend on many factors, including:

• his or her location
• specialty area of practice
• level of experience in the field
• level of education

Students who have earned a terminal degree such as a master’s or doctorate in a specialized field will be able to command a higher salary than those who have only earned a bachelor’s degree in general psychology. In addition, earning licensure and/or certification is a surefire way to boost one’s yearly earnings. Some of the top-paying occupations in the psychology arena include:

• Psychiatrist
• Military Psychologist
• Industrial/Organizational Psychologist
• Neuropsychologist
• School Psychologist
• Geropsychologist
• Experimental Psychologist
• Clinical Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Research Psychologist

The BLS also indicates that the top-paying industries for this field include:

• ambulatory healthcare services
• the government
• state, local, and private hospitals
• elementary schools
• secondary schools.

What Coursework and Core Concepts Will You Study in a Bachelor’s Program?

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides students with:

• a broad overview of the field
• core concepts and a history of the field
• an introduction to scientific methodology
• possible areas of specialization

Graduates will be prepared to work at the undergraduate level in non-clinical or support roles, or they may proceed to graduate studies in psychology. Five distinct fundamental learning goals in most undergraduate psychology programs include:

• Professional Development: Baccalaureate students should be able to clearly define their professional goals and consider how their newly-developed skills relate to their future career paths.
• Communication: Students should be able to communicate with others, present information, and write effectively.
• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World: Undergraduate students should have a sense of social and ethical responsibility and be able to apply it to relationships and science.
• Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Students should be able to interpret behavior and engage in scientific reasoning to solve problems.
• Knowledge Base in Psychology: Bachelor’s students should understand key components of psychology, its principles, and its applications and be able to describe them.

Although programs will vary in terms of coursework and requirements, common classes offered in most bachelor’s degrees in psychology may include:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Psychology of Education
• Developmental Psychology
• Sex, Evolution, and Human Behavior
• Introduction to Drugs and Behavior
• Introduction to General Psychology
• Perspectives on Psychological Issues
• Psychology of Aging
• Educational Psychology
• Clinical Psychology

The field of psychology is broad and can encompass a number of disciplines. Whether you want to pursue a career immediately upon graduation or you are considering graduate study in a specialized field, completing one of the top 20 psychology degree programs in the Midwest can help you reach your professional goals.

This concludes our ranking of the Top 20 Psychology Degree Programs in the Midwest.

By OPD Staff