With a variety of choices for an undergraduate psychology degree in Illinois, students can choose a program that is right for them. There are options for how you can earn your degree. You can choose a part-time or full-time option, as well as evening and weekend degree programs. You can control where you earn your degree by choosing from an on-campus program, a hybrid approach or a fully online degree program. You can choose what degree you earn by choosing from a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Additionally, students in many schools have the option of pursuing either a General Psychology Degree or choosing to specialize in one of the many specialty areas of psychology. With so much control over your degree, you can choose a fit that suits your academic and career goals.
Chicago State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Chicago State University (CSU) is a public, comprehensive state university located in Chicago. The University is a member-school of Thurgood Marshall College Fund. One of the goals of the school is to provide access to higher education for students coming from:
- diverse backgrounds
- socio-economic status
- educational needs
The university mission is to foster “the intellectual development and success of its student population through a rigorous, positive, and transformative educational experience”. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) prides itself on being the “intellectual nucleus” of the University. The CAS prepares students to be competitive candidates for careers in:
- the humanities and performing arts
- the social and behavioral sciences
- the STEM (Physical Sciences, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) disciplines of life.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The mission of the psychology program at Chicago University is “to produce highly qualified graduates equipped to serve the complex counseling demands in urban school and community settings with a specific emphasis on addressing the needs of urban youth and their families and equip them for citizenship in the 21st century environment of diversity, globalization, and social justice”. The Bachelor of Arts degree program was created for students who have an interest in the scientific study of behavior. The curriculum and courses offered by the psychology department outline the diverse nature of the University and are designed to provide a well-rounded education in General Psychology. The goal of the department faculty is to prepare students for advanced studies in psychology. Graduates will function within the community to work toward positive social change, particularly in the area of mental health. Graduates of this program are prepared to play a productive role in:
- community agencies
- social service agencies
- hospital settings
- businesses
Accreditations
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Chicago State University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Psychology Department
9501 South King Drive
Harold Washington Hall / 328
Chicago, Illinois 60628
(773) 995-2394
E-Mail: psychology@csu.edu
Program Website: https://www.csu.edu/cas/
Concordia University – Chicago
The College of Arts and Sciences
Concordia University Chicago is a private, Lutheran Liberal Arts University located in the village of River Forest, just 10 miles outside of downtown Chicago. Concordia enrolls over 1,000 undergraduates and 3,000 graduate students through its four colleges:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- College of Education
- College of Business
- College of Graduate and Innovative Programs
Many students attend classes at sites around the Chicago metropolitan area, rather than on its River Forest campus. Concordia is a member of the Concordia University System, a network of 10 American colleges and universities affiliated with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Concordia University as the 77th best university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) offers a traditional Liberal Arts curriculum, which includes studies in:
- the humanities
- communication
- literature
- social and behavioral sciences
- natural sciences
- mathematics
- theology
The general studies component of the CAS curriculum offers a broad base of knowledge and serves as the framework for future study in an academic discipline or in an applied specialization.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology Department offers students study in psychology with a focus on the behavior of individuals. Concordia University’s psychology majors develop an understanding of the different types of psychology and the theories behind them. The program offers students a solid framework on which to build:
- critical thinking skills
- analysis
- problem-solving skills
Graduates then apply these to a career in psychology, regardless of their career aspirations. Students wishing to pursue a career in the helping professions can take courses such as:
- Group Dynamics and Leadership Skills
- Community Psychology
- Behavior Assessment and Management
Students who want to prepare for continued scholarly work in the psychological sciences should take classes like:
- Cognitive Psychology
- History and Systems
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
The department promotes an active student organization including a Psychology club, which holds various educational and social events each year. There is also an active chapter of the national psychology honor society, Psi Chi.
Accreditations
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Concordia University
The College of Arts and Sciences
The Psychology Department
7400 Augusta Street
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 209-3255
E-Mail: rachel.eells@cuchicago.edu
Program Website: https://www.cuchicago.edu/academics/colleges/college-of-arts/psychology-department/
DePaul University
The College of Science and Health
DePaul University is a private catholic university in Chicago. It was founded by the Vincentians in 1898. In 1998, DePaul became the largest Catholic university by enrollment in the nation. DePaul focuses on recruiting first-generation American students and other individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds. The two main campuses are located in Lincoln Park and the Chicago Loop. The Lincoln Park Campus houses:
- the Colleges of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
- Science and Health
- Education
In 2014, US News & World Report ranked DePaul as the 121st best National University. The College of Science and Health offers students an innovative, empirically-based curriculum with a strong liberal arts foundation. The departments housed in this school represent:
- the natural sciences
- mathematics
- psychology
- nursing
- health science
All have a commitment to providing the highest quality education to all students.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology Department at DePaul offers eight individual undergraduate degree concentrations. Each allows students to develop specialized training in psychology. Students can also choose an online learning option. The BA Degree Program provides students with six areas of concentration. Upon graduation, students will be able to:
- read and understand behavioral science data
- design and conduct psychological research studies
- apply research findings to real-life situations
Students also gain a general understanding of psychology as a behavioral science in both its research and applied aspects. The BA concentrations in Psychology are:
- Community – The Community concentration focuses on research and community intervention strategies to address real-world issues, such as violence, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS, chronic illness and mental health problems among diverse, at-risk populations.
- Human Development – The Human Development concentration focuses on child and adolescent behavior.
- Human Services – The Human Services concentration was designed for students who hope to work directly with those in need.
- Industrial & Organizational – The Industrial & Organizational concentration is designed for students interested in systems of human resources, such as assessments, surveys, training, needs analysis, competency modeling and performance management.
- Standard – The Standard concentration is most used as preparation for graduate school in psychology. The curriculum in this concentration includes advanced research courses and students are encouraged to complete a psychology honors project. This concentration can be completed online.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers two Bachelor of Science (BS) concentrations: General and Cognitive Neuroscience. The BS concentrations are excellent options for students considering a career in healthcare or planning on attending graduate school. Upon graduation from this program, students must be able to:
- read and understand behavioral science data
- design and conduct psychological research studies
- apply research findings to everyday situations
Both concentrations require five core psychology courses, three concentration courses, and five upper-level major courses. Students must also complete an Allied Field requirement in Biology and/or Math.
Concurrent – Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science in Industrial & Organizational Psychology
The Psychology department also offers a five-year program in Industrial and Organizational (I&O) Psychology. This degree program prepares students for future employment in a variety of applied settings. The MS is a terminal degree for students who do not intend to continue on to future study at the Ph.D. level. Students must be enrolled as undergraduates at DePaul to be eligible for this program. The graduate portion of the BA/MS in I&O Psychology is designed to follow the Guidelines for Education and Training at the Master’s Level, produced by the Society for I-O Psychology. Students are trained to be competent in the major areas of the field. Students in this program receive:
- A solid grounding in psychological theory: core courses in cognitive and social psychology
- Essential training in methodology, with courses in advanced statistics, measurement, and research methods
- Core I-O courses in motivation, leadership, selection, performance appraisal, training, organizational theory, and consultation
- The opportunity to specialize with elective courses in communication, management, gender studies, and other areas
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
DePaul University
The College of Science and Health
1 E. Jackson
Chicago, IL 60604
(312) 362-8000
E-Mail: admission@depaul.edu
Dominican University
Rosary College of Arts and Sciences
Dominican University (DU) is a coeducational, comprehensive, Catholic institution of higher education and research in River Forest. The school is affiliated with the Sinsinawa Dominican Sisters. It offers Bachelor’s and Master’s Level Degrees as well as certificate programs and a Ph.D. in library and information science. Dominican offers more than 50 majors in the Rosary College of Arts and Sciences. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Dominican University as the 19th best university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The Rosary College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) promotes the Dominican University mission of “preparing students to pursue truth, to give compassionate service and to participate in the creation of a more just and humane world.” The Rosary CAS works to create a community of students who seek the truth through free and open investigation and discourse. The school is supportive of each student’s personal and academic development. It is strongly committed to students making a positive contribution to the world.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology department at Dominican prepares students for graduate degree programs like:
- social work
- clinical psychology
- art therapy
Students with an undergraduate degree are prepared for careers in:
- law
- banking
- business
Psychology majors will have research opportunities and classroom training in understanding human behavior and strong critical thinking. Students can choose from two areas of concentration in the psychology major: general psychology or clinical psychology. Through 38 semester hours in psychology, students will earn the skills and information necessary regardless of their career goals. All students earning a Bachelor’s Degree in psychology must complete the comprehensive examination in the discipline of psychology. The exam is administered by the department to graduating seniors at the end of their final semester. All psychology majors must earn a passing score on the comprehensive examination as a condition for graduation. Students who are interested may complete two courses in the Graduate School of Social Work. These courses will count toward the psychology major. They are Human Behavior in the Social Environment and History of Social Work and Social Welfare.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Psychology majors with an interest in doctoral study are strongly encouraged to earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree. In addition to the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in general psychology or clinical psychology, the Bachelor of Science requires the completion of the following:
- Six hours in mathematics, including Introduction to Calculus
- Six hours in biology or chemistry
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Learning and Memory
- History and Systems of Psychology
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Dominican University
Rosary College of Arts and Sciences
7900 West Division Street
River Forest, IL 60305
(708) 366-2490
E-Mail: rburnley@dom.edu
Program Website: http://bulletin.dom.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=7&poid=716&returnto=1162
Eastern Illinois University
The College of Sciences
Eastern Illinois University is a comprehensive, public state university located in Charleston. The school was established in 1895 as the Eastern Illinois State Normal School. Eastern Illinois progressively expanded into a comprehensive university with a broad curriculum, including Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in:
- education
- business
- arts
- sciences
- humanities
In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Eastern Illinois as the 31st best university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The College of Sciences (COS) at EIU “seeks to empower all students with knowledge of basic and applied sciences that will allow them to achieve their professional goals and become productive citizens”. The faculty works to encourage scientific leadership and outreach to benefit mankind.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Department of Psychology curriculum involves the application of psychological theory, methodology, and scientific findings to the study of behavior and mental processes. The BA Degree Program prepares students for employment, potential graduate study, as well as lifelong learning. The psychology department teaches psychology majors from both the scientific and applied perspectives. Graduates of this program are prepared either to pursue advanced training in psychology and related fields or to begin work in careers requiring an understanding of human behavior. Graduates pursue careers in areas such as:
- business
- the legal profession
- health services
- community mental health
- human resources
Additionally, many graduates continue on to graduate school in such programs as:
- clinical psychology
- school psychology
- counseling
- industrial/organizational psychology
Active chapters of Psi Chi and the Psychology Club provide undergraduate students opportunities for further development of learning and collegiality.
Accreditations
The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Eastern Illinois University
The College of Sciences
600 Lincoln Avenue
Charleston, IL 61920
(217) 581-2127
Email: psych@eiu.edu
Program Website: http://www.eiu.edu/psych/about.php
With so many options, it is a perfect time for students to pursue their Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. In the past, a college education was limited to those individuals who had recently graduated from high school and had the means to begin college. Now, more people than ever before have the opportunity to begin or continue their college career. Illinois offers an extensive range of colleges and universities with many degree programs. Whether you are hoping to earn your degree on campus, online or a combination of the two, there is a program for you. Students can work on their degree during the day, in the evening or on weekends. There is a program to suit every schedule and every need.
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