As more and more colleges and universities in Illinois offer undergraduate psychology degrees in flexible formats, more students are beginning their collegiate careers. Some schools are now offering fully online, hybrid or web-enhanced undergraduate psychology degrees. This means that many students who were limited by their schedules can now pursue a degree. Many of these programs offer online, weekend and part-time options to make the college experience even more flexible. This means that more opportunities are becoming available each year. Now, considering your own academic needs, you can find a psychology program that will help you reach your academic and career goals.
Olivet Nazarene University
Department of Behavioral Sciences – College of Arts and Sciences
Olivet Nazarene University (ONU) is a Christian Liberal Arts University located in Bourbonnais. In 1907 the school was established as a grammar school. Currently, ONU is affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene and is the site of the Nazarene Church’s annual “Regional Celebrate Life” gathering for youth members of the church in the Central Region of the country. It is one of the largest members of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked the school as the 49th best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) provides the core Liberal Arts curriculum for students throughout ONU. The Department of Behavioral Sciences offers undergraduate degree programs in both Psychology and Sociology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree Program are exposed to many of the major areas of psychology including:
- Human development
- Interpersonal relationships
- Abnormal behaviors
- Learning and behavior modification
- Cognitive processing
- Brain-behavior relationships
- Counseling processes and techniques
- Common research methods
The Department of Behavioral Sciences at the CAS offers students opportunities to study:
- basic and advanced research and statistics
- quantitative research
- theories of personality
- cognitive psychology
Students receive classroom instruction and tutoring from dedicated faculty members. There are opportunities to assist professors with ongoing research projects as well as the chance to design and conduct your own research project. Some students prepare and present their work to peers at the annual Student Scholarship Symposium sponsored by the Associated Colleges of the Chicago Area (ACCA).
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Students enrolled in the BS Degree Program complete all of the Liberal Arts Curriculum, Psychology Curriculum as well as additional courses in mathematics and science. The BS degree track prepares students for graduate school by offering advanced core courses to fit specific areas of interest. Some of the courses in particular areas of applied psychology include:
- social psychology
- educational psychology
- physiological psychology
- cognitive or abnormal psychology
- empirical research
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Olivet Nazarene University
College of Arts and Sciences
Department of Behavioral Sciences
One University Avenue
Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914-2345
(815) 939-5011
Program Website: https://www.olivet.edu/psychology
Quincy University
Division of Behavioral and Social Science
In 1858 a small group of Franciscan friars left Germany with hopes of serving the German-speaking population in the then frontier state of Illinois. In 1860, they founded the institution as St. Francis Solanus College, receiving a formal charter from the state in 1873. In 1917 the name was changed to Quincy College and Seminary. Since that time, the school has developed in Quincy University (QU), a private liberal arts Catholic university that serves in the Franciscan tradition. Quincy is located in Quincy, Illinois, with current enrollment around 1,500 students. The institution is known for its commitment to service-learning and the Franciscan tradition. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Quincy as the 69th best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The curriculum espoused by the Division of Behavioral and Social Science reflects the mission of Quincy University to “prepare men and women for leadership and for the transformation of the world.” The degrees and programs combine a strong liberal arts foundation with academic study in a specific major and hands-on learning, preparing students for careers or graduate education.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA Degree Program is separated into two degree tracks. The first track is designed for students who plan to pursue a graduate education in psychology or a related field. The second track is for students who plan to enter a career which only requires a Bachelor’s Degree. Both tracks embrace strong core curriculum preparation in areas such as:
- developmental psychology
- social psychology
- learning
- cognition
Both programs also challenge students to become:
- critical thinkers
- proficient communicators
- skillful team contributors
Members of the Psychology faculty each pursue a distinctive area of research or practice. With a strong commitment to individualized education, the department uses small class sizes. This helps to give students an edge in choosing their career path, securing an internship and achieving their goals upon graduation.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Quincy University
The Division of Behavioral and Social Science
1800 College Ave
Quincy, IL 62301
Dr. Wendy Beller – Division of Behavioral and Social Science Chair
(217) 228-5432
E-Mail: bellewe@quincy.edu
Program Website: http://www.quincy.edu/academics/undergraduate-programs/division-of-behavioral-and-social-sciences/psychology
Rockford University
The Department of Psychology
Rockford University is a private liberal arts college in Rockford. It was established in 1847 as Rockford Female Seminary. The name was formally changed in 1892 to Rockford College, and to Rockford University in 2013. The university is widely known as the alma mater of Nobel Peace Prize winner Jane Addams, a pioneer American settlement social worker, public philosopher, sociologist, author, and leader in women’s suffrage movement. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Rockford as the 84th best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The Department of Psychology offers both Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in Psychology and Human Development, as well as minors in these areas. The department encourages psychology majors to enhance their understanding and experience with one or two semesters in London at Regent’s College.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students in the BA Degree Program develop a thorough understanding of human thought and behavior through active learning. The multidisciplinary approach, based on empirical science, research and contemplation, encourages students to explore their field of study and engage with their community. The rigorous curriculum encourages students to develop to their fullest potential socially, emotionally and intellectually. The Psychology Department offers both Psi Chi, the national honor society of psychology and Psych Society, a student organization for psychology majors and non-majors.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Students in the BS Degree Program are required to complete additional math, lab and science courses. Psychology majors benefit from a wide range of experiences and learning environments. Students will develop a deeper understanding of the human condition as it applies to them and to their fellow humans. As Liberal Arts Students, they will also learn to:
- organize and analyze information
- speak and write clearly
- use numbers effectively to make a point
Students in the BS in Psychology program will be adequately prepared for graduate studies or immediate entrance into their careers.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Rockford University
The Department of Psychology
Starr Science
5050 E. State St.
Rockford, IL 61108
(815) 226-4172
E-mail: JLynch@rockford.edu
Program Website:
Roosevelt University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Roosevelt University is a comprehensive, coeducational, private university with campuses located in Chicago and Schaumburg, Illinois. The university was established in 1945 and is named in honor of former President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. The university-wide curriculum is based on strong principles of social justice. There are currently around 7,000 students between the various undergraduate and graduate programs offered. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked Roosevelt University as the 91st best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. As the largest college at Roosevelt, the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) supports all students at the school. CAS supports more than 60 majors and minors throughout 10 departments while serving as the foundation for Roosevelt’s liberal arts core education. The invaluable exposure to a variety of disciplines and ideas helps students develop a broad platform of knowledge. At the same time they gain critical skills in communication and reasoning.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology Degree Program offers students an opportunity for a strong background required for careers that involve working with others. Psychology graduates find work in:
- business
- sales
- counseling
- education
- health care
This degree is also necessary for those considering Master’s or Doctoral work in psychology. It also provides an excellent framework for graduate work in counseling and social work. Upon graduation, all undergraduates will have a strong understanding of the following four areas that are essential to the study of psychology:
- Knowledge Base of Psychology: Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
- Research Methods in Psychology: Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including:
- research design
- data analysis
- interpretation.
- Critical Thinking Skills in Psychology: Students will respect and use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and, when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.
- Application of Psychology: Students will understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues with concern for social justice.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Child/Family Studies
The BA with a concentration in Child and Family Studies program gives psychology majors a chance to learn about child development from a multidisciplinary approach while addressing areas such as parenting, schooling, and the place of children and families in society. Students must complete four courses (12 semester hours) to earn the Concentration in Child and Family Studies. Psychology majors must choose three electives from the courses offered in this area. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this concentration, students must choose at least one of their electives from a department outside of their major
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Forensic Psychology
The Concentration in Forensic Psychology offers students the chance to study the intersection of psychology and the law in great detail. Students can explore areas such as:
- police investigation
- court proceedings
- policy work
- professions related to the forensic arena
By utilizing a wide range of subfields in psychology, students gain first-hand experience with forensic research and related clinical interventions with forensic populations. This concentration area is ideal for students planning to pursue graduate school in:
- forensic psychology
- clinical psychology
- experimental psychology (cognitive, developmental, or social psychology)
- criminology/criminal justice
- law school
To earn this concentration students must complete four courses (at least 12 semester hours) from the courses offered in this area. Psychology majors in this concentration must complete Law and Psychology. Students must also select a second class that has a service-learning component or a laboratory component as part of their curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Neuroscience
The Neuroscience Concentration gives interested psychology majors the chance to study the biological basis of behavior and organizational principles of brain functioning. Students are encouraged to take courses in both psychology and biology because of the field’s multidisciplinary perspective. However, students must meet concentration requirements from classes offered by the Department of Psychology alone. This concentration is ideal for students planning to pursue:
- clinical neuropsychology
- medicine
- pharmacology
- neuroscience
- allied health fields
Students must complete four courses (at least 12 semester hours) from the courses offered in this area. One of the four elective courses must have a service-learning component or a laboratory component.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Roosevelt University
The College of Arts and Sciences
430 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 341-3500
E-Mail: jchoca@roosevelt.edu
Program Website: https://catalog.roosevelt.edu/
Saint Xavier University
The College of Arts and Sciences
Saint Xavier University (SXU) is a four-year, coeducational university located on the southwest side of Chicago, with a satellite campus in Orland Park, Illinois. The Sisters of Mercy established the school in 1846 as a women’s college. At that time the City of Chicago was less than 10 years old, and the Sisters of Mercy established Saint Francis Xavier Female Academy. The Academy, which would later become Saint Xavier College, and finally Saint Xavier University. It was the first Mercy College in the world and is the oldest chartered college in the city of Chicago. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked SXU as the 49th best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at Xavier is dedicated to providing all students with a rewarding liberal arts education. The program expands critical thinking skills, effective communication and unity as students examine arts and sciences disciplines. The CAS is dedicated to the Catholic tradition of the University, “the general education program includes inquiry in the disciplines of philosophy and religious studies, and is committed to the study of diverse cultures within the United States and across the world”. The scope of the general education program upholds Xavier’s mission “to foster personal growth, ethical concern, social responsibility, and intercultural sensitivities”.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in General / Empirical Psychology
The BA in General Psychology Degree Program offered by the Department of Psychology gives psychology majors an introduction to the fundamental theories, research methods and breadth of information in psychology. Students are encouraged to enhance their critical thinking, technology and communication skills while learning to analyze and begin to learn applications of psychology. The concentration area of General psychology is ideal for students interested in a broad general education in psychology. It exposes them to a cross-section of course work that emphasizes the empirical areas of psychology. By choosing this major, students acquire and enhance skills that are important to employers and graduate programs, such as:
- oral and written communication skills
- quantitative literacy
- critical thinking skills
- information literacy
- interpersonal effectiveness
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Clinical / Counseling Psychology
The Clinical / Counseling Concentration is ideal for students who are interested in developing a better understanding of typical and atypical behavior in both children and adults. In addition to courses outlining empirical research and intervention skills needed for providing clinical / counseling services, service learning, and experiential fieldwork opportunities are provided. Students in this concentration will gain insight into how people think, feel, act and relate to other humans. Psychology majors will learn how to formulate and analyze behavioral data and how to conduct research with human and animal participants. Courses will boost student’s self-awareness and appreciation for individual differences and respect for cultural diversity. These courses include
- human development
- cognition
- personality
- group processes
- mental illness and others
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Concentration in Industrial / Organizational Psychology
The industrial/organizational concentration is ideal for students interested in applying psychological principles and methods to the workplace, or those who plan to pursue graduate study in psychology. This concentration consists of courses intended both to augment graduates’ marketability, especially in human resource management areas. They also to provide a framework for further studies. The curriculum gives each student a better understanding of the human resource management field and problems where psychological principles and methods are helpful. There is a practicum experience built into the curriculum, which provides learning in an organizational setting related to each student’s individual interests.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
Saint Xavier University
The College of Arts and Sciences
3700 West 103rd Street
Chicago, IL 60655
Timothy D. Ritchie, Ph.D. – Chair, Department of Psychology
Office – WAC G311
(773) 298-3759
E-Mail: ritchie@sxu.edu
Program Website:
With so much flexibility offered by the various psychology programs, each student can choose the exact fit that works for them. Whether a fully online, hybrid or on-campus experience best suits you, you can find the option that you need. For some people, a fully online psychology degree means that they can continue to work, be a parent and fulfill their many obligations. Other people feel that they need the structure of being in a classroom to get the most out of their college experience. Others might benefit from a combination of the two learning styles, lending itself to a hybrid-learning environment. Regardless of which works for you, you will be able to find an undergraduate psychology program in Illinois.
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