The state of Illinois hosts a large number of colleges and universities offering undergraduate psychology degrees. Throughout these various programs, there are many variations on how, where and when you can earn your degree. In the past, college courses were offered on-campus on a daytime basis. As years passed, more and more programs began to offer night classes to accommodate returning students. As more time has passed, this flexibility has blossomed. In addition to traditional daytime classes and night courses, students can earn their degree through:
- online programs
- a combination of online and on-campus programs
- part-time and weekend degree programs
Now, having a career, a family and a busy schedule does not mean that a college degree is impossible. Each student, despite their personal needs, can find a degree program that fits into their life.
University of Illinois at Chicago
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a state-funded public research university in Chicago. The campus is located in the Near West Side community area, close to the famous Chicago Loop. As the second campus established by the University of Illinois system, UIC is the largest university in the Chicago area. It has about 28,000 students enrolled throughout the 15 colleges. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked UIC as the 149th best National University. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) is comprised of:
- 11,000 students
- 600 faculty
- more than 60 departments and academic units
- over 156,000 alumni
All students at UIC begin their academic careers with LAS courses. Half of all students at the university will eventually graduate with a degree from the college.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Degree Program will earn a degree that can lead to a broad range of career options. The Psychology Department provides an education with a focus on behavior principles that are valuable for anyone whose career plans involve interacting with others. Graduates of this program have gone on to pursue careers in a variety of areas including:
- clinical services
- health services
- business
- industry
- testing
- education
- behavioral research
There are plenty of career opportunities for students with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, particularly in the areas of:
- social work
- healthcare
- business
- human resources
Because many of these career options will require a graduate degree, students should consider their interests, values, and goals. They should also in mind the possible job requirements and career options in their area of interest before choosing a degree program. The Department of Psychology offers programs leading to the Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
The Applied Psychology Program promotes the idea that a deep theoretical training program must be combined with a real-world field experience to give students the training and confidence necessary to pursue a successful career. The program has seen a three-fold increase over the last 10 years, and it continues to expand each semester. Students enrolled have the opportunity to pursue one of over 200 approved internship sites throughout Chicago and the suburbs in all areas of applied psychology. The program delivers upwards of 50,000 hours of community service to the region each year. The sites include:
- Agencies in mental health, developmental disabilities, autism, community prevention, substance abuse, after school programs and services for the homeless
- Hospital systems, rehab hospitals, and many community-based mental health and social service agencies
- Human resources and other psychological aspects of business
- Forensic sites including the State’s Attorney’s office, children’s advocacy centers for sexually and physically abused children, unaccompanied minors, and adult and juvenile probation centers
- Domestic violence shelters, as well as community centers that support women, children, and the family
- Culturally competent agencies serving LGBTQ, Native American, African American, Latino, Asian and Muslim communities
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
University of Illinois at Chicago
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Department of Psychology
1007 West Harrison Street (M/C 285)
Chicago, IL 60607-7137
(312) 996-3036
E-Mail: support@psch.uic.edu
Program Website:
University of Illinois at Springfield
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
The University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) is a public university located in Springfield. The university was founded in 1969 as Sangamon State University by the Illinois General Assembly. It became a part of the University of Illinois system in 1995. The University serves more than 5,000 students in:
- 23 undergraduate programs
- 20 Master’s Programs
- a Doctorate in Public Administration
At one time the university was one of only two upper-division and graduate universities in Illinois, but currently accepts freshmen, transfer and graduate students. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked UIS as the 36th best college or university in the Midwestern Region of the United States. The mission of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) at UIS is “to prepare students for the future by providing a broad education for success”. The faculty is committed to teaching students how to interact effectively in an interdependent, diverse, and rapidly changing world, by offering training in an innovative environment that stimulates interaction with ideas, each other, and the world.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The primary goal of the Psychology Department at the University of Illinois Springfield is to help all students better understand the theoretical and empirical perspectives used in most social sciences. At the same time it also allows students to study topics of individual interest and value. Students in this department have the chance to work directly with faculty members on their research projects or propose new research projects. Students have access to the multipurpose psychology laboratory, which is equipped with a number of instruments. They help students understand how experimental psychology is conducted in the fields of:
- memory
- perception
- learning
- other major areas
The Department also has an observation suite with 1-way mirrors and video recording capabilities, which students may use. The curriculum created by the department keeps with the APA Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major. The suggested learning goals and outcomes for undergraduate psychology majors include the five major goals:
- Goal 1 – Knowledge Base in Psychology – Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral problems.
- Goal 2 – Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking – The skills in this domain involve the development of scientific reasoning and problem solving, including research methods.
- Goal 3 – Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World – Skills in this domain involve the development of ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a society of increasing diversity.
- Goal 4 – Communication – Students should demonstrate competence in writing, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Goal 5 – Professional Development – The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Clinical / Counseling Psychology
The clinical/counseling concentration offered by the psychology department gives students training in the assessment and treatment of mental health issues and disorders. This concentration is a good fit for students who are interested in pursuing a career which will involve working professionally in the field of psychology. Students should consider this concentration if they intend to apply to graduate school to become a:
- counselor
- psychologist
- other service provider
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Developmental Psychology
The developmental concentration offered by the psychology department provides students with a framework in the concepts, theories, and research involving human development as it occurs over the life span and across contexts. Students should consider this area if they are interested in learning about developmental milestones and issues unique to each stage of human development, including:
- infancy
- early and middle childhood
- adolescence
- emerging adulthood
- middle age
- old age
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Educational Psychology
The educational concentration offered by the psychology department offers students a framework in theory and research related to:
- learning and cognition
- development across the life span
- psychological/educational testing
Students planning on entering graduate school to become a school counselor or psychologist, or you are in the elementary education teacher education program, should consider this area of training.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Experimental Psychology
The experimental concentration provides students with a broad overview of the fundamental specialty areas in Psychology. It also while emphasizes empirical research methodology and statistics. Students planning to attend graduate school in an area other than clinical, counseling, or developmental psychology, should consider this concentration. Students not intending to enter graduate school should not pursue this concentration area.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Concentration in Individualized concentration
The individualized concentration gives students the flexibility to get a general background in Psychology or to create their own specialization beyond the concentration areas offered by the Psychology Department. Students should consider this concentration if they are interested in an area other than clinical, counseling, developmental, educational, or experimental psychology. It’s also good for student who would like to develop a broad foundation across all areas of psychology.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
University of Illinois at Springfield
The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
One University Plaza
Springfield, Illinois 62703-5407
(217) 206-6600
Email: psy@uis.edu
Program Website: http://www.uis.edu/psychology/
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The College of Liberal Arts and Science
The University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign (UIUC) is a public research-intensive university in Illinois. The university is a land-grant university, and it is the flagship campus of the University of Illinois system. UIUC is the second oldest public university in the state, and is a founding member of the Big Ten Conference. It is a member of the Association of American Universities. The Carnegie Foundation designated the university as a RU/VH Research University (very high research activities). The campus library system has the second-largest university library in the United States and the fifth-largest in the country overall. The school is made up of 17 colleges that offer more than 150 programs of study. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked UIUC as the 42nd best National University. The College of Liberal Arts and Science (CLAS) works to “span the breadth of human endeavor”.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Students enrolled in the BS undergraduate degree program are provided with a breadth and depth applied to the study of human and animal behavior. The Psychology Department has course offerings ranging from the study of single cells to the whole person, as well as from small groups to large communities. Students majoring in Psychology must complete a minimum of 32 hours of course work. There’s a strong emphasis on:
- statistical analysis
- understanding the biological processes of behavior
- acquisition of research techniques and methodologies
Graduates of this program are employed in:
- business
- education
- social services
- health
- law
- community activism and more.
Accreditations
The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS)
Contact
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
The College of Liberal Arts and Science
603 East Daniel Street
Champaign, IL 61820
(217) 333-0631
E-Mail: psych@illinois.edu
Program Website: http://www.psychology.illinois.edu/undergraduate/
With so many choices, the time to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology is now. You can choose from daytime, evening, weekend, online and hybrid degree programs. Regardless of whether you work during the day or are raising small children, you can still earn your degree. Perhaps military service, a physical disability or limitation, family obligations or some other variable has kept you from working on your college diploma. That no longer has to be the case. No matter what your circumstances and situation there is a college or university that offers a degree program that will work for you. With a variety of options throughout Illinois, each student can find a degree program to help them achieve their goals.
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