Overview
Loyola offers the Bachelor of Science in Psychology which provides students with a broad-based introduction to the science of psychology as well as opportunities to learn how psychology is applied to solving individual and social problems. Within the major, students may concentrate in areas linking the major with biology and other natural sciences, with complementary disciplines in the social sciences, or with applied psychology in communities, organizations, and institutions.
Curriculum
Students in the Psychology Major must successfully complete 14 psychology courses, including General Psychology (PSYC 101), Psychology Advising and Career Development (PSYC 201), Statistics (PSYC 304), and Research Methods (PSYC 306), a Diversity and Inclusion course, one course each in our five Knowledge Pillars (Biological, Cognitive, Developmental, Mental Health, and Social), one advanced psychology lab, one capstone course, and various electives. In addition to the 14 courses in psychology, students must complete two quantitative courses from a list of department approved courses in math, computer science, or statistics. Students also have the opportunity to do a mentored internship and a variety of independent research courses including Honors in Psychology. For more details on the Psychology Major please review the Psychology Major Checklist 2021-2022 or the Psychology Course Matrix. A six course minor in psychology is also available that includes General Psychology (PSYC 101) and five other psychology courses.
Learning Outcomes for the Undergraduate Psychology Major and Minor
- Acquire a broad understanding of fundamental psychological principles and concepts, including the cognitive, social, emotional, cultural, developmental and neurological factors that influence behavior.
- Learn to use scientific knowledge to make reasoned and ethical judgments promoting the health and well-being of the individual, community, and society.
- Develop the ability to design, conduct, and communicate the results, both orally and in writing, of basic psychological research.
- Develop the ability to think quantitatively about psychological concepts, and to quantitatively analyze experimental results.
- Participate in scientific inquiry using the methodologies and tools of psychological science in laboratory and field settings.
Career Opportunities
After completing their undergraduate degrees, psychology graduates typically earn graduate or professional degrees or pursue employment. Graduate studies include specializations within the field in clinical, cognitive, industrial, social, educational, counseling, or developmental psychology. Employment in psychology-related professional positions include alcohol/drug counselor, child-care worker, geriatric counselor, hospital ombudsman, management trainee, market researcher, mental health specialist, human resources professional, sales representative, and teacher. For more details on the types of careers graduate pursue and details on how to pursue them please visit our Psychology Career Finder.
Prospective Students
If you are interested in learning more about undergraduate studies in the Loyola University Chicago Department of Psychology, please request additional information about Loyola and our program using the Undergraduate Request Form.
Download the Undergraduate Program Brochure.