Undergraduate Major in Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior – how people perceive the world, think and act. In addition to the obvious benefits of an understanding of human behavior, the major in psychology emphasizes the development of critical thinking skills as well as practical experience in developing research ideas, analyzing data and communicating results.
The psychology major reflects the richness of the field; courses focus on the primary areas of research and instruction—behavior and cognition, clinical, cognitive, personality and social. Core courses survey the field, statistical and research methodologies, and various sub-disciplines, while more advanced courses provide opportunities to explore specific topics in greater depth. Led by faculty who are active researchers, psychology courses at all levels combine the study of people with a focus on the analysis and interpretation of data.
A bachelor's degree in psychology is useful for students seeking or continuing careers in management, education, human resources, research and marketing. Further study at the graduate level can prepare students for a career as a clinical psychologist. All students will find that the major provides knowledge about human behavior and methods of research that are valuable in a range of professions.
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Psychology Major Goals & Curriculum
Program Goals
Graduates will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology
- Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology
- Employ critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry and scientific approaches to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
- Write and communicate effectively
- Exhibit quantitative literacy
- Recognize the diversity of human experience through sociocultural analysis
- Understand the ethics of psychological research and practice
Curriculum
Choose from two degree programs for the psychology major. The bachelor's degree requirements are 45 units total and include distribution, writing, and elective courses, and the major requirements.
Psychology major requirements
- PSYCH 110 Introduction to Psychology
- PSYCH 201 Statistical Methods in Psychology
- PSYCH 205 Research Methods in Psychology
- 5 300-level psychology courses
- 2 additional 200- or 300-level psychology courses
- 2 related courses chosen from 200-level mathematics, 300-level statistics or any biological sciences, chemistry, information systems or physics courses
Undergraduate Psychology Courses
Explore Undergraduate Psychology Courses for descriptions, locations, and schedules. Classes are held on Northwestern's Evanston or downtown Chicago campuses, and meet once weekly in the evening or on Saturdays.Major in Psychology Admission & Transfer Policy
Application to Northwestern University School of Professional Studies bachelor's degree programs is completed online. Once admitted, many students create a shorter path to degree completion by applying transfer credit. View detailed application instructions and transfer credit policies on the Admission & Transfer Policy page.
Psychology Tuition & Financial Aid
The School of Professional Studies offers competitive tuition rates for undergraduate courses. The Tuition & Financial Aid page lists current per-course tuition rates in addition to financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
Registration for Psychology Majors
Registration for courses opens 8 to 10 weeks before each quarter and is accessed CAESAR, Northwestern's online student records system. View course registration timelines and instructions on the Registration Information page.
Career Options for Psychology Majors
Psychology combines the study of people with a focus on the analysis and interpretation of data, which provides an excellent foundation for a wide range of Psychology Careers.
Find out more about the Major in Psychology
