Department website: http://www.psychology.illinois.edu
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology
Students choose from the following concentrations:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical/Community Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Diversity Science
- Intradisciplinary Psychology
- Organizational Psychology
- Personality Psychology
- Social Psychology
The Psychology major is a broad-based curriculum within a research-focused department. The program is designed both for students interested in a liberal arts education with psychology as a focal area and for students who plan to attend graduate or professional school either in psychology or in a different field such as medicine, law, social work, business administration, counseling, labor relations and many others.
The Psychology major provides both depth and breadth of knowledge in Psychology. The major consists of an introductory course, a statistics course, a breadth of knowledge or foundation in the different areas of psychology that comes from a set of core courses, a research methods course, and elective courses that give students a depth of knowledge. Each concentration, except for intradisciplinary psychology, has a core course specific to that area of psychology with a research methods course designed for that concentration. In formulating their Plan of Study, students can decide either to undertake a concentration in Intradisciplinary Psychology and select courses that focus on their own unique interests or to specialize in a particular area of Psychology by fulfilling the requirements for one of the other concentrations listed below. As undergraduate students fulfill the requirements, they also have the opportunity to participate in current research projects by working in labs. Students should contact our Undergraduate Advising Office for help in creating a plan of study and research that best meets their goals and interests.
The Department of Psychology also offers a .
Academic Advising
The Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office is open to help students choose patterns of courses relevant to their interests, as well as to help students explore graduate school, professional school, and career options. Advising is done by an award-winning staff of academic professionals along with mentoring by faculty for students with research interests. Peer registration assistants are also available to help with the registration process.
Areas of Interest
Psychology is the scientific investigation of human and animal behavior. Psychologists study behavior in systems ranging from single cells to the individual person, from small groups of people to communities. Psychologists strive to describe behavior and to understand its underlying biological and social mechanisms. This enterprise, designed to better understand the human condition, accumulates knowledge that can help solve problems faced by individuals and by communities. Students that graduate with a major in psychology acquire a wide range of knowledge and useful skills that allows them to find employment in many different areas.
Areas of interest in psychology, and many of these are reflected in the similarly-titled concentrations that are available within the major:
- Behavioral Neuroscience is the study of the biological mechanisms underlying behavior. Biological psychologists generally are interested in the brain and the nervous system, in the endocrine system, and in other organismic processes.
- Clinical psychology is the study of problems encountered by individuals, groups, and families — especially problems involving psychopathology. Clinical psychologists are interested in the application of psychological knowledge and techniques for the alleviation of these problems.
- Community psychology is the study of the social processes and problems of groups, organizations, and neighborhoods, and the development and evaluation of progress for social change and social policy based on psychological understanding.
- Cognitive neuroscience is concerned with understanding the neuroscientific bases of cognition. Various methods are employed to assess the roles of different brain systems in psychological functions such as memory, attention, language, executive control, decision making, response processing, and emotion.
- Cognitive psychology is the study of basic behavioral and cognitive processes, including learning, memory, problem-solving, motivation, and language.
- Developmental psychology is the study of intellectual development, emerging personality, and the acquisition of language, as well as psychophysiological and social development processes as individuals develop from birth through old age.
- Engineering psychology is the study of human behavior in the context of interactions between humans and machines.
- Organizational psychology is the application of techniques of assessment, prediction, and intervention to areas of human resources in organizations, including, but not limited to, standard personnel selection and training, attitude assessments and interventions, and program evaluations.
- Personality psychology focuses on individual behavior. It is the study of ways to understand and describe an individual's behavior and to predict an individual's future behavior.
- Quantitative psychology specialists develop mathematical models of psychological processes and devise methods for quantitative representation and analysis of data about behavior. These are used in the study of differences between individuals in ability, personality, preferences, and other psychological phenomena.
- Social psychology is the study of attitudes, social perception and cognition, interpersonal relations, interpersonal interactions, and social and cultural factors affecting human behavior.
- Visual cognition and human performance is the study of attention, visual perception, visual memory, and human performance. Visual cognition research uses tools drawn from cognitive psychology and cognitive neuroscience to better understand how visual information is perceived and remembered.
Prescribing Psychologists
The states of Illinois, New Mexico and Louisiana now allow appropriately qualified psychologists to write prescriptions for psychotropic medications, if they have the necessary training. There are many other states that currently have pending prescriptive authority legislative initiatives. One component of becoming a prescribing psychologist is completion of the following undergraduate courses:
• 2-semester course sequence in chemistry or biochemistry with lab
• 1 semester microbiology with lab
• 1 semester general biology for science majors
• 1 semester physiology
• 1 semester human anatomy
• 1 semester physiology and anatomy
• Medical terminology (class or proficiency)
For more information on becoming a prescribing psychologist and a detailed list of which courses meet these requirements, please consult with one of the academic advisors in psychology.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology
The student learning outcomes are adapted from the American Psychological Association’s (APA) “Guidelines for the Undergraduate Psychology Major” (2013). These guidelines consist of general learning outcomes along with specific indicators that can be assessed. Two sets of indicators are provided by the APA depending on whether a student has completed just the foundational courses (100‐ and 200‐ level classes) or is finishing the elective courses (300‐ and 400‐ level classes) necessary for each concentration within the Psychology major. The four learning outcomes that we will be evaluating are:
- Students will demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how psychological principles apply to behavioral phenomena. This includes 1.1) describing key concepts, principles and overarching themes, 1.2) developing a working knowledge of the different content or program areas in psychology, and 1.3) describing the application of psychology to everyday life.
- Students will develop scientific reasoning and problem solving skills, including effective research methods. This includes 2.1) using scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena; 2.2) demonstrating psychology information literacy; 2.3) engaging in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving; 2.4) interpreting, designing, and conducting basic psychological research; and 2.5) incorporating sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry when appropriate.
- Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behaviors for professional and personal settings in a landscape that involves increasing diversity. This goal encompasses 3.1) applying ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice; 3.2) building and enhancing interpersonal relationships; and 3.3) adopting values that build community at local, national, and global levels.
- Students will be prepared to apply psychology‐specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project‐management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation to optimize their competitiveness for securing places in a graduate school, professional school, or in the workforce. For example, students should be able to 4.1) apply psychological content and skills to career goals; 4.2) demonstrate project‐management skills and teamwork capacity; and 4.3) develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.
for the degree of Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts & Sciences Major in Psychology
department website: http://www.psychology.illinois.edu/
department faculty: Psychology Faculty
advising: Psychology advising
overview of college admissions & requirements:
college website: https://las.illinois.edu/
email: psych-advising@illinois.edu
FAQs
Is Urbana Champaign good for psychology? ›
UIUC Psychology Rankings
UIUC is in the top 10% of the country for psychology. More specifically it was ranked #67 out of 1,003 schools by College Factual. It is also ranked #4 in Illinois.
- Harvard University.
- Stanford University.
- Yale University.
- Columbia University.
- University of California Los Angeles.
- University of Michigan.
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- University of Pennsylvania.
...
Illinois State Psychology Rankings.
| Ranking Type | Rank |
|---|---|
| Best Value Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Psychology | 83 |
| Best Psychology Master's Degree Schools | 127 |
When you're ready to declare a concentration, reach out to your academic advisor. An electronic form is submitted by your advisor to the LAS college office and your Degree Audit will reflect the change.
Which Ivy League school has the best psychology program? ›Harvard is at the top of both lists for clear reasons. The 30-member psychology faculty at Harvard is comprised of living legends who are lauded with awards and publications.
Is psychology a good career in USA? ›Psychology is a growing field with a high demand for qualified professionals. In the United States, psychology careers have an average annual salary of $56, 470. In the United States, many people are interested in a career in psychology. In fact, Payscale found that there were over 72,000 job in the field.
What is the easiest psychology degree to get? ›Psychology Studies at the Undergraduate Levels
Two-year degrees in psychology offered by community colleges and junior colleges are the easiest psychology programs you will find. Available on campus and online, associate's degrees in psychology typically require around 60 credits of college coursework.
Psychiatrists prescribe medications for patients with mental illnesses. Psychiatrist positions are by far the highest-paying jobs for psychology majors. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale.
How much do psychologists make? ›Best-paid skills and qualifications for Psychologists
The jobs requiring this certification have increase by 21.23% since 2018. Psychologists with this certification earn +18.95% more than the average base salary, which is $93,992 per year.
Psychologists can find work in a wide range of fields. This includes jobs in schools, hospitals, substance abuse treatment, social services, and applied psychologists for businesses. Also, a psychology degree is highly valued in the job market because of the range of skills psychology majors acquire.
Is University of Chicago good for psychology? ›
In College Factual's most recent rankings for the best schools for psychology majors, UChicago came in at #14. This puts it in the top 5% of the country in this field of study. It is also ranked #2 in Illinois.
Does UIC have a good reputation? ›editorial. University of Illinois Chicago is a highly rated public university located in Chicago, Illinois. It is a large institution with an enrollment of 20,023 undergraduate students.
Do you need calculus for psychology major? ›A bachelor's in psychology will usually require only the university's basic general education math requirements, although they may set higher grade standards than the general requirements. That means you can get away with: Algebra. Pre-calculus, or calculus.
How many concentrations are included in the psychology major? ›Within the Psychology major, five concentration areas are offered at the undergraduate level: General Psychology; Mind, Brain, and Behavior; Industrial/Organizational; Addictions Counseling; Clinical/Counseling Psychology.
Can you double major at UIUC? ›You can officially declare more than one major. All completed majors do appear on your transcripts. Students in LAS's Sciences and Letters Curriculum may declare their intent to complete multiple majors in LAS any time except the months of April and November by submitting the online LAS Multiple Major Declaration Form.
What jobs can you get with a psychology degree? ›Community welfare officer Community worker/community development worker Counsellor Employee relations officer Guidance counsellor, second level Health and safety adviser Housing manager/officer Human resources manager Occupational psychologist Occupational therapist Probation and welfare officer Psychologist, clinical ...
How many years does it take to become a psychologist in USA? ›To become a clinical psychologist, you will need an undergraduate degree (four to five years of college) plus a doctorate degree (four to seven years of graduate school). For this specialty area, most people will spend between eight to 12 years in higher education.
Which country is best for psychologists? ›- Canada. Over the years, Canada has become a hot choice for aspirants looking for career options in various fields, and it's the same for psychology. ...
- The United States of America. ...
- Australia. ...
- The United Kingdom. ...
- Other Countries.
According to students studying psychology, there is quite a lot of reading that you need to do. Psychology is one of the more difficult degrees and many of your assignments will require you to cite your sources and will require you to back up a lot of the arguments that you have.
Is psychologist a stressful job? ›Working as a psychologist and continuously helping patients overcome their mental struggles and emotional challenges can sometimes be stressful and draining.
Is it hard to get a job as a psychologist? ›
First, the bad news: If you're hoping to get a psychology-related job, the odds aren't in your favor. A 2003 survey by the National Science Foundation found that of the 122,800 people who graduated with BS degrees in psychology, less than 5 percent got jobs in the field.
Is there 2 years course in psychology? ›An associate degree in psychology is an undergraduate-level degree that usually takes two years to complete. The associate degree option is often offered at community colleges, and many students then transfer to a state university to complete a bachelor's degree.
Are psychology classes easy? ›Because the course is "introductory," some students imagine that Intro Psych ought to be a relatively easy course. Yet many students are shocked to discover that it is one of the most difficult courses they take, especially early in their college careers.
What is the fastest way to become a psychologist? ›To become a clinical psychologist, you'll need a doctoral-level degree, either a PhD or a PsyD. Most clinical psychologist doctoral programs will require five to seven years of study to complete beyond the bachelor's and master's degrees.
Is a PHD in psychology worth it? ›Most of them have a doctoral degree and many years of work experience. You also will qualify for more jobs with a doctoral degree. APA's Workforce Studies found that 72% of surveyed psychologists with a doctorate got their top choice for work after they graduated.
What is the best job for psychology major? ›- Therapist. National average salary: $28.12 per hour. ...
- Psychology program director. National average salary: $61,632 per year. ...
- Behavior analyst. ...
- Researcher. ...
- Psychology professor. ...
- Industrial psychologist. ...
- Military psychologist. ...
- Counseling psychologist.
- Psychiatrist. Average Yearly Salary: $216,090. ...
- Industrial-Organizational Psychologist. Average Yearly Salary: $102,530. ...
- Neuropsychologist. Average Yearly Salary: $93,440. ...
- Engineering Psychologist. ...
- Psychology Teacher. ...
- Clinical Psychologist. ...
- Counseling Psychologist. ...
- School Psychologist.
Psychiatrists are medical doctors, psychologists are not. Psychiatrists prescribe medication, psychologists can't. Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.
What skills do u need to be a psychologist? ›- Communication. Communication is important in any field but in psychology, it is paramount and is the hallmark of what a psychologist does. ...
- Patience. ...
- Ethics. ...
- Problem-Solving. ...
- Research. ...
- Commitment to Learning. ...
- Organization. ...
- Emotional Stability.
Psychologists can do research, which is a very important contribution academically and clinically, to the profession. A therapist is a broader umbrella term for professionals who are trained—and often licensed—to provide a variety of treatments and rehabilitation for people.
Is a bachelor's in psychology worth it? ›
The short answer is yes. A bachelor's degree in psychology sets you up for success whether you enter the workforce immediately or continue to graduate school. Continue reading for our complete breakdown. Psychology is a fascinating science.
What are the easiest majors? ›- Psychology.
- Criminal Justice.
- English.
- Education.
- Religious Studies.
- Social Work.
- Sociology.
- Communications.
See both are different field. Law is based on your speaking power, confidence level in you, remembering all rules and acts,etc. Psychology is based on your thinking capacity and how u handle situations/problems faced by others.
Is a psychology degree a BS or BA? ›A BA in psychology focuses more on the humanities or liberal arts. This degree includes more electives, allowing students to take classes in various fields. Alternatively, a BS in psychology concentrates more on applied psychology, research methods, natural sciences and math.
Is UChicago an Ivy? ›The University of Chicago is not an Ivy League school. The Ivy League is an athletic conference consisting of Harvard, Princeton, Dartmouth, Brown, Cornell, Columbia, Yale, and the University of Pennsylvania. Since their founding in 1954, the Ivies have also gained prominence for academic and research excellence.
Is the Chicago School of Professional Psychology real? ›The Chicago School of Professional Psychology's Chicago Campus. For over 40 years, The Chicago School has been an innovator of psychology and behavioral science. Our Chicago Campus is an accredited, not-for-profit institution that offers hands-on courses taught by world-class faculty.
Is UIC a good school for psychology? ›UIC is in the top 10% of the country for psychology. More specifically it was ranked #59 out of 965 schools by College Factual. It is also ranked #3 in Illinois.
Is UIC a difficult school? ›Tutoring and Study Methods
To do well at UIC, you have to study hard! UIC is ranked in the top 200 universities in the country, therefore, you must not expect that your academic experience at UIC is going to be light and breezy. You will need to study for several hours each day to ensure you graduate with a good GPA.
...
Download Listing of all Tier 1 Universities.
| Name | University of Illinois Chicago |
|---|---|
| Top American Research Unive-rsity | 32 |
| US News Best National Univer-sity Rankings 2022 | 103 |
| % Admitted | 73 |
Quite a bit, actually. Math classes, and statistics in particular, are an important part of any psychology program. You will need to take math classes that fulfill your school's general education requirements as well as additional statistics requirements to fulfill your psychology program's core requirements.
Is math in psychology hard? ›
No, psychology doesn't contain that much math if at all. Psychology is more subjective than objective.
What type of math is used in psychology? ›A Probability and Statistics class is required in all of them. A basic grasp of algebra is beneficial for this and other research-related classes. In fact, to set you up for success in stats, National prefers you complete Algebra I and Algebra 2 first.
How do you choose concentration in psychology? ›Focus on Career Goals
A good way for students to choose a psychology master's concentration is with a look at their overall career goals. Those who want to work as counselors in certain states will usually need to do an internship or a practicum and spend 300 to 500 hours or more doing fieldwork.
What is the purpose of the pre-majors? Psych students must complete all preparation courses before declaring their Psychology, Psychobiology, or Cognitive Science majors. Pre-major status means that you have demonstrated the ability to pursue a Psych Dept. major.
Which type of psychology degree focuses more on the clinical practice and less on research? ›Like a PhD in Psychology, the Doctor of Psychology degree (PsyD) prepares students to practice psychology in a wide range of clinical settings. A PsyD, however, focuses more on clinical practice and less on research. As a result, this degree requires fewer research and statistics courses and thus takes less time.
How hard is a double major? ›Double majors often require additional planning to meet all their requirements in four years. Students usually need over 60 credits between their two majors, which is no small task. Double majors might not pursue as many electives as students with just one major, who enjoy more "wiggle room" to try new things.
How many minors can you have? ›Students can have two minors. As a matter of fact, students can have more than two minors. However, it will depend on the colleges or universities they are attending. At most schools, for instance, students are limited to having two minors.
How many letters of recommendation do you need for University of Illinois? ›application Requirements:
Most graduate programs require three letters of reference. Check with your proposed program of study office regarding the number required. Your recommenders will be required to submit letters of reference using the online recommendation system.
| University | Overall Admissions Rate | CS Admissions Rate |
|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 62% | 15% |
| University of California at Berkeley | 17% | 8.5% |
| University of Washington | 46% | 28% |
| University of Texas - Austin | 36% | 15% |
Is UIUC a hard school? ›
Academics at UIUC are outstanding. While some programs are better than others, there are always challenging classes and more relaxed classes to choose from. Depending on the school and major you choose, there could be a lot of competition or there could be a more relaxed environment.
Is UIUC a Tier 1 school? ›The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a top-tier public research university, ranked #11 in the nation among public institutions by U.S. News & World Report.
What is UIUC famous for? ›The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign comprises 15 colleges and schools. Its School of Information Sciences, College of Engineering and Department of Psychology are among the best in the country. The school's College of Business, College of Education and College of Law are also highly ranked.
Is it easy to get into UIUC? ›The acceptance rate at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 62.2%. For every 100 applicants, 62 are admitted. This means the school is moderately selective. The school expects you to meet their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores, but they're more flexible than other schools.
How much do UIUC graduates make? › What is the average GPA for University of Illinois? ›Average GPA: 3.83
The average GPA at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is 3.83. This makes University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Extremely Competitive for GPAs. (Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.