• Home
  • Psychology - COAS

Psychology - COAS

Welcome to the IU Northwest Department of Psychology

Psychology is a science that deals with mental processes and behavior.

Psychological scientists study topics such as the structure and function of the brain, perception, learning, memory, thinking, personality, and psychological disorders.

A Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum enables students to 1) think scientifically about behavior and mental processes, 2) appreciate and respect individual differences, and 3) pursue a variety of post-baccalaureate alternatives, including enrollment in graduate or professional school or employment in social service agencies, business, and industry.

Coursework aims to teach students to evaluate research methods, research designs, and statistics; to distinguish theories and findings based on evidence from those without such support; to speak and write effectively about psychology; and to understand how the study of psychology helps individuals make their community a better place.

Both the B.A. and B.S. degrees in psychology provide students with a rigorous general background in psychology that prepares students for entry into psychology graduate programs.  The B.S. degree is designed for students who wish to prepare for health-related professional graduate programs such as medicine, dentistry or physical therapy.  The more extensive requirements in biology, chemistry, mathematics, and physics have been selected to optimize the student's preparation for these health-related graduate programs.

Program Highlights

The department offers a wide variety of courses in all areas of psychology. Historically, students completing these courses have done exceedingly well on national achievement tests. Students are able to engage in collaborative or independent study with faculty members. Over the past five years, dozens of students have taken advantage of this opportunity. Many have presented their research at student and professional meetings and some have won student research competitions.

What Can I Do With a B.A./B.S. in Psychology

B.A. and B.S. degree recipients find employment in social service agencies, personnel, sales, and various capacities in many different organizations. A career as a psychologist requires graduate training, at least at the master's level. Entry to doctoral programs is highly competitive, but the doctoral degree provides many possibilities for careers in service, research, and/or teaching. Some psychology students also go on to medical school. For more information on careers, please see the Career Information Tool.

Hands-On Learning

Students can earn academic credit by working in community settings through the department's Cooperative Work Experience course. Popular community settings include prisons, mental health agencies and nursing centers. In addition, students who wish to prepare for doctoral education can participate in faculty research in a variety of areas such as language, health, child development, and human learning.

Thank you for your interest in the Department of Psychology at IU Northwest!