purdue psy major

About the Program

The Psychological Sciences Major provides a broad foundation in psychology, but also provides maximum flexibility in psychology course selection. Students learn about applied and basic aspects of psychology as well as have a chance to take advance courses that give an authentic experience in diverse areas of psychology. This major leaves plenty of space for additional courses in other areas of interest or even allows a minor or double major. This program is often chosen by students interested in careers as therapists or in other human services areas, or by students who plan careers that require only a Bachelor’s degree.

Degree Requirements and Supplemental Information

The full Program Requirements for 2016-17 Psychological Sciences    include all Supplemental Information and selective lists of those categories which a student must fulfill in order to earn their degree. These are intended to be printer-friendly, but include less descriptive course detail.

Please see below for program requirements and the necessary degree fulfillments.

PSYSCI-BS PSYS 120 credits

Major Requirements (36 credits)

A cumulative GPA of 2.3 is required for all PSY courses used to meet major (Areas A-C) requirements

A) Required Courses (9 credits)

• PSY 12000 - Elementary Psychology [Fulfills Behavior/Social Science Core]
• PSY 20100 - Introduction To Statistics In Psychology
• PSY 20300 - Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology

*These courses must be taken at Purdue University-West Lafayette.

B) Select two courses from each of the following groups (12 credits)

• PSY 20000 - Introduction To Cognitive Psychology
• PSY 20200 - Introduction To Quantitative Topics In Psychology
• PSY 22200 - Introduction To Behavioral Neuroscience
• PSY 31400 - Introduction To Learning
• PSY 23500 - Child Psychology
• PSY 24000 - Introduction To Social Psychology
• PSY 27200 - Introduction To Industrial-Organizational Psychology (if selected, fulfills Management & Leadership Selective)
• PSY 35000 - Abnormal Psychology

C) Select five additional 3-credit PSY courses numbered 30000-59900 (15 credits)

PSY 31400    & PSY 35000    may NOT be used to fulfill requirement.  Only one of the following 3-credit courses may be used: (PSY courses in this section may also fulfill some Selective Requirements)

• PSY 31900 - Research Methods In Infancy And Childhood or
• PSY 39000 - Research Experience In Psychology or
• PSY 39100 - Readings In Psychology or
• PSY 49200 - Internship In Psychology or
• PSY 49800 - Senior Research

Required Courses in Other Departments (18-67 credits)

Cultural/International Diversity Selective (0 -16 credits) * The Cultural/International Diversity requirement may be met by completing ONE of the following options:

Option 1.   Proficiency through level IV in any one foreign language.

• 10100 - Credit Hours: 3.00 - 4.00
• 10200 - Credit Hours: 3.00 - 4.00
• 20100 - Credit Hours: 3.00 - 4.00
• 20200 - Credit Hours: 3.00 - 4.00

Option 2.   Proficiency through level III in any one foreign language AND a course from Cultural/International Diversity Selective list.

• select a course from Cultural/International Diversity Selective list

Option 3.   Two courses in any one foreign language AND an approved study abroad experience of at least 6 weeks in duration, which

a) Must take place outside the United States

b) Have significant immersion in the local culture and language independent of any U.S.-based program in which the student may be participating.

• Study Abroad Experience

Option 4.   An approved semester length (Fall/Spring) study abroad experience

*The Cultural/International Diversity Selective requirement may be waived for international students. See academic advisor for guidelines and approval

Select from list for each

• Economics/Finance Selective - Credit Hours: 3.00
• Management & Leadership Selective (IF  PSY 27200    is selected for PSYS Major Area B, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 3.00
• Natural Sciences, Math & Information Technology Selective (NSM&IT) - select from  Group 1  list (IF [S] course is chosen, one Science Core requirement will be fulfilled) - Credit Hours: 2.00 - 4.00*
• Natural Sciences, Math & Information Technology Selective (NSM&IT) - (IF [S] course is chosen, one Science Core requirement will be fulfilled) - Credit Hours: 2.00 - 5.00*
• Natural Sciences, Math & Information Technology Selective (NSM&IT) - Must have lab component unless one of the other NSM&IT courses selected has lab component (IF [STS] course is chosen, Science Technology & Society Core will be fulfilled) - Credit Hours: 1.00 - 5.00*
• Social Ethics Selective (IF  PSY 46400    is chosen for PSYS Major Area C, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 3.00
• [Humanities Core] (IF a foreign language is chosen for Cultural/International Diversity Selective, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 4.00
• [Information Literacy Core] (IF  ENGL 10600    or  10800    is chosen for Written Communication core, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 3.00
• [Oral Communication Core] (Recommend  COM 11400 - Fundamentals Of Speech Communication   ) - Credit Hours: 3.00
• [Quantitative Reasoning Core]    MA 15300    OR higher from University list except  MA 15555    (IF [QR] is chosen for NSM&IT selective, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 5.00
• [Science Core] (IF [S] course is chosen for NSM&IT Selective Group 1, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 5.00
• [Science Core] (IF [S] course is chosen for NSM&IT Selective, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 4.00
• [Science, Technology & Society Core] (IF [STS] course is chosen for NSM&IT Selective, this requirement is fulfilled.) - Credit Hours: 0.00 - 3.00
• [Written Communication Core] (Recommend  ENGL 10600 - First-Year Composition    or  ENGL 10800 - Accelerated First-Year Composition   ) - Credit Hours: 3.00 - 4.00

*NSM&IT Selectives must total 9 or more credits.

Courses that fulfill Psychological Sciences Core requirements may also be used to fulfill Selective requirements, if applicable.

Courses that fulfill major requirements (Areas A-C) may also be used to fulfill Selective requirements, if applicable.

Electives (17-66 credits)

At least 32 credits of coursework required at 30000 level or higher.

120 semester credits required for Bachelor of Science degree.

University Foundational Learning Outcomes List

https://www.purdue.edu/provost/initiatives/curriculum/course.html

Program Requirements

Fall 1st year.

• PSY 12000 - Elementary Psychology (Behavior/Social Science Core)  ♦
• Oral Communication Core - Credit Hours: 3.00
• Cultural/International Diversity Selective - Credit Hours: 3.00 **
• MA 15300 - Algebra And Trigonometry I or higher (Quant. Reasoning Core) ♦  except for MA 15555    
• Elective - Credit Hours: 2.00
• Info. Literacy Core ( PSY 10000    recommended) - Credit Hour: 1.00

Spring 1st Year

• PSY Area B2 - Credit Hours: 3.00
• Written Com. Core ( ENGL 10600    recom.) - Credit Hours: 4.00
• Cultural/International Diversity Selective - Credit Hours: 3.00 **
• Sci/Math/InfoTech Selective + Sci. Core - Credit Hours: 3.00 ***

Fall 2nd Year

• PSY 20100 - Introduction To Statistics In Psychology ♦
• PSY Area B1 - Credit Hours: 3.00
• Sci/Math/InfoTech Selective + Science Core - Credit Hours: 3.00 ***
• Elective - Credit Hours: 3.00

Spring 2nd Year

• PSY 20300 - Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology ♦
• Humanities Core - Credit Hours: 3.00 ****

Fall 3rd Year

• PSY Area C - Credit Hours: 3.00
• Sci/ Math/InfoTech Selective + STS Core - Credit Hours: 3.00 ***

Spring 3rd Year

• Social Ethics Selective - Credit Hours: 3.00 ****

Fall 4th Year

Spring 4th year.

• Management & Leadership Selective - Credit Hours: 3.00 ****

*Typical credits shown, but will vary with specific course selections; 120 total credits required. At least 32 of these credits must be courses taken at Purdue and numbered 30000 or higher.

**Depending on language placement and Option selected, requirement might require fewer than 4 semesters to complete, potentially creating opportunities for additional electives to be taken.

***Assumes Selective and Core requirement will be fulfilled with one appropriately selected course. Requirements can be separated, if student prefers.

****Includes course option that can cover two or more requirements concurrently.

STS = Science, Technology & Society

Foreign Language Courses

Foreign Language proficiency requirements vary by program.  For acceptable languages and proficiency levels, see your advisor:

American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, (ancient) Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

Critical Course

The  ♦  course is considered critical. A Critical Course is one that a student must be able to pass to persist and succeed in a particular major.

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Psychological Sciences Major

Department of Psychological Sciences

Psychological sciences prepares you to work within all areas of psychology as well as business or health. The program offers a broad foundation in psychology and helps you understand human behavior. Psychological sciences provides maximum flexibility in course selection and is often chosen by students interested in social services, business, healthcare, nonprofit administration and government organizations. This major also offers excellent preparation for graduate and professional school.

Career Opportunities

• Human resources manager
• Corrections officer
• Community service manager
• Health educator
• Human factors specialist
• Management analyst
• Market research analyst
• Victim advocate
• Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapist
• Search engine evaluator
• Mental health technician
• Account executive
• Life skills specialist
• Marketing specialist
• Project manager
• Case manager

Potential Areas of Advanced Study

• Medical school
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physician assistant
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Industrial-organizational psychology
• Mathematical and computational psychology
• Neuroscience and behavior
• Social psychology
• Orthotics and prosthetics
• Veterinary medicine
• Business administration
• Human resources (accelerated 4+1 program offered in the Krannert School of Management)
• Public health (accelerated 4+1 program offered in the Department of Public Health)
• Art therapy

Learning Experiences

• Join the  Research-Focused Honors Program .
• Complete an internship for credit in PSY 49200 (Internship in Psychology).
• Get involved in  undergraduate research  for credit in PSY 39000 (Research Experience in Psychology) and PSY 49800 (Senior Research).
• Study abroad  in one of the department’s programs.
• Join the  Psychology Learning Community  during your first year on campus.

Program Quick Facts

Degree Type: Bachelor’s

Location: West Lafayette

Department/School: Department of Psychological Sciences

“I chose Purdue because it was a university with great prestige. And I knew I would be receiving a top quality education. When visiting Purdue, it felt like home.” — Ceouna

Hometown:  Brownsburg, Indiana Why Purdue:  I chose Purdue because it was a university with great prestige. And I knew I would be receiving a top quality education. When visiting Purdue, it felt like home. Favorite place:  The Unity Tree (located outside of the Class of 1950 Lecture Hall), because it’s always been a great place to meet new people and just a casual spot to sit when it’s nice out! Advice for an Incoming Freshman: Stay ahead, and stay organized! Planners are excellent! Coming to Purdue can be overwhelming due to the amount of great opportunities to get involved, but it’s important to put your studies first and make sure to ask for help if need be.

Other Psychological Sciences Majors

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Catalog Contents

Bachelor of science in psychology, description and outcomes.

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to provide you with content knowledge of the major concepts, values, theories, psychological studies, research methods, and historical trends in psychology as they apply to human behavior, learning, and development. This degree will prepare you to pursue career opportunities in various fields where you may implement your psychological knowledge, skills, and values. The program may prepare you for graduate work to pursue more specialized careers. You will study how psychology relates to everyday life and the importance of culture and diversity. Courses are designed to help you develop and use psychological skills, critical thinking, and the scientific approach to problem solving to evaluate behavior and mental processes while applying psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

Concentration

You can personalize your degree with a concentration in business foundations. The business foundations concentration will allow you to gain competencies in the fundamental concepts of business administration. You will develop an understanding of the four functions of management, the components of a marketing strategy, and the financial performance of an organization.

Accelerated Master's Degree Options

If you are interested in earning a master's degree, consider an accelerated master's degree option. Refer to the Progression Requirements section for details.  

Program Length

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program consists of a minimum of 180 quarter credit hours. Upon successful completion of the program, you will be awarded a bachelor of science degree.

Program Outcomes

Discipline-specific outcomes.

• Knowledge Base: Explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, enduring conflicts, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
• Research Methods: Apply basic methodology in psychology including research design, data analysis, and the interpretation and evaluation of findings.
• Critical Thinking Skills: Use analytical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach in solving problems related to behavior and mental processes.
• Application: Apply the appropriate psychological principles, theories, and concepts to personal, social, and organizational issues and problems.
• Values in Psychology: Analyze the underlying ethical standards, values, and considerations in theory and practice in the disciplines of psychology.
• Information and Technological Skills: Use contemporary tools and technologies to communicate psychological principles and concepts effectively in diverse social and professional settings.
• Global Awareness: Describe how academic and applied psychology can improve interpersonal relationships across cultural and national boundaries.

General Education Literacies and Professional Competencies

In addition to the discipline-specific outcomes, general education literacies and professional competencies are integrated throughout your academic program. You can review the general education literacies and professional competencies associated with your academic program in the General Education and Professional Competency Requirements section of this Catalog.

Program Availability

For program availability, please refer to the U.S. State and Other Approvals section and Program Availability Information .

Certification, State Board, and National Board Exams

Certain state certification and licensure boards have specific educational requirements for programs to lead to a license or certification that is a precondition for employment in a recognized occupation.  Prospective and current students must review Purdue Global’s State Licensure and Certifications site to view program and state-specific licensure information.

Unless otherwise specified, Purdue Global's programs are not designed to meet any specific state’s licensure or certification requirements. Licensure-track programs may limit enrollment to students in certain states; please see Purdue Global’s Program Availability Information  to determine enrollment eligibility.

You are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. Such requirements may change during the course of your program. You are not automatically certified in any way upon program completion. Although certain programs are designed to prepare you to take various optional certification exams, Purdue Global cannot guarantee you will be eligible to take these exams or become certified. Your eligibility may depend on your work experience, completion of education and/or degree requirements, not having a criminal record, and meeting other certification requirements.

The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements in Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in Psychology does not guarantee or prepare you for state licensure in any state upon graduation.

Program Requirements 

Business foundations.

The 🌐 icon appears in the title of traditional courses that are also available as a set of module courses. Module course availability may be limited to certain academic calendars. See Course Types for information about module courses.

For options to fulfill this requirement, see the corresponding literacy in General Education and Professional Competency Requirements .

These degree requirements can be waived for students who are eligible for advanced start credit with a prior degree. See Advanced Start Credit in Bachelor’s Degrees for details.

Concentration Requirements

Concentration courses are completed within the open electives requirement of the degree plan.

Students in this program are not required to select a concentration.

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Psychology at Purdue University - Main Campus

Jump to any of the following sections:

• Available Degrees
• Student Demographics

Featured Psychology Programs

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

BA in Psychology

Advance in your human services or psychology career, or prepare for graduate studies in a variety of fields at Southern New Hampshire University.

MS in Psychology

Our Master of Science in Psychology program is designed to extend your knowledge and discipline in psychology, preparing you for a wide variety of professions and contexts.

MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling

Become a champion of change and take your first step toward licensure as a clinical mental health counselor with this specialized and CACREP-accredited online clinical counseling master's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Psychology Degrees Available at Purdue

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
• Graduate Certificates in Psychology
• Master’s Degree in Psychology
• Doctorate Degree in Psychology

Purdue Psychology Rankings

Purdue was ranked #102 on College Factual's most recent list of the best schools for psychology majors. This puts the bachelor's program at the school solidly in the top 15% of all colleges and universities in the country. It is also ranked #2 in Indiana .

Popularity of Psychology at Purdue

During the 2020-2021 academic year, Purdue University - Main Campus handed out 251 bachelor's degrees in psychology. This is an increase of 15% over the previous year when 219 degrees were handed out.

In 2021, 8 students received their master’s degree in psychology from Purdue. This makes it the #569 most popular school for psychology master’s degree candidates in the country.

In addition, 10 students received their doctoral degrees in psychology in 2021, making the school the #197 most popular school in the United States for this category of students.

Related Programs

Learn about other programs related to Psychology that might interest you.

BA in Psychology - Child & Adolescent Development

Gain practical experience working with children in a variety of settings with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

BA in Psychology - Forensic Psychology

Combine psychology and the law while developing research and critical-thinking skills with one of our bachelor's degrees in forensic psychology from Southern New Hampshire University.

BA in Psychology - Mental Health

Gain a strong foundation in the concepts involved with mental health therapy and assessment with this specialized online bachelor's from Southern New Hampshire University.

Psychology Student Diversity at Purdue

Take a look at the following statistics related to the make-up of the psychology majors at Purdue University - Main Campus.

Purdue Psychology Bachelor’s Program

Of the 251 students who graduated with a Bachelor’s in psychology from Purdue in 2021, 22% were men and 78% were women.

The majority of bachelor's degree recipients in this major at Purdue are white. In the most recent graduating class for which data is available, 53% of students fell into this category.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Purdue University - Main Campus with a bachelor's in psychology.

Purdue Psychology Master’s Program

Of the 8 students who graduated with a Master’s in psychology from Purdue in 2021, 25% were men and 75% were women.

The following table and chart show the ethnic background for students who recently graduated from Purdue University - Main Campus with a master's in psychology.

Psychology Majors

Psychology students may decide to major in one of the following focus areas. Individual majors may not be available for all degree levels.

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Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

Bachelor of Science

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Psychology Degree Program Overview

Psychologists study human behavior with an emphasis on improving the human condition. Psychologists can specialize in disciplines such as neuroscience, educational, clinical, industrial, organizational, developmental or sports psychology.

As a student in Purdue University Northwest’s psychology degree program, you’ll prepare for entry-level social science work or application to study at the graduate level.

Department of Psychology

Why Study Psychology at PNW?

You’ll have opportunities to assist faculty in research or have faculty mentor you in your areas of interest. Internships provide ways to practice your skills and build your professional network.

The expertise of our faculty includes neuroscience as well as clinical, developmental, experimental and cognitive psychology.

Psychology Major Curriculum

You’ll take a balance of general education courses, College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences core courses and psychology courses.

Psychology core classes consist of 30 credits that introduce you to psychology research methods, statistics and ethics, as well as how we understand learning, memory, brain and behavior. You’ll also study social, abnormal and development psychology and complete a capstone senior research project or an internship.

Explore an overview of psychology as a science, a first-year experience course and an introduction to the use of statistics in the field.

Psychology Course of Study

Sample Courses

• ENGL 10400 – English Composition I
• PSY 10300 – Psychology First Year Experience
• MA 15300 – College Algebra

Expand your understanding of research methods in psychology as well as theories of abnormal behavior, human memory and learning.

• COM 11400 – Fundamentals Of Speech Communication
• PSY 20300 – Introduction To Research Methods In Psychology
• PSY 20401 – Learning And Memory

Investigate ethical issues and explore additional specialties in the field, such as social psychology and developmental psychology.

• PSY 32500 – Professional And Ethical Issues In Psychology
• PSY 24000 – Introduction To Social Psychology

Focus on areas of psychology that interest you as you choose electives while completing your senior research and/or your internship.

• PSY 49200 – Internship In Psychology
• PSY 49800 – Senior Research

Psychology Degree Program Highlights

This program includes plenty of research and mentorship opportunities as well as internships in the field. Our esteemed faculty are passionate educators with a wealth of knowledge in their areas of expertise.

Psychology Degree Program Outcomes

Graduates of this program can work in entry-level social science jobs, such as case manager.

Many Psychology majors intend to help people by providing therapy or conducting research to improve the human condition. Most of these careers require a graduate degree, and our program is an ideal way to prepare for further studies.

Psychology Degree Program Career Paths

• Family Development Specialist
• Admissions Counselor
• Crisis Intervention Counselor
• Community Advocacy Coordinator
• Market Research Analyst

Psychology Degree Program Beyond the Classroom

You’ll have many opportunities to get involved in on- and off-campus activities, including:

• Psychology Club
• Paid positions as a research assistant and/or as a supplemental instructor conducting study sessions

Psychology Degree Program Employers

• Regional Health Systems
• Lake County Juvenile Detention Center
• Indiana Department of Child Services
• Access Abilities, Inc.

Psychology Degree Program Accreditation

PNW adheres to the guidelines of the American Psychological Association for undergraduate programs in psychology.

With PNW being a smaller university, you can spread your roots and do what you’re passionate about. Ashley Bravo, ’23, Integrative Human Health and Psychology

Psychology is so broad… There are so many career paths you can take and I liked the flexibility of being able to change my path if I want to. Daizha Hunter, Psychology, ’22

PNW helps me Power Onward with the amount of help available at the university, whether it be clubs, tutoring options, or one-on-one time with professors. Breona Keys, ’22, Psychology

My education at PNW has taught me how to work independently. McKenna Haynes Psychology, ’21

PNW Named Among 2024 Best Midwest Universities by U.S. News & World Report

Purdue University Northwest earned recognitions for several undergraduate programs—including PNW’s undergraduate program in psychology—and social mobility in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 annual Best Colleges rankings.

READ THE STORY

Meet the Faculty

John Michael Spores, Ph.D., J.D.

Professor of Psychology

Primarily teach statistics and research methods, along with many clinically applied courses such as psychotherapy, personality psychology, and abnormal psychology.

Kimberly L. Brunt, Ph.D., H.S.P.P.

Clinical Associate Professor of Psychology

Dr. Brunt is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology and Psychology Internship Coordinator in Westville. Dr. Brunt is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist who sees patients at AOBHC in Munster, IN

Robert Hallock, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Psychology

Robert Hallock is an assistant professor of psychology. His teaching focuses on the intersection of biology and behavior and his research focuses on sensation and perception, as well as undergraduate drug use.

Earn a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology at PNW

Purdue University Northwest’s psychology degree program is designed to provide you with the skills to study cognitive, emotional and social processes for a successful career in a variety of fields.

To see how a bachelor’s degree in psychology from PNW opens doors, from nonprofits to health care, take the next step today!

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Online Psychology Degrees and Certificate Programs

Looking for a psychology program that targets your career goals?

Learn from practicing professionals with extensive experience in psychology and gain the credentials, industry certifications, and experience you need to succeed. All classes are 100% online, so it's easy to create a study schedule that fits your lifestyle.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Select the Area of Study Below to Learn More

• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Educational Psychology
• Organizational Psychology">Industrial- Organizational Psychology

Online Psychology Degree Programs

Society needs qualified professionals who are driven to help others and make a difference in the world. The study of the human mind and behavior, psychology offers the chance to explore the various functions of the brain. Those working in this field have a desire to understand how the brain functions in times of stress, how it remembers facts, or how mental illnesses can affect its capabilities. It's an exciting time to build a rewarding career in this rapidly growing and essential field.

In this program, you'll develop foundational psychological knowledge and learn how to apply critical thinking and the scientific approach to solve problems. You'll also gain the skills needed in various occupations requiring psychology backgrounds.

• Business Foundations

In this program, you'll gain the skills to drive change and make a difference helping others. You'll learn to evaluate and apply general psychological theories and concepts, as well as how those contemporary theories relate to real-world situations.

• Forensic Psychology
• General Psychology
• Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Online Addictions Programs

Many people suffer from addiction, yet only a small percentage of them seek treatment, which means there is a need for highly qualified professionals who are driven to help others overcome their debilitating afflictions. Those working in this field are trained to walk addicts through their road to recovery using specialized methods and techniques. It's an exciting time to build a rewarding career in this rapidly growing and essential field.

Develop foundational knowledge of addiction, pharmacology, recovery, prevention, and case management. You'll also learn to use the scientific approach to solve problems, evaluate behavior and mental processes, and more.

In this graduate program, you'll learn how to analyze and apply theoretical and conceptual foundations of psychology as they pertain to addiction, as well as how to apply contemporary theories and information technologies to real-world situations.

Online Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Programs

Those working in applied behavior analysis are agents of change who strive to make a difference in the lives of others. By studying this field, students will learn the principles required to understand what motivates human behavior, as well as the actions needed to alter that behavior for the benefit of the individual and society as a whole.

Focus on improving skills of children in school settings and the development, abilities, and choices of children and adults with various disabilities. You'll also prepare to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® exam.

Study the analysis, design, and application of various behavior principles and theories to gain an understanding of what motivates human behavior as you prepare to sit for the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination.

Expand your expertise in behavioral disabilities and gain the knowledge needed to advance your career in applied behavior analysis. You'll also prepare to sit for the Board Certified Behavior Analyst® (BCBA®) exam.

Expand your knowledge of behavioral disabilities. Complete a practicum experience to gain valuable real-world experience.

Online Educational Psychology Programs

Those pursuing a degree in educational psychology have a desire to help others, and they have a genuine curiosity about how developmental, cognitive emotional, and social factors can affect a student's ability to learn. They also have a desire to improve existing educational methodologies for adults, children, and people with special needs. It's an exciting time to build a rewarding career in this challenging field.

In this program, you'll study current instructional techniques, technologies, educational trends, and learning behaviors as you develop the competencies to guide the improvement of educational programs and practices in a variety of settings.

Online Industrial/Organizational Psychology (I/O) Programs

Those working in this field will apply a variety of psychological principles and research methods to improve work performance, communication, job satisfaction, safety, and more. Start building your career in this exciting and challenging field.

Develop a foundational knowledge of the principles of psychology as it relates to business and organizational settings. You'll learn about managing and motivating talent, how to assess an organization to improve its effectiveness, and more.

Gain the skills needed to create positive change in organizations by improving employee performance, attitudes, and behaviors. You'll also focus on the principles related to workplace productivity, morale, management, and more.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC ( HLCommission.org ) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Admissions Requirements and Resources

To get started as a Purdue Global student, you must meet certain academic requirements and complete an enrollment application. Here’s what you'll need to begin:

For Undergraduate Programs and Certificates:

• You must be a high school graduate and possess a General Education Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. If you are a high school senior eligible to apply, you must submit proof of high school graduation.

For Graduate Programs and Certificates:

• A bachelor's degree is required to enroll in a master’s degree or graduate certificate program. You will need to provide an official transcript that shows completion of the required degree from an accredited institution, though an unofficial copy may be provided during the application process.

Want to know if online learning is right for you before you enroll? Watch a virtual campus tour to learn more about the online experience.

Understanding Your Investment

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Teresa Heier

MS in Psychology—Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate

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Resources Related to Studying Psychology

To help you in your psychology career goals and options, we have the news and resources you need.

There is an often-discussed myth that applied behavior analysis (ABA) is only used to increase the quality of life and success of those diagnosed with autism. While ABA has decades of research supporting the efficacy of our work with this population, behavior is not limited to those with autism—behavior itself is the purview of behavior analysts.

If you've ever watched "CSI" or have a fondness for Agent Starling, you have a general idea about the role of forensic psychology. In reality, there's more to the practice than profiling serial killers and sizing up crime scenes. A forensic psychology professional's job may not be quite as glamorous as portrayed on screen, but practitioners can have exciting and challenging careers.

Industrial/organizational psychology (I/O) is the professional field that applies evidence-based practices to help employees and organizations thrive. I/O professionals act as consultants within companies and organizations, work as researchers, and hold positions in various industries, including higher education. As a specialized field, I/O professionals possess unique expertise derived from postgraduate education.

Psychology Programs

Explore the benefits of earning a bachelor's or master's degree or certificate at Purdue Global.

Psychology Certificates

Why choose Purdue Global for your certificate in psychology?

Dedicated Faculty Offer Rich Experience

Purdue Global faculty members share knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and real-world industry experience.

Psychology Program FAQs

Yes, there are a variety of online psychology degrees you can earn online; however, if you are interested in optional certification examinations, there may be practicum, fieldwork, or in-person components that you may be required to complete. Therefore, it is important that you understand those requirements. Additionally, such requirements may change during the course of your program. Our online psychology degree programs include:

Applied Behavioral Analysis Postbaccalaureate Certificate

• Autism Spectrum Disorders Postbaccalaureate Certificate

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Graduate Certificate in Addictions

Graduate Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

• Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis

Master of Science in Educational Psychology

Master of Science in Psychology

• Postgraduate Certificate in Applied Behavioral Analysis

There are several organizations that accredit online psychology degrees. At Purdue Global, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis and the Applied Behavior Analysis Postbaccalaureate Certificate as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst® examination given by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board ® , Inc. (BACB ® ).

The ABAI has also verified the course sequence of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the BACB's Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination. Applicants will have to meet additional requirements to qualify. Please refer to the BACB's website for full eligibility requirements ( www.BACB.com ).

The National Addiction Studies Accreditation Commission (NASAC) accredits programs related to addictions. At Purdue Global, the NASAC has accredited the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions, the Master of Science in Psychology with a concentration in addictions, and the Graduate Certificate in Addictions.

There are several different types of psychology, including, but not limited to:

• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Evolutionary psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Neuropsychology
• Occupational psychology
• Social psychology

There are many psychology careers available, and your career options depend on the degree or certificate that you earn. For example, a bachelor’s degree in psychology can prepare you to work in community and social services or in the education field. Some psychology degrees focus on specific areas or skills.

At Purdue Global, several psychology degrees focus on addictions, and these programs can prepare you to pursue a career helping those with substance use disorders, as a substance abuse counselor, or in the health education field.

In an online psychology degree program, you’ll learn important research and critical thinking skills. These are skills that are useful in a wide variety of jobs and industries, even if your future career isn't focused on psychology.

Check out our degree programs below for examples of potential career opportunities.

• Social and community service managers
• Social and human service assistants
• Residential advisors
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors
• Health education specialists
• Community health workers

Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis

• Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary
• Adult basic education, adult secondary education, and English as a Second Language (ESL) instructors
• Instructional coordinators
• Training and development managers
• Human resource specialists
• Training and development specialists

The time it takes to earn a psychology degree may vary depending on several factors, such as whether you're taking classes on a full-time or part-time schedule. For an estimated average completion time, check out our degree program offerings below:

Master of Science in Psychology Average Completion: 2 years of full-time study

Bachelor of Science in Psychology Average Completion: 4 years of full-time study

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions Average Completion: 4 years of full-time study

Graduate Certificate in Addictions Average Completion: 1 year of full-time study

Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis Average Completion: 2 years of full-time study

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavioral Analysis Average Completion: 4 years of full-time study

Applied Behavioral Analysis Postbaccalaureate Certificate Average Completion: 8 months of full-time study

Master of Science in Educational Psychology Average Completion: 2 years of full-time study

Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Average Completion: 4 years of full-time study

Graduate Certificate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology Average Completion: 1 year of full-time study

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Applied Behavior Analysis Programs: The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified the course sequence of the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis and the Applied Behavior Analysis Postbaccalaureate Certificate toward the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst ® examination. The ABAI has also verified the course sequence of the Master of Science in Applied Behavior Analysis as meeting the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Board Certified Behavior Analyst ® examination. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Visit the BACB website ( www.BACB.com ) for additional state-specific requirements.

Certification Exams: Students are responsible for understanding the requirements of optional certification exams. The University cannot guarantee students will be eligible to sit for or pass exams. In some cases, work experience, additional coursework beyond the Purdue Global program, fieldwork, and/or background checks may be necessary to be eligible to take or to successfully pass the exams.

Employment and Career Advancement: Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement or career advancement. Actual outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and opportunities for employment. Additional certification or licensing may be required to work in certain fields.

Psychology Programs: The professional practice of psychology is regulated by each state, and the degree requirements of this program do not guarantee or prepare students for licensure in any state upon graduation. Refer to Purdue Global's State Licensure and Certifications page for state-specific licensure information. Visit www.NAADAC.org and/or www.BACB.com for additional state-specific licensure requirements.

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Psychology Programs

Enlighten yourself to the wonders of human behavior..

Your curiosity combined with your eagerness to understand will take you far. We're just here to help you turn what you already love into a rewarding and fulfilling career.

B.S. in Psychology

So you’re curious to learn about people and their perceptions, motivations, emotions, and attitudes. Then you’re in the right place. With a bachelor of science degree in psychology, you’ll learn how to study behavior scientifically and gain an understanding of the physiological, cognitive, and social causes of behavior.

Our psychology program offers you the opportunity to earn a B.S. or a B.A. Both degree options provide a broad overview of psychology. The B.S. provides more research experience and supporting courses place more emphasis on the other sciences and math. The B.S. path is for you if you are interested in careers in research, healthcare, and financial services, or if you wish to pursue doctoral-level graduate studies in psychology, medical school, or health-related careers.

Program Highlights

• Development of critical-thinking, research, and evaluation skills
• Experience with data analysis, interpretation, and abstract reasoning
• Acquisition of writing and communication skills
• Understanding of the determinants of human and animal behavior
• Enhancement of interpersonal awareness
• Support from the Mastodon community
• A prestigious Purdue degree

Looking for ways to make paying for college a little easier? ScholarshipUniverse is a tool for current and admitted Purdue Fort Wayne students that allows you to create an academic profile and connect with scholarship opportunities.

For more information about all the scholarships available at Purdue Fort Wayne—including opportunities for specific programs—you can visit the  Office of Financial Aid  or contact us at  [email protected] .

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Requirements and Curriculum Overview

Our comprehensive curriculum and diverse requirements will challenge you to go further than you ever imagined. Check out what you can expect as you advance through our program.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this degree, students will be able to demonstrate the following learning outcomes:

• Know the major theoretical approaches, findings, and historical trends in psychology
• Understand the major research methods in psychology, including design, data analysis, and interpretation
• Think critically and use the scientific approach to understand behavior
• Understand the values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science (e.g., value of empirical evidence, tolerance for ambiguity, ethics in research, teaching, and practice)
• Apply concepts, information, and skills learned in psychology courses to their lives and work
• Effectively locate and evaluate sources of information
• Express themselves effectively in the discourse of the discipline
• Understand people from a diverse range of backgrounds and varying demographic characteristics such as age, race, disability, sexual orientation, class, ethnicity, religion, and cognitive abilities
• Make decisions about future employment or graduate education
• Behavior Technician
• Clinical Psychologist
• Employee Relations Specialist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Health & Wellness Coach
• Industrial-Organizational Psychologist
• Market Research Analyst
• Marriage and Family Counselor
• Mental Health Caseworker
• Neuropsychologist
• Occupational Therapist
• Police Officer
• Psychiatric Technician
• Psychological Scientist
• Public Relations Specialist
• School Counselor
• Sports Psychologist
• Substance Abuse Counselor

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Purdue University Industrial-Organizational Psychology 

Alt text: Group photo of faculty, graduate students, and lab managers outside the Psychological Sciences building at Purdue, taken Fall 2022.

Purdue’s Industrial and Organizational (I-O) psychology major is among the oldest in the world, conferring its first degree in 1939. The program has graduated more PhDs and produced more SIOP Fellows than any other I-O program, and it is among the top-ranked programs in the nation ( Gourman report , TIP report , 2022 U.S. News & World Report ). Graduate training in our program is based on a science-practice model, where students are trained both as researchers as well as appli ed scientists equipped to work with organizations on human resource issues. The current faculty have a wide range of research interests, many of which center around the psychological experiences of people at work.

Latest Updates

In Memoriam: Howard M. Weiss

Purdue I-O pays homage to Dr. Howard Weiss.

Current Projects

The PAGSIP subcommittees are working on several initiatives and projects to enhance our program.

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A department that makes a difference in people’s lives

We are community of learners and researchers, passionate about the science behind behavior, social, and mental processes. As a major or graduate student, you’ll be part of one of the few psychology departments in the United States that exists within a school of science.

Our expert faculty leads the way in new discoveries and effective practices in addiction neuroscience, applied social and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, and industrial/organizational psychology. 

Explore our degrees and programs

Learn about the undergraduate degrees we offer, as well as our competitive graduate programs.

• Meet our faculty

Our faculty includes veteran academics and experienced clinicians.

Learn how to apply

As a psychology student in the School of Science, you can earn a Purdue University or an Indiana University degree.

Groundbreaking research, interdisciplinary opportunities

Our faculty is committed to research that broadens our understanding about how people live, think, and behave. Whether they are seeking better interventions for individuals with severe mental illnesses, exploring the mind’s role in the experience of chronic pain, or tracking the effects of addictive drugs on the brain, their work has the power to improve lives. 

You’ll be invited to make your own research contributions, even as an undergraduate.

Why study psychology?

Understanding why people do what they do can help you in everyday life and in almost every job situation. Studying psychology can help make you a stronger communicator and critical thinker. The interpersonal, observational, and listening skills that you will develop are in high demand in the workplace.

When it comes to job opportunities, psychology is growing at much faster pace than many other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. And career paths aren’t limited to the field of health care—individuals with expertise in psychology are in demand in law, education, government, and the corporate world.

$80,000+ Median annual salary for psychologists in the U.S.

14 % Projected job growth for the field by 2028

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The IUPUI Department of Psychology is a place where diversity of lived experience, equity in opportunity, and inclusion of our whole selves are highly valued and essential to all activities, including our research, teaching, mentoring, service, and practice.

Visit our DEI website to learn more

See what’s happening in the department

School of Science earns record-breaking $21.4 million in awards

August 29, 2023

Faculty earned a record-breaking $21,430,055 in proposals and grants awarded, outpacing previous fiscal year highs by more than $5 million.

IU-led intervention leveraging technology reduces depression in Indianapolis-area patients

August 3, 2023

The research, which featured methods of internet and telephonic cognitive-behavioral therapy, was initially intended to discover if treating depression could reduce one’s risk of developing card... Read more about IU-led intervention leveraging technology reduces depression in Indianapolis-area patients

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