Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

National Louis University’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology prepares students to use psychological concepts and theories, and provides a foundation for working in community or business settings as well as graduate study.

Consider getting your Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at National Louis University (NLU) if you:

• Have an interest in the study of human behavior
• Want to learn the basic theoretical foundations of psychology
• Are thinking about pursuing a career in psychology or other graduate work
• Work in the business world—or want to—and would like to learn more about interpersonal relationships and motivation

Why NLU for Psychology

Since 1886, National Louis University has been preparing students for success in serving the needs of others. NLU provides a foundation for those who desire to contribute to the needs of their local and global communities through personal attention and coursework that's both practical and proven. Today, with its founder's community activism at its roots, NLU continues to carry out this legacy by educating students so they can help other people and organizations thrive.

A Convenient and Supportive Environment

NLU recognizes many students are balancing work and family while in school, so courses are scheduled to accommodate those important commitments. In addition, students can complete their degree in three years by taking classes four quarters a year or in four years by taking classes three quarters a year.

In addition to the traditional bachelor's program in Psychology, students concentrating in General Psychology may choose to study within a cohort model. During the cohort-based program, which follows a blended online/on-campus format, students will study a prescribed sequence of courses with the same group of students. The cohort model provides students with a fixed schedule so they may complete the program in a timely fashion. The cohort also offers a network of support and camaraderie for students during the program and beyond.

What You Will Learn

• Core concepts about human development, personality, social psychology, abnormal and experimental psychology
• Theories of personality and mental health
• Research methods including design
• The history and systems of psychology

Students initially complete general education requirements of 60 quarter hours, followed by 50 quarter hours in core psychology coursework, and then select 30 quarter hours in Developmental Psychology, Organizational/Community Psychology or General Psychology.

Career Outlook

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of psychologists is expected to continue to grow through 2018. Employment will grow because of increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies.

A graduate with a bachelor’s degree in psychology is qualified to assist psychologists and other professionals in community mental health centers, vocational rehabilitation offices, and correctional programs. Bachelor’s degree holders also find employment in other areas, such as sales, service, or business management.¹

Program Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is a solid 180 quarter hours in length. The Psychology Department requires a minimum of 60 quarter hours or the equivalent in general education coursework for the completion of the bachelor’s degree. This will include demonstration of competency in all core areas below and include the specific courses or equivalents in the seven general education areas. The Psychology Program accepts as equivalent to general education coursework at NLU appropriate courses transferred from other accredited institutions, appropriate CLEP and DANTES examination credit, AP credit (with scores of 3, 4, or 5) and appropriate credit by proficiency. To determine which equivalent credits or exams are appropriate, contact your Psychology advisor or the Assessment Center.

Admission Requirements

All applicants must meet NLU's general admission requirements. Refer to the appropriate application checklist available online at www.nl.edu/applyonline.

In addition to NLU’s general admission requirements, applicants to the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program must also satisfy the following:

• Core Courses in Psychology: 50 QH (25QH must be upper division and must be taken at NLU).
• Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all Psychology and General Education courses taken to fulfill requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.
• English competency must be documented by passing the English Competency examination or by passing English Composition I (LAE101) and English Composition II (LAE102) at NLU with a grade of "C" or better.

Concentrations

In addition to fulfilling the required core courses in psychology, each psychology major must choose one of the following concentrations in psychology. Students must take a minimum of 30 quarter hours from the general coursework in one of the concentrations.