Psychology, B.A.

The undergraduate major 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. Students may apply their knowledge to a number of settings, including community and private mental health centers and the business sector. Students completing the Psychology major, as well as all other degree requirements inclusive of 180 quarter hours, are eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A. degree).

The program is conveniently offered in both online only and blended formats.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

At the completion of the B.A. in Psychology program, students will be able to:

PLO1. Describe, compare, and contrast major psychological theories as applied to human behavior.

PLO2. Apply psychological research process and theoretical frameworks.

PLO3. Communicate effectively from a psychological perspective through writing and presentations.

PLO4. Apply psychological theory and skills in the professional environment.

PLO5. Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of sociocultural diversity in the inquiry and analysis of psychological issues.

Program Details:

  • Requires 180 QH including 60 QH of General Education for completion 
  • Requires a minimum grade of “C” in the program core courses and PSY 101 (taken as part of the General Education requirements) 
  • Credit for Prior Learning is accepted for general education, elective credit and as determined appropriate by the faculty, toward program major requirements 
  • Students may complete any minor or concentration that is not in the same area of study as their program major. Students must consult with their Academic Advisor to select a minor or concentration that best fits their career and personal goals.

Required Courses

General Education Requirements

Communications

The following courses are recommended:
ENG 101Beginning English Composition

5

ENG 201Intermediate English

5

ENG 203Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate

5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: academic writing, oral communications, and any course in the area of communications.

 

Humanities and Fine Arts

Choose two courses from the list below:
ART 101Art Appreciation

5

ART 102Art Appreciation I

2

ART 103Art Appreciation II

3

HIS 103History Across the Globe

5

PHI 107Ethics, Logic and Critical Inquiry

5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the following disciplines:  

  • Humanities: foreign language, history, literature, philosophy, religious studies, interdisciplinary humanities and fine arts, interdisciplinary humanities and social sciences
  • Fine Arts: visual arts (including art history, art appreciation, and studio arts, such as drawing, painting, digital art, or film), film and cinema studies, and performing arts (including music appreciation, music theory, and music performance, theatre appreciation and performance, and dance) 

 

Mathematics and Natural Sciences

Choose three courses from the list below (one must be math and one must be a natural science):
MTH 101Introduction to Mathematical Concepts

5

MTH 102Statistical Foundations

5

MTH 105Math for Educators I

5

MTH 115Math for Educators II

5

SCI 101Physical Science

5

SCI 102Survey of Biological Science with Lab

5

SCI 225Human Impact on Environment

5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any three general education courses in the following disciplines: 

  • Mathematics: college-level and not developmental in nature
  • Natural Sciences: physics, chemistry, earth science, astronomy, geology, physical geography, biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, genetics, botany and zoology; and interdisciplinary fields such as environmental science, and ecology and conservation
  • Mathematics or Natural Sciences

 

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Choose two courses from the list below:
ECO 200Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional

5

GEN 210Think Global-Perspectives from the Field

3 TO 5

HIS 102Civics and American Government

5

HIS 212Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School

5

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

5

SOC 101Foundational Sociology

5

SOC 204Contemporary Chicago

5

SOC 222Culture and Identity

5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any two general education courses in the area of Social and Behavioral Sciences in the following disciplines: anthropology, economics, geography, history, human geography, political science, psychology, sociology, interdisciplinary social/behavioral science, interdisciplinary humanities and social and behavioral science.

 

Program Specific General Education Requirements

MTH 102Statistical Foundations

5

PSY 101Introduction to Psychology

5

Note: PSY 101 must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.

 

Additional General Education Requirements

GEN 103Student Success Seminar

5

or

GEN 203NLU & You: Tools & Strategies for Student Success

3

Note: GEN 103 is required for the first-time freshman students only. Students transferring in less than 90 QH are required to complete GEN 203.

Career Development Requirements

First-time Daytime Students

CAR 214Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand

5

or

BRV 200Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator

5

and

CAR 295Career Service Learning

5

CAR 218Internship Application Workshop

0

Note: CAR 218 may be waived for students who have an internship accepted in Handshake prior to Winter term of the junior year.

Transfer Students

BRV 200Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator

5

or

CAR 214Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand

5

or

CAR 202Creating Professional Identity

0 TO 2

and

CAR 203You The Professional

3

Program Core - 60 QH

PSY 305Memory and Cognition

5

or

PSY 401Psychology of Learning

5

and

PSY 306Theories of Personality

5

PSY 307Abnormal Psychology

5

PSY 311Introduction to Community Psychology

5

PSY 315Lifespan Development

5

PSY 330Social Psychology

5

PSY 348Cross-Cultural Communication

5

PSY 350Culture and Self

5

PSY 402Research Methods

5

PSY 425Mental Health

5

PSY 450Human Sexuality

5

and

CAR 490Internship Practicum

5

or

PSY 499Psychology Seminar

5

Note: HSM 400 may be used in lieu of PSY 402.

Electives

Choose additional courses to total 180 QH. These hours may be satisfied by completing any minor or concentration in consultation with your Academic Advisor.