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 101 | Beginning English Composition | 5 |
| ENG 201 | Intermediate English | 5 |
| ENG 203 | Effective 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:
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):
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 200 | Macroeconomics for Today’s Professional | 5 |
| GEN 210 | Think Global-Perspectives from the Field | 3 TO 5 |
| HIS 102 | Civics and American Government | 5 |
| HIS 212 | Think Global: Movements in US History and its Impact on Society and School | 5 |
| PSY 101 | Introduction to Psychology | 5 |
| SOC 101 | Foundational Sociology | 5 |
| SOC 204 | Contemporary Chicago | 5 |
| SOC 222 | Culture 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
Note: PSY 101 must be completed with a grade of "C" or better.
Additional General Education Requirements
| GEN 103 | Student Success Seminar | 5 |
| or | |
| GEN 203 | NLU & 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 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| or | |
| BRV 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| and | |
| CAR 295 | Career Service Learning | 5 |
| CAR 218 | Internship 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 200 | Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator | 5 |
| or | |
| CAR 214 | Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand | 5 |
| or | |
| CAR 202 | Creating Professional Identity | 0 TO 2 |
| and | |
| CAR 203 | You The Professional | 3 |
Program Core - 60 QH
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.