Psychology is the science that deals with the brain and human behavior in all its forms—psychological, cognitive, emotional, individual and group. Its methods range from those similar to the ones used in the humanities to those used in the natural sciences. It offers students a perspective that not only can lead to a career in itself but is also a useful adjunct to any discipline.
Why Major in Psychology?
Students gain many marketable quantitative and qualitative skills through our psychology major. They include:
- Verbal communication
- Interpersonal skills
- Basic clinical skills
- Problem solving
- Knowledge of human behavior and development
- Knowledge of group behavior, decision making and organizations
- Interpretation of research
- Technical writing and reading
- Information gathering and synthesis
- Public speaking/presentation skills
- Computer skills
- Analytical skills/statistics/SPSS statistical software
What Can I Do with a Degree in Psychology?
There are many things the broad-based foundation of a B.A. in Psychology can prepare you for, such as:
- Case Management
- Human Services
- Nonprofit Administration
- Education/Higher Ed
- Human Resources
- Research
- Sales
- Management
- Marketing/Market Research
- Advertising/Public Relations
- Technical or Proposal Writing
With additional schooling and/or credentialing, you can also pursue careers in:
- Clinical Psychology
- Social Work
- Counseling
- Physical or Occupational Therapy
- Speech Pathology
- Art, Music, Dance or Drama Therapy
- Gerontology
- Child Life Specialist
- Law
- Medicine
… and much, much more! For further information, refer to this publication from the American Psychology Association.
You can also access the links below for more information regarding careers in psychology:
How to Become a Psychology Major
To declare your major Psychology or a minor in either Child Advocacy Studies (CAST) or Gerontology, please contact our Student Services Coordinator, Lorilene Cuevas at l-cuevas@neiu.edu. She will review transfer courses (if applicable) and course requirements as well as evaluate your transcripts for prerequisites. Prof. Cuevas will also guide you in completing the major declaration form and give you brief overview of our curriculum and our advising system. For further information, please contact our department at deptpsyc@neiu.edu.
