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Why Do People Act the Way They Do?

The psychology major is ideal for students who are fascinated by the complexity of human behavior. You’ll explore the ways the mind is shaped (for better or worse) by genetic heritage, brain functioning, social surroundings and life experiences. You’ll study neuroscience, developmental and social psychology, and the causes and treatment of mental illness. In small classes, you’ll work side by side with outstanding faculty. You’ll prepare for a lifetime of successful service and achievement—not only in clinical or research settings, but also in schools, hospitals, marketing firms, government agencies, law firms and many other professional venues. This is a flexible major with many applications.

A lot of my classes definitely pushed me to be more extroverted through projects, presentations and outside work. I wasn’t sure if I was able to put myself out there and if I could reach people. Doing something you have never been able to do before really opens you up to wanting to try new things.” 

Marlene Mejia
91Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Graduate

More Ways to Learn—On Campus and Beyond

Practical experience is built into the psychology curriculum. Our internships draw on Chicago’s great research, clinical and corporate resources. On campus, you can complete your own, hands-on research project in close collaboration with expert faculty, and present your findings at our annual spring research expo. You also can combine academic study with compassionate service to people in need, or immerse yourself in a different society and culture through 91Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s outstanding study abroad program. You’ll have your choice from among programs on four continents.

Learn by Doing. Then, Do Even More.

At 91Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝, you’ll acquire the skills in highest demand and of most critical need, and you’ll put them to work—not after graduation, now

School of Social Work Partnership Program

Our bridge program with 91Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝â€™s excellent School of Social Work enables you to earn both a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in social work in just five years. You’ll save both time and tuition dollars. It’s the only combined degree program of its kind in the Chicago area, and prepares you for immediate service in a range of professional roles, including school social worker, aging care specialist, medical social worker, therapist and many others.

Finishing my internship as a behavioral health crisis line intern, I felt I was fulfilling my purpose in life: helping people who are really in need. Through conversation, I could help alleviate what they were going through.”

Alexis Konwinski
91Â鶹ӳ»­´«Ă˝ Graduate

Amazing Opportunities

Our faculty understand that admission to graduate school in psychology is extremely competitive. They’ll not only provide expert guidance but also help you to build your application, present at conferences—maybe even get published in a professional journal. About 65% of our psychology alumni go on to graduate or professional school.

One in ten psychology students completes a second major, and many students complete a minor. These options make our psychology majors even more versatile and marketable. Among the popular subject areas are art, communications, criminology, education, finance, informatics, business management and marketing.

Prepare for a Life of Service and Achievement

A survey of U.S. employers by Hart Research Associates found that 93% of bosses say that “a job candidate’s demonstrated capacity to think critically, communicate clearly and solve complex problems” is the most important factor in hiring decisions. That is the essential skill set of our psychology graduates. Our curriculum is designed to prepare you for lifelong intellectual and professional competence. Our alumni work in countless fields, and they know what they’re doing. They’re thoughtful, persuasive, open to new ideas, skilled at math and written expression, and able to adapt and thrive through long and meaningful careers. They have earned their way into leadership positions in the professions of their choice.

Career Opportunities

Because of its equal focus on verbal and quantitative reasoning, psychology makes a versatile undergraduate major. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue a variety of paths:

  • Social Services. Paraprofessional or administrative work in social service and mental health agencies is also a good option. But be aware that you’ll need an advanced degree to enter professional practice in these areas.
  • Graduate School. If you want to become a clinical psychologist, social worker, or similar professional, you’ll be heading to graduate school to earn a PhD, PsyD or MSW degree. Check out the for career information.
  • Business. Typical jobs might include work in banking, retail, human resources, nonprofits and even entrepreneurship.
  • Law. Many psychology majors decide to go to law school. They realize psychology’s constant emphasis on drawing conclusions by summarizing the conclusions of others has prepared them well because the law operates in the same way.

Selected Career Options Include:

  • Clinical Psychologist
  • Industrial Psychologist
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • Mental Health Social Worker
  • Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • Research Psychologist
  • School Psychologist
  • Corporate Manager
  • Human Relations Director
  • Nonprofit Manager
  • Attorney

For more information,
please contact:

Sophia Hamilton Duffy
Associate Professor and Chair
Department of Psychology
sduffy@dom.edu

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