Psychological Sciences

Psychological Science (B.S.)

Learn the science behind how individuals think, feel, and behave at Chicago's only tech-focused university. A foundation in psychology broadens understanding in fields from biology and medicine to marketing and policy.

How we perceive our world, interact with our neighbors, make decisions on a daily basis, view our role in society—these are all better understood using psychology.

As a psychological science major, you will learn:

  • How people perceive and process information, and how this informs their choices
  • Psychological theories in a variety of fields including social, cognitive, clinical, industrial/organizational, development, and neuroscience
  • How to apply psychological theories to real-world problems
  • How to design research studies, analyze results, and communicate results to a variety of communities

Our psychological science program utilizes the scientist-practitioner model of teaching. This means you will take research-based courses and conduct independent research projects with the guidance of our faculty, which will give you a strong background in scientific thinking. You'll also be able to apply psychological research and principles to the study of contemporary problems in a variety of fields.

Program Overview

In this program, you'll learn to better understand individual behaviors through psychology. We cover a variety of psychological theories, and teach you to apply them to real-world problems. You'll also gain the skills to design, analyze, and communicate research studies.

Career Opportunities

A psychological science degree from Illinois Tech will prepare you for a wide range of professions in business and industry, community organizations, and health services, including:

  • Survey research
  • Market research
  • Social work
  • Nonprofit work
  • Law
  • Public policy
  • Academic or health administration

If you are interested in furthering your education in the field of psychology, you will be a competitive candidate for a wide range of graduate training programs at the graduate and doctoral levels. Many of our graduates have attended top programs at universities such as Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Chicago, Indiana University, and right here at Illinois Tech.

For those interested in attending a professional school, a degree in psychology is also highly beneficial as a pre-professional major for advanced studies in medicine, dentistry, law, business, or public administration.

Disclaimer for prospective students, please read.
The information provided is sourced from a third party, Lightcast, and is provided here for informational and educational purposes only. Please be advised that the inclusion of the Lightcast resource on this website does not imply endorsement by Illinois Institute of Technology (Illinois Tech), nor is it a guarantee of the accuracy of this information. Illinois Tech makes no representation, warranty or guarantee, express or implied, that the information presented herein is reflective of the outcomes you can expect if you enroll in or graduate from an Illinois Tech program. Illinois Tech expressly disclaims any liability regarding Lightcast, or in connection with any actual or potential employment opportunity stemming from information on this site and you hereby irrevocably waive any claim(s) against the Illinois Tech for the same. Your use of this web page is an acknowledgement of your understanding and acceptance of the terms and conditions set forth herein. You are encouraged to conduct your own thorough research into job opportunities and outcomes in your field of study.

A flexible curriculum allows the degree to be customized. You can elect to specialize in clinical, culture and diversity, industrial/organizational, behavioral health and wellness, and rehabilitation services. You will work with a faculty mentor to craft a program of study that supports your interests and career goals.

Your program will also include a capstone project designed to integrate and apply the concepts and skills learned throughout the curriculum. The capstone will be an individually tailored project defined in collaboration with a faculty advisor, which will typically involve either a field placement or research component.

View Details

Students in this program must be admitted to Illinois Tech. Students who are interested in transferring into this program should consult their academic adviser.

I'm Not Okay and That's Okay

From Post-Its to Publication

Associate Professor of Psychology and clinical psychologist Steff Du Bois began to write down therapeutic strategies—often with “punny” names—that he discussed with clients on Post-it notes. In compiling all of these strategies, which Du Bois calls microskills, his book was born.

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Arlen Moller presenting

Not Just Fun and Games

Associate Professor of Psychology Arlen Moller is trying to change the way that consumers and game publishers alike view video games.

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“While at Illinois Tech I conducted multiple research studies for my Research Methods and Capstone classes, but also as a research assistant. Dr. Nicole Legate taught the Research Methods class in an innovative, hands-on manner: students were paired in groups of four and worked together during the entire semester to conduct a replication study. This was my very first research experience, and it deeply impacted me as it generated a long-term passion for research. Both the capstone and my research assistant experience prepared me to take on a position as a research specialist right after my graduation from Illinois Tech.”

Cristina Baciu (PSYC ’16)

Cristina Baciu

Featured Faculty

Nicole Legate
Associate Professor Director of Undergraduate Programs
Arlen C. Moller
Associate Professor of Psychology
Robert Keating
Senior Lecturer
Jonathan Larson
Associate Professor of Psychology Chair, Department of Psychology
Steff Du Bois
Associate Professor of Psychology
Lindsay Sheehan
Assistant Professor
Alissa_Haedt_Matt_320x355
Director, Clinical Training Program Associate Professor of Psychology Director of Clinical Psychology
Kristina Bauer
Associate Chair, Department of Psychology Associate Professor of Psychology