Why Study Psychology?
Psychology is one of the more popular undergraduate majors in the country. Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and their environments. The knowledge of psychology helps people understand themselves and others which can be beneficial in many careers where the ability to relate well with others is important.
Why choose Purdue Northwest?
The Psychology Department is in the College of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences (CHESS) with thirteen full time faculty and is home to the Multi-Disciplinary Undergraduate Research Lab (MURL). Our programs include a wide range of Psychology disciplines, such as developmental, cognitive, neuroscience, counseling, social, industrial, and health psychology. There are multiple ways that students can participate in research, and Internships provide students with the opportunity to explore career paths in an area of their interest.
Featured Faculty
Dr. Hui Chu
Dr. Chu is actively involved in three research projects in the lab with 5 undergraduate research assistants. She has presented at National and International conferences, including the International Conference on Education and Psychological Sciences, Barcelona, Spain; the Society for Research in Child Development Conference, Austin, Texas; and the Midwestern Psychological Association Conference, Chicago, Illinois.
Dr. Chu and her research assistants are engaged with a local preschool researching questions pertaining to children’s self-control and family involvement with school and how those factors are associated with social and cognitive outcomes. She and her research assistants are also researching children’s attitudes towards others and themselves regarding gender and race, in order to develop a pedagogical program on multiculturalism and inclusion.
As the faculty advisor for Psi Chi, The International Honors Society in Psychology, she involves students in the local community and campus, such as volunteering at a non-profit agency, Family House, Inc. and organizing professional development workshops.
Meet more of our outstanding faculty
Department of Psychology ➤
The Honors College ➤
Career Paths
Popular careers in Psychology include:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
- Cognitive Psychologist
- Industrial Psychologist
- Research Psychologist/Assistant
- Psychiatric Technician
- Sports Psychologist
- Job Coach
- Marketing Specialist
- Social Services Case Worker
- Public Health Administrator
You Might Also Be Interested In:
Featured Alumni
Gina Ford
Gina Ford
Personal Trainer
Former Purdue graduate now a nationally accredited personal trainer. She uses her leadership and encouragement skills that stemmed from her psychology background.
Where do our alums work?
Our alumni work in mental health clinics, social welfare agencies, government, education, business, and industry. Many go on to graduate school and obtain their doctorate.
Events & Outreach
- Our faculty and research assistants work with a local preschool researching questions pertaining to children’s self-control and family involvement with school and how those factors are associated with social and cognitive outcomes. They are also researching children’s attitudes towards others and themselves regarding gender and race, in order to develop a pedagogical program on multiculturalism and inclusion.
- The McNair Achievement Program is a federally funded program of the US Department of Education designed to prepare and encourage first generation college and low-income undergraduate students as well as students underrepresented in areas of graduate education for doctoral study. This program offers a challenging and supportive environment that is conducive to learning, as well as personal/professional development.
Major Requirements
- Elementary Psychology
- Statistics in Psychology
- Research Methods in Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Professional and Ethical Issues
- Psychology of Personality
- Abnormal Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
Also, students have a unique opportunity to participate in undergraduate research and independent study on campus.
Get Involved
Many opportunities exist for students to become involved including the opportunity to be a research assistant or teaching assistant. Students can also participate in internships, Psychology Club, and Psi Chi and participate in field trips or attend guest speaker presentations.
- Research Assistants
- Teaching Assistants
- Student Internships
- Psychology Club
- Students can participate as a subject in various research studies conducted in the Psychology Lab.
- Psi Chi – the international honor society in Psychology.
- Guest speakers and field trips – Students have had opportunities to hear a pediatric neuropsychologist speak or attend a field trip to see graduate programs offered nearby.
- Students also have the opportunity to present research papers or poster presentations at conferences.
Program Requirements
- Course Descriptions
- General Education (55-62 credit hours)
- Psychology Core (24 credit hours)
- Electives or Minor (19-26 credit hours)
- 120 credit hours required for graduation
Popular Courses
- Abnormal Psychology
- Approaches to Counseling and Psychotherapy
- Introduction to Psychology of Personality
- Brain And Behavior: An Introduction
- Child Psychology
