Psychology

The world needs more experts on the human brain. At Northwestern, you'll become more than an expert—you'll learn to understand the brain holistically and discover how human beings develop. You'll also study what psychological functions are influenced by biology (nature) and the social world we live in (nurture). Whether you pursue a career as a mental health professional or use your degree elsewhere, Northwestern's psychology program is a strong choice if you have brains … on the brain.

MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

Why NWC?

You'll be mentored by professors who are deeply passionate about the connections between mind, body and soul. Together you'll navigate the integration of faith and evidence-based practice.

Northwestern’s psychology major offers five concentration options:

General psychology
Clinical psychology
Developmental psychology
Sports psychology
Business and psychology

Whichever path you choose, you’ll receive standout preparation for your future career in the psychology field. Related minors include psychology, developmental psychology and a psychology education endorsement (grades 7-12).

CONTACT

Dr. Jennifer FeenstraDepartment Chair

100% GRAD PLACEMENT 100% of psychology majors find a job or enroll in graduate school within six months of graduation.

FIRST-CLASS PROFESSORS NWC psychology profs include a recipient of the Fulbright Scholarship and a former U.S. Army clinical psychologist.

HANDS-ON RESEARCH Collaborate on faculty research, complete a senior thesis and participate in paid fellowships.

Outcomes

Northwestern psychology graduates have pursued advanced degrees in clinical, forensic, health, school and industrial/organizational psychology—as well as higher education administration, social work and special education. Grads say their research and writing experience set them apart in graduate school, and Northwestern’s liberal arts approach opened doors to careers in missions, education, art therapy and social services.

Join our standout alumni at:

Boys Town National Research Hospital

Boys Town, NE

The Iowa Adverse Childhood Experiences Coalition

Des Moines, IA

Marymount University

Arlington, VA

University of Iowa

Iowa City, IA

University of Nebraska

Omaha, NE

#RaidersStandOut

STUDENTS

**Noah** Noah appreciates the psychology department’s research opportunities as solid preparation for his career as a family therapist for veterans.

ALUMNI

**Hannah** Hannah felt both supported and challenged by her Northwestern professors, helping her become a standout medical student in the field of psychiatry.

FACULTY

**Jennifer** Dr. Feenstra involves students in her research on volunteerism and service-learning.

Experience

Research opportunities

Off-campus study

Bachelor’s + beyond

Every psychology major is required to complete a senior research thesis, which alumni report to be excellent preparation for grad school. You may even have opportunities to co-author articles with professors or present research at regional and national conferences. In addition to on-campus research, your professors can help you find paid fellowships doing research that’s funded by the National Science Foundation.