Psychology

Start your standout story.

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

Psychology
Why NWC?

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. You’ll also gain valuable research experience, collaborating with faculty and exploring areas of personal interest.

Major course topics include the psychology of personality, an introduction to clinical and counseling psychology, neuroscience, and learning and cognition. Related minors include psychology, developmental psychology and a psychology education endorsement (grades 7-12). 

CONTACT
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra
Dr. Jennifer Feenstra
Department Chair

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

Experience

Research opportunities

Research opportunities

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.

Off-campus programs

Off-campus programs

We also offer off-campus study opportunities in Romania and other countries around the globe. Applying your learning outside the classroom will equip you for service in the real world—increasing your understanding of human minds and cultures along the way.

Bachelor’s + beyond

Bachelor’s + beyond

If your goal is to become a clinical mental health or school counselor, you can apply to Northwestern’s master’s programs after graduation. We offer Master of Arts degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling with coursework that’s 100% online.

Research opportunities

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.

Off-campus programs

We also offer off-campus study opportunities in Romania and other countries around the globe. Applying your learning outside the classroom will equip you for service in the real world—increasing your understanding of human minds and cultures along the way.

Bachelor’s + beyond

If your goal is to become a clinical mental health or school counselor, you can apply to Northwestern’s master’s programs after graduation. We offer Master of Arts degrees in clinical mental health counseling and school counseling with coursework that’s 100% online.