Cost & earnings at Indiana University Bloomington What students borrow here, and what they go on to earn
Psychology graduates earn a median $29,141 Across 1,390 US programmes, two years after finishing
See the degree grade →Indiana University Bloomington's Bachelor in Psychology provides a broad grounding in the scientific study of behaviour, cognition and brain function, combining core coursework in research methods and statistics with opportunities for specialised study. It suits students who want a rigorous, research-informed liberal arts degree that prepares them for graduate study or for careers that require strong analytical, communication and people‑skills.
The undergraduate psychology programme at Indiana University Bloomington covers foundational topics in psychological theory and empirical methods while allowing room for specialisation. Core subjects typically include introductory psychology, research methods, and statistics for the behavioural sciences; biological bases of behaviour/neuroscience; cognitive psychology; developmental psychology; social psychology; and abnormal psychology. Students will also take courses emphasising ethical practice, diversity and cultural contexts.
Beyond core requirements, students choose from electives and seminars in areas such as clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning and memory, health psychology, forensic psychology, lifespan developmental science, and industrial–organisational psychology. Practical components commonly include laboratory courses, data-analysis projects, and opportunities to work as research assistants in faculty labs. Many students complete an honours thesis or independent research project under faculty supervision, and there are routes to gain practicum experience or community internships through campus partnerships.
Admission to Indiana University Bloomington is based on a review of secondary-school performance and the overall strength of an application. Applicants should present a solid academic record with rigorous coursework in mathematics and science where possible, as well as good written and verbal communication skills. Standardised tests may be optional depending on university policy; international applicants must provide an equivalent recognised secondary-school qualification and demonstrate English proficiency via accepted tests or qualifications.
For transfer applicants, a record of college-level coursework with satisfactory grades in relevant general-education and introductory psychology or statistics courses will be reviewed. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the university's admissions web pages for the most current information about application procedures and specific credential requirements.
A bachelor’s degree in psychology from Indiana University Bloomington opens multiple career paths. Many graduates pursue postgraduate study (master’s or doctoral programmes) to work as licensed clinical psychologists, counselling psychologists, or researchers. Those entering the workforce after the bachelor’s frequently find roles as research assistants, case managers, human-resources associates, behavioural health technicians, rehabilitation specialists, sales and marketing analysts, user‑experience researchers, or community outreach coordinators.
Skills emphasised by the programme — critical thinking, data analysis, experimental design, interpersonal communication and ethical decision-making — are also valued in education, public health, social services, business and government. The department’s career resources and internship links help students translate academic experience into workplace competencies and graduate-school readiness.
Indiana University Bloomington offers a psychology programme anchored in active research and a long-standing Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences. Students benefit from access to faculty-led laboratories across multiple subfields, modern research facilities, and a variety of undergraduate research, practicum and honours options that support hands-on training. The department also fosters professional development through student organisations, mentorship schemes and connections to regional clinical and community agencies for internship placements.
Beyond the department, IU Bloomington’s large, residential campus provides a broad liberal-arts environment with cross-disciplinary opportunities — for example in neuroscience, cognitive science, business and education — and extensive library and computing resources to support student projects. Together these elements make the programme suitable for students aiming for advanced study or those seeking versatile transferable skills for diverse career paths.
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