Lewis University

What you'll study

The psychology degree provides a mix of core psychological science, methodological training and applied practice. Students study introductory and core areas such as developmental psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, cognitive psychology and personality. Courses in research methods and statistics are emphasised to build skills in designing studies, analysing data and critically evaluating empirical literature.

Beyond the core, the programme typically includes options or modules in biological/neuroscience aspects of behaviour, psychological assessment and testing, counselling techniques, lifespan development, and ethics. Students complete laboratory- or project-based work and are encouraged to undertake a capstone seminar or senior project that integrates theory with independent research or applied experience.

Applied learning is a feature of the curriculum: practicum placements, internships or community-based fieldwork allow students to gain supervised experience in clinical, school, social service or organisational settings. Electives enable specialisation or breadth across allied areas such as criminal/forensic psychology, educational psychology, or health psychology.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school diploma or equivalent and meet Lewis University's general undergraduate admission standards. Admissions typically consider academic record, preparation in relevant subjects (for example, biology and mathematics/statistics are helpful), and any supporting materials requested by the university.

Transfer applicants may present college-level coursework in psychology, research methods or statistics for credit evaluation. International applicants must demonstrate English proficiency through accepted tests or qualifications in line with the university’s international admissions policies.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in psychology from Lewis University pursue a range of entry-level positions in settings such as community mental health agencies, schools, corrections, human resources, rehabilitation services and social service organisations. Common roles include case worker or case manager, behavioural health technician, research assistant, youth services staff, and roles in admissions, outreach or programme coordination.

Many graduates use the bachelor’s as a stepping stone to graduate study in clinical or counselling psychology, school psychology, social work, occupational therapy, public health, or business-related fields such as organisational psychology and human resources. The training in research methods and statistics also supports employment in research support, data analysis and programme evaluation roles.

Why study at Lewis University

Lewis offers a personalised learning environment with relatively small class sizes and direct access to faculty engaged in teaching and applied research. The programme emphasises hands-on experience through practicum and internship arrangements with community partners in the Chicago metropolitan area, allowing students to apply classroom learning to professional contexts.

The university’s focus on professional preparation, ethical practice and service complements training in theory and research, helping students prepare for both entry-level work and postgraduate training. Advising and career services support internship placement, licensure pathways and preparation for graduate applications.