Loyola University Chicago

What you'll study

The Psychology programme provides broad training across the major subfields of psychological science while emphasising research methods and ethical practice. Core topics include developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, abnormal psychology, biological bases of behaviour, and learning theory. Students build quantitative skills through statistics and experimental design courses and gain laboratory experience in data collection and analysis.

The curriculum typically combines required core courses with a range of electives that let you specialise in areas such as clinical/abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive neuroscience, social psychology, or applied psychology. Many students take courses that develop clinical interviewing and assessment skills, neuropsychological methods, and psychometrics.

Hands‑on learning is central: options commonly include faculty‑mentored research projects, a senior capstone or honours thesis, and practicum placements or internships with community organisations, healthcare providers, schools or social service agencies. Coursework emphasises ethical issues in research and practice, multicultural competence, and evidence‑based interventions.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a recognised secondary school qualification and demonstrate a strong academic record. Recommended high school preparation includes courses in mathematics (algebra/trigonometry), biology or general science, and writing or social studies. Admissions typically consider transcripts, a personal statement, and academic references; standardised test submission may be optional depending on university policy.

Transfer applicants are usually required to submit college transcripts showing successful completion of introductory coursework and a competitive college GPA. International applicants must meet the university’s requirements for English language proficiency and provide comparable academic documentation.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from Loyola prepares graduates for a range of career paths and further study. Common directions include:

• Entry‑level roles in human services, case management, behavioural health support, and community outreach
• Positions in business such as human resources, training and development, user experience research, and market research
• Research assistant roles in academic or clinical research labs and public‑sector research organisations
• Further professional training: many graduates go on to postgraduate study in clinical psychology, counselling, social work, education, occupational therapy, public health or related fields
• Law, nonprofit leadership, and educational support roles where understanding of human behaviour and strong communication skills are valued

Practicum opportunities and placements in Chicago’s hospitals, schools and community agencies help students gain real‑world experience and professional contacts.

Why study at Loyola University Chicago

Loyola combines a rigorous liberal arts education with a Jesuit commitment to social justice and service, encouraging students to apply psychological knowledge to real community needs. The university’s Department of Psychology offers small‑group instruction and opportunities for close mentorship with faculty engaged in active research, allowing undergraduates to participate in meaningful projects.

Located in a major metropolitan area, Loyola provides access to diverse practicum and internship sites across healthcare, education and social service sectors. The programme emphasises ethical practice, cultural competence and community engagement, preparing graduates to work effectively in diverse environments or to continue on to graduate study.