The psychology curriculum emphasizes the scientific knowledge that psychologists have acquired and places this knowledge in the context of a liberal arts orientation. In addition to learning the subject matter of psychology, students also develop analytical and communication skills.
While there are no specializations within psychology at the undergraduate level, students do have the option to pursue specific areas of interest through elective courses, independent studies, and internships.
At the core of the curriculum is a set of carefully selected required courses that enable students to master basic psychological principles, theories, and methods. The curriculum in the Department of Psychology is designed to prepare students for graduate school, for careers, and for lifelong learning. At EIU, psychology is taught from both scientific and applied perspectives. With the background gained from their studies, graduates are prepared to pursue advanced training in psychology and related fields, or to begin work in occupations requiring an understanding of human behavior.
Four Year Degree Plan
Course Catalog Listing
Typical Starting Positions
Graduates of the program pursue careers in such areas as health services, community mental health, business, law, and human resources. Because professional psychology typically requires advanced degrees, many students go on to graduate programs in school psychology, counseling, clinical psychology, social work and industrial/organizational psychology.