Psychology is both a science and a profession. As scientists, psychologists study humans and animals to discover the principles that govern all behaviors. By using various scientific research approaches, psychologists objectively study many areas of behavior and discover laws that control and influence behavior.

Psychologists study both social and biological causes of behavioral development and change. This effort to understand the fundamental laws that govern behavior is called basic research. Psychologists conduct applied research to answer questions in settings where people work or live. For example, psychologists might wish to identify factors that contribute to the development of alcoholism, teen pregnancy or domestic abuse in a particular community. Psychologists might be called upon to assess corporate employees to determine their attitudes on certain personnel issues. Other psychologists might assess the social and health needs of senior citizens in a local town. In each of these examples of applied research, psychologists use scientific methods to answer questions that have an immediate, applied focus.

As professionals, psychologists apply the principles discovered in basic research to a wide variety of settings, including mental and physical health, education, rehabilitation, law and business. As licensed professionals, psychologists use psychological knowledge to solve problems and make significant contributions to individuals and organizations.

Students at Dominican University study the science and profession of psychology, and then have the opportunity to engage in both basic research and forms of applied work through internships.

Two majors are offered in the psychology department: Psychology and Addictions Counseling. Students majoring in psychology may choose to earn a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree.

The Psychology Major

The psychology major is designed to offer students a broad sampling of the diverse areas of the discipline. Students may choose to concentrate in either general psychology or industrial/organizational psychology. The general psychology concentration is for students interested in careers in human-service settings. Industrial/organizational psychology emphasizes the application of psychological principles in business settings.

General Psychology Concentration

The general psychology concentration requires students to complete 38 semester hours of psychology credits, which include: general psychology, statistics and research methods I & II (the core) and abnormal psychology. Students consult with faculty to choose their courses based upon their interests and career goals.

Industrial/Organizational Psychology Concentration

The industrial/organizational psychology concentration requires students to complete: General Psychology and Statistics and Research Methods I & II, Psychological Assessment, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and 12 semester hours of psychology electives. In addition, students complete nine hours of business courses.

Bachelor of Science

Students interested in graduate studies are strongly encouraged to earn the Bachelor of Science degree. This degree requires the additional completion of the courses Brain and Behavior, Learning and Cognition, and History and Systems of Psychology. Students also must complete six semester hours in mathematics including Math 251(calculus) and six semester hours in biology or chemistry.

Psychology Minor

A minor in psychology may be earned by taking the core psychology courses, abnormal psychology and additional elective courses in psychology to total 24 semester hours.

Partnership Programs

The psychology department of Dominican University has formed partnerships with other programs and other institutions that offer opportunities to enter health-care professions at various educational levels.

In partnership with Triton College, students may earn a certificate in basic addictions counseling, which would permit them to be employed as Certified Addictions and Drug Counselors (CADC). Students major either in psychology and complete the addictions courses leading to certification, or they may choose to major in addictions counseling.

Psychology majors may take two classes in the Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work during their senior year (SWK 510 and SWK 513). These courses count toward the psychology major and may be applied to the master’s degree in social work (MSW). Students desiring a career in social work should apply for admission to the Graduate School of Social Work during their senior year of study.

In partnership with Rush University, students may participate in a program that leads to a master’s degree and certification in occupational therapy (OT). Students spend three years at Dominican University and two years at Rush University at the end of which they earn both a Bachelor’s degree at Dominican and a master’s degree in OT at Rush.

Midwestern University and the psychology department have established a preferred admissions program for students majoring in psychology. Those students who have met certain minimum requirements (including grade point average, examination scores and residency) are admitted to the Midwestern University doctoral program in clinical psychology (PsyD.).