B.A. in Psychology: Understand Human Behavior, Build a Career Around It
Build the critical thinking, research skills, and psychological foundations for a career in mental health, community services, or business, or for graduate study, at a university ranked #4 nationally for driving student social mobility (Washington Monthly, 2022).
- Internship Practicum Included
- Online or Blended
- Cohort Learning Option
- Direct Path to NLU Graduate Programs
Request More Information
Program at a Glance
What You'll Learn
- Compare and apply major psychological theories
- Conduct and evaluate psychological research
- Communicate effectively from a psychological perspective
- Apply psychology in professional settings
- Analyze behavior across cultural contexts
- Build a foundation for graduate study or a psychology-adjacent career
Full Course List
Next start: September 21, 2026 — seats filling fast.
Admissions Requirements
- High school diploma or equivalent (no application fee)
- Online application at nl.edu
- Grade of C or better in PSY 101 and all core courses
- Prior-learning credit accepted toward some requirements
- An advisor explains the cohort option and graduate pathways
The biggest obstacle I had to overcome was when I did not really want to be in college. I was just doing whatever it took to get by.
Fifteen core courses across cognition, personality, social, community, and cross-cultural psychology, a uniquely broad undergraduate foundation.
Enter psychology-adjacent careers right away, or use the degree as a foundation for graduate study and licensure.
Articulate directly into NLU's M.A. in Psychology or Ph.D. in Community Psychology, start here, continue here.
Where Will Your Degree Take You?
NLU Psychology graduates are prepared for two distinct paths: immediate entry into psychology-adjacent roles, community mental health, social services, substance abuse counseling, and human services, and graduate study toward licensed practice as a psychologist, counselor, or school psychologist.
Becoming a licensed psychologist (median $94,310, BLS May 2024) requires a graduate degree; this B.A. is the foundation. Illinois ranks among the top five states for psychologist employment, and NLU’s own graduate programs let you continue directly toward that goal.
How to Apply in 3 Simple Steps
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Request Information
Submit the form above. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions.
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Connect With an Advisor
Your advisor walks you through concentrations, the cohort model, and how this degree connects to NLU's graduate psychology programs.
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Apply and Start Classes
Submit your application at nl.edu with no application fee. Next start: September 21, 2026. Your advisor guides you through every step.
Take the First Step
No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to map your path in psychology, from your bachelor's through graduate study.
Take the First Step- Internship Practicum Included
- Online or Blended
- Cohort Learning Option
- Direct Path to NLU Graduate Programs
*Salary and growth: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists (SOC 19-3039), May 2024. Licensed psychologist roles require graduate education.
**Tuition and recognition: National Louis University undergraduate tuition (2025-2026); Washington Monthly social mobility ranking, 2022.
***Curriculum: SmartCatalog, National Louis University, Psychology B.A. (nl.smartcatalogiq.com, current catalog).