We Believe in Your Best

College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences

You have built the foundation. The College of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences helps you advance into licensed practice, leadership, and research with a graduate degree built for working professionals.

"My courses at NLU helped me with my profession, particularly with Applied Behavior Analysis. Continuing my education has allowed me to apply direct services with at-risk populations."

Damien Antwine, Ed.S. in School Psychology, Class of 2021

APA accredited CACREP accredited

Elevate Your Psychology Career

Advance your career in Psychology to multiply your impact. Take the first step by completing the form below.

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Why advance your psych career with NLU?

6 Programs offered
3 Degree levels
70,000+ Alumni nationwide
Since 1886 Serving working adults

Why study with us

Take control of your advanced degree

Built for working professionals, our graduate programs let you advance on your own schedule, with faculty and advisors who are invested in your success at every step.

Advance your career

Grow into the role you have been working toward

You have built the foundation. Now become the practitioner who makes the impact.

Become a Licensed Practitioner

Our master's programs are built around the credentials that let you practice. The MS in Counseling points toward licensure as a counselor, and the MS in Applied Behavior Analysis points toward the BCBA path.

Learn From Scholar-Practitioners

You study with faculty who are active clinicians and researchers, not just lecturers, so what you learn maps directly to real practice.

Built-In Clinical and Field Experience

Every advanced program includes supervised hours and fieldwork, so you graduate with real experience and the confidence your future supervisors look for.

Advance Into Leadership and Research

Ready to go further? Our doctoral programs prepare you to lead organizations, supervise other clinicians, and shape the field through research.

Accreditation and credentials

The credentials behind your degree, so you can advance with confidence.

HLC Accredited Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Nonprofit, Since 1886 A private, not-for-profit university.

College of Psychology & Behavioral Sciences programs

Choose your level to see what it opens up and the programs that get you there. Each links to full details.

Master's 3 programs

Specialize and qualify for licensure and advanced, higher-impact roles.

EdS 1 program

Deepen your expertise with focused specialization beyond the master's.

Doctoral 2 programs

Lead, research, and practice at the highest level of the field.

Outcomes

Real People. Real Paths.

Graduates across every level of this field, and where their NLU degree took them.

Maria Giuliana, NLU graduate

Maria Giuliana

Ed.D. Counselor Education and Supervision

“Each one gives us an opportunity to step into the next, best version of ourselves.”

A U.S. Navy veteran and first-generation student who has presented 18 times at mental health conferences.

Lily Sarfaraz, NLU graduate

Lily Sarfaraz

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology

“I strive to use my education towards uplifting others and providing services that will improve their chances of reaching their full potential.”

A doctoral student at NLU's Florida school who plans to serve the mental health needs of military veterans.

Dr. Agnes Zalesna, NLU graduate

Dr. Agnes Zalesna

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, 2021

“The curriculum made me feel confident in my abilities, and gave my clinical supervisors more confidence in me as a new clinician.”
Ashley Shenberger, NLU graduate

Ashley Shenberger

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, 2013

“The faculty at ISPP were committed to our futures as superior clinical psychologists, and it showed in every interaction.”

A U.S. Navy Lieutenant Commander providing mental health care to thousands of service members.

Erica Ligons, NLU graduate

Erica Ligons

Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, 2014

“The program gave me a robust clinical foundation and the critical thinking skills I use every day.”

Licensed clinical psychologist and owner of Vilago Psychological Services in Chicago.

Jason Sterwerf, NLU graduate

Jason Sterwerf

M.S. Community Counseling, 2014

“NLU provided the environment, mentors, and enrichment that allowed me to grow professionally.”

A Social Service Coordinator with a local police department.

Patrice Patton, NLU graduate

Patrice Patton

M.S. Counseling and Ph.D. Community Psychology, current student

“I chose NLU due to its inclusiveness and innovation, and the spirit of support is phenomenal.”

Returning for her doctorate right after finishing her master's.

MoDena Stinnette, NLU graduate

MoDena Stinnette

Ph.D. Community Psychology

“My professors have shown that they are invested in my success as a student and a future leader in Community Psychology.”

Earned three NLU degrees and served as Student Assembly President along the way.

Yaritza Rodriguez, NLU graduate

Yaritza Rodriguez

B.A. Human Services

“Always be communicative to your professors and enjoy your college experience!”

A Human Services senior with dyslexia who persevered to strong grades and aims to become a guidance counselor.

Zosima Jimenez, NLU graduate

Zosima Jimenez

B.A. Psychology

“National Louis cracked me out of my shell and encouraged me to stay motivated.”

A Chicago psychology student who stayed engaged through pandemic caregiving and plans to pursue social work.

Florida

Pursuing your psychology career in Florida?

Our Florida programs are delivered through the Florida School of Professional Psychology (FSPP) at NLU's Tampa campus, online and on site. Choose Florida on the form and an advisor will map your Florida options.

See your Florida options

Available in Florida

  • PsyD Clinical Psychology
  • MS Counseling
  • PhD Counselor Education and Supervision
  • EdS School Psychology

How it works

  1. Request information

    Tell us about you, your goals, and the level of study you are interested in. It takes about a minute.

  2. Talk with an advisor

    An NLU enrollment advisor reaches out to answer your questions and map a personalized plan for your education.

  3. Apply and get started

    Submit your application with help from your advisor, choose an upcoming start date, and begin moving toward the career you want.

Classes for the next term begin in

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Next start date: September 21, 2026

The practical details

What to expect, start to finish.

Start when you are ready

NLU offers multiple start dates through the year, so you do not have to wait to begin. An advisor will help you pick the next start that fits your plans.

Affordable, with support

Tuition is built to be affordable, with financial aid, scholarships, and generous transfer credit that can lower both your cost and your time to finish.

Built around your life

Choose online, on-campus, or evening formats, learn in small classes, and work with an advisor and success coach from your first call through graduation.

Accreditation

APA accredited CACREP accredited

Take the First Step

No commitment required. An NLU advisor will reach out within one business day to answer your questions and guide your next move.

Take the First Step
  • No commitment to apply
  • Talk to a real advisor
  • Online and blended options
  • Financial aid available