Be the Change in Others' Lives

Psychology Degrees at National Louis University

You have the compassion to help people and the drive to improve mental health in your community. National Louis University gives you the coursework, research, and real world experience to turn that calling into a career, at whatever stage you are starting from.

  • Bachelor's through doctorate
  • Online and on campus
  • Built for working adults
  • Financial aid available

"A wonderful master's program for adult students. The staff was knowledgeable and supportive."

Jill Uhlir, M.A. in Psychology, Class of 2014

APA accredited CACREP accredited

You're Called to Help Others

The world has never needed mental health professionals more. Take the first step by completing the form below.

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Why study psychology at NLU?

12 Programs offered
5 Degree levels
70,000+ Alumni nationwide
Since 1886 Serving working adults
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission Nonprofit university, serving learners since 1886 Illinois · Florida · Online

Why study with us

Progress at Your Pace

Helping others is one of the most meaningful things you can do with your life, and it has never been more needed. At NLU you are not doing it alone. We meet you where you are, support you at every stage of your journey, and help you move from your first class to your first day in the field. Whether you are exploring the field for the first time or ready to advance into licensed practice, there is a path here for you.

Careers in this field

Where a psychology and behavioral sciences degree can take you

Swipe through the careers this field leads to. See what the work really feels like, then find the degree that gets you there.

Clinics, schools, in-home ABA teams

Registered Behavior Technician

Start working in behavioral health quickly, then grow.

See what this work looks like

You work directly with clients to carry out behavior plans designed by a BCBA, tracking progress and celebrating small wins that add up. It is a fast, hands-on entry point into the field.

The degree that gets you there Registered Behavior Technician Certificate
Schools, clinics, in-home and early-intervention programs

Behavior Analyst (BCBA)

Use behavior science to help people build life-changing skills.

See what this work looks like

You observe, measure, and design programs that help children and adults learn new skills and reduce behaviors that get in their way. Much of your day is hands-on coaching of families and technicians and adjusting plans based on what the data shows.

The degree that gets you there MS or EdS in Applied Behavior Analysis
Clinics, schools, community agencies, private practice

Licensed Counselor

Help people work through what they are facing, one conversation at a time.

See what this work looks like

You spend your days listening closely and helping people make sense of what they are going through. You give honest, practical feedback and build a plan that helps them move forward in their relationships, their work, and their mental health.

The degree that gets you there MS in Counseling (master's)
Hospitals, schools, child and family services, government

Social Worker

Connect people to the support that changes their circumstances.

See what this work looks like

You meet people at hard moments and help them find resources, stability, and a path forward. Your day moves between direct support, advocacy, and coordinating the people and services around your client.

The degree that gets you there Bachelor of Social Work (bachelor's)
Nonprofits, case management, community programs

Human Services Specialist

Be the person who helps others navigate the system.

See what this work looks like

You guide individuals and families through the services they need, from intake to follow-up, and make sure no one falls through the cracks.

The degree that gets you there BA in Human Services (bachelor's)
Hospitals, research centers, nonprofits, universities

Clinical or Community Psychologist

Improve lives at the level of the person and the whole community.

See what this work looks like

You blend research and practice to understand why people and communities struggle and what helps them thrive. You might run a study in the morning, advise a community partner in the afternoon, and mentor students in between.

The degree that gets you there PhD in Community Psychology (doctoral)

Psychology Degrees programs

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

Certificate 1 program

Get into the field fast. Start working in the field and build toward a degree.

Bachelor's 5 programs

Build your foundation for people-centered careers and graduate study.

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.

Nathalia Ceron, NLU graduate

Nathalia Ceron

M.A. Psychology, current student

“I chose NLU for its psychology curriculum, and I have stayed for the people and the connections.”

Came from Cali, Colombia, and is building toward a doctorate.

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 gave me the environment, mentors, and enrichment that allowed me to grow professionally.”

A Social Service Coordinator with a local police department, who raised seven children while earning his degree.

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.

Built around what matters to you

Grounded in Real Practice

Partnerships with mental health organizations mean your learning includes supervised fieldwork guided by experienced practitioners, not just theory.

Scholar Practitioners, Not Just Lecturers

You study with faculty who are active clinicians and researchers, so what you learn maps directly to the work.

Built for Working Adults

Flexible online, blended, and evening options, with advisors and success coaches in your corner from your first call through graduation.

A Path Toward Licensure

Our programs are built around the credentials that let you practice, from the BCBA track in Applied Behavior Analysis to licensure aligned counseling.

Florida

Studying psychology in Florida?

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

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