Psychology

Why do some people thrive while others struggle? What drives our thoughts, feelings and behavior? As an Alverno psychology major, you’ll gain the knowledge, training and perspective to understand the complexity of human behavior and make a positive impact on each individual you meet, on your community and your world.

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In the classroom

Psychology majors take courses in life span development, abnormal psychology, behavioral science research methods, experimental psychology, statistics and more. As you progress through the major, you can personalize the program by selecting electives from neuroscience to forensic psychology or from conspiracy theories to forgiveness.

You’ll thrive in Alverno’s small classes with dedicated faculty mentors and strong relationships with peers. You will develop the skills to make a lasting impact on those you serve. And, through Alverno’s 8 Abilities and Alverno’s social-justice focused values, you will develop a strong ethical and moral code, and you’ll practice the ability to adapt to your circumstances.

Beyond the classroom

You’ll intern for one or two semesters, depending on your course preferences, giving you a valuable opportunity to build your resume while getting hands-on experience applying the skills and knowledge you’ll learn in the classroom. Alverno’s Career Studio, which is connected to more than 2,000 partner sites, can help you find the right internship for you.

Looking to connect with fellow students who share your passion for psychology? Join Alverno’s Psych Forum, where you can discuss career opportunities and hot topics in the field, or Alverno’s Chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society for psychology.

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Niki, Psychology Major

My Alverno professors were always willing to answer questions and bring in real-world examples. I'm excited to return to earn my master's degree from Alverno!

Psychology + The Alverno Difference

We create women leaders who are ready to succeed and shatter ceilings. At Alverno, you’ll find an empowering, supportive environment that helps you achieve your best. Employers are often impressed by Alverno graduates’ ability to answer questions thoughtfully, think critically, synthesize information and integrate diverse perspectives — all essential skills in the psychology field.

Instead of letter grades, we focus on your personal development and real-world skills — equipping you with the crucial communication, critical thinking and problem-solving skills you need to thrive in psychology. Our learning approach is centered around the 8 Abilities, which will set you apart from the crowd.

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Psychology Minor

The psychology minor is an excellent complement to nearly any major. Students who complete a minor in psychology learn about psychological perspectives, such as developmental, cognitive, physiological, social and psychopathological. Knowledge about human behavior is useful in just about any applied setting or career.