Psychology is a science that studies behavior and mental processes. Behavior consists of actions and mental processes include perceptions, thoughts, and feelings. Understanding human behavior is essential for improving the quality of life of individuals and improving relationships within and between societies.

There are many areas within psychology and many types of psychologists. Although about half of all psychologists work to help people with psychological problems, others seek new knowledge or apply their understanding of psychology to solve problems and improve the way things work. Research psychologists seek new knowledge using the scientific method to describe, predict, and understand behavior and mental processes. For example, developmental psychologists study how infants acquire language skills, psychobiologists investigate how brain function influences drug addiction, and social psychologists study how peer pressure influences decisions. Research psychologists often teach in colleges and universities. Applied psychologists use psychological principles to help change behavior and solve real world problems. For example, school psychologists help children adjust academically and socially, industrial/organizational psychologists suggest how companies can improve employee morale, human factors psychologists determine the best place to put gauges in an airplane cockpit, and clinical psychologists help people change their thoughts and behaviors to relieve anxiety or depression. Some applied psychologists also teach in colleges and universities and some engage in research.

Psychology majors have the opportunity to participate in research under the supervision of a faculty member with an active professional research program. These faculty members publish their work in professional journals and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in psychology. Students who participate in research and provide intellectually significant contributions to the research are listed as authors on published articles derived from that research. Whether the work is published or not, students may also have the opportunity to present their research at student research conferences and professional research conferences.

Since most undergraduate students do not participate in research leading to publications or presentations, those who do have significant advantages. These students tend to stand out from others during the graduate school admissions process and generally receive strong letters of recommendation from faculty members who get to know them well. Students also derive personal satisfaction from their work and any publications or presentations they produce. In recent years, some IUPUC students have been authors on published research, have received small grants to support their research, have received financial stipends while conducting research, and have received course credit for participation in research.

IUPUC students also have the opportunity to complete a practicum in child psychology, community psychology, or group dynamics. Students earn course credit while working in real-world settings. These experiences are valuable for students interested in careers in counseling, clinical psychology, and social work. Practicum also provide students opportunities to make important contacts in these work settings.

Students who earn a bachelors degree in psychology can find employment in many areas. The most common areas for employment are in psychology (behavior analyst, case worker, mental health worker), human services (group home coordinator, substance abuse counselor, adult day care worker), business (advertising, banking, public relations), law (probation officer, court officer, FBI agent), and education (academic advisor, admissions counselor, alumni relations officer). There are many other specific careers in these areas. There are additional opportunities in psychology and other fields for students who complete graduate degrees, including lecturer, counselor, clinical psychologist, and professor.

A psychology major with appropriate coursework can also prepare a student for graduate education leading to careers in such fields as law, medicine, occupation and therapy, physical therapy, and genetic counseling.

A very good link for exploring careers with a psychology degree can be found at the IUPUI Department of Psychology website.

At IUPUC, students can complete a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Psychology. Both degrees require coursework across diverse areas of psychological theory and practice within the broader context of a liberal arts education. Listed below are some of the features of the Psychology Program at IUPUC.

Students majoring in other disciplines can complete a minor in Psychology.

Psychology degree requirements
Psychology minor requirements and application
Psychology course descriptions

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