If you’re curious and fascinated by human behavior, you’ll want to consider a career in psychology. As one of the most popular college majors, a psychology degree program provides diverse employment opportunities, including educational psychologists, criminal investigators, and market research analysts.
The first step toward a fulfilling career in psychology is to choose a program that matches your needs and aspirations. Luckily, Illinois is home to some of the nation’s top educational institutions, many offering degree paths in psychology. In this guide, you’ll discover several of the best psychology programs in Illinois and how they can help you launch a career in this compelling field.
Best Psychology Colleges in Illinois
With so many psychology programs in Illinois, how do you know which one is right for you? Ultimately, your choice will depend on your career goals, level of education, and modality. However, we’ve identified some of the top psychology programs in Illinois to help you get started on your search. Continue reading to learn why these are the best psychology programs in Illinois, and get a sneak preview of our full rankings later this year.
University of Illinois
Rated as the #12 public university by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges, the University of Illinois offers top psychology programs in Illinois at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels. Considered one of the premier psychology departments in the nation, the programs are led by world-renowned faculty working on cutting-edge research recognized worldwide. With a solid commitment to student success, the department offers opportunities for research at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Tuition and Fees:
- Undergraduate (Illinois Resident): $17,572-$22,836
- Undergraduate (Non-Resident): $36,068-$43,894
Delivery:
- On Campus
- Part Time
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Psychology
- Brain and Cognitive Science
Graduate Programs:
- PhMaster of Science in Psychological Science
- PhD in Psychology
Specialization Options:
There are nine program areas within the Department of Psychology, including:
- Attention and Perception
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical/Community Psychology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Industrial-Organizational Psychology
- Social-Personality Psychology
- Quantitative
Illinois State University
With distinguished faculty and a diverse student body, it’s no surprise that Illinois State University boasts one of the best psychology programs in Illinois. The university provides a world-class learning environment, making higher education affordable and attainable. As a psychology student, you’ll explore the human mind through a rigorous curriculum, innovative research opportunities, and practical experiences.
Tuition:
- Undergraduate Tuition (Non-Resident): $23,048
- Graduate Tuition (Illinois Resident): $422.57 per credit hour
- Graduate Tuition (Non-Resident): $877.72 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
For undergraduate programs, students must submit:
- High school transcripts
- Optional: SAT/ACT scores and subscores
- Optional: Academic personal statement
For master’s programs, students must:
- Have earned a four-year bachelor’s degree or its equivalent from an accredited college or university
- Earn a 2.8 GPA for the last 60 hours of undergraduate work.
For doctoral programs, students must:
- Hold a master’s degree or equivalent in a discipline appropriate to the specific doctoral program.
- Achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA for graduate coursework or in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework
Delivery:
- On Campus
- Part Time
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master’s in Clinical-Counseling Psychology
- Master’s in Psychology
- PhD in School Psychology
- Specialist Degree in School Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Cognitive and Experimental Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational-Social Psychology
- Quantitative Psychology
Northwestern University
As one of the nation’s premier educational institutions, Northwestern University boasts a rich history in psychology education. Some historians even believe it was the first university in the U.S. to have a psychology course, which solidified its place among the top psychology programs in Illinois and the world. As a student in the university’s psychology program, you’ll learn from esteemed faculty members making significant contributions to the field.
Tuition:
- Undergraduate tuition: $21,629 per quarter
- Graduate tuition for programs shorter than eight quarters: $18,689 per quarter
- Graduate tuition for programs longer than eight quarters: $4,672 per quarter
Admissions Requirements:
First-year applicants must submit:
- The Common Application
- Official secondary school transcript and school report
- Counselor recommendation
- One teacher recommendation
- Non-refundable $75 application fee
Graduate students must submit:
- An online application
- Application fee
- Essays
- Transcripts and academic records
- Two letters of recommendation
- Any test scores as required by the program
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Online
- Part Time
- Full Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in School Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Brain, Behavior, & Cognition (BBC)
- Clinical Psychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Personality, Development, and Health
- Social Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Illinois
Let’s face it: Going to college or pursuing advanced education can be challenging, especially when you’re a working professional with a busy schedule. If you’re interested in earning a psychology degree but are nervous about fitting education into your schedule, there are plenty of online options. Many of the best online psychology programs in Illinois offer comprehensive curricula that cover core concepts, provide research opportunities, and allow you to gain hands-on experience through clinical and practicums. If you’re ready to start your online education journey, here’s a list of the top online psychology degree programs in Illinois to help get your search started.
University of Illinois, Springfield
Unlike traditional degree programs, the online psychology B.A. program at the University of Illinois, Springfield, puts you in complete control of your learning. As a student in the fully online program, you’ll complete an individualized concentration and earn 28 credits of your choosing.
For over two decades, the University of Illinois has led online learning, which means that you’ll also gain flexibility and convenience in addition to attending one of the best online psychology programs in Illinois.
Tuition:
- $367.50 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
First-year students are evaluated on:
- Grades and rigor of high school coursework
- Grade point average
- Answers to application questions
- Optional:Standardized test scores
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Full Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
The psychology department at the University of Illinois offers the following concentrations:
- Clinical/Counseling Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Educational Psychology
- Experimental Psychology
- Individualized
National Louis University
With an inclusive and innovative community, National Louis University will prepare you for a rewarding career in psychology. The university offers some of the top online psychology programs in Illinois with both synchronous and asynchronous formats. Despite being online, you’ll still benefit from a rigorous curriculum that combines theory and practical experience to help you become a competent professional who’s ready to make a significant impact in the field.
Tuition:
- Full-Time Domestic Students with Less Than 30 Credits: $12,333/year
- Full-Time Domestic Students with More Than 30 Credits:$6,000/term
Admissions Requirements:
All applicants must submit:
- An online application
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended.
- International Students Only:Proof of English language proficiency
In addition to the admission requirements outlined above, graduate students must also submit:
- A professional resume
- Verification of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution
- Doctoral Students Only:Must have earned at least a 3.0 on all graduate coursework
Undergraduate Programs:
Graduate Programs:
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Full Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
Undergraduate students can specialize in:
- General Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Organizational/Community Psychology
Adler University
Named after the founder of individual psychology, Alfred Adler, Adler University develops socially responsible practitioners committed to making a difference within their communities. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Alfred University is a top online psychology program in Illinois. The university offers online master’s and doctoral programs in psychology that will prepare you to solve real-world challenges and drive meaningful change within your community.
Tuition:
- M.A. Programs, excluding Clinical Mental Health Counseling: $924 per credit hour
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling: $1,454 per credit hour
Admissions Requirements:
- All applicants must have:
- A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university
- A GPA of 3.0
- Two letters of recommendation
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership
- Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational (I/O) Psychology
- Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership
Program Options:
- Part Time
- Full Time
- Fully Online
Specializations Offered:
Students in the Master of Arts in Psychology program can specialize in the following areas:
- Military Psychology
- Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Illinois
Whether new to psychology or seeking to advance your career, you’ll find your ideal psychology degree program in Illinois. Choose from various on-campus, online, and hybrid programs that allow you to specialize in popular focus areas of psychology, including school counseling, cognitive neuroscience, and developmental psychology. Here’s a look at a few more of the top on-campus and online psychology degree programs in Illinois.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Illinois
Associate Degrees in Psychology
If you’re just starting out in the field, earning an associate degree in psychology can help you gain a high-level overview of foundational topics and prepare you for further education. Many associate degree programs in psychology offer transfer pathways that will help prepare you to pursue a bachelor’s degree. Associate degree programs are ideal for those seeking entry-level positions as psychiatric technicians and aides, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, and social service assistants.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- Lincoln Land Community College (online or on campus)
- College of Lake County (online)
- College of DuPage (on campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
While many use bachelor’s degrees in psychology as stepping stones to advanced education, they also hold great value. As one of the most versatile degrees, a bachelor’s degree in psychology can provide you with diverse knowledge, skills, and experience that can be useful for business, healthcare, and social justice roles.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Northern Illinois University (on campus)
- Illinois Institute of Technology (on campus)
- Eastern Illinois University (online)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Illinois
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
If you’re looking to build on the psychology knowledge you gained in undergrad but aren’t interested in becoming a clinical practitioner, a master’s degree in psychology is an ideal choice. A master’s in psychology can help you build research, critical thinking, and communication skills, preparing you for a career as a mental health case manager, guidance counselor, therapist, or social worker.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Western Illinois University (on campus)
- Southern Illinois University (on campus)
- Roosevelt University (on campus)
PsyD Programs
If you’re interested in a career as a practitioner, then you’ll likely need to earn a PsyD. As one of the highest degrees you can earn in psychology, PsyD programs unlock lucrative career opportunities in clinical fields. PsyD programs typically take four to seven years to finish and focus on topics like psychopathology, clinical assessment, psychopharmacology, and research methods.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- Wheaton College (on campus)
- Midwestern University (on campus)
- National Louis University (online)
Psychology PhD Programs
Psychology PhD programs are ideal for those looking to enter research or teach at the university level. These advanced degree programs focus heavily on research methods and statistics to prepare students to contribute to the field. Additionally, students in psychology PhD programs are often required to complete a dissertation.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (on campus)
- Northwestern University (on campus)
- Rosalind Franklin University (on campus)
Graduate Certificates
If you aren’t ready to commit to a master’s or doctoral degree, a graduate psychology certificate can be a great option. These programs typically require a smaller workload than a master’s degree and usually concentrate on one specific focus area, such as cognitive neuroscience. These programs are a great way to fill skill gaps or enter new fields.
Accredited Illinois Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- The Chicago School (online)
- Northern Illinois University (on campus)
- Northwestern University (on campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Illinois
Now that you’ve learned about several of the best traditional and online psychology programs in Illinois, you’ll want to start considering how you’ll finance your degree. Luckily, several scholarships, grants, loans, and other financial aid programs are available for psychology students in Illinois. Here are a few organizations that offer financial support for psychology programs in Illinois:
- Illinois Fund for Careers in School Psychology (IFCSP)
- American Psychological Foundation:
- National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Navigating the ways to pay for psychology programs in Illinois can be challenging, so we encourage you to read our financial aid guide and scholarships guide to learn more about your options.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Illinois
Psychology graduates in Illinois have ample employment opportunities ranging from psychiatric technicians and aides to clinical psychologists. Compared to the national average, many psychology roles in Illinois are predicted to grow slowly over the next 10 years. Popular careers like clinical and school psychologists are over-saturated and have low average annual openings, meaning the job market is competitive. You’ll need to find ways to stand out from other candidates. Here are a few of the most common psychology career paths to give you a better idea of the job outlook and salary potential for psychology graduates in Illinois.
| Job Growth Rate (10 Year Rate) | Average Annual Openings (2023-2033) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 2.5% | 395 | $102,740 |
| School Psychologist | 2.5% | 395 | $76,170 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 17.8% | 1,479 | $54,870 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 7.1% | 212 | $50,660 |
| Psychiatric Technicians and Aides | 6.4% | 421 | $43,900 |
Sources: Illinois WorkNet;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Illinois Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Illinois Psychological Association
As the largest professional association of psychologists in the state, the Illinois Psychological Association has nearly 1,200 members committed to helping advance psychology as both a science and a profession. - Illinois School Psychologists Association
Since 1979, the Illinois School Psychologists Association has represented school psychologists in the state and is committed to serving the educational and mental health interests of children. The nonprofit association aims to advance school psychology by holding high standards for effective and ethical psychological services within school systems. - Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists
The Illinois Association of Prescribing Psychologists aims to implement prescriptive authority for highly trained prescribing psychologists within the state. The association also advocates for the mental health needs of underserved populations in Illinois and helps promote diversity in the prescribing psychologist community. - Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association
Through advocacy, education, and support services, the Illinois Mental Health Counselors Association advocates for the well-being of mental health counselors within the state. They help educate mental health professionals about the latest developments in the field, share best practices, and provide a forum to educate the community about mental health. - National Alliance on Mental Illness – Illinois Chapter
The Illinois Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness helps support individuals and families impacted by mental illness through advocacy, education, and support groups. The alliance offers training and educational materials for mental health professionals as well.
