If you’re interested in studying psychology and your current or future home is in the Windy City, you’re in luck: Chicago is home to some of the best psychology programs and offers endless opportunities for those looking to break into the field or further their knowledge. Supported by a vibrant and diverse community, Chicago’s top psychology programs offer ample opportunity to gain practical, in-depth experience.
With so many excellent traditional and online psychology programs in Chicago to choose from, how do you know which is right for you? While the best psychology program for you will depend on your goals, budget, and desired format, keep reading to get a head start on your search. In this guide, we’ll explore several top psychology programs in Chicago including admission requirements, tuition, degree options, specializations, and more.
Top Psychology Degree Programs in Chicago for 2024
With so many high-quality psychology programs in Chicago to choose from, finding the best option for you can be overwhelming. To help minimize stress during your search, we’ve highlighted three of the best psychology programs in Chicago based on curriculum, affordability, format, and degree options. Below you’ll get a sneak peek of our complete rankings for the top psychology programs in Chicago — to come later this year!
University of Illinois Chicago
As a nationally recognized department, the psychology programs at the University of Illinois Chicago are known for excellence in research and teaching. One of the best psychology programs in Chicago, the university’s undergraduate and graduate programs offer challenging, comprehensive curricula that develop a deep understanding of the complete human being. Led by world-class faculty, the department actively collaborates with UIC’s colleges of Education, Engineering, and Medicine to provide an interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Admissions Requirements:
To apply, you’ll submit:
- An online application
- Non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from prior academic institutions
Graduate students must also submit:
- GRE scores
- A personal statement
- A Curriculum Vitae
- Evidence of quantitative training
- Three letters of recommendation
- Indication of program and faculty mentors you’d like to work with
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science – Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts – Applied Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychology (earned as part of PhD program)
Specialization Options:
Graduate students can specialize in the following areas:
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Clinical, Cognitive
- Community and Prevention Research
- Social and Personality
University of Chicago
Known for scientific research and commitment to scholarship, the Department of Psychology at the University of Chicago takes a broad and interdisciplinary approach to teaching. The University of Chicago offers a rigorous curriculum and groundbreaking research opportunities that will prepare you to make innovative contributions to the field of psychology.
Admissions Requirements:
To apply, you’ll submit:
- An online application and supplemental essays
- Non-refundable application fee
- Official transcripts from prior academic institutions
- Two teacher evaluations (undergraduate admission only)
- Midyear report (current high school students only)
Graduate students must also submit:
- GRE scores
- A candidate statement
- A Curriculum Vitae
- Writing sample
- Three to five letters of recommendation
Delivery:
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- PhD in Psychology
- Joint PhD in Business and Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Cognition
- Computational Cognitive Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Integrative Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
Loyola University Chicago
With empirically based curricula and specialized training opportunities, Loyola University Chicago is one of the top psychology programs in Chicago and beyond. Despite offering a world-class education and innovative research opportunities, Loyola University Chicago is a budget-friendly educational choice. Plus, the university offers a program in applied social psychology that empowers you to earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in just five years.
Admissions Requirements:
To apply, you’ll submit:
- An online application
- Official transcripts from prior academic institutions
- One letter of recommendation
- Graduate students must also submit a statement of purpose.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology (Online)
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
- PhD in Developmental Psychology
- PhD in Clinical Psychology
Top Online Psychology Degree Programs in Chicago
We understand higher education can be a big financial, emotional, and time commitment, which is why it’s not surprising many students are turning to online learning. An online psychology program will allow you to dive into the human mind, behavior, and mental processes all from the comfort of wherever is most convenient for you. Plus, many of the top online psychology programs in Chicago still offer clinical experiences in the form of simulations, remote fieldwork, or independent placements to ensure you still receive the same high-quality education as traditional students. To help you find your ideal program, here are three of the best online psychology programs in Chicago.
DePaul University
Located in the heart of Chicago, DePaul University’s psychology programs aim to increase diversity within the profession to represent the vibrant culture in the city and all over the world. With this mission in mind, Depaul offers top online psychology degree programs that allow you to access a prestigious education from anywhere in the world and connect you with fellow professionals of diverse skills, backgrounds, and experiences.
Admissions Requirements:
To apply, you’ll submit:
- An online application
- Official transcripts from prior academic institutions
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Science in Psychology
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Specialization Options:
- Standard BA Concentration
- Human Development BA Concentration
The Chicago School
The Chicago School offers several top online psychology programs in Chicago at the bachelor, master, and PhD levels. Built on an innovative learning environment, the online psychology programs will prepare you for exciting careers in clinical, educational, business, and forensic settings. With online, cohort, and blended formats, the Chicago School makes earning a premier education convenient, accessible, and affordable.
Admissions Requirements:
Admissions requirements for online programs include:
- A qualifying degree from an accredited university
- Transcripts from previous educational institutions
- Personal essays
- Standardized test scores (where applicable)
- Letters of recommendation
- An interview as required by each program
- Graduate students must also submit a statement of purpose.
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
- Bachelor of Science in Business Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in Applied Psychology
- Master of Arts in Forensic Psychology
- Master of Arts in Psychopharmacology
- Master of Arts in International Psychology
- PhD in Business Psychology
- PhD International Psychology
- EdD in Educational Psychology and Technology
- Industrial and Organizational Psychology Generalist Certificate
- Certificate in Forensic Psychology – M.A. Non-Licensure Track to Licensure Bridge
- Certificate in Clinical Rotations for Clinical Psychopharmacology
- Child and Adolescent Psychology Certificate
- Online Graduate Certificate in Social and Community Psychology
Specialization Options:
PhD in Business Psychology students can choose from two tracks:
- Industrial and Organizational
- Consulting
Roosevelt University
While small, Roosevelt University is committed to making a big impact on your career. Offering some of the best online psychology programs in Chicago and worldwide, Roosevelt University can help launch or advance your career in mental health, neuroscience, child and family studies, forensic psychology, and clinical psychology — all from the comfort of wherever you learn best. As one of the top online psychology programs in Chicago, the university offers enhanced flexibility through asynchronous learning that allows you to access coursework from wherever and whenever it’s most convenient for you.
Admissions Requirements:
To apply, you’ll submit:
- An online application
- Official transcripts from prior academic institutions
Delivery:
- Online
- On-Campus
- Part-Time
- Full-Time
Undergraduate Programs:
- Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Graduate Programs:
- Master of Arts in General Psychology
- Graduate Certificate in Preclinical Psychology
Specialization Options:
Students in the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can choose from four concentrations:
- Mental Health
- Neuroscience
- Child and Family Studies
- Forensic Psychology
Types of Psychology Degrees You Can Earn in Chicago
Psychology degrees don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package, and the type of degree you earn will depend on where you are in your professional educational journey and your career goals. Whether you’re new to the psychology field or looking to enhance your current career, Chicago’s top psychology programs offer degrees of varying levels. Need help finding the right degree path for you? Let’s review the different types of degrees, which can help you narrow your search.
Undergraduate Psychology Degrees in Chicago
Associate Degrees in Psychology
If you’re still deciding whether psychology is right for you, an associate degree can help you gain a basic understanding of key topics in the field. Plus, this degree can provide a foundation for a bachelor’s program. On its own, an associate degree in psychology can prepare you for a career as a mental health technician, human services assistant, or child care worker.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with Associate Degrees in Psychology:
- City Colleges of Chicago (On-Campus)
- Prairie State College (On-Campus)
- St. Augustine College (On-Campus)
Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology
While a bachelor’s in psychology is often the first degree earned by many professionals in the field, it’s also one of the most useful and versatile degrees. In addition to preparing you for further education, a bachelor’s degree in psychology can unlock entry-level career opportunities in business, education, and human services.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with Bachelor’s Degrees in Psychology:
- Governors State University (On-Campus)
- Saint Xavier University (On-Campus)
- Concordia University Chicago (On-Campus)
Graduate Psychology Degrees in Chicago
Master’s Degrees in Psychology
If your career goals involve becoming a therapist or counselor, then a master’s degree in psychology is the right choice for you. A master’s program in psychology can also prepare you for clinical education at the doctoral level.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with Master’s in Psychology Degrees:
- Illinois Institute of Technology (On-Campus)
- National Louis University (On-Campus and Online)
- Adler University (Online)
PsyD Programs
Interested in becoming a clinical practitioner? You’ll need to earn a PsyD. These intensive, doctoral programs blend traditional coursework with practical hands-on experience to help mold you into a capable and confident practitioner. With a PsyD, you can work as a clinical psychologist, program director, or researcher.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with PsyD Programs:
- The Chicago School (On-Campus)
- Adler University (On-Campus)
- Roosevelt University (On-Campus)
Psychology PhD Programs
For those who want to pursue a doctoral degree but aren’t interested in becoming a clinical practitioner, a PhD in psychology is a great alternative. Compared to PsyD, PhD programs put greater emphasis on academic research, making them ideal for aspiring psychology professors and researchers.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with PhD Psychology Programs:
- Rosalind Franklin University (On-Campus)
- Northwestern University (On-Campus)
- University of Illinois Chicago (On-Campus)
Graduate Certificates
If you’re already working in the psychology field but are looking to further specialize or address gaps in your skills and knowledge, a graduate certificate is a great choice. These short-term, highly focused programs are less intensive than full graduate programs and can be great for career changers or recent graduates seeking specialized knowledge.
Accredited Chicago Colleges with Psychology Graduate Certificates:
- The Chicago School (Online or On-Campus)
- Roosevelt University (On-Campus)
- Northwestern University (On-Campus)
Financial Aid and Scholarships for Psychology Students in Chicago
We know pursuing higher education can be a large financial commitment, but luckily many of the top psychology programs in Chicago provide financial aid and scholarship opportunities.
You may want to begin by researching national and local organizations that provide financial aid and scholarships for psychology students in Chicago, like:
- The Lasker Foundation
- The American Psychological Foundation
- The National Institute of Health Undergraduate Scholarship Program
Once you’ve narrowed your list of schools, you’ll want to explore school-based resources to help you find financial aid. Here are a few examples of school-based scholarships for top psychology programs in Chicago:
- The Chicago School Financial Aid Office
- The University of Chicago Odyssey Scholarship
- DePaul University Scholarships
If you still have questions about paying for your psychology degree, find more information in our financial aid guide and scholarships guide.
Job Outlook and Earnings Potential for Psychology Grads in Chicago
As one of the most popular college majors, it’s no surprise that psychology is a competitive professional field, especially in a highly populated area like Chicago. While many psychology roles in Chicago — and Illinois in general — are growing at a similar or slower pace than the national average, some roles, like mental health counselors, offer great potential. However, it’s important not to let the competitive nature of the field deter you from following your career aspirations. Instead, focus on gaining practical experience and showcasing your passion for helping others to stand out from the crowd.
To give you greater insight into the psychology field in Chicago, here are the estimated growth rates, annual openings, and mean wages for some of the most popular roles.
| Job Growth Rate (10 Year Rate) | Average Annual Openings (2023-2033) | Annual Mean Wage (2022) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | 5.3% | 170 | $104,190 |
| School Psychologist | 5.3% | 170 | $78,020 |
| Mental Health Counselors | 21.0% | 770 | $56,290 |
| Marriage and Family Therapists | 10.7% | 136 | $51,160 |
| Psychiatric Technicians and Aides | 6.1% | 195 | $47,790 |
Sources: Illinois WorkNet;Bureau of Labor Statistics
Chicago Psychology Professional and Student Resources
- Chicagoland Industrial Organizational Psychologists
If you’re an aspiring industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologist, this membership network can help connect you with other professionals in the field within the Chicagoland area. Member benefits include networking and mentoring opportunities, panel discussions and workshops, and consulting challenges. - Chicago Association for Psychoanalytic Psychology
Open to students and professionals of all levels, the Chicago Association for Psychoanalytic Psychology aims to enhance knowledge of psychoanalytic ideas through educational, social, and consultative programs. - Midwestern Psychological Association (MPA)
A regional division of the American Psychological Association, the MPA strives to advance the science, teaching, and application of psychology in the Midwest. The association holds an annual meeting that features talks from leading psychologists, presentations addressing the latest topics in psychology, discussion groups, and roundtables. - National Alliance on Mental Illnesses Chicago (NAMI Chicago)
Since its founding in 1979, NAMI Chicago has been committed to supporting families and individuals in Chicago impacted by mental health conditions. The organization’s goal is to decrease the stigma and discrimination around mental health and advocate for the Chicago community. - Chicago Mental Health Provider Support Group
A network of mental health providers, the Chicago Mental Health Provider Support Group gives mental health providers a space to share experiences, exchange ideas, and provide assistance in a challenging field.
