Psychology
STUDYING BEHAVIOR, UNDERSTANDING MINDS, SHAPING THE FUTURE
At Valparaiso University, our dedication to scientific exploration in psychology fosters a deep understanding of the brain, mind, and behavior, unlocking pathways to engaging and rewarding careers. Through dynamic lab courses and guided research projects with experienced faculty, students refine research and analytical skills. Early exposure to internships and service learning seamlessly links theoretical knowledge to practical applications, providing a launching pad for diverse and fulfilling career options. Navigating these experiences, students not only apply psychological research to real-world challenges but also cultivate critical thinking, teamwork, and communication skills highly sought after by both graduate programs and employers. This dual focus on academic excellence and practical skills ensures that a psychology major at Valparaiso University prepares you for an intellectually fulfilling and professionally enriching future. Join us in discovering the bright path of your psychology education and paving your way to glowing success.
CAREER PATHS
• Academic advisor
• Adoption specialist
• Advertising executive
• Applied behavior analyst
• Case manager
• Criminal investigator
• Data analyst
• Human resources manager
• Marketing staff
• Project manager
• Psychiatric technician
• Research assistant
• Student success coach
• Technical writer
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Valpo and the psychology department gave me the tools I needed to become a resource navigator, program coordinator, and group facilitator in my current role as a case manager at the Porter County Jail. Many of my experiences as a student such as attending a forensic psychology research conference in Denver, working with Porter County Problem Solving Courts, and receiving mentorship from my professors provided a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system and the various approaches used to meet the mental health needs of the individuals within it.
Kayla Wetzig ’22 Major: Psychology VALPO.EDU/PSYCHOLOGY‘‘
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
Our comprehensive, interdisciplinary, and experiential curriculum ensures that students learn the skills they need to become leaders in their field and advance in their careers, no matter where life takes them. Students work with faculty to conduct research and engage in the scientific process of discovery, creating new paths that combine psychology with their other interests and passions. In addition to labs exploring topics like applied forensic psychology, human sexuality, identity and belief, and behavioral neuroscience, students engage in service learning, honors theses, and internships to use their knowledge of psychology to serve their communities and expand their horizons.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR PATHWAY
Psychology degrees at Valpo are versatile, allowing students to pursue a bachelor of arts or a bachelor of science in psychology. This means students can easily specialize their experience by adding a major and/or minor in the natural sciences, humanities, or social sciences without adding time to complete their psychology degree requirements. For example, students interested in forensics can pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in criminology. Or, pre-med students can earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology with a minor in biology and/or chemistry.
BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
Working with community partners, we encourage students to lean in and ask questions in one of the best classrooms possible – real life! One such example is Valpo’s Inside Out Prison Exchange program. Taking students outside their comfort zone and inside a minimum security prison, they are given the chance to learn and engage with incarcerated individuals, otherwise known as inside students. These experiences address the very real perceptions (and misperceptions) many of us hold regarding the criminal justice system, incarceration, and the individuals incarcerated, allowing students to gain invaluable insight while developing compassion, too.
BEYOND A BACHELOR’S DEGREE
Our undergraduate program is designed to pave your way to success in graduate school. Our comprehensive curriculum fosters a deep understanding of the intricacies of psychology and equips students with the research, analytical, and practical skills essential for thriving in graduate-level studies. Our dedicated faculty and hands-on experiences ensure that you are well-prepared for the challenges of advanced education in psychology.
Over half of psychology majors at Valpo will choose to pursue advanced education through graduate studies, and most commonly, our students will enroll in master’s or doctoral programs in clinical psychology, counseling, or experimental psychology. Students may choose to pursue further graduate studies at Valpo with a variety of high quality master’s programs. Of special interest to psychology majors may be the clinical mental health counseling program at Valpo. This high quality, accredited master’s program has an early-entry program for select undergraduate students interested in pursuing a career in counseling.
A VALPO EDUCATION
At Valpo, you receive a comprehensive, rigorous education within the liberal arts tradition learning to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems creatively. Our committed faculty invests in the success of students both in and out of the classroom, providing you the individualized attention and guidance fundamental to reaching your full potential.
SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
For information on scholarships and awards, visit valpo.edu/financialaid.
Learn More
Valparaiso University admits students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or religion. (For a full statement, see valpo.edu.)
We’ve compiled all the pertinent information about the psychology program – including courses, research opportunities, careers, and rankings – on our website. Ready to learn more? Get started at valpo.edu/psychology
Valparaiso University
Valparaiso, IN 46383
phone: 219.464.5022
web: valpo.edu
email: undergrad.admission@valpo.edu