Psychology & Counseling Department

The Psychology and Counseling Department at Chicago State University prepares students for advanced study in psychology or entry-level employment in the social sciences. The department fosters the intellectual development and success of students through a rigorous and affirming educational experience. Our commitment extends beyond teaching and includes research, service and community development.

Commitment to Serving Underrepresented Populations

Our mission is to provide access to higher education for students of diverse backgrounds and educational needs. The psychology department seeks to recruit, retain and educate students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, faculty are committed to using scientific methods to serve urban populations.

Degrees Offered

Undergraduate Programs

The Bachelor of Arts degree is for students interested in the scientific study of human cognition and behavior. Our undergraduate program offers students a broad training in the science of psychology. Core courses focus on:

Development
Research
Abnormal
Cognitive
Physiology
Statistics
Writing

Students graduate with an understanding of human behavior and cognition and the ability to think critically about the complex issues of diversity and human functioning.

Graduate Programs

The Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP) accredited Master of Arts in Counseling program offers two accredited track options:

School Counseling
Clinical Mental Health Counseling

We train counselors to work in varied community mental health and school settings with a specific emphasis on working with underrepresented and marginalized populations. Graduates, from our counseling program, are highly trained for clinical work and prepared for entry to doctoral study.

Certificate Programs

The Psychology Department offers two certificate programs:

The Endorsement in School Counseling Certificate
The Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drugs of Addiction.

Certificate program graduates are prepared to serve the psychology department’s mission of working with underrepresented groups within urban settings.

Have you ever wondered how your major might help you after you graduate? See this new academic major report for the state of Illinois!

This tool contains useful data on how graduates from different majors are doing in the labor market: How much money are they earning? What industries are they working in? How much debt do they graduate with? What occupations are they likely to hold? Whether declaring an initial major, or switching majors, use this tool to better inform you of your choices!