Best Psychology Schools in Illinois

The B.A. Psychology program at The Chicago School provides a robust foundation in psychological principles, available online and in Chicago. Ideal for those juggling work or family, it offers minors in Health Science, Addiction Studies, or Applied Behavior Analysis. Admission requires a 2.3 GPA, with a holistic review for those below. This non-licensure program prepares students for various careers or further education, emphasizing ethics, diversity, and critical thinking.

• Four years full time.
• Eight years part time.
• Online and Chicago campuses.
• Minors in specialized fields.
• Early master's degree coursework.
• 2.3 GPA admission requirement.
• Holistic application review.
• Non-licensure program.
• Fieldwork in Addiction Studies.
• Diverse career preparation.

The M.A. Forensic Psychology program equips students to apply psychological expertise in legal settings. Offering both online and in-person formats, this two-year degree includes licensure and non-licensure tracks, preparing graduates for roles in criminal justice, law enforcement, and mental health. A 3.0 GPA and bachelor's degree are required for admission.

• Two-year full-time program
• Part-time options available
• Multiple campus locations
• Online and in-person formats
• Licensure and non-licensure tracks
• 700 clinical training hours
• GPA requirement 3.0+
• Bachelor's degree required
• Practicum and internship experiences
• Multiple career pathway options

Focusing on Human Resources, the M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program blends psychology with business strategies for aspiring HR leaders. This online program requires a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree, offering full-time and part-time options to fit professionals' schedules.

• Two-year full-time, three-year part-time
• Online and on-campus options
• 600 hours internship experience
• 3.0 GPA recommended
• Internship and Applied Research tracks
• Diverse career pathway opportunities
• SIOP principles integration

ABAI-accredited, the M.S. Applied Behavior Analysis program prepares students for BCBA certification. Available online and on-campus, it focuses on ethical practice and diverse client needs, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission.

• ABAI accredited program.
• Prepares for BCBA certification.
• Online and campus options.
• 2 years full time.
• Holistic admissions review.
• Financial aid available.
• Diverse client focus.
• Research and practitioner tracks.
• Experiential learning included.
• Ethical practice emphasis.

The online M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology program is designed for licensed psychologists seeking advanced training in medication management, offering two tracks including an Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track.

• Fully online graduate program
• Two-year part-time format
• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Two program track options
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• Doctoral degree prerequisite
• Medical settings fieldwork
• Advanced medical science courses

The M.A. Applied Psychology offers seven concentrations for professionals looking to apply psychology across sectors. This online program can be completed in one year full-time or 16 months part-time, requiring a 2.8 GPA for admission.

• Online master's degree
• Seven career concentrations
• One year full-time program
• 16 months part-time option
• Applied Research Project required
• 2.8 GPA admission guideline
• Career opportunities across sectors

The M.A. Forensic Psychology's Professional Counselor Licensure Track prepares students for licensure as professional counselors within the legal system, blending psychology with legal understanding. A 3.0 GPA and bachelor's degree are required.

• Professional Counselor Licensure Track.
• Online and in-person options.
• Focus on multicultural competence.
• Practicum and internship included.
• Admission requires 3.0 GPA.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• Statistics or research methods coursework required.
• Prepares for roles in child welfare.
• Pathway to doctoral studies.
• Hands-on experience opportunities.

The Non-Licensure Track of the M.A. Forensic Psychology is ideal for those aiming for non-clinical roles in law enforcement or corrections. This online program requires a 3.0 GPA and a bachelor's degree.

• Online Non-Licensure Track.
• 37-credit-hour program.
• Flexible part-time study.
• Applied research project required.
• GPA of 3.0 or higher needed.
• Bachelor's degree prerequisite.
• Focus on law and psychology.
• Prepares for non-clinical roles.
• Ideal for working professionals.
• No licensure preparation.

The M.A. Industrial and Organizational Psychology program prepares students to enhance workplace dynamics through psychological insights. Offering full-time and part-time online options, it requires a 3.0 GPA for admission.

• 2 years full-time, 3 years part-time
• Online and on-campus options
• 600 hours internship experience
• 3.0 GPA recommended
• Two program tracks available
• Covers SIOP psychological principles
• Suitable for working professionals
• Broad career pathway options

The M.S. Clinical Psychopharmacology's Illinois Prescriptive Authority Preparation Track is an online program for licensed psychologists seeking to integrate medical approaches into mental health care, requiring a doctoral degree for admission.

• Fully online graduate program
• Two-year part-time format
• APA-designated psychopharmacology program
• Doctoral degree prerequisite
• Clinical rotation opportunities
• Prepares for prescriptive authority
• 31-67 credit hour options

The Industrial and Organizational Psychology Generalist Certificate offers foundational skills in organizational behavior online and in-person. A 3.0 GPA is required, with options for those below, and credits are transferable to a master's degree.

• 9 credit hours
• Online and in-person
• Transferable to M.A.
• 3.0 GPA requirement
• Focus on organizational behavior
• Covers leadership skills
• Admission fee $50
• Official transcripts needed
• Resume for GPA below 3.0
• Personal statement required

This Post-Master's Certificate in Applied Behavior Analysis prepares students for BCBA® certification, focusing on behavior analysis principles and ethics. Available online and on-campus, it requires a master's degree for admission.

• 1-1.5 years full time
• Online and campus options
• Prepares for BCBA® certification
• Focuses on behavior analysis principles
• Includes professional ethics training
• Master's degree required
• 23% increase in BCBA® demand
• Covers measurement and design
• Available at multiple campuses
• Ethical issues in behavior analysis

The Ph.D. Business Psychology with an Industrial and Organizational Track is a hybrid program for those aiming to lead organizational change. It combines psychological and business principles, available online and on-campus, requiring a 3.0-3.2 GPA for admission.

• Hybrid program: online and on-campus
• 3-5 year completion time
• Post-bachelor's and post-master's entry
• Two campus residencies
• Comprehensive competency examination
• Dissertation research component
• Multiple campus locations
• Internship/Applied Research Project
• Minimum 3.0-3.2 GPA requirement
• Professional development focus

The Master of Applied Psychology at Adler University is a non-clinical, online program focused on social change. It requires a 3.0 undergraduate GPA and a research methods course, offering concentrations in Health & Wellness, Gender Studies, and Human Resources. The 39-credit program includes a 200-hour social justice practicum and a capstone project, preparing graduates for diverse sectors without the need for an entrance exam.

• Nonclinical psychology master's degree
• Social justice-focused curriculum
• 3.0 minimum undergraduate GPA
• Requires research methods course
• Multiple concentration options
• 39 total credit hours
• Online program availability
• Diverse career preparation
• 200-hour social justice practicum
• Capstone project required

Adler University offers an online M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology with concentrations in Data Science, Training and Development, or Human Resources Management. This program emphasizes social justice and can be completed in 12 months, featuring a Social Justice Practicum and options for a thesis or capstone. No entrance exam is required for this flexible online program designed for working professionals.

• Online program format
• 12 months completion time
• Social Justice Practicum included
• Concentrations available
• Flexible for working professionals
• Emphasis on social justice
• Individualized advising
• Real-world experience
• Thesis or capstone option
• Prepares for SHRM certification

The online M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology with a Data Science concentration at Adler University is a 36-credit program focusing on socially responsible data-driven decision-making. It includes a 200-hour internship and prepares students for SHRM certification, completable in 12 months without an entrance exam requirement.

• Fully online 36-credit program
• Data science concentration available
• Completable in 12 months
• 200-hour social justice internship
• Focuses on socially responsible practice
• Prepares for SHRM certification
• Asynchronous learning model
• Diverse career pathway options

Adler University's online M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology with a Training and Development concentration is a 36-credit program that can be completed in 12 months. It focuses on social justice, includes a 200-hour internship, and prepares students for SHRM certification, all without requiring an entrance exam.

• Fully online, 12-month program
• Three specialized concentrations
• Social justice-focused curriculum
• 200-hour internship experience
• GPA requirement: 3.0 minimum
• Prepare for SHRM certification
• Small, collaborative classes
• Flexible asynchronous learning

Adler University's online M.A. in Industrial & Organizational Psychology with a Human Resources Management concentration is a 36-credit program emphasizing social justice and inclusion. It can be completed in 12 months, includes a 200-hour Social Justice Practicum, and prepares students for SHRM certification without the need for an entrance exam.

• Fully online flexible program
• 36-credit program, 12-month completion
• Three specialized concentrations
• 200-hour Social Justice Practicum
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Prepares for SHRM certification
• Diverse career path opportunities

Adler University's online Ph.D. in Industrial and Organizational Psychology is designed for professionals aiming to excel in workplace psychology with a focus on social justice. This 66-credit program, requiring a master's degree with a 3.0 GPA, prepares students for leadership roles in human resources, consulting, and academia through a curriculum that includes a 200-hour Social Justice Practicum. No entrance exam is required for this fully online program.

• Fully online doctoral program
• 66-credit hour curriculum
• Social justice-driven approach
• 200-hour Social Justice Practicum
• Prepares experts in workplace psychology
• Master's degree required for admission
• Minimum 3.0 graduate GPA
• Career paths in multiple sectors

Loyola University Chicago's Applied Psychology BA with a concentration in Organizational Track is a hybrid program that stands out for its focus on preparing students for careers in organizational settings. This program, ranked #4 among online psychology programs, offers a blend of online and on-campus learning, making it ideal for working professionals. With 8-week course sessions and a flexible schedule, students can balance their studies with personal commitments. The curriculum is designed to develop skills in human behavior analysis and problem-solving, with tuition at $825 per credit hour. A minimum GPA of 2.0 is required for admission, and transfer credits are accepted.

• #4 Online Psychology Program
• Fully Online and On-Campus
• Two Specialized Tracks
• 8-Week Course Sessions
• Flexible Adult Learning
• Transfer Credits Accepted
• $825 Per Credit Hour
• 2.0 Minimum GPA Required
• Evening/Weekend Courses
• Career-Focused Curriculum

The Applied Psychology BA at Loyola University Chicago, with a concentration in Counseling Track, is tailored for those aiming to enter the counseling field. This hybrid program, recognized as the #4 online psychology program, offers the flexibility of online and on-campus courses. It emphasizes data analysis and evidence-based problem-solving, preparing students for diverse counseling roles. The program features 8-week sessions, allowing for part-time or full-time enrollment, with tuition approximately $825 per credit hour. Admission requires a 2.0 GPA, and the program accepts transfer credits, catering to adult learners seeking to advance their education in counseling psychology.

• Counseling Track available
• Online and on-campus options
• 8-week course sessions
• Transfer credits accepted
• Tuition ~$825 per credit hour
• Minimum 2.0 GPA required
• Part-time or full-time enrollment
• Multiple start terms yearly

Northern Illinois University's online Master of Science in Education in Special Education with a concentration in Behavior Analysis is tailored for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of behavior analysis. This program, requiring a 3.0 GPA for admission, prepares students for the BCBA examination through a curriculum rich in ethics, applied behavior analysis, and interventions for autism spectrum disorder. No entrance exam is mentioned, focusing instead on a statement of purpose and letters of recommendation. Ideal for working professionals, it offers a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills for addressing behavioral challenges in diverse settings.

• Online program format
• Concentration in Behavior Analysis
• Meets BCBA exam requirements
• 3.0 GPA admission requirement
• Comprehensive curriculum
• Ethics and professional behavior focus
• Applied behavior analysis courses
• Advanced interventions for autism
• Statement of purpose required
• Letters of recommendation needed
• Practical applications emphasized
• Prepares for impactful roles
• Theoretical knowledge included
• Skills for various settings
• Addresses learning challenges
• Behavioral challenges solutions
• Graduate-level research course
• Professional development focus
• Comprehensive examination required
• Flexible for working professionals

The Certificate of Graduate Study in Behavior Analyst at Northern Illinois University is an online program designed for those aiming to specialize in behavior analysis. Without specifying an entrance exam requirement, the program focuses on preparing students for the BCBA examination through courses in ethics, applied behavior analysis, and interventions for autism spectrum disorder. This 21-credit hour program is perfect for educators and professionals looking to enhance their skills in behavior analysis for impactful roles in schools and communities.

• Online program format.
• 21 credit hours required.
• Focus on autism spectrum disorder.
• Prepares for BCBA examination.
• Ethics and professional behavior covered.

The online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville provides students with a flexible pathway to understanding psychological principles and research methods. This 120-credit hour program requires at least 30 credits to be completed at SIUE and includes a mandatory minor, with online options available. Admission is based on a minimum GPA of 2.0, and the program does not require an ACT or SAT for entry, catering to non-traditional students. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates for diverse career paths by offering a solid foundation in psychology alongside elective courses at the 300/400 level.

• Online program flexibility
• 120 total credit hours
• 30 hours at SIUE required
• Minimum GPA 2.0
• Core psychology courses
• Electives at 300/400 level
• Minor required
• Diverse minor options
• Prepares for various careers
• Research methods included

Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville's MS in Kinesiology with a concentration in Exercise and Sport Psychology is a hybrid program that merges theoretical knowledge with practical application, focusing on the psychological aspects of athletic performance and exercise. This program, available online, is tailored for professionals aiming for career growth, offering flexible evening and asynchronous courses that can be completed in 12 to 22 months. It prepares students for various roles in sports, fitness, and behavioral medicine by covering mental training, performance enhancement, and psychological well-being. Notably, the program does not require an entrance exam, making it accessible to a broader range of students.

• 100% Online Program
• 12-22 Months Completion
• Evening/Asynchronous Courses
• CMPC Certification Preparation
• Career-Focused Curriculum
• Mentorship from Faculty
• Multiple Career Pathways
• Research Opportunities
• Professional Development Focus
• Personalized Career Advising

Judson University offers a hybrid Applied Psychology program that blends online coursework with in-person learning, ideal for students seeking flexibility. This program is designed for those aiming to understand human behavior in various contexts, with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical practices, and cultural awareness. Unique to Judson, the program incorporates Christian values, preparing graduates for impactful careers in human services or further academic pursuits. No specific entrance exam is mentioned for this program. Highlights include a focus on real-world applications, research, and a capstone project, ensuring students are well-prepared for their future careers.

• Comprehensive psychology skill development
• Hybrid program format
• Multiple career pathway options
• Field experience opportunities
• Christian perspective integration
• Research and analysis focused
• 46 total credit hours required
• Capstone learning experience
• Cultural competence emphasis

McKendree University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program provides a comprehensive exploration of human behavior and mental processes, tailored for students seeking flexibility. This program stands out for its emphasis on developing critical thinking and research skills, with a curriculum that includes statistics, research methods, and a mandatory senior thesis project. Ideal for those aiming for careers in mental health or social work, it also focuses on professional development and ethical responsibility. Admission requires a high school diploma, with no mention of ACT or SAT requirements, making it accessible to a wide range of students. The program's online format supports students at different life stages, offering a pathway to diverse career opportunities.

• Online program flexibility.
• 34 credit hours major.
• Research project included.
• Focus on professional development.
• Prepares for diverse careers.
• Emphasizes ethical responsibility.
• Includes statistics and methods.
• Senior thesis requirement.
• Caters to various life stages.
• High school diploma required.

Elmhurst University offers a hybrid Applied Psychology program tailored for working adults, blending online coursework with evening on-campus sessions for flexibility. This program delves into practical psychology applications, including industrial/organizational psychology and health psychology, without requiring a specific concentration. Ideal for those with prior college credits, it mandates 30 transferable semester hours, including foundational psychology and English courses, and a 2.5 GPA for admission. Notably, the program does not require entrance exams like the GRE, focusing instead on accessibility for professionals. Graduates are well-prepared for roles in counseling, HR, and social services, or for further psychology studies. Elmhurst's commitment to student success is evident through faculty advising, research, and internship opportunities.

• Flexible evening classes.
• Hybrid on-campus/online format.
• Focus on applied psychology.
• 30 transfer credit hours required.
• Minimum 2.5 GPA for admission.
• Prepares for diverse careers.
• Opportunities for advanced study.
• Faculty advisors support success.
• Access to research projects.
• Internship opportunities available.

Aurora University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis is designed for students interested in understanding and modifying human behavior. This program stands out for its focus on Applied Behavior Analysis, preparing students for roles such as behavior technicians or for further graduate study. The curriculum emphasizes developmental psychology, cognitive processes, and behavioral analysis, offering a solid foundation in psychological principles. Notably, the program is offered online, providing flexibility for students to manage their studies alongside other commitments. Admission requires a high school diploma or equivalent, with no mention of ACT or SAT requirements, making it accessible to a broad range of students. The program also highlights internship opportunities and preparation for RBT certification, enhancing career readiness.

• Online learning format
• Concentration in Applied Behavior Analysis
• Prepares for RBT certification
• Flexible program requirements
• Career exploration course
• Internship opportunities available
• Study human behavior scientifically
• Prepares for graduate studies
• Diverse career options
• Includes statistics and research methods
• Covers developmental psychology
• Focus on cognitive processes
• Behavioral analysis coursework
• High school diploma required
• Diverse and inclusive environment