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Harper College

NIU Psychology at The University Center

Advisor Contacts

Harper College University Center
847-925-6315
universitycenter@ harpercollege.edu

Program Advisor
Mandy Wescott
Department of Psychology
mandy@niu.edu

Students can also contact the CLAS Advising Office at clas_advising@niu.edu

Your NIU advisor will work with you to plan your course schedules for a timely graduation. It is highly

recommended that you schedule an appointment with your psychology advisor once a semester to discuss your degree progress and select courses for the upcoming semester.

We’re thrilled that you’ve decided to pursue your education at a place close to home. Through our University Center program, you’ll earn your Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology while gaining knowledge and developing your skills through classes taught by NIU faculty who are active researchers in the field.

The science of psychology is rapidly evolving and influences all aspects of society. Psychologists work in traditional and nontraditional settings including schools, hospitals, businesses, government, mental health organizations, laboratories and nonprofit organizations.

Completion of your undergraduate psychology major will provide you with both a strong liberal arts education and preparation for entry-level employment in a variety of career paths or for graduate training in a mental health field, such as counseling, clinical psychology or school psychology.

Let's get started...

  • Schedule a meeting with the University Center to learn more about the program and to discuss requirements.
  • Set up an appointment to discuss your program of interest with Shevon Porter or an NIU Admissions counselor by emailing transfercenter@niu.edu . You can also schedule a virtual appointment. 
  • Apply to NIU as a transfer student (select the option off campus) and submit your transcripts.
  • Setup your MyNIU account to stay updated on your application status.
  • Accept your admission through your MyNIU account to confirm your spot.
  • Apply for financial aid by completing the FAFSA.
  • Contact NIU advisor for guidance prior to registering for classes.

Degree Pathway - Psychology B.A.

Fall

Spring

ENG 101        Rhetoric and Composition

ENG 102        English Composition II

PSY 101         Introduction to Psychology*

Humanities/Fine Arts

MTH 165        Elementary Statistics*

Physical/Life Science

Foreign Language (a sequence in one language)

Social/Behavioral Science (non-PSY)

 

Foreign Language (a sequence in one language)

Fall

Spring

PSY 228         Psychology of Human Development**

PSY elective (recommended options include 210, 216, 217, 218, 220, 225, 230, 235 or 245)

SPE 101         Speech Communication

Physical/Life Science

Humanities/Fine Arts

Social/Behavioral Science (non-PSY)

Foreign Language (a sequence in one language)

Foreign Language (a sequence in one language)

Humanities/Fine Arts

 

Fall

Spring

PSYC 101      University Experience in Psychology

PSYC 315        Developmental Psychopathology
or PSYC 324 Child Development

PSYC 300      Brain and Behavior
or PSYC 345 Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 305      Research Methods*

PSYC 332     Personality
or PSYC 316 Introduction to Psychopathology

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

 

Fall

Spring

PSYC 300     Brain and Behavior
or PSYC 345 Cognitive Psychology

PSYC 315        Developmental Psychopathology
or PSYC 324 Child Development

PSYC 332     Personality
or PSYC 316 Introduction to Psychopathology

PSYC 413     Clinical Psychology Laboratory

PSYC 306     Advanced Research Methods

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

University Baccalaureate 300/400 elective (online)

*Denotes required pre-requisite or required course.
**Harper will ensure students take enough courses to get to 60 credits

NIU Bachelor of Arts Requirements

Candidates for the Bachelor of Arts degree must demonstrate competence in a foreign language. This requirement can be met by 1) completing the equivalent of the fourth-year of a foreign language with no term grade lower than C at an accredited high school; or 2) a four semester sequence in a traditional foreign language. A student may be exempt from this requirement if they can demonstrate competence equal to the work required in the last course in one of the sequences listed above on a test administered through the NIU Office of Testing Services OR if a student is registered as an international student at NIU with a native language other than English.

Graduation Requirements

NIU requires a total of 120 credit hours to graduate, with 54 hours required at the university level. A minimum of 40 hours must be in courses at the 300 and/or 400 level. More information is available at go.niu.edu/graduation-requirements.

Last Updated: 12/14/23