Psychology

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When you major in psychology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, you’ll learn how people think, how brains work, how behavior changes across the lifespan, how others influence behavior and how to critically examine evidence. As you study the scientific foundation for understanding behavior, personalize your major by choosing an option that matches your interests, from clinical to neuroscience. Prepare for graduate school or an entry-level career in human services, business, government or education.
  • College

  • Hours Required

    120 credit hours
  • Minors Available

    Psychology

  • Areas of Focus

    Psychological Science, Clinical Science and Human Services, Psychological Neuroscience

The Nebraska Difference

Curiosity

Discover what moves you as you engage with our diverse mix of academic disciplines.

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Flexibility & Choice

Customize your degree with course choices and add a minor or even a second major.

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Academics + Experience

Build knowledge, skills, and experience in and out of the classroom.

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Limitless Career Paths

Develop interests and goals in any field and learn how your major connects to it.

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Program Features

Focus and Range 

Dive deep into your psychology major while taking a wide variety of courses across all areas in the College of Arts and Sciences. Graduate academically well-rounded and eager to keep learning. Use your collaboration and communication skills to address complex problems and make a positive impact professionally and personally.

1-to-1 Academic Advising and Career Coaching 

Along with your faculty, professional academic advisors and career coaches will help you make a one-of-a-kind degree plan. We are focused on your success, while at Nebraska and after graduation, whether your goal is employment or graduate/professional school.

Tailor the Major to Your Interests 

Psychology is a broad academic field. You’ll take a core set of courses, then choose your upper-level electives. By selecting one of three options: Psychological Science, Clinical Science and Human Services, or Psychological Neuroscience, you can tailor the major to your unique interests.

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Notable Courses

Brain and Behavior (PSYC 273)

Understand relationships between bodily processes and behavior, with a focus on human brain structure and function.

The Psychology of Social Behavior (PSYC 288)

Examine social factors influencing the values, attitudes and behavior of the individual, including language, propaganda leadership and group identifications.

Psychology of Diversity (PSYC 330)

Identify and consider psychological aspects of ethnicity and racism, gender, sexual orientation, including biological, social and cultural influences.

Psychology and Law (PSYC 401)

Study the relationships between psychology and the law, legal system and legal process.

Health Psychology (PSYC 428)

Draw connections between psychological factors and physical health, including health behavior, decision-making, promotion and coping from a variety of theoretical perspectives.

Animal Learning and Cognition (PSYC 461)

Evaluate and discuss research in learning and cognition of nonhuman animals.

Huskers Do Big Things

Internships

  • Child advocacy intern, Child Advocacy Center
  • Human resources intern, Integrated Life Choices
  • Legislative intern, Nebraska Unicameral Legislature
  • Public relations intern, American Red Cross
  • Special events intern, National Baseball Hall of Fame

Careers

  • Behavioral health technician, CenterPointe
  • Neuroscience research assistant, Boys Town National Research Hospital
  • Patient appointment service specialist, Mayo Clinic
  • Human resources assistant, EMS
  • Customer engagement team lead, Spreetail

Graduate Schools

  • Master’s degree, Forensic Psychology, University of Denver
  • Master’s degree, Business Administration, University of Nebraska–Lincoln
  • Ph.D., Neuroscience, Colorado State University
  • Ph.D., Clinical Psychology, Michigan State University
  • Doctor of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center

Outside the Classroom

Depending on your major, interests and goals, you can choose to do research, work as an intern, study abroad, become a leader or serve your community. The university’s Experiential Learning requirement ensures you have at least one of these transformative learning experiences; students in the College of Arts and Sciences typically complete at least two.

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Academics & Experiential Learning

  • Our motto is Academics + Experience = Opportunities. Employers and graduate/professional schools are looking for students who have a strong academic background and hands-on experience.
  • Psychology majors regularly engage in research or internships, and many study abroad or get involved in service or leadership on campus and beyond.
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Career Preparedness

  • PSYC 100: Career Planning for Psychology Majors. This required course helps you be successful in your first year and introduces many specialty areas and career paths for psychology.
  • CASC 200: Career Development in Arts and Sciences. Explore your interests, abilities and values while identifying career options and preparing for the job search or graduate school application process.
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Community

  • Psyched Up! Learning Community helps you connect with other new students interested in psychology. You’ll live and take classes together while connecting with faculty and advisors in the department.
  • Meet fellow psychology students and gain professional development through the Undergraduate Psychology Organization (UPO) or Psi Chi, the national honorary society for graduate and undergraduate psychology students.

Have Questions? We're Here to Help

If you have questions about the Psychology major or navigating the application process, contact us.

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Contact Name
Nicholas Gordon
Contact Title
Director of Recruitment
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