Psychology Major
Psychology explores why people think, feel and behave the way they do — and how that understanding can be used to improve lives. As a psychology major at UNI, you’ll build a strong foundation in psychological science while developing practical skills for understanding people, solving problems and making an impact across a wide range of careers.
Career
Ready
A psychology degree builds versatile skills for careers in mental health, healthcare, education, business, human services and more. Explore career paths and see how psychology can prepare you for work, graduate study and what comes next.
Applied Pathways
Shape your psychology degree around your interests and career goals. Choose from specialized pathways in mental health, work psychology, behavioral health, student affairs, school psychology and military psychology.
Hands-on Learning
Put psychological science into practice through faculty-led research, internships and other applied experiences. You’ll build practical skills, make professional connections and gain experience that prepares you for careers or graduate study.
Want to learn more?
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Psychology
Bartlett 1078
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: 319-273-2303
Email: adam.butler@uni.edu
This major is offered as part of UNI’s Three-Year Pathway initiative, giving motivated students the opportunity to complete their bachelor’s degree in just three years by following a structured plan of study. This option is ideal for students who enter UNI with prior college credit (through AP classes and dual enrollment), as well as high-achieving students who are ready for an accelerated academic pace. Students must meet program eligibility requirements, including appropriate placement scores for some majors, and may transition to a traditional four-year pathway at any time. For more information, contact the department at adam.butler@uni.edu.
Why Psychology?
Find your path.
Through coursework, UNI psychology students gain a broad understanding of human psychological processes. Learn how the brain controls our actions, how memory and language influence our thoughts, how emotions guide actions, how other people influence us and how we can use psychology to improve human functioning.
A small sampling of our courses includes:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychology of Music
- Psychology of Gender
Grow your future.
UNI psychology graduates work in a wide variety of fields, from counseling, to business, and health and human services. If you like working with people and have strong critical thinking skills, psychology is a great major for you. Many of our students also continue their education after graduating. Popular continued education programs include Counseling, Human Resources and School Psychology.
Other career fields include:
- Human resource officer
- Corrections/law enforcement officer
- Social service worker
- Career counselor
- Clinical/Child psychologist
- Mental health professional
- Advertising/marketing/PR specialist
- Guidance counselor
Go beyond.
UNI psychology students dive right into research, working alongside faculty for group or individual projects (a big deal for an undergrad!). The department also has a robust focus on field experience/internships, with dedicated faculty/staff available to help you find the right placement. Looking to connect? UNI also hosts an active Psychology Club, which organizes volunteer experiences, events/activities and is a great way to network with fellow psych majors.
Find your path.
Through coursework, UNI psychology students gain a broad understanding of human psychological processes. Learn how the brain controls our actions, how memory and language influence our thoughts, how emotions guide actions, how other people influence us and how we can use psychology to improve human functioning.
A small sampling of our courses includes:
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Biopsychology
- Cognitive Psychology
- Psychology of Music
- Psychology of Gender
Grow your future.
UNI psychology graduates work in a wide variety of fields, from counseling, to business, and health and human services. If you like working with people and have strong critical thinking skills, psychology is a great major for you. Many of our students also continue their education after graduating. Popular continued education programs include Counseling, Human Resources and School Psychology.
Other career fields include:
- Human resource officer
- Corrections/law enforcement officer
- Social service worker
- Career counselor
- Clinical/Child psychologist
- Mental health professional
- Advertising/marketing/PR specialist
- Guidance counselor
Go beyond.
UNI psychology students dive right into research, working alongside faculty for group or individual projects (a big deal for an undergrad!). The department also has a robust focus on field experience/internships, with dedicated faculty/staff available to help you find the right placement. Looking to connect? UNI also hosts an active Psychology Club, which organizes volunteer experiences, events/activities and is a great way to network with fellow psych majors.
Panther POV
What’s it like to study psychology at UNI? Hear from recent graduates about the experiences that shaped their time as Panthers and how their psychology degree is helping them take their next steps.
Aeris Turner
"Above all else, the aspect I love most about my majors (psychology & family services) is the emphasis on others. There is so much to learn about relationships, interactions, and supporting others, and both of these majors focus largely on these aspects. I also love how I was able to curate my schedules and majors to my interests and desires. I was able to branch out and find out what I am truly interested in."
Norah Pearson
"The mentorship, guidance, education, and experiences I’ve gained at UNI have prepared me for graduate school and helped me find a path that aligns with my passions and goals. Through my coursework in psychology and family services, I’ve been able to learn about current practices and theories and then apply them in real-world settings, which has made me feel confident and prepared for the next steps ahead."
Carter Hanson
"A psychology major offers a blank map for you to draw your own route. For me, that meant combining outdoor recreation with therapeutic practices. Classes like applied psychology, biopsychology, and professionalism in psychology help you see psychological knowledge in almost every facet of life. They provide the foundation you need to build on what you discover in your career."