Indiana is home to several prestigious institutions offering psychology programs that provide students with a deep understanding of the human mind and behavior. With a focus on academic excellence and hands-on learning, these institutions prepare you for careers in psychology, counseling, research, and more.
Psychology programs offered by colleges in Indiana are designed to equip you with a profound understanding of the human mind and behavior. Whether you are interested in undergraduate or graduate studies in psychology, Indiana’s colleges offer opportunities to explore the fascinating world of human psychology and its applications in various fields.
This guide will introduce you to some of the popular psychology colleges in Indiana.
Psychology Colleges in Indiana
Listed below are some of the popular psychology colleges in Indiana:
- Indiana University – Bloomington
- University of Notre Dame
- Ball State University
- University of Indianapolis
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- Purdue Global
- Wabash College
- Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College
- Valparaiso University
To find out how we select colleges and universities, please click here.
Indiana University – Bloomington
Indiana University Bloomington is a public research university situated in Bloomington, Indiana. It holds the distinction of being the flagship campus of Indiana University and is also the largest among its campuses, boasting an enrollment of over 40,000 students.
As a member of the Association of American Universities, Indiana University is recognized for its significant research contributions, falling under the “R1: Doctoral Universities – Very high research activity” classification. The university is home to over 750 student organizations. Indiana’s athletic teams compete in Division I of the NCAA and go by the name Indiana Hoosiers.
Indiana University Bloomington is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It has an acceptance rate of 85% and a graduation rate of 79%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate and graduate programs before any aid or financing is $28,900 and $34,078 respectively.
Psychology Department
The Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University Bloomington maintains strong interdisciplinary connections with the natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and medical sciences. It offers various undergraduate and graduate degree options, including certificate programs.
The department provides students with opportunities to develop marketable skills both within and outside the classroom. These opportunities include research, service-learning, practicums, teaching assistantships, and more. These experiences, coupled with a well-rounded liberal arts education, prepare students for diverse career paths.
The department’s faculty comprises 69 members, consisting of 57 tenured Professors and 12 Lecturers/Teaching Professors. Currently, the department serves 93 graduate students, with around half of them receiving funding through external grants and awards, while the rest are supported by departmental resources.
Additionally, there are 36 post-doctoral fellows and researchers associated with the department. Every year, more than 300 undergraduates engage in research activities within the department’s laboratories.
The department manages 57 research labs spanning various areas, including molecular, cellular, behavioral, cognitive, and computational neuroscience, as well as developmental, cognitive, and social psychology, clinical and translational science.
Indiana University Bloomington enjoys a reputation as one of the leading institutions offering liberal arts programs in Indiana.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology can choose to specialize in areas like human development, memory and cognition, animal behavior, clinical psychology, or social psychology within the major, requiring a minimum of 33 credit hours. Additionally, students must complete at least 58 credit hours in courses from disciplines outside of the major area.
The skills acquired in this program have wide-ranging applications in various careers and serve as a strong foundation for further graduate studies in psychology and related fields, as well as professions such as medicine, dentistry, law, and business. The program also focuses on developing critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
The Psychology major does not offer specific tracks or concentrations; instead, students collaborate with academic advisors to choose from a diverse range of electives, advanced courses, and lab and capstone experiences that align with their interests.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is designed for highly motivated students aspiring to pursue careers in industry or research. This major requires a minimum of 36 credit hours, with a requirement for a GPA of at least 2.000 in all major courses, including those where a grade lower than C- is earned. Moreover, a minimum of 18 credit hours in the major must be completed at the 300–499 level.
The program delves deeper into the field of psychology, emphasizing extensive coursework and laboratory work. Students are encouraged to specialize and engage in research activities, equipping them with the necessary skills for competitive graduate programs and various careers in fields like health care, medicine, business, and education.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Clinical Psychological Science
The Bachelor of Science in Clinical Psychological Science is tailored for students with a keen interest in mental healthcare, clinical science research, and related fields. This major entails a minimum of 42 credit hours and requires a GPA of at least 2.000 in all major courses, including those where a grade lower than C- is earned.
The coursework encompasses a broad spectrum of research methods, psychological theories, and findings from various psychological subdisciplines. Interdisciplinary elements are integrated into the curriculum, exposing students to methodologies and findings in mental healthcare, data analytics, life sciences, and public health.
Practical experiences in clinical science labs and internships further enhance students’ knowledge and skills for application in clinical research or direct patient care within mental and behavioral health settings.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Organizational + Business Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Organizational + Business Psychology is intended for students aspiring to careers in industry or research. This major requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and offers a comprehensive curriculum covering data analysis, research methodology, communication, leadership, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Students learn to apply principles from psychological and brain sciences to enhance work environments, equipment, and systems, considering the capabilities and limitations of human users, consumers, and workers. Additionally, the program explores topics such as leadership, fairness perceptions, team dynamics, employee satisfaction, worker motivation, and workplace stress.
Students also gain insights into buyer behavior and consumer decision-making. Graduates are well-prepared for graduate training in psychology, business, and related fields, as well as careers that require scientific training and quantitative skills.
Ph.D. in Psychology
Indiana University’s Ph.D. in Psychology offers seven specialization areas, emphasizing interdisciplinary connections. While students can choose an area of focus, the program encourages them to transcend traditional boundaries and integrate across these areas in both research and coursework. The program offers following specialization areas:
- Clinical Science
- Computational and Cognitive Neuroscience
- Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Mechanisms of Behavior
- Molecular and Systems Neuroscience
- Social Psychology
The Ph.D. program requires a minimum of 90 graduate-level credit hours, including the successful completion of oral and written qualifying examinations. Students must also write and defend a dissertation, which is then submitted to the university.
Throughout the program, students are expected to actively engage in productive research, with evaluations based on research projects, research potential, and coursework performance. The typical duration of the program is five years.
Application deadlines for domestic and international students are set for December 1, and admissions are available for the fall term. While the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not mandatory for applicants to Psychological and Brain Sciences, some faculty members may consider GRE scores when assessing applications.
IU Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinic
The IU Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Clinic, located within the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Indiana University, offers clinical training opportunities for doctoral students. Advanced graduate students in Clinical Psychology provide clinical services under close supervision from Indiana University faculty.
The clinic is dedicated to delivering affordable mental health care services to adults residing in the Bloomington area, including faculty, staff, and students at Indiana University. Services include evaluations, individual and group treatment for anxiety and depression, and are offered at a low cost on a sliding scale, with no charge for evaluations.
Psychology Department Contact Information
1101 E. 10th St. Bloomington, IN 47405-7007.
Phone: (812) 855-2012
University of Notre Dame
The University of Notre Dame, situated in Notre Dame, Indiana, to the north of South Bend, is a private Catholic research university. It was established in 1842 by French priest Edward Sorin. The main campus, covering 1,261 acres in a suburban setting, boasts notable landmarks such as the Golden Dome, the Word of Life mural, Notre Dame Stadium, and the Basilica. Originally an institution for men, the university began admitting undergraduate women in 1972.
Notre Dame ranks among the top universities in the United States and is organized into seven schools and colleges. Its graduate program offers over 50 master, doctoral, and professional degrees, including programs such as the Notre Dame Law School and an MD–PhD program in partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine.
The University of Notre Dame is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It has an acceptance rate of 15% and a graduation rate of 96%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate programs before any aid or financing is $83,271.
Psychology Department
The Department of Psychology at Notre Dame is dedicated to advancing human well-being through rigorous research, innovative interventions, and exemplary teaching and mentorship. The department boasts more than 30 faculty members, known for their expertise and global recognition as researchers.
Faculty members hold leadership positions in national and international professional organizations, serve as editors of significant journals, excel in teaching and mentorship, and are dedicated clinicians.
The department emphasizes laboratory-based research at its core. Faculty members actively engage in research alongside post-doctoral fellows, doctoral students, and undergraduate research assistants.
Notre Dame houses more than 30 psychology research labs, exploring diverse topics, including sleep, stress, memory, visual cognition, and suicide prevention.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Psychology
For those pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, the program offers a broad exposure to the discipline, with a strong emphasis on close collaboration between faculty and students in research. Students have the opportunity to conduct original research, write senior theses, obtain research and travel grants, co-author scholarly products, and present their research at academic meetings.
The psychology major requires a minimum of 30 credit hours of psychology courses, with an emphasis on exceeding this minimum requirement, especially for those considering graduate school. An honors track is available for advanced students.
Students may choose to complete a senior thesis, provided they meet specific criteria, including GPA thresholds and completion of Research Lab credits. Students can also participate in the Psychology Club and enhance their psychology experience through volunteer activities.
Ph.D. in Psychology
The Ph.D. program in Psychology at Notre Dame equips students to contribute actively to scholarly research and address challenges in various community, clinical, and nonacademic contexts. This program may lead to licensure as a psychologist in Indiana.
Throughout the program, students gain teaching experience by serving as teaching assistants and instructors, with opportunities for certification in teaching excellence through the Kaneb Center. The program offers substantial financial support and prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Students in the Ph.D. program can specialize in one of four areas: Clinical Science, Cognition, Brain, and Behavior, Developmental Science, or Quantitative. Regardless of their chosen focus, students work alongside faculty who are renowned experts in their respective fields, prolific researchers, and effective mentors.
Faculty members routinely publish in top psychology journals and secure grants from prominent funding agencies. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to identify faculty members with shared research interests in their chosen area.
Ph.D. students in psychology receive five years of guaranteed funding, contingent upon satisfactory progress toward program goals. This funding includes a competitive stipend, paid over 12 months, with a service expectation of nine months as a part-time graduate assistant each year, involving approximately 18 hours per week.
Admission requirements for the program include:
- Statement of Intent
- Curriculum Vitae
- At least three letters of recommendation
- Official Transcripts
GRE scores are not required or considered.
Psychology Department Contact Information
390 Corbett Family Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556.
Phone: (574) 631-6650
Ball State University
In 1917, the Ball brothers, founders of the Ball Corporation and prominent industrialists, acquired the previously foreclosed Indiana Normal Institute. They donated both the school and its adjacent land to the State of Indiana. In the spring of 1918, the Indiana General Assembly accepted this donation. Subsequently, on June 17, 1918, the Indiana State Normal School – Eastern Division welcomed an initial enrollment of 235 students.
Ball State University holds the classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity.” It consists of seven academic colleges. As of 2023, the universitys has enrollment of over 21,000 students. Ball State offers a broad spectrum of educational options, with approximately 120 undergraduate majors, 130 minor areas of study, and over 100 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees.
Ball State University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It has an acceptance rate of 68% and a graduation rate of 66%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate programs before any aid or financing is $22,318.
Psychology Department
The origins of the Department of Psychological Science at Ball State University trace back to the institution’s beginnings as a Teachers College. Initially, courses were instructed by faculty members from the departments of education, psychology, and special education. In 1966, an undergraduate major in psychology was introduced.
During this expansion phase, a new College of Sciences and Humanities emerged. Several faculty members from the psychology department advocated for the establishment of a psychology department within this new college. Consequently, a new department was formed, offering an undergraduate major and minor in psychology, along with degree programs in pre-psychology, psychology, and clinical psychology.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) – Psychology Major
This major provides students with a fundamental grasp of psychological science, with practical exposure in both laboratory and experiential settings. The coursework includes core subjects such as introductory studies, statistics, research methods, and other foundational aspects of the field.
Students can tailor their learning experiences to align with their specific interests. The available coursework covers diverse areas, including learning and cognition, motivation and emotion, personality, psychopathology, diversity, and social psychology.
Academic achievements, such as participation in student organizations and honor societies, are actively encouraged. For instance, students can showcase their research during the annual poster session, presenting an excellent opportunity to impress potential employers or admissions committees for graduate schools.
Additionally, students can gain practical experience through psychology-related undergraduate internships. The Departmental Honors Program recognizes outstanding academic accomplishments in psychological science, with eligibility for juniors who maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher and engage in an honors thesis project under the guidance of a Ph.D. faculty mentor.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Clinical Psychology
The 36-credit Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology program spans two years and is designed to enhance students’ research skills while offering comprehensive research experience, thereby preparing them for competitive applications to psychology doctoral programs or entry into the workforce.
The curriculum integrates classroom instruction with research opportunities, covering a wide range of research, from assisting faculty researchers to conducting independent research projects. Importantly, GRE Test scores are not required for admission.
Students in this program may have access to graduate assistantships, which cover a significant portion of tuition and fees while providing a stipend. This financial support alleviates the financial burden associated with graduate school, allowing students to concentrate on their career development.
The program is competitive, typically accepting around 10-12 students each fall. Selection criteria include professional statements aligning with program goals and career aspirations, strong letters of recommendation, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s degree, and a foundation in undergraduate psychology courses that include experimental design, research methodology, and statistics.
Applicants from non-psychology undergraduate backgrounds may also be considered, although additional preparatory coursework may be required.
The priority application deadline for full consideration is February 1st. While the graduate school accepts applications after this date, applications submitted later may not be considered for admission or a Graduate Assistantship within the department.
Master of Arts (M.A.) in Psychological Science
The 26-credit Psychological Science program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive foundational understanding of core psychological science domains. This program consists of 30 credits of required graduate-level psychological science courses, supplemented by 6 elective credits. The curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to explore double Master’s programs in quantitative psychology or earn certificates in specialized areas of interest.
Graduates from this program are prepared for further doctoral studies or employment opportunities upon graduation. Potential job roles include:
- Data Analyst/Manager
- Market Researcher
- Postsecondary Teacher
- Academic Adviser
- Institutional Research and Consulting Roles
Selection criteria include professional statements aligning with program goals and career aspirations, strong letters of recommendation, a minimum GPA of 3.0 in bachelor’s degree, and a foundation in undergraduate psychology courses that include experimental design, research methodology, and statistics.
Other Psychology Programs Offered
- Master of Science (M.S) – Experimental Psychology
- Master of Arts (M.A) – Social Psychology
- Master of Arts (M.A) – School Psychology
- Master of Science (M.S) – Quantitative Psychology
- Master of Science (M.S) – Sport Exercise Psychology
Psychology Department Contact Information
Department of Psychological Science,
North Quad (NQ), Room 104, Muncie, IN 47306.
Phone: (765) 285-1690
University of Indianapolis
The University of Indianapolis, a private institution affiliated, is situated in Indianapolis, Indiana. It offers a wide range of academic programs, including Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees. Originally established in 1902 as Indiana Central University, it was referred to as Indiana Central College from 1921 until 1975. In 1986, the institution adopted its current name, the University of Indianapolis.
The primary campus is located on the southern side of Indianapolis, specifically at 1400 East Hanna Avenue, just east of Shelby Street. The campus spans the Carson Heights and University Heights neighborhoods of Indianapolis. Additionally, the University of Indianapolis has extended its reach globally through collaborations with international institutions.
The University of Indianapolis is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). It has an acceptance rate of 78% and a graduation rate of 59%. As of 2023, the average annual in-state cost for undergraduate on-campus students before any aid or financing is $55,708.
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology
Within the University of Indianapolis, the Department of Psychological Sciences offers B.A. and B.S. degrees with a major in psychology. It is highly recommended that psychology majors consider enhancing their degree by pursuing an optional concentration or certificate.
The undergraduate psychology major provides students with a strong foundational understanding of psychology, offering insights into the scientific examination of behavior and mental processes. This includes exploring the biological underpinnings of thought, human development, psychological disorders, their assessment, and treatment.
Key features the psychology major include:
- The major offers four core areas of psychology: biological bases, learning and cognition, developmental, and sociocultural psychology.
- The major equips students for future graduate studies in psychology.
- The major offers opportunities for undergraduate research under faculty guidance.
- The major provides an optional concentration in clinical and counseling studies, beneficial for aspiring counselors or clinical psychologists.
For those aspiring to become counselors or clinical psychologists, it is advisable to pursue the concentration in clinical and counseling studies. This concentration comprises 9 credit hours and encompasses courses such as Abnormal Psychology, Personality and Sociocultural Factors, and Application of Psychology in Clinical and Counseling Settings.
The knowledge, techniques, and skills acquired through this program can be applied across various careers and serve as a foundation for students considering further studies in psychology or related fields such as medicine, dentistry, law, and business.
Master of Science (M.S.) in Psychology
The Master of Science (MS) in Psychology program at the University of Indianapolis offers a versatile educational experience that can open doors to various career paths. Graduates of this program are well-prepared for both master’s level employment opportunities and the pursuit of doctoral degrees in health, social, or industrial and organizational psychology.
This program provides students with the opportunity to work closely with distinguished faculty members, many of whom maintain active clinical practices. Consequently, students gain practical experience and engage in research to strengthen their preparation for future endeavors.
The 39-credit MS in Psychology program offers three tracks: general psychology, program development and evaluation, and research. Course formats vary and include daytime, evening, and online classes. Students typically commence their studies in the fall and can opt for either part-time or full-time enrollment.
For full-time students, this program can be completed within two years (four semesters). For part-time students, all degree requirements must be fulfilled within five years from the program’s admission. Admission requirements include:
- A nonrefundable $55 application fee.
- Transcripts from all attended colleges/universities.
- A bachelor’s degree (preferably with a minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0).
- Three letters of recommendation.
- A personal statement (Statement of Purpose).
GRE verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing scores are optional. The MS in Psychology program commences in the fall semester each year, with a December 1st application deadline.
Other Psychology Program Offered
- Combined BA/MS 4+1 Psychology Program
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) – Clinical Psychology
Psychology Department Contact Information
Department of Psychological Sciences,
1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana 46227.
Phone: (317) 788-3368
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