PSYCHOLOGY

Explore the Human Mind with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology


Lisa Grinde, Ph.D.

Earn a Psychology degree at Loras and graduate with a solid foundation in holistic psychological study. Gain rich experiential learning through real-world internships and research labs where you can put your knowledge to work in understanding the human experience. The program is designed to incite and educate in the study of the mind. Students will engage in a mixture of lecture, experiential learning, field education and research practice.

LEARN ABOUT OUR PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM

Student Experience

As a psychology major, your participation drives your educational experience. Raise a virtual child, produce video role-plays on various disorders, design and conduct original research into group behavior, host brain awareness activities for local school children – and more. As a part of this program, you will have opportunities to study abroad and present your own academic research locally or regionally.

Student Learning Outcomes

 

Student Learning Outcomes – Psychology
1. Demonstrate a knowledge of psychological concepts & theories
2. Exercise critical thinking skills applied to scientific methods relevant to psychology.
3. Apply ethical standards to evaluate science/practice
4. Demonstrate scientific writing, using APA style.
5. Deliver effective presentations of information.
6. Apply psychology to career goals

Curriculum

The Bachelor of Psychology degree program is designed to incite and educate the student in the study of the mind. The curriculum contains a mixture of lecture, experiential learning, field education and research practice.

View Highlighted Courses

Psychology of Stress
This course will introduce students to theories and principles related to the sources and effects of stress. Students will learn about different sources of stress and anxiety and how physiological systems are affected by stress. As part of the course, all students will spend one weekend off campus on a two-day silent retreat and will attend presentations outside of the regularly scheduled class times. There will be an additional course fee to cover costs of the retreat and special instructors.

Brain and Behavior
The goal of this course is to give students a comprehensive overview and understanding of the anatomy, physiology and function of the brain. After understanding the basics of neuroanatomy and neurophysiology students will apply that understanding to psychological topics including motivation, emotion, learning, memory movement, sleep, and sensory processes.

Culture & Psychopathology
The course material considers mental illness categories in light of the influence of culture on the diagnosis, course and prognosis. Foundational concepts include a consideration of mind/body dualism, the concepts of self and the phenomenon of resilience. The foundational concepts provide a cultural lens for understanding the broader culture of “mental illness” as it occurs around the world.

Personality and Social Psychology
This course is designed to be an introduction to the scientific study of social and personality psychology for psychology majors. Students will survey major theories in personality and social psychology. They will critically evaluate the results, conclusions, and methods of social psychological research. Topics may include: social cognition social influence, prejudice, aggression, altruism, and group dynamics.

Positive Psychology
Students will examine a variety of human strengths such as love, empathy, and happiness and will explore the factors that influence each strength’s development and expression in their lives.

View Psychology Courses

Major & Minor Requirements

Psychology students will complete the following requirements in order to achieve a major or minor in Psychology.

Career Opportunities

“What can I do with a psychology major?”

As a psychology student, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers (some may require additional degrees and licensing). Here are some examples:

  • Treat psychiatric patients in a hospital or mental health facility
  • Become a school counselor
  • Work out of a private psychiatric or counseling practice
  • Serve inmates and staff in a correctional facility
  • Treat people with substance abuse issues or eating disorders
  • Research and document psychological trends or phenomena

Supporting Your Investment

Loras takes great pride in supporting your investment – both through providing an exceptional learning experience and in sharing the cost of your degree. 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. We have scholarships, grants and special awards for all students based on their achievements and financial need.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will it take me to earn my Loras degree?

Most students earn their undergraduate degree in four years or less. If you have questions about transferring any previously earned credits or degrees, please see our Transfer Student Information.

How much is tuition?

At Loras College, financial access to education is one of our defining values. We are committed to helping all of our students make their degree affordable. We partner with every student and family to understand their unique financial needs ensuring 100% of Loras students receive financial aid. Scholarships, grants and special awards are offered to all students based on their achievements and financial need. Loras is consistently ranked as one of the best universities for return on investment.  View our Tuition and Fees page.

How do I apply for schlarships and financial aid?

Submit your federal FAFSA, apply to Loras College and review our financial aid resources for detailed information, scholarship opportunities and much more.

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

I am so grateful for the opportunities the Loras community has provided me. Being a Duhawk gives you a lifelong community that continues to create opportunities and provide support in all aspects of life.

– Emma McLaughlin (’21)

Straight Talk from a Duhawk

"I am so grateful for the opportunities the Loras community has provided me."

Meet Emma!
Meet Our Professors

Julia Omarzu, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychology
Chair, Division of Teacher Education and Behavioral Sciences
563.588.7524 | Julia.Omarzu@loras.edu
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Lindsey Bartgis, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
563.588.7226 | Lindsey.Bartgis@loras.edu
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Lisa Grinde, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
563.588.7113 | Lisa.Grinde@loras.edu
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Aimee Kathleen
Assistant Professor of Psychology
563.588.7226 | aimee.kathleen@loras.edu
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Jake Kurczek, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience
563.588.7045 | jake.kurczek@loras.edu
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Kirstin Lauritsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Practicum and Internship Coordinator
563-588-7228 | kirstin.lauritsen@loras.edu
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Steffanie Schilder, Ph.D. 
Associate Professor of Psychology
563.588.7783 | steffanie.schilder@loras.edu
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