University of Chicago

What you'll study

The Psychology major at the University of Chicago emphasises empirical methods, statistical reasoning and close engagement with primary research. Early courses introduce core areas such as cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, social psychology and biological bases of behaviour. Students then move to intermediate and advanced courses covering experimental design, statistical inference, cognitive neuroscience, perception, learning and memory, personality and psychopathology.

• Research methods and statistics: experimental methods, data analysis, regression and multivariate techniques tailored to psychological research.
• Cognitive and biological bases: perception, attention, memory, language, and neural systems underlying behaviour.
• Social and developmental topics: social cognition, group processes, lifespan development and applied social psychology.
• Laboratory experience: supervised lab courses, replication studies, and independent projects that build practical skills in running experiments and analysing data.
• Capstone / advanced seminars: small seminars focusing on primary literature and research presentations; opportunity for an honours thesis or advanced research project with a faculty member.

Entry requirements

Admission to the University of Chicago is competitive and based on your whole academic record. Typical successful applicants demonstrate high academic achievement in secondary school and strong preparation in mathematics and science. Admissions decisions consider essays, recommendation letters and extracurricular engagement; previous research experience or relevant internships strengthen an application but are not required.

• Recommended academic background: courses in mathematics (algebra, pre‑calculus or calculus), statistics, and natural or social sciences.
• International credentials: applicants presenting A‑levels, the IB, or national secondary qualifications should show strong performance in quantitative and science subjects.
• English language: proof of English proficiency may be required for non‑native speakers in line with university policy.

Career prospects

Graduates with a Psychology degree from the University of Chicago move into a wide range of careers or continue into graduate and professional training. The programme’s emphasis on rigorous methods and quantitative skills is valued across sectors.

• Research and academia: many students go on to MSc/PhD programmes in psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science or related fields.
• Clinical and health professions: graduates may pursue clinical psychology, counselling, or allied health careers after further professional training and licensure.
• Industry and applied roles: positions in user experience (UX) research, human resources, market research, behavioural science teams, data analysis and product design.
• Public sector and non‑profit: roles in education, public policy, programme evaluation and community services that rely on evidence‑based approaches to human behaviour.

Why study at University of Chicago

The University of Chicago offers a distinctive combination of theoretical rigour and extensive research opportunities. Psychology undergraduates benefit from close faculty mentorship, access to active research labs, and interdisciplinary connections across neuroscience, economics, computer science and public policy. The curriculum is structured to develop critical thinking and quantitative literacy, while the quarter system and a broad Core curriculum allow exploration across disciplines. Active undergraduate research programmes and departmental seminars provide direct experience with ongoing projects and help prepare students for graduate study or applied careers.