Psychology

We are excited to announce the launch of our new Psychology major, a reflection of our commitment to deepening the understanding of human behavior and cognition. This program, firmly anchored in our mission, recognizes the evolving needs of our world, particularly the importance of addressing and promoting mental health and well-being awareness.

Our Psychology program breaks conventional boundaries by adopting an interdisciplinary approach. It seamlessly integrates insights from diverse fields such as neuroscience, data science, humanities, and social sciences. This structure not only enriches the study of human behavior but also fosters versatile thinkers, adept at bridging disciplines and innovating in their respective fields. We believe that education in this field is crucial in fostering a compassionate, empathetic society that can better understand and address mental health concerns.

This program aligns with iCLA’s dedication to interdisciplinary learning, drawing on the resources of various academic fields to provide a rich, nuanced perspective of psychological theories and practices. We believe that by understanding and harnessing the complexities of the human mind, our students can make significant contributions to society, whether they choose to further their studies or apply their skills directly in the job market.

In an ever-evolving society, the essence of a liberal arts education—to nurture a free mind—remains constant. Today, grasping the intricacies of the mind and behavior is as pivotal as understanding numbers, making psychology integral to modern education. As the scientific exploration of the brain and behavior, psychology spans various subfields, from cognitive to social psychology, offering invaluable insights and diverse career opportunities.

Benefits of Studying Psychology:

1. Multidisciplinary Applications: Psychology is applicable to various fields, including health, education, data science, human resources, social work, marketing, and sales. This multidisciplinary nature offers numerous professional possibilities for graduates.
2. Skill Development: The curriculum hones critical skills like research proficiency, analytical thinking, and evidence-based reasoning. These universally applicable skills equip graduates for varied career trajectories.
3. Research Opportunities: Students have the unique opportunity to either participate in faculty-led research endeavors or spearhead original projects, enriching their academic and professional profiles.
4. Academic and Professional Pathways: While a bachelor’s degree in psychology offers a broad understanding and opens doors to varied roles in sectors like social services, marketing, and research, it’s essential to note that becoming a chartered or professional psychologist typically requires further study at the postgraduate level. Majoring in psychology is often the foundational step and a prerequisite for accredited master’s and doctoral programs. Those aspiring to delve into specialized fields like health, clinical, or sports psychology should anticipate pursuing these advanced degrees to achieve professional status.

The psychology major is designed for students interested in learning the theory and application of human behavior, providing them with a deep understanding of the complexities of human behavior and preparing them for a wide range of careers and further education opportunities.

The curriculum of our program is meticulously crafted based on recommendations from the British Psychology Society (BPS). It consists of 7 core courses, which are: Introduction to Psychology (Conceptual and historical issues in psychology), Introduction to Psychobiology, Social Psychology, Research Design (Research method and statistics), Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Individual Differences. Alongside these, students also embark on a Graduation Research Project (GRP), an empirical exploration in the field, as suggested by the BPS.

To further tailor their learning experience, students must choose at least 3 additional courses from the major, aligning with their career goals, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary skills for their desired field.

All students are eligible to apply for either one or two semesters of study abroad at one of iCLA’s 70+ partner universities. The study abroad program does not extend the length of your degree as most credits earned can be transferred towards your graduation requirement. All of our exchange partnerships are based on mutual tuition fee waiver. Below are some of the partners most suited to our Psychology major students.

By consulting with the course coordinator and crafting a study plan that suits their needs, iCLA Graduates can enter a variety of roles in the fields of:

• Health, counseling, and clinical practice
• Marketing and Sales
• Human Resources and Operations
• Behavioral data science
• Psycholinguistics, creative arts, and aesthetics

For those seeking to work in academia, research or professional counseling roles, iCLA’s Psychology major is also a great entry point to Postgraduate study.