Psychology
Major, Minor
Our psychology degree
A bachelor's degree in psychology teaches you the key concepts of why people act the way they do — and helps you understand your own motivations, too. You’ll get to do hands-on research in any of our five active labs, studying areas like clinical psychology, behavior analysis, neuroscience, personality, cognition and industrial-organizational psychology.
AT A GLANCE
Choosing a psychology degree
Choose a focus on business psychology, general psychology or mental health. You can take classes on campus or earn an online psychology degree. These concentrations will prepare you to start a career in social work or counseling. If you're interested in behavior analysis, our programs can help you prepare for your board certification, too.
We also have a five-year program where you can earn both a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in Experimental Psychology. With this path, you could earn two degrees in just five years!
What to expect with a psychology degree
- Learn by doing: Experience applied psychology hands-on in centers like the Central Assessment Lending Library or B.R.A.I.N., the Brain Research and Integrated Neurosciences Center.
- Grow your network: Join student organizations like Psi Chi (a national honor society), the Association for Psychological Science Student Caucus and the Multicultural Psychology Student Society.
- Choose your own path: Choose courses in behavior analysis, clinical interviewing, health, psychology and law, psychological testing, sports psychology and personalities.
- Earn two degrees in five years: Earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s in just five years if you are accepted into our Accelerated Experimental Psychology program.
Psychology majors
Business
Examine the psychology behind advertising, hiring, workplace dynamics and more. A concentration in business psychology prepares you for a dynamic career in industrial/organizational psychology, human resources, marketing, consulting and beyond. This flexible program is offered fully online (asynchronous) for anyone interested in psychology.
Mental Health
Prepare for a fulfilling career helping people live happier lives. This concentration is ideal preparation for case managers, child life specialists, nonprofit managers, grant writers, social workers and more. This flexible program is offered fully online (asynchronous) for anyone interested in psychology.
What can you do with a psychology degree?
Our graduates succeed in many different fields after earning a bachelor's degree in psychology. Some become behavior analysts and help in healthcare, schools and criminal justice. Others find fulfilling careers in human resources or helping people in social services, or they go on to pursue more advanced degrees in psychology.
| Career | Projected Salary |
|---|---|
| College Professor/Instructor | $84,380 |
| Psychologist | $92,740 |
| Policy Analyst | $82,397 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $102,740 |
| School Psychologist | $84,940 |
| Social Worker | $55,350 |
The Sunset Project
In 2024, CMU alumni Gavin MacDonald, Nick Poli, and Kevin O’Brien founded The Sunset Project to improve mental health in northeast Michigan, in 2024.
The project offers three main initiatives: Focus 45, for supporting creative projects; the Northeast Michigan Wellness Initiative, for raising mental health awareness and the Sawyer J. Boyd Creatives Grant, to support young people’s creative pursuits.
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