Psychology
Special Opportunities
As a psychology student at Elmhurst, you'll learn more than the latest theories and research—you'll learn to apply them, too. Students here gain valuable hands-on experience through research projects and real-world field experiences. They also participate in national organizations committed to the study of psychology. When you graduate, you'll be ready to take on a challenging, rewarding career.
Research
Service Learning and Field Experience
Psychology Organizations
Research
Are you interested in gender roles and how they affect self-concept? How mother-daughter relationships in the U.S. differ from those in Japan? Whether mentoring in the work place is effective? What affects the quality of sleep among young adults? These are just some of the areas our faculty have investigated—often with the help of students. Dr. Helga Noice, for example, recently won a $127,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health for her study on how drama might enhance the memory of older adults.
You'll also have the chance to develop your own research projects with the help of our expert faculty. This experience—which involves making a formal proposal—is great training for graduate school, and it sharpens skills in data collection and analysis and communication.
Service Learning and Field Experience
Elmhurst students frequently see psychology professionals in action. Just as important, they get to know the psychological needs and issues in the community, and they learn real job skills. How? By working in the field as part of their course of study—in experiences like observing in a nursing home or helping teach social skills to elementary-school boys. The opportunities are many—and the rewards are significant. Psychology undergraduates can also obtain field experience through Elmhurst's Center for Professional Excellence.
Psychology Organizations
Elmhurst sponsors an active chapter of the national honor society in psychology, Psi Chi, and a Psychology Club. Together, the two groups sponsor lectures and discussions pertaining to psychology as it relates to research, applications, and other disciplines. For more information, contact Dr. Catherine Gaze at (630) 617-6487.