Curricular Similarities and Distinctives

In 1999, Messer, Grigges, and Jackson reviewed the academic catalogs of 292 undergraduate programs in the United States to see what the typical psychology program looked like. Most (51%) had a general degree, with 32% having an optional concentration. This is similar to the academic program in psychology here at North Central. Most had an introductory course (like PSYC 125), as well as courses in statistics (like MATH 260), methods (like PSYC 460), an integrative course (like PSYC 495), a course in history and systems (PSYC 334), and other content-oriented courses. Only 14% of undergraduate programs in psychology require an internship (we do as PSYC 488), and only 16% required a culminating research project (we do as PSYC 495).

Two issues especially stand out from this study in relation to what NCU offers. First, our curriculum is pretty typical of undergraduate programs in psychology across the United States. In other words, you are likely to cover the same content areas here at NCU as you are likely to at other institutions (although each program has its own particular emphases). This means you are at least as likely as anyone else to be prepared for graduate training in the field. A second issue is that there appear to be two unique distinctions of NCU's psychology curriculum: the internship and the senior project. You will have practical, supervised experience in the field before you graduate. You will also have had research experience on a scholarly project. These two distinctive strengths are both evaluated highly by the field as well as by graduate institutions.

Messer, W., Griggs, R., & Jackson, S. (1999). A national survey of undergraduate psychology degree options and major requirements. Teaching of Psychology, 26(3), 164-171.