Indianapolis Psychology Schools
Students planning to pursue a psychology degree in Indianapolis have a number of options within ten miles of the downtown area. Get information on the coursework and capstone experiences for programs at three institutions and review a table of statistics about the profiled schools. Also included are details about a couple of other program options at colleges in the area.
- Located about three miles from the center of the city, Indiana University - Purdue Global Indianapolis (IUPUI) has psychology bachelor's, master's and doctoral programs. Students can take advantage of the school's proximity to several hospitals.
- Those looking to attend a smaller private school that is affiliated with the United Methodist Church can earn bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees at the University of Indianapolis, which is located seven miles from downtown. Its School of Psychological Sciences also provides students with the opportunity to complete hands-on work experience at nearby facilities.
- Butler University is yet another option, though it only offers a bachelor's degree program in psychology. However, this private school successfully prepares two-thirds of its students for graduate school. The campus is situated roughly five miles from downtown Indianapolis.
Comparison of Schools
Check out this table to learn even more about the three universities covered in this article. There's information on student enrollment, school type, acceptance rates, tuition and more.
| Indiana University - Purdue Global Indianapolis | University of Indianapolis | Butler University | |
|---|---|---|---|
| School Type | 4-year; public | 4-year; private not-for-profit | 4-year; private not-for-profit |
| Total Enrollment (2021) | 27,690* | 5,325* | 5,559* |
| Campus Setting | Large city | Large city | Large city |
| Tuition and Fees (2022-2023) | $10,144 in-state; $32,582 out-of-state* | $34,972* | $44,460* |
| % of First-Year Students Receiving Some Form of Financial Aid (2020-2021) | 90%* | 100%* | 98%* |
| Acceptance Rate (2021) | 84%* | 78%* | 81%* |
| Retention Rate (2020-2021) | 69% for full-time students* | 66% for full-time students* | 87% for full-time students* |
| Graduation Rate (students began in Fall 2015) | 57%* | 63%* | 84%* |
Source: *NCES College Navigator.
Indiana University - Purdue Global Indianapolis
The psychology department at IUPUI was created in 1969 when Indiana University and Purdue Global's Indianapolis locations combined to form one institution. Students enrolled in the undergraduate and graduate degree programs can take advantage of research opportunities at one of five hospitals located within minutes of the school.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Some of the foundational courses in the undergraduate psychology program include life span development, behavioral neuroscience, cognition and social psychology. Students who choose to earn the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) must take one year of foreign language coursework, while those enrolled in the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program must take an additional course in math. To complete other program requirements, students have the option of participating in a research capstone course or undertaking independent study in such areas as social psychology and the psychobiology of addictions.
Master of Science in Industrial/Organizational Psychology
The master's degree program in industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is for students interested in examining workplace behavior. Program curriculum highlights topics in personnel psychology, employee training and team dynamics. An optional practicum is also included. After graduation, students can work in such fields as organizational development and consumer psychology. Those interested in I/O psychology research might consider pursuing a doctoral degree.
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) program at IUPUI is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) and prepares students for careers as clinical practitioners, teachers and administrators through a combination of coursework and supervised work experience. The curriculum allows students to specialize in severe mental illness and psychiatric rehabilitation or clinical health psychology. Some of the clinical training sites are located at the Indiana University Medical Center, the Indiana Women's Prison and the IUPUI Counseling Center. This program takes about five years of full-time study to complete.
Doctor of Philosophy in Addiction Neuroscience
The Ph.D. program in psychobiology of addictions focuses on how substance abuse affects brain development and function. Students prepare for research careers in this field by studying such topics as neurobiology, behavioral neuroscience and neurochemistry. Research emphases are available in areas including the neurochemistry of addiction, the behavioral effects of substance abuse and animal testing in addictions research.
University of Indianapolis
Students studying psychology at the University of Indianapolis have access to assessment labs outfitted with cameras and monitors that are used to observe family therapy, psychological assessment and group counseling sessions. The university also has a Psychological Services Center, which allows graduate students to provide therapeutic and assessment services to the public.
Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The bachelor's degree program includes coursework from four core areas of psychology, including learning and cognition, behavior, sociocultural differences and developmental psychology. A concentration in clinical and counseling studies is also available. Students who pursue this option can complete a combined bachelor's and master's degree program in clinical psychology in five years.
Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling
The master's degree program in mental health counseling prepares students to practice in a number of settings, such as clinics, outpatient treatment centers, residential facilities and private practices. Students must complete a 60-credit-hour track in mental health counseling to earn this degree. A concentration in art therapy is offered, in which students must have completed 18 hours of studio art and 12 credits in psychology to be admitted. This program meets the educational requirements needed to become a licensed mental health practitioner in Indiana. Students can also earn a master's degree in psychology, with tracks in program development and evaluation, general psychology and research.
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) program in clinical psychology is APA-accredited and includes concentrations in health psychology and behavioral medicine, adult psychopathology and psychotherapy and childhood and adolescent psychology. To fulfill program requirements, doctoral candidates must complete coursework, a dissertation and 3,200 hours of practicum and internship experience.
Butler University
Students enrolled in the psychology bachelor's degree program at Butler University can work alongside faculty to complete research projects in an area of specialization. Internship opportunities with organizations like children's hospitals, sports medicine centers and domestic violence shelters are also available.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Students earning a B.A. in Psychology must take courses in human behavior, life span development, social psychology, cognitive development and personality psychology. The program's capstone course can be selected from five areas of specialization. These include seminars in cognitive psychology, biopsychology, social psychology, developmental psychology and applied psychology.
Students can also choose to pursue a double major in one of the following areas: anthropology, philosophy or sociology. The latter option includes a track in social work or criminology.
Other Schools
Psychology degree programs are offered by two other schools in Indianapolis. Marian University, a Roman Catholic school located about six miles from downtown, offers a bachelor's degree program with concentrations in clinical psychology, applied psychology for business and sports psychology, while Martin University awards a bachelor's degree in psychology and a master's degree in community psychology. The campus is situated around two miles from central Indianapolis.
