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Psychological Sciences Major

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Study how the human mind works—and why people behave as they do. Learn to integrate Christian perspectives with current psychological methods—and apply complex principles to everyday life. At Bethel, we look at the hows and whys of mental processes and behavior. But it won’t be just through textbooks. Our professors encourage students to see how the principles they learn apply to real situations—and how to relate their work to their Christian faith. Our faculty are doing significant research in areas like PTSD, neuroscience, and adoption. Students have opportunities to participate in the process, and to gain hands-on experience through a required senior internship. Bethel also offers an optional Addiction Studies Certificate or Alcohol and Drug Counseling Certificate, which you can complete as an undergraduate.

What can I do with this degree?

Our graduates are:

  • Counselors
  • Behavior therapists
  • Statisticians
  • Organizational psychologists
  • Psychology professors
  • School psychologists
  • Physical therapists
  • School administrators
  • Physicians and dentists
  • Speech pathologists
  • Clinical neuropsychologists

Our alumni have gone on to advanced degrees in:

  • Counseling psychology
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • School psychology
  • Psychometrics
  • Clinical psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Developmental psychology
  • Social psychology
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Speech pathology
  • Special education
  • Medical school
  • Physician assistant

Graduate schools our alumni attend:

  • Bethel’s Graduate School or Seminary
  • University of Michigan
  • Kansas University
  • University of Minnesota
  • Boston College
  • Marquette University
  • University of Iowa
  • University of Washington
  • Southern Illinois University
  • University of St. Thomas
  • Stony Brook University

What skills will I develop?

In psychology, students get acquainted with:

  • Theory and history of psychology
  • Terms and principles of cognition and behavior
  • Research technique
  • Statistics
  • Laboratory and academic research
  • Developmental psychology
  • Behavioral analysis
  • Understanding neuroscience perspectives
  • Experimental design
  • Data analysis
  • Making connections between environment and the individual psyche
  • Counseling
  • Critical thinking
  • Written and verbal communication
  • Integrating faith with the field of psychology

What unique experiences or opportunities will I have?

Toward the end of the program, all students participate in a required internship at a local counseling practice, hospital, corporation, ministry, or other setting related to their interests. This internship is coordinated to best meet the student’s goals and interests. 

Spend an interim term (January) in Europe learning about the European Pioneers in Psychology. Or choose from a number of other available semester and interim term programs. 

Engage in research with faculty members. You'll have opportunities to connect with faculty and assist in their research. Several psychology faculty and student teams have earned the prestigious Edgren Scholars award, a stipend to complete a summer research project. 

Participate in Psych Club with your peers, incorporating classroom learning with relevant social and cultural experiences and activities.

Academic Plans and Course Catalog

See plans

12

full-time faculty in the department

160

psychology majors

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