Psychology is about more than understanding human behavior. It’s about improving it.
Students in the Department of Psychology explore the complexities of the mind. The major launches students into a variety of careers by helping them understand the scientific basis of human behavior and how to think critically and ethically about it. Students discover ways to apply this knowledge and explore their faith in real-world situations.
Majors, Minors, and Programs
| Psychology | Major | Minor |
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Relating Human Behavior to Christian Faith
In the Department of Psychology, we study how the human mind works and why people behave the way they do. You'll add meaning to your career as you relate what you're learning to your Christian faith, discovering concepts such as the theory and history of psychology, the terms and principles of cognition and behavior, and research techniques. And your learning will be hands-on through unique internships in counseling offices, hospitals, corporations, churches, or other settings related to your interests and career goals. Here, studying psychology is about taking our faith in Christ and integrating it into everything we learn, into everything we do, so we can accomplish incredible things—in our careers, in our communities, and in our world.
0 full-time faculty in the department
0 psychology majors
Program Highlights
Experiential learning
We’re one of the few psychology programs that require an internship. This experience gives Bethel’s psych students an advantage when entering careers or graduate schools.
Research with professors
Our diverse faculty often includes students in their research in cutting-edge fields, such as neuroscience. Many of our students present their research at regional and national conferences.
Low unemployment rates
Typically only 1-3% of our alumni report being unemployed.
International travel
Study in Europe to learn about the European pioneers of psychology to broaden your understanding of the field.
Success in graduate school
35-50% of our students go on to graduate school, and report being very well prepared for their graduate programs.
Bethel's psychology program is designed to meet graduate study admission requirements. Writing lab reports and psychological evaluations and presenting at conferences helped set my skills far above my peers, even in my rigorous Master of Science program.
Holly Quimby '13Grad school: Student at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Philadelphia, PA
Formative opportunities in research, clinical experience, career clarity, and preparedness to contribute to integration of psychology and Christianity movement, have all impacted my continuing education. Faculty taught me how to be a Christian scholar and fully engaged in my community.
Ryan Horvis '09Current job: Clinical Therapist at Stenzel Clinical Services, Ltd. and Outpatient Therapist at Streamwood Behavioral Health Systems
What can I do with a psychology major?
Psychology majors at Bethel prepare for careers in the helping professions or for graduate study. They become counselors, school psychologists, behavior therapists, and other specialists in the helping professions and more.
Careers
Psychology graduates are:
- Counselors
- Psychology professors
- Clinical neuropsychologists
- Organizational psychologists
- School psychologists
- Statisticians
- Physical therapists
- Physicians and dentists
- School administrators
- Speech Pathologists
- Behavior Therapists
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
- University of St. Mary’s
Graduate Fields
Our alumni study:
- 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