The Psychology major at Bethany is designed to introduce you to the science of individual and group human behavior. We provide a core curriculum that covers the essential elements of the broad field of Psychology. As you progress further into the major, you will choose an area of emphasis that allows you to focus on a more specific area of psychology. You are encouraged to participate in the multiple internship and volunteer opportunities we have arranged with agencies off campus. These experiences will also help you to decide exactly what job or graduate training is best for you given your individual strengths.

Bethany's Christian focus helps you to develop an understanding of human behavior in relationship to the Christian faith. The liberal arts aspect of the major fosters an appreciation of the interconnections between Psychology and other fields of study, providing you with the problem-solving skills and critical thinking techniques necessary to be successful in life.

Our Psychology graduates have successfully gained employment in agencies working with individuals with physical, developmental, and/or psychological disabilities, as well as within the criminal justice system and business settings. Close to half of our graduates have gone on to pursue graduate training.

Opportunities in Pyschology

Beyond Bethany, students who pursue in psychology find careers in a variety of areas:

Major objectives

Bethany Lutheran College student majoring in Psychology will meet the following objectives as they fulfill requirements for the BA degree. These objectives correspond to the objectives set forth by the American Psychological Association (2007).

Learn more about the unique mission of our psychology program by downloading our Learning Objectives and Outcomes PDF.

Entry into the Major

Psychology majors must complete a formal application after completing three college semesters. The following qualifications will be necessary for acceptance into the major:

• At least a 2.5 GPA in the first three semesters
• At least a 2.5 GPA in PSYC210, PSYC220
• Successful completion of an interview by the department

A major in psychology requires a minimum of 37 credits: 25 core credit requirements and a minimum of 12 additional credits in a selected emphasis.

Required pre-major courses:

• BIOL101 Principles of Biology
• COMM212 Interpersonal Communication
• RELG209 Christian Doctrine I
• COMM230 Argument and Advocacy or PHIL201 Logic and Critical Thinking
• MATH110 Math Problem Solving or MATH111 College Algebra
• ANTH102 Cultural Anthropology or SOCL201 Marriage and the Family

Core Requirements

Understanding the field of psychology:

• PSYC210 General Psychology
• PSYC475 History and Systems of Psychology

Understanding human behavior:

• PSYC220 Human Growth and Development
• PSYC310 Personality
• PSYC340 Social Psychology
• PSYC350 Abnormal Psychology

Understanding the basics of research:

• SOCL320 Research Methods in Social Sciences

Training in helping skills:

• PSYC450 Principles and Strategies of Counseling

Area of Emphasis

General Emphasis

Counseling Emphasis

Industrial/Organizational Emphasis