Major Requirements

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. Students develop a deeper understanding of the value of Christian stewardship, living a life of service before God. Graduates are able to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, and act ethically.

Opportunities

A master’s degree is required for most jobs in counseling, testing, or consulting. Doctoral degrees qualify recipients for more advanced positions. For this reason, nearly half of our students pursue graduate training. Students who choose to enter the workforce directly find work with the following employers:

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

General Emphasis

Counseling Emphasis

Industrial/Organizational Emphasis