With a psychology major at Grace College, you’ll be equipped to study how the brain works, as well as how it can cause behavioral issues and changes.
Our psychology program finds its foundation in God’s Word, especially in our belief that all humans are made in the image of God. Our personality is one way we reflect Him, and psychology helps those with abnormalities improve their behavioral struggles and quality of life.
As a psychology major, you can expect interactive, group-based classes, in which you’ll discuss assigned readings and collaborate to find practical approaches to real-life scenarios. You’ll explore what past research and case studies have concluded, what your professors have seen as experienced practitioners, and which techniques experts use today.
You’ll take both behavioral science core and major-specific courses. Your core classes will introduce you to the foundations of counseling, criminal justice, and behavioral science research.
With a comprehensive psychology concentration, you’ll study the brain and behavior across a range of areas, including abnormalities, personality, religion, social psychology, health, and motivation. If you’re not quite sure which kind of psychology you’d like to work in, this concentration may be for you!
The psychology major culminates in a practicum or internship. We’ll work with you to find a setting that best matches your career goals. Because of the great demand for psychology work nationwide, you have several options. Students have interned at inpatient and outpatient mental health units, hospitals, nonprofits, corporate settings, and government positions.
Once you graduate with a psychology degree, you’ll be prepared to use your psychological training in any setting. Graduates have gone on to work for hospitals, inpatient mental health units, addiction recovery organizations, youth and family providers, the Department of Child Services, nonprofits, shelters, and schools.
Ph.D.
Associate Dean of Behavioral Science, Professor of Behavioral Science
A bachelor’s in psychology qualifies you for a variety of positions right out of college, including behavioral analyst, human resources specialist, market researcher, project manager, or director of family ministries.
Many careers use psychology as a jumping-off point for further education. Careers that may start with psychology but require more education after your bachelor’s include psychologist, counselor, social worker, clinical researcher, lawyer, teacher, or doctor. Read What Can You Do With a Psychology Degree to learn about more job options.
Several careers, including psychologist, mental health counselor, and psychiatrist, require higher-level education in addition to your bachelor’s degree in psychology to enter the workforce.
If you want to go into counseling with your psychology degree, you will need to earn your master’s degree in counseling in order to obtain licensure, depending on the state in which you desire to be licensed.
With a psychology major at Grace College, you’ll be equipped to study how the brain works, as well as how it can cause behavioral issues and changes. Psychology is a good major for the future because society will always search for ways to improve behavioral struggles and quality of life. Read about the fastest-growing psychology careers here and the growth of psychologist jobs.
As a psychology student at Grace, you can expect group-based classes in the behavioral science core and major-specific courses. Your core classes will introduce you to the foundations of counseling, criminal justice, and behavioral science research, all rooted in the idea that humans are made in the image of God. Our concentrations include a comprehensive psychology concentration, a child and family concentration, a sport psychology concentration, and an industrial and organizational psychology concentration to prepare you for specific careers.
Finally, the psychology major culminates in a practicum or internship. Our students have interned at inpatient and outpatient mental health units, hospitals, nonprofits, corporate settings, and government positions.
A psychology major is broader and more research-focused (covering a wide range of human behavior topics and requiring research methods, statistics, etc.), whereas a counseling major (at the undergrad level) is typically more focused on applied helping skills and preparing students for human services work or grad school in counseling.
Success in this major often comes down to staying on top of the readings, engaging in research projects, and being open to learning about both science and human behavior. If you’re interested in people and willing to learn some data analysis, psychology is very doable and engaging.
A bachelor’s in psychology can qualify you for a variety of positions right out of college, including behavioral analyst, human resources specialist, market researcher, project manager, or a director of family ministries. However, many advanced careers require graduate school.
Students who complete the Psychology program at Grace College are eligible to receive select course waivers in the regular standing track of the Dordt University Master of Social Work (MSW) program through this educational partnership. Eligibility is subject to admission requirements and the partnership agreement.
of Grace College Behavioral Science graduates are employed or in graduate school
of courses integrate biblical truth with psychological content
has the opportunity to conduct, submit and publish research
Our faculty and staff are expertly skilled in their fields and they care about your goals, future, and well being.
Meet Our School of Behavioral Science FacultyAt the heart of a Grace education are academically challenging courses that are specifically designed to foster a thirst for character, competence, and service within the hearts and minds of our students.
Learn More About Our Values“My degree in psychology shaped my perspective on who God was calling me to be and challenged me to think practically about meeting people’s needs where they are.”
Austin Bradtmueller
Grace College Student
