Psychology

Psychology is a scientific discipline that seeks to understand and explain human and non-human behavior. Psychology is also a profession that requires both an empathetic understanding of people as individuals and an objective, clinical perspective that studies common characteristics of human behavior. To combine these two elements, the psychology department at Simpson University offers curriculum, research activities, and community resources to give students a balanced exposure to psychology. Professors teach several psychology courses seminar-style, an interactive teaching method that links interpersonal development and academic engagement, where talking and thinking produce struggle, growth and fun.

Psychology Department Mission

To promote human flourishing as informed by the discipline of psychology and Christian theology.

Psychology Major

The psychology major is designed to provide coursework and experience central to a basic understanding of the discipline and profession. Human behavior is examined from modern and historical perspectives in both the practical and theoretical realms. The purpose of the major is to prepare students for graduate education or vocational opportunities with a mature, uniquely Christian approach.

The psychology program at Simpson University is designed to meet the diverse needs of students and prepare them for a variety of career paths. Because of an increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, social service agencies, substance abuse treatment clinics, and private companies, your degree from Simpson University can help you move toward a career you’ve always dreamed of. In addition to providing you with the foundation for graduate work that can lead to a career as a psychologist, your degree will also prepare you for a wide variety of careers within and beyond psychology.

Career Opportunities

  • Behavior specialist
  • Career counselor
  • Case manager
  • Child development specialist
  • College resident director
  • Correction officer
  • Family preservation caseworker
  • Psychiatric technician
  • Rehabilitation specialist

Careers beyond the Field of Psychology

  • Advertising
  • Business
  • Communications
  • Community Services
  • Consulting
  • Government
  • Human Resources
  • Labor Relations
  • Law Enforcement
  • Market Research
  • Media
  • Ministry
  • Relief / Aid Work
  • Teaching

*Also available for working adults and individuals wishing to complete their degree in Simpson University's convenient 16-month, Continuing Studies (ASPIRE) program. Psychology - Continuing Studies, ASPIRE program.

Psychology Minor

Simpson offers a Psychology minor. This can be an alternative for any student wanting to learn about human behavior, condition and motivation without taking the full psychology major.

Many students find this minor to be a great bonus to their current major. For example, Cross-Cultural Studies or Pastoral Studies majors have found it helpful to understanding the minds of the people with whom they work. English majors have developed their psychology skills in order to write works that reflect the true human mind or to better analyze books and plays.

Brandy Liebscher, Psy.D.

Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology

Psychology Department Chair


bliebscher@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4638

Profile:

Dr. Brandy Liebscher is a licensed psychologist who joined Simpson University's faculty in 2002. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings and completed a postdoctoral residency in which she received specialized training in the treatment of children and families.

In addition to chairing the university's Psychology Department, Dr. Liebscher also has a private practice in which she provides psychotherapy for children and adults, with an emphasis on mood and behavioral disorders.

Her areas of interest and study include child psychology, domestic violence, and the integration of psychology and Christianity.

Educational Background:

  • Psy.D., George Fox University
  • M.A., George Fox University
  • B.A., George Fox University

Courses Taught:

  • Theories of Counseling
  • Counseling Skills
  • Psychopathology

Links:

Wayne Norman, Ph.D.

Professor of Psychology

wnorman@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4630

Profile:

Dr. Wayne Norman is an experimental psychologist who joined Simpson University's faculty in 2009. He has taught psychology for over 30 years and has conducted research at Oxford University and the University of St. Andrews.

Dr. Norman's area of specialization are in cognitive neuropsychology and historical issues in the neurosciences.

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D., Washington State University
  • M.S., Washington State University
  • B.A., Whitman College

Courses Taught:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Statistics and Research Methods
  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Learning and Behavior Modification
  • History and Systems of Psychology
  • Physiological Psychology
  • Neuropsychology

Links:

Danielle Beck, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Psychology

dbeck@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4639

Profile:

Dr. Danielle Beck is a developmental psychologist who joined Simpson University's faculty in 2008. Her broad research interest includes the development of executive function in young children.

Dr. Beck also coordinates and conducts research projects with undergraduate psychology students.

Educational Background:

  • Ph.D., University of Washington, Seattle
  • B.A., Pacific Lutheran University

Courses Taught:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • Statistics and Research Methods
  • Child Development
  • Research Experience

Links:

Rebecca Carter , M.A., L.M.F.T.

Instructor of Psychology

rcarter@simpsonu.edu
530-226-4712

Profile:

Rebecca Carter is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of California who joined Simpson University's faculty in 2012. She has held several positions in higher education over the past ten years including Adjunct Instructor in the areas of Ministry and Psychology, Wellness Outreach Coordinator, Mental Health Counselor, Coordinator for Disability Services, Career Center Coordinator, Career Counselor, Assistant Athletic Coach, and Student Services Director.

Rebecca’s areas of clinical interest include eating disorders, survivors of abuse, emergent adult issues (individuation and differentiation), couples’ issues, and the integration of Christianity and psychology.

Educational Background:

  • M.A., National University
  • B.A., Simpson University
  • B.A., MidAmerica Nazarene University

Courses Taught:

  • Counseling Skills
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Child Development
  • Adult Development
  • Lifespan Development
  • Field Experience
  • Family Therapy I

Links:

  • Ethic of service to others
  • Content base of psychology
  • Research and language skills
  • Self-monitoring, self-awareness, sensitivity to others