Psychology

Program Overview

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.

THE MIND’S JOURNEY: A FASCINATING EXPLORATION INTO THE DEPTHS OF THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS, UNRAVELING THE TAPESTRY OF THE HUMAN PSYCHE.

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge Base: While recognizing the complexity of human behavior and brain processes, students will be able to identify and describe various psychological concepts, principles, and theories and explain how they have been and can be applied within the major subfields of psychology.
Christian Integration: Students will demonstrate the ability to approach psychology from a Christian worldview and articulate their own perspectives regarding the relationship between Christianity and psychology.
Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking: Students will demonstrate innovative and integrative thinking by reading, interpreting, and applying empirically established research findings to help explain psychological phenomena and human behavior.
Communication: Students will demonstrate the ability to write in accordance with APA formatting and to present psychology-related information effectively in written and oral forms.

Required Courses

Introduction to Psychology
Foundations in Psychology & Social Work
Abnormal Psychology
Social Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Cross-Cultural Psychology
Research Methods
Theories of Personality
Senior Seminar

ELECTIVE CREDITS (15)

Internship & Career Opportunities

Clinical counseling
Behavior specialist
Career counselor
Case manager
Child development specialist
College resident director
Correction officer
Family preservation caseworker
Psychiatric technician
Rehabilitation specialist
Advertising
Business
Communications
Community Services
Consulting
Government
Human Resources
Labor Relations
Law Enforcement
Market Research
Media
Ministry
Relief / Aid Work
Teaching

Psychology Minor

Required Courses

Intro to Psychology
Abnormal Psychology

UPPER DIVISION CREDITS (12)

ELECTIVE CREDITS (15)

“Being a psychology major at Simpson has helped me better understand both myself and others. The professors truly care about your growth, not just academically but personally and spiritually.”