Department of Psychological Sciences

Explore the complexities of the human mind while gaining hands-on research experience to prepare for your career.

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Start your journey

In Bethel’s Department of Psychological Sciences, you'll study the hows and whys of mental processes and behaviors—and you won't just do it through textbooks.

You'll collaborate with award-winning professors on cutting-edge research while learning to integrate your faith with current psychological science. You'll develop a strong understanding of the history and theory of psychology, principles of cognition and behavior, and research and data interpretation techniques. And you'll apply your learning through a practical internship in places like counseling offices, hospitals, churches, and other settings tailored to your career goals.

Majors, minors, and programs

Experience Bethel for yourself

Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you explore our welcoming community, you can attend a class, meet with students and professors, and get a taste of life in our program.

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Meaningful preparation

Program highlights

All our academic departments stand out for their excellence and innovation—and the way our professors care about their students. Learn more about what sets our department apart.

Learning opportunities


You’ll find numerous opportunities to travel the world, get involved, apply what you’ve learned, and gain experience.

Flexible coursework


Take advantage of flexible curriculum to double major or minor and position yourself for a rewarding career in a variety of fields.

Professional development


Earn a certificate in addiction studies or alcohol and drug counseling to expand your knowledge of psychology and neuroscience.

Faith integration


You’ll study the core concepts of psychology from a Christian perspective, integrating faith into your coursework.

Real-world impact

Career outcomes

A degree in psychological sciences prepares you for diverse career paths and further education.

Skills


You’ll develop skills such as:

  • Understanding of psychological theory and history
  • Cognition and behavior
  • Research technique
  • Statistics
  • Laboratory and academic research
  • Developmental psychology
  • Behavioral analysis
  • Understanding neuroscience perspectives
  • Experimental design

Careers


You’ll be prepared to work in fields like:

  • Licensed counseling
  • University teaching
  • Clinical and research neuroscience
  • School counseling
  • Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Medicine
  • School administration
  • Behavior therapy

Graduate school


You can go on to study: 

  • Counseling psychology
  • Marriage and family therapy
  • School psychology
  • Psychometrics
  • Clinical psychology
  • Neuroscience
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Speech pathology
  • Special education
  • Medicine

Our Community

Alumni spotlight

Meet neuroscience major Josh Hahn '24.

Josh Hahn

Degree: Neuroscience

At Bethel, Josh explored his passion for neuroscience and found a faith-based, tight-knit community. As he conducted research projects with his professors, he uncovered his interest in delving more into medicine and the effects different medicines have on the body, especially the brain.

Read more

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Contact us

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Connect with a counselor

They’ll answer your questions, connect you with professors, and help you find the right time to visit campus. They’ll be there every step of the way to help make applying to Bethel as smooth as possible.

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Faculty mentors

Meet your professors

You’ll experience close mentorship alongside supportive and knowledgeable professors who always have an open-door policy.

Department of Psychology


Location

Barnes Academic Center (BAC) 311

Contact

Angela Sabates

Angela Sabates

Angela Sabates

Professor of Psychology

Bio >

Rachel Anderson

Rachel Anderson

Associate Professor of Psychology

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Sherryse Corrow

Sherryse Corrow

Professor of Psychology

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Joel Frederickson

Joel Frederickson

Professor of Psychology

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Ruth Nelson

Ruth Nelson

Professor of Psychology

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Gretchen Wrobel

Gretchen Wrobel

University Professor of Psychology

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Ryan Hovis

Ryan Hovis

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

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Brenna Keefe

Adjunct Instructor of Human Services

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Amy Bianchi-Ross

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

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Nicole Centanni

Nicole Centanni

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

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Kasey Erickson

Kasey Erickson

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Krystal Humphreys

Krystal Humphreys

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

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Alicia Ochs

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Kathlene Scholljegerdes

Kathlene Scholljegerdes

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

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Bailey Thompson

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

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Linde Getahun

Associate Professor of Psychology Emerita

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Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson

Associate Professor of Psychology Emeritus

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Lucie Johnson

Professor of Psychology Emerita

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James Koch

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

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Jason Li

Jason Li

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

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Steven McNeel

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

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Katherine Nevins

Katherine Nevins

Professor of Psychology Emerita

Bio >

Carole Young

Carole Young

Dean of Natural and Behavioral Sciences and Professor of Psychology Emerita

Bio >

Ben K Lim

Ben K Lim

Professor of Marital and Family Therapy Emeritus

Bio >

Student Support

Your support team

At Bethel, you’ll experience a community where you belong. And that means you’ll be able to access numerous tools for your academic success—tutoring, mentors, study help, and more.

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Career coaching and preparation

A dedicated team is here to empower you to lead a purposeful life. Career coaches will help you build a resume, pursue internships and jobs, and provide support at every step of the way.

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Academic advising

No matter your goals, you’ll find support from your advisor. They’ll help you plan your courses and will provide support as you complete your degree and start a successful career.

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Tutoring and academic support

The Academic Enrichment and Support Center (AESC) will be your first stop for academic support. You’ll find help in building study skills, academic counseling, and more.

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Faith formation

As you develop your faith, you’ll have support from our Campus Ministries team. From Chapel to Bible studies, you’ll have numerous opportunities to explore and grow in your faith.

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Accessible education

Tuition and financial aid

We want you to understand from the beginning what a Bethel education costs. That’s why we made it simple. Beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, tuition for the College of Arts & Sciences will be $25,990—down from $44,050. This more accurately reflects what you can expect to pay, empowering you to make informed decisions and become who you're meant to be.

Estimate your cost today

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Become A Bethel Student

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You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.

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