Become who you’re meant to be. While earning a psychology major, you’ll explore the intricacies of the human mind and behavior, merge Christian perspectives with modern psychological methods, and apply them to everyday life. You’ll examine how the principles you learn in class apply to real situations—and how to relate your study and work to your faith. As you conduct research with professors and gain hands-on experience through an internship, you’ll develop your skills and expertise to reach your full potential and go into the world to serve.
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Interested in learning more about Bethel's psychology program?
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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.
Courses and skills
What skills will I develop?
You’ll develop a strong base of psychological sciences knowledge and comprehensive research and lab skills that are essential for success in your career.
A strong base in psychology
As you develop a strong foundation in the theory and history of psychology, you’ll gain insights into the terms and principles of cognition and behavior that shape human experiences.
Research and data interpretation
You’ll learn strong research techniques, experimental design, and data and statistical analysis. You'll be equipped to conduct laboratory and academic research, making meaningful connections between the environment and the individual psyche.
Developmental and behavioral analysis
Deepen your knowledge in developmental psychology and behavioral analysis. Understand how people grow and change over time, and apply this understanding to support and empower others.
Neuroscience perspectives
You’ll explore the biological basis of mental processes and behavior, which will enhance your ability to explore these behaviors from a comprehensive viewpoint.
Counseling and communication skills.
Hone your counseling skills, along with written and verbal communication, enabling you to connect with and support individuals in meaningful ways.
Academic plans
Map out your time at Bethel—from day one to your diploma. Your course schedule is designed to help you grow, gain skills, and become who you’re meant to be.
Learning opportunities
What experiences will I have?
Hands-on learning is at the core of all Bethel majors. That means you’ll find numerous opportunities to get involved, study abroad, apply what you’ve learned, and gain. And Bethel’s size and vibrant community will allow you to pursue ways to get involved right away. Here are a few specific experiences you'll have in the undergradute psychology program at Bethel:
Study abroad
Study around the world through several potential trips over a full semester, January session, spring break, and summer. And you can spend a January session in Europe learning about the European Pioneers in Psychology.
Internships
You’ll apply what you’ve learned and gain valuable experience by participating in a required internship at a local counseling practice, hospital, ministry, or other setting related to your interests.
Student organizations
Participate in Psych Club with your peers, incorporating classroom learning with relevant social and cultural experiences and activities.
Real-world impact
What can I do with a psychology degree?
With a bacherlor's in psychology from Bethel, you’ll be equipped for diverse career paths and you’ll be prepared to pursue graduate school opportunities.
Counseling and therapy
You'll be prepared for roles as a counselor and behavior therapist, providing vital support and guidance to individuals and families. You’ll be equipped to address a wide range of emotional and mental health issues.
Graduate school
You can pursue graduate degrees in counseling, marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, and more. A bachelor’s in psychology is very valuable for students pursuing a Master’s in Teaching (MAT) or similar graduate-level education programs in education.
Educational and teaching
Use your skills to support student development and educational environments. You can pursue a career as a school psychologist, psychology professor, or even a school administrator.
Organizational psychology
Utilize psychological principles to enhance workplace dynamics, employee satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness across a variety of industries.
Healthcare professions
You’ll be prepared for medical school and can follow your passions into a healthcare career. Our graduates work as physicians, dentists, physical therapists, speech pathologists, clinical neuropsychologists, and more.
Research and applied psychology
Apply your knowledge of psychology to conduct research, analyze data, and implement psychological principles in organizational and clinical settings. Right now, Bethel students and faculty are researching visual cognition, intergroup processes, and anxiety in rodent models.
Start your journey
Explore Bethel for yourself
Visiting campus is the best way to learn about Bethel and our majors. As you try out academic and campus life at Bethel, you can attend a class, chat with students, meet professors and coaches, tour campus, and get a taste of life in our program.
Faculty mentors
Meet your professors
You’ll learn alongside faculty who are distinguished scholars and faithful Christians. They’ll know you by name and invest in your success. Plus, they have connections to prominent local organizations that love to hire Bethel interns and employees!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Become A Bethel Student
Apply now
You belong at Bethel. If you're ready to see who you could become, start your free application today.
Find your fit
Explore related programs
Bethel’s small size, strong community, and liberal arts focus allows you to personalize your education by adding additional majors or minors. In fact, about 30% of students double major—and many pursue degrees in vastly different disciplines.
Explore the full lists:
Frequently asked questions
- When you pursue a bachelor’s in psychology at Bethel, you’ll have the opportunity to do research alongside faculty. For example, the Prosopagnosia and Visual Cognition Lab, led by Professor of Psychology Sherryse Corrow, gives students the opportunity to study high-level visual processes, like face recognition and face blindness. Other active research topics within the neuroscience and psychological sciences majors include intergroup processes and anxiety in rodent models.
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Bethel’s psychology program provides a solid foundation in psychological theory as well as research techniques and experimental design. You’ll gain a broad understanding of psychology and learn about diverse subjects you’ll choose through Bethel’s signature general education curricula. You’ll also choose a capstone experience, like an internship or research project, where you’ll put your learning into practice in a real-world setting. Psychology majors are well-prepared for graduate school in a number of fields, including teaching, counseling and clinical psychology, neuroscience, occupational therapy, and law.
- When you choose a psychology major, your courses will include broad introductory courses, core courses that cover diverse areas of a discipline—think social psychology, sensation and perception, or neurobiology—and lab courses that’ll give you active, hands-on learning. You’ll also choose elective courses, both within your major(s) and to meet general education requirements, that broaden your learning and help you follow your diverse passions. Check out full course descriptions for Bethel’s psychology degree programs in the catalog.
- At Bethel, faith is woven into the fabric of the learning experience. You’ll learn from faculty who are passionate about living out their faith and see research and science as ways to discover more about God’s creation. You can embrace your calling and feel confident that you’re building real-life, marketable skills while also strengthening your Christian worldview of the complexities of the human condition.
- Internships aren’t required in Bethel’s psychological sciences department, but many psychology students complete internships to meet the capstone requirements of their major. Whether you major in psychological sciences or neuroscience, you’ll have the option to complete an internship or do a research project to meet the capstone requirement, the culminating experience of the psychology program. Bethel students have done internships at places such as TreeHouse, Fraser Child and Family Center, and Minnesota Housing Partnership, and many describe the experience as incredibly rewarding and affirming.
- Psychology is a rapidly-growing field with many possible career paths, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows projected growth in nearly all of them within the next decade. Students who major in psychological sciences or neuroscience become counselors, psychologists, medical researchers, educators, statisticians, and more.
- Your first step is to apply to Bethel University! As soon as you’re accepted, you’ll work closely with the admissions team, a faculty advisor, and the Office of the Registrar to choose a psychological sciences or neuroscience major and enroll in courses. Bethel students and faculty advisors use DegreeWorks software to track progress toward degree completion and view “what if” scenarios to see how adding or changing a major will impact their graduation timeline. If you’re already a Bethel student and want to declare a major in the psychological sciences department, please complete this form.