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Psychological Sciences Major

Bachelor of Arts

With a psychological sciences degree, you’ll study how the human mind works—and why people behave as they do.

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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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Why should I study psychological sciences at Bethel?

  • Faith-fueled learning
    Ground your psychological sciences education in Christian values and ethics, preparing you to serve with compassion and integrity.

  • Faculty-mentored research
    Engage in research with faculty members. You'll have opportunities to connect with faculty and assist in their research. Several psychology faculty and student teams have earned the prestigious Edgren Scholars award, a stipend to complete a summer research project.

  • Personalized education
    You can enhance your psychology degree with optional certificates in addiction studies or alcohol and drug counseling, or you can pursue a second degree or minor to fit your career goals.

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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.

Find your counselor

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.

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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.

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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.

See plans

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:

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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.

See all experiences

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.

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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.

Schedule a visit

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!

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

Bio >

Sherryse Corrow

Sherryse Corrow

Professor of Psychology

Bio >

Joel Frederickson

Joel Frederickson

Professor of Psychology

Bio >

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Anna Johnson

Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences

Bio >

Ruth Nelson

Ruth Nelson

Professor of Psychology

Bio >

Gretchen Wrobel

Gretchen Wrobel

University Professor of Psychology

Bio >

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Amy Bianchi-Ross

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Nicole Centanni

Nicole Centanni

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Kasey Erickson

Kasey Erickson

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Annette Hibner

Annette Hibner

Adjunct Instructor of Psychological Sciences

Bio >

Ryan Hovis

Ryan Hovis

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Krystal Humphreys

Krystal Humphreys

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

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Brenna Keefe

Adjunct Instructor of Human Services

Bio >

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Brenna Keefe

Adjunct Instructor of Human Services

Bio >

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Alicia Ochs

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Kathlene Scholljegerdes

Kathlene Scholljegerdes

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Susan Schwope

Susan Schwope

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

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Bailey Thompson

Adjunct Instructor of Psychology

Bio >

Adam Wick

Adam Wick

Adjunct Instructor of Psychological Sciences

Bio >

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Linde Getahun

Associate Professor of Psychology Emerita

Bio >

Andy Johnson

Andy Johnson

Associate Professor of Psychology Emeritus

Bio >

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Lucie Johnson

Professor of Psychology Emerita

Bio >

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James Koch

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

Bio >

Jason Li

Jason Li

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

Bio >

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Steven McNeel

Professor of Psychology Emeritus

Bio >

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 >

60

hours of internship experience meet capstone project requirement

2,457

undergraduate students

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.

Learn more

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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.

Learn more

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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

Apply now

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

Start your application

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:

Majors and minors Preprofessional programs Endorsements

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.

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.