Psychology, BA

Location(s): On Campus

At MNU, we study psychology with a compassionate heart. We want to understand “why?” Why do people have certain thoughts, feelings and behaviors? We want to understand “how?” How do we effectively help people to live a life that is full, healthy, and connected? With the movement towards more integrated health care nationally, the need for psychology professionals is growing. The psychology major prepares students to pursue careers in areas such as counseling, families and children, human resources, business management, law enforcement, occupational therapy, addiction counseling, customer service, and case management.

Psychology Program Outcomes

Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical systems and empirical findings in psychology (current and historic) specifically related to developmental concerns, biological influences, normal and abnormal behavior and mental processes.
Students will grasp the importance of research to the field of psychology and demonstrate an applied understanding of basic research methods, including experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation.
Students will understand and be exposed to the application of psychological principles to personal, professional, and social issues.
Students will realize the diversity of psychology as a discipline, explain the ethical principles that guide the field and qualify for employment or graduate study.
Students will evaluate the field of psychology from a Christian worldview and demonstrate critical thinking skills, toleration of ambiguity, and sensitivity to diversity.

Senior Comprehensive Exam

A comprehensive examination is required to be passed by all psychology majors before graduation. The comprehensive examination is meant to assess the student’s mastery of basic content areas of the curriculum.

The examination is administered by the department each fall for psychology majors. Further details regarding the senior comprehensive are available from the Social and Behavioral Sciences Department Chair. There is a $32.50 fee for this exam.

Requirements for the Bachelor in Art In Psychology

To complete a major in psychology all students must complete a series of core courses totaling 37 credit hours. In addition, each student must complete 9 credit hours of psychology electives for a total of 46 credit hours. The required courses are listed below as well as a category breakdown of the electives. To meet the elective requirements for psychology students must choose 3 courses from at least 2 different categories.