Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Program Options: Major, Minor, Dual Degree
Optional Emphases: Biblical Studies, Clinical Counseling, Criminal Justice
CCU's undergraduate Psychology major and minor programs develop a broad-based education that creates a deeper understanding of human functioning and facilitates the student's spiritual development and formation. We also have a variety of elective courses that allow you to round out your studies to enter life with key relational, spiritual, and emotional competencies.
Offered through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Psychology major provides a solid foundation for students interested in pursuing graduate study in a psychology-related field. If you are interested in practicing psychology professionally, you will need graduate-level training toward a master's degree or a doctorate.
For students interested in earning both their bachelor's degree in Psychology and their master's degree in a psychology-related field, CCU offers a rigorous and accelerated academic path through our dual degree program.
Dual degree students complete their B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis in Biblical Studies, Clinical Counseling, or Criminal Justice while completing some of the graduate coursework in a corresponding CCU master's degree, including the M.A. in Biblical Studies, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, or M.S. in Criminal Justice. Learn more about CCU's dual degree programs.
Psychology at CCU
The emphasis in the Psychology program is to equip our students to think critically about current psychological theories, principles, and research through the lens of foundational Christian beliefs and how to live out their faith within the discipline of Psychology.
Our program is structured around five basic themes that allow students to understand the big picture of psychology, and enables them to critically evaluate the current claims of contemporary psychology in light of a biblical faith.
- Humans are broken and in need of redemption.
- Humans are embodied beings through which our psychology is expressed and experienced.
- Humans are by nature relational beings reflecting the imago Dei (image of God).
- Humans are responsible, but limited agents in their world. This means that while we have responsibility for ourselves, we are limited in our capacity to influence our world.
- Humans are meaning makers. We search and attempt to make meaning in the world around us, including ours and others' behaviors.
Research Opportunities in Psychology
Students who wish to become involved in research in psychology and/or interdisciplinary labs are encouraged to first sign up for Research Methods (PSY 408) and Statistics (MAT 212). Following the successful completion of these courses, students may register for Research Internship (PSY 452). Most studies build on existing projects housed in the program. Interns are strongly encouraged to develop a proposal and present research, either at the RMPA annual conference or at the Rocky Mountain Undergraduate Research Conference at CCU. Students who wish to pursue research at CCU are strongly encouraged to join the Research Club, eventually seeking positions of leadership within this organization. Learn more about research opportunities in Psychology.
What can you do with a major in Psychology?
- Advertising consultant
- Career counselor
- Child care worker
- Market researcher
- Probation or parole officer
- Research assistant
- Social worker
- Writer
Interesting Classes You Might Take
- Clinical Counseling Methods
- Life-Span Psychology
- Theories of Personality
- Transformational Psychology
Course Catalog
CCU Psychology Alumni
Eric Tomlin '18
Eric Tomlin completed his degree in Psychology with a minor in Youth Ministry, and now works in full-time ministry as the middle school director at Cedarbrook Community Church in Maryland. In his role, he mentors, guides, and counsels students in the metro Washington, D.C., area.
Morgan Birren '16
After graduating from CCU, Morgan Birren received her master's degree in social work, and now works at the San Diego Regional Center providing services for children with developmental disabilities. She works with children and their families to find the right resources for them to be successful in their community.
About the School of Humanities and Social Sciences
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences is united by a commitment to academic scholarship and the integration of faith into the learning process, helping you become an informed Christian scholar who is ready to lead and to make an impact on the world as you prepare for a career in humanities or social sciences. Academic programs provide excellent in-class instruction as well as relevant and experiential assignments designed to help you gain the skills and knowledge required for your chosen career.
The Humanities and Social Sciences faculty is dedicated to you as an individual student. Our professors are intelligent scholars and gifted teachers, but they are also mentors who care about helping you grow. You'll take courses in communication, psychology, and social science and will be able to apply what you are learning in the classroom by participating in academic clubs, attending professional and academic conferences, taking advantage of internship opportunities, and by studying abroad.