a professor and five students examine eye and brain anatomy

Psychology

School of Humanities & Behavioral Science

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. It crosses many disciplines including biology, sociology, and religion. The psychology program at Anderson University prepares students for working with people. By the time they graduate from the psychology program, they will be prepared for graduate work in psychiatric social work, professional training in clinical or counseling psychology, working with families, personnel work in industry, pre-ministry, careers in the not-for-profit sector, working with handicapped individuals, and careers in teaching and research.

Program Overview

Psychology

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Program Options

Major

Psychology (liberal arts emphasis): This major is for students not planning to attend graduate school in psychology.
Psychology (pre-professional emphasis) (37 hours): The pre-professional psychology major is a recommended sequence geared toward the student who is majoring in psychology and plans to attend graduate school in psychology.

Complementary Major

The 26-hour complementary major in psychology combines courses in psychology and varying hours from a primary field.

Minor

The psychology minor (16 hours) requires general psychology and at least 6 hours from upper-division psychology courses. Students have the opportunity to be a part of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society for Psychology.

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Classes

Professional Issues for the Psychologist
Social Psychology
Personality Theory
Abnormal Psychology

View the courses required for the psychology major.

View the courses required for the psychology complementary major.

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Careers

Caseworker
Child Development Specialist
Teacher or Professor
Criminal Investigator

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Experience

To gain valuable experience, students have an opportunity to work in the psychology department and local mental health facilities, and to pursue relevant summer employment or internships.

Independent study opportunities are available, including the chance to do original research and/or be involved in leading or facilitating assertiveness skills training programs for a variety of personnel, including Girl Scouts, individuals in an abuse shelter, or college leaders.

Psychology Alumni Testimonials

All the professors in the psychology program had their own unique impacts on me but one common theme was consistent through it all…they were all in my corner and I never lost their support. Through the exams, the projects, the late nights, they were always there to offer advice, criticism, and investment. All the qualities I knew that would help grow my education at AU. And a little PSA to all students at AU and incoming students…If you have the chance to take Interpersonal Relationships class, DO IT. I promise it will be uncomfortable and it will be unusual, but it will change your life. It taught me life skills I use every day and if you can fit it in your schedule, please do! It does not matter who you are, you will be changed and also see the change in others.

Ben Belt BA ’17, Neighborhood Liaison at Children’s Bureau

While studying psychology as a student at Anderson University, I had the privilege of being an Interpersonal Trainer. I taught interpersonal and assertiveness skills to my peers in the classroom setting and to the community at conferences, schools, and workshops. I’m currently a therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, working with adolescents in the area of depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-worth. I train my clients in interpersonal and assertiveness skills, daily utilizing the different techniques and role plays I learned and trained for at AU.

Michael Heckendorn BA ’12

Along the way there were complications and challenges but I know that the preparation I have received from the department of psychology at Anderson University gave me the necessary skills to overcome all of those. I feel so privileged that the professors trusted and encouraged me throughout the process. I am also very honored to have witnessed the material of the class impacting people across the border and being a small part of that impact.

Denisse Bastida Ramirez BA ’18