APPLY TO MESSIAH
Psychology Bachelor's Degree (B.S. and B.A.) Psychology_Brain_Camp.jpg

Psychology Bachelor's Degree (B.S. and B.A.)

Psychology Bachelor's Degree (B.S. and B.A.)

Psychology at Messiah University

With a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in psychology from Messiah University, a top private Christian university in the U.S., you'll be well prepared for careers in psychology or to work toward a master’s degree. While earning your bachelor's degree in psychology, you can also choose a minor, pursue a double major, study abroad or complete multiple internships.

As a psychology major, you’ll choose from a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science psychology degree program. The B.A. prepares you for entry-level psychology positions and grad school. You can also choose to add the clinical concentration to your B.A. degree to prepare you to become a counselor or practice counseling psychology. If you’re interested in working in an area of psychology with stronger emphasis on science and math, the B.S. degree may be right for you.

As a psychology major at Messiah University, you’ll be able to:

  • Study within a program that was named #6 in the Top 10 Psychology Degree Programs in the U.S. for 2017 (source: Christian Universities Online)
  • Work alongside faculty on academic research projects that result in presentations and publications 
  • Study in the occupational therapy accelerated program, if you wish. This accelerated option allows you to earn your B.S. in psychology and your Master of Occupational Therapy in five years.
  • Prepare to become a counselor by adding the clinical concentration to your B.A. degree
  • Learn how to use client interview, testing and observation methods
  • Delve into challenging courses such as History and Systems, Psychological Testing, and Experimental Psychology
  • Gain valuable work experience through internships as a case manager, crisis worker, therapeutic staff support, residential counselor, psychiatric assistant or youth worker
  • Take advantage of the major’s flexibility by adding a minor, double major or semester abroad
  • Participate in the senior honors project—a yearlong research project directed by a faculty member resulting in formal presentations to students and faculty
  • Join Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology

As a graduate of the psychology program, you will be equipped to secure positions such as:

  • Counselor
  • Researcher
  • Writer
  • Behavioral health specialist
  • Case manager
  • Crisis worker
  • Youth worker
  • Therapeutic staff supporter

For more information on career planning for the psychology program, visit the Messiah University Career and Professional Development Center

Messiah’s nationally recognized internship program places students in a variety of psychology internships. A few examples include:

  • Hoffman Homes
  • YMCA
  • New Hope Ministries
  • PhilHaven Behavioral Health
  • Edgewater Psychiatric Services
  • Methodist Home for Children

Creative coursework 

In either degree program, you will focus on areas of study like clinical psychology (assessment and treatment of mental illness), child development, counseling skills, behavioral science, animal behavior, cognition, addiction, substance abuse, community and social psychology.

Accelerated degree option

Messiah offers an accelerated degree option in occupational therapy. Through this accelerated program, you can earn your bachelor's degree and your master's degree in just five years. You can learn more by clicking on the link to the right. 

Faithful faculty 

Our entire team of committed Christian faculty hold advanced academic degrees and are scholars in the field of psychology. Their expertise combined with small class sizes allow you to learn in an intimate and friendly environment while being mentored and guided throughout your college experience. 

Our psychology faculty also encourage you to stretch yourself by experiencing your education through hands-on learning opportunities. As a psychology major, you'll have the ability to participate in a senior research project or join the Pennsylvania chapter of Psi Chi, the national honor society for psychology. Students may also participate in faculty research alongside professors if desired.

Meaningful career preparation 

You'll find that Messiah University’s bachelor's degree program challenges you to think deeply about how to integrate your Christian faith with the study of psychology. When you graduate, you will be well prepared for a variety of psychology-related careers, such as a case manager, crisis worker, counselor, youth worker and more. You may also decide to pursue a master’s degree in psychology, counseling or another field, just like nearly 25-50 percent of our psychology graduates do each year.