Study Psychology at a Christian 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, education, law and medicine, or to work toward a master’s degree. While earning your bachelor's degree in psychology, you can also choose a minor or concentration, 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. Both prepare you for entry-level psychology positions and grad school. The B.A. is more flexible, while the B.S. has an emphasis on research and biological components. 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. You can also choose to add the clinical concentration to your B.A. degree to prepare you for entry-level positions working in mental health settings. 

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.

In the Psychology program, you will take a selection of courses that successfully prepare you for a career in a related field. Hands-on experiences and classroom learning within the framework of Christian faith will give you the skills and knowledge to achieve your goals. Our programs offer a wide variety of courses that will not only help you excel in your future career, but challenge you to develop a deeper understanding of your field of study.

Course options for Psychology:

Psychology (B.S.)

Psychology (B.A.)

Psychology (B.A.) with Clinical Concentration

Psychology (B.S.) Pre-Occupational Therapy / Master of Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.)

Psychology Minor

Careers and outcomes

Where our grads work

Graduates of this program work in positions of leadership in their places of employment, using the tools and knowledge a Messiah University education prepared them with. Each year, eager employers and some of the nation's best graduate schools welcome Messiah graduates into their organizations.

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Our Alumni

Regional and national employers seek out Messiah graduates for their academic preparation, work ethic and personal character. The transformation you experience at Messiah readies you to transform the lives of others through your chosen career path.

MEET ALUMNI FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY, CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND SOCIOLOGY

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.

Messiah's unique approach to hands-on learning

Learning in the classroom is important but actually applying that knowledge in a hands-on way can make all the difference. At Messiah University, the Experiential Learning Initiative (ELI) allows Messiah to take this hands-on learning to a new level by giving students the opportunity to apply what they have learned to various real world contexts--such as an internship/practica, service learning, off-campus program, holding a student leadership position, or participating in undergraduate research.

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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 international honor society for psychology. Students may also participate in faculty research alongside professors if desired.

Creative coursework 

In either degree program, you will focus on areas of study like clinical psychology (assessment and treatment of mental illness), child development, behavioral science, animal behavior, cognition, addiction, substance abuse, community and social psychology. In addition, our program is unique in offering counseling skills classes for undergraduate students.