Psychology
Learn to understand and help others through practical experience and a multifaceted curriculum. Explore the intricate world of the human mind through the lens of faith.
Bring clarity and healing to a world in need.
Prepare to address human needs through the study and practical application of psychological concepts. Sharpen your critical thinking skills in a breadth of courses led by knowledgeable and caring professors who will help you identify your career goals and navigate the field after graduation. Your journey through the human psyche will be informed by a Christian perspective — and made tangible through internships and volunteer opportunities.
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VisitFollowing the American Psychological Association’s guidelines for undergraduate study, the psychology program at SAU combines the theories of modern psychology with a Christian perspective in a comprehensive curriculum. As a psychology student, you’ll likely take several of the following key courses:
- PSY 240 Health Psychology (3)
- PSY 242 Death, Grief & Loss (3)
- PSY 253 Forensic Psychology (3)
- PSY 300 Psychological Issues in Children (3)
- PSY 301 Positive Psychology (3)
- PSY 305 Abnormal Psychology (3)
- PSY 320 Psychology of Sport (3)
- PSY 385 Psychology Practicum (4-12)
- PSY 403 Physiological Psychology (4)
- PSY 498 Capstone: Integration & Preparation (4)
Find a complete list of psychology courses in the undergraduate catalog.
Once you receive your psychology degree, you’ll be equipped to immediately enter into a variety of entry-level careers in the helping professions. You’ll also have the option of continuing your education through graduate school programs.
You may find yourself working in one of the following fields after graduation:
- Case Management
- Community Service
- Counseling
- Crisis Intervention
- Foster Care System
- Hospice Care
- Human Resources
- Law Enforcement
- Mental Health
- Ministry
- Quality Assurance
- Rehabilitation
- Social Work
Psychology students have the opportunity to be involved in the Center for Autism Spectrum Enrichment (CASE), a program developed in our psychology department to offer support to local families with children on the Autism spectrum. CASE provides students the opportunity to develop and lead activities designed to help participants learn, grow — and have fun! A similar program, BOUNCE, allows students to work with children who have experienced trauma.
Some psychology classes have field trips built into the curriculum. For instance, students in Abnormal Psychology visit a psychiatric hospital; students in Physiological Psychology visit a sleep lab; and students in Forensic Psychology visit a mental health court.
All psychology students are required to conduct original psychological research. Students may also participate in mock interviewing and counseling and brain dissection.
SAU’s chapter of PSI CHI, the International Honor Society in Psychology, has been active for over 40 years. Through this organization, the psychology department offers book clubs and movie nights which spark analysis and conversation.
The psychology department also offers a research roundtable, which allows students to discuss psychological research outside of the classroom.
At SAU, you’ll find professors who care about you personally. As a psychology student, you’ll learn from the following experienced faculty members:
Professor of Psychology, Dean of the School of Social Sciences, Chair of Psychology Department
Associate Professor of Counseling, Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Professor of Psychology
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Adjunct Professor of Psychology
Adjunct Professor of Psychology