125 credits
required for program
- Minor Available
- PSEO/Early college online classes
The psychology program is designed for you to study the human mind, understand God’s unique creation, and serve those struggling with mental illness. This degree will lay the perfect foundation for future graduate studies.
Psychology may be the right degree for you if you
- have a passion for serving
- desire to understand human nature
- want to pursue a career in a variety of industries
Why study psychology at Northwestern?
At UNW, students learn to appreciate the intricacies of the mind and its impact on behavior. They are taught clinically-oriented and data-proven strategies through a biblical worldview, as they study the theories and applications of psychology.
The Psychology program prepares students within a Christian context by educating them in four domains: psychological knowledge, scientific methodology, ethics, and communication skills.
The discipline of psychology seeks to understand the nature of human development, motivation, thinking, learning, and emotion. An accurate picture of an individual must include the study of Scriptures; therefore, the study of psychology is made complete by integrating it with biblical principles.
The study of psychology enables students to see themselves as persons of worth and significance. The study of psychology has practical value for Christian service. As we better understand people, we are more effective in our ability to minister to them. Students may earn a concentration in Forensic Psychology or Marriage & Family Counseling or Health Psychology (online). Research and internship experiences help provide added value to their education.
Our expert, Christian faculty encourages students to stretch themselves spiritually and academically. They’ll have the opportunity to participate in internships and the Directed Research program. Many present their research at the yearly Scholarship Symposium. With these opportunities, students develop a network of professionals to help build their resume.
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Psychology? We’ve got that.
Dr. Melissa Mork
Dr. Melissa Mork is a psychology professor here at Northwestern, but when Dr. Mork isn’t in the classroom she is still teaching, whether she is writing, recording episodes for her podcast Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork, or filming TikToks. Dr. Mork has experienced the loss of her parents, friends, children, and her first husband. These losses fueled her mission to help others who have experienced loss cope and work through their grief. Her heart for students is evident in the classroom as she teaches them clinically-oriented and data-proven strategies through a biblical worldview with real life experience to back up the theory.
Learn more about Dr. Mork through her book, “Bounce: From surviving to thriving through loss,” and her podcast, Mental Health with Dr. Melissa Mork.
What degree concentrations are offered in Psychology?
Students interested in completing a concentration in Forensic Psychology will complete 16 credits specifically related to this area of study. Classes include Criminal Justice, Criminal Law, and Measurement & Assessment. Additional credits can be taken in either Deviance, Juvenile Delinquency, Juvenile Procedures, or through a Criminal Justice Internship.
Students interested in completing a Health Psychology concentration will complete 16 credits online specific to this area of study. Classes include Foundations of Health Psychology, Stress Management Strategies, Pain Management Strategies, and Clinical Health Psychology.
*For information about the Health Psychology courses, contact the Adult Undergraduate Office (CGOAL). Tuition for the Health Psychology courses is not included in the traditional undergraduate tuition block.
Students interested in completing a concentration in Marriage and Family will complete 16 credits specific to this area of study. Classes include Interpersonal Psychology, Counseling Children, and Marriage & Family Counseling. In addition to these core classes, students have the option to take Psychology of Gender, Treatment of Special Populations, Directed Psychological Research I, or learn through real-world experience in a psychology internship.
Students interested in completing a concentration in Psychology will complete their choice of 16 credits specific to the PSY prefix within the course catalogue.
Studying psychology at Northwestern allowed me to better understand the complexities of human nature and relationships while also deepening my knowledge of who God made us to be. My education at Northwestern prepared me to further study clinical social work at the graduate level and hold firmly to my faith in the world of mental health.
I graduated from Northwestern with a major in both Criminal Justice and Psychology. Without guidance from knowledgeable professors, I wouldn’t be where I am today. The program prepares students to make greater changes to a broken world and to be a part of the solution instead of just cleaning up the problem. God really used UNW to guide me and show me what I’m really capable of if I keep my eyes on Him. I am now in Law School preparing to be a Criminal Lawyer. I am very excited for what my future has in store and how God is going to lead me into the next chapter of life!
Careers in psychology
There are a variety of career and academic pathways that begin with a degree in psychology. The skills learned in the classroom are transferable and valuable in a variety of careers.
What types of work are related to this degree?
- Advocacy
- Case Management
- Crisis Work
- Intake or Screening
- Service Program Director or Coordinator
- Data Analysis or Test Development
- Adult Learning/Community Instruction
- Higher Education Administration and Student Support Services
- Student Development/Residential Life
- Marketing/Consumer Behavior Research
- Organizational Development
- Corporate Training and Development
- Sales or Customer Service
- Human Resources
- Mental Health Professional
- Rehabilitation Services
- Psychologist
- Applied Behavior Analyst
What will I learn?
Students will learn clinically oriented and data-proven strategies for engaging with the human mind.
PSY 3207
Abnormal Psychology
An examination of the multidimensional determinants which influence the development of psychopathology. Students will explore assessment, diagnosis, and the conceptualization of disorders as defined by the Diagnostic Statistical Manual classification system. An exploration of etiology, diagnostic considerations, and cultural factors will be emphasized. Clinical and scientific research will be examined to understand psychopathology and mental health.
PSY 2108
Lifespan Psychology
A study of the nature and implications of development from conception through death. Emphasis is upon cognitive, moral, spiritual, emotional, interpersonal, and self-development. Topics to be addressed include stages of development from birth through adolescence; maturation during the college years; critical periods of adulthood; marriage, and parenting; ageism and physiological processes of aging; death and dying.
PSY 3308
Principles of Counseling
A study of the clinical types of mental illness, the schools of psychotherapy and the theories and techniques of counseling. Emphasis is upon personality integration and the principles of mental health. Consideration is given to the legal, ethical and practical implications of counseling relationships. Reference is made to various personality tests.
PSY 3135
Positive Psychology
Positive psychology encompasses the study of positive experiences, positive character strengths, positive relationships, and the institutions and practices that facilitate their development, (including spiritual institutions and practices). This course will examine these positive domains that lead to human flourishing. Throughout the course students will engage in experiential learning and practical exercises to increase well-being, which will inform our theoretical and empirical understanding of important questions in positive psychology.
Still have questions about this program or how to apply?
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Discover the Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice, & Law Enforcement
UNW Professors have practice in the field of psychology, bringing their real-world experience to the classroom as they equip students in this area of study.
