Psychology Degree
Apply Now!A career in psychology is a great choice if you are looking to impact the world around you.
Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology
The Psychology degree program at Welch College focuses on the field of social sciences from a Christian worldview. Your studies will include a solid foundation in theological study and psychological theory from a Christian perspective which will help you minister to those in your church and community.
Whether you are looking to attend graduate school or go immediately into a career path, an undergraduate degree in psychology from Welch College is designed to meet the requirements for entrance into psychology-related graduate programs and meet professional organizational standards.
Careers with a Psychology Degree
The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics predicts a promising job outlook for psychologists and counselors. While in today’s competitive job market a degree does not guarantee employment, here are some of the career paths that many professionals pursue with a degree in Psychology:
- Licensed psychologist
- Biblical counselor and/or pastoral counselor
- Substance abuse or mental health counselor
- School counselor
- Social worker
- Human resources
- Criminology and law enforcement
- Journalism and marketing
- Industrial/Organizational psychologist
Psychology programs available at Welch College
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Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Psychology
This program is constructed primarily to prepare students for graduate study, either in psychology or in related fields such as social work and counseling. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of university graduate programs and meet professional organizational standards.
Objectives of the program include those stated for the Theological Studies Major and for the Arts and Sciences Core. The graduate should also be able to:
(1) Articulate a personal theory of the integration of Christian truth and psychology;
(2) Develop an understanding of the spectrum of human thought, emotion, and behavior;
(3) Exhibit an understanding of how people relate to one another; and
(4) Demonstrate the methods by which psychologists gather and interpret new knowledge.
Requirements: 124 hours, with a 2.00 g.p.a. overall and in each segment of the degree.
(1) Theological Studies Major, 32 hours:
- BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
- BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
- BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
- IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
- PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S core)
- THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
- THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
- BIB elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)
(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 41 hours:
- BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
- BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
- ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
- ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
- HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
- IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
- IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
- MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
- MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
- PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
- SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
- SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3
(3) Psychology Major, 38 hours:
- MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3
- PSY 2001. General Psychology, 3
- PSY 2102. Educational Psychology, 2
- PSY 2312. Social Psychology, 3
- PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
- PSY 3204. Physiology of Behavior, 3
- PSY 3601. Christian Counseling, 3
- PSY 3801. The Exceptional Child, 3
- PSY 4003. Abnormal Psychology, 3
- PSY 4106. Personality Theory, 3
- PSY 4206. History and Systems of Psychology, 3
- PSY 4305. Psychological Assessment and Research, 3
- PSY 4830. Psychology Capstone and Practicum, 3
(4) Electives, 13
Bachelor of Science Degree: Major in Psychology, Pre-counseling Emphasis
This program is constructed primarily to prepare students for graduate study, either in psychology or in related fields such as social work and counseling. The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of university graduate programs and meet professional organizational standards.
Objectives of the program include those stated for the Theological Studies Major and for the Arts and Sciences Core. The graduate should also be able to:
(1) Articulate a personal theory of the integration of Christian truth and psychology;
(2) Develop an understanding of the spectrum of human thought, emotion, and behavior;
(3) Exhibit an understanding of how people relate to one another; and
(4) Demonstrate the methods by which psychologists gather and interpret new knowledge.
Requirements: 124 hours, with a 2.00 g.p.a. overall and in each segment of the degree.
(1) Theological Studies Major, 32 hours:
- BIB 1100. Introduction to Biblical Studies, 2
- BIB 1250. Evangelism and Discipleship, 2
- BIB 1011, 1031, 2032, 2062. Bible Survey, 10
- IDS 1902, 3101, 4101. Christianity, Culture, and Worldview, 6 (for content purposes, these courses are shared with the A/S Core)
- PHL 3602. Christian Philosophy, 3 (for content purposes, this is shared with the A/S core)
- THE 3101. Christian Doctrines, 3
- THE 3102. Christian Ethics, 3
- BIB elective, 3 (must be at the 4000 level)
(2) Arts and Sciences Core, 41 hours:
- BIO 1001, 1011. Systems in Biological Science and Lab, 4
- BUS 1150. Microcomputer Applications, 0
- ENG 1111, 1122. Grammar and Composition I, II, 6
- ENG 2111, 2122. Masterpieces of World Literature I, II, 6
- HIS 1011, 1022. History of Western Civilization I, II, 6
- IDS 1501. Leadership and Calling: Personal Development and Leadership Principles, 2
- IDS 2102. Foundations for Civic Engagement, 2
- MAT 1101. College Algebra, 3
- MUS 1002. Music Introduction and Appreciation, 3
- PHE 2100. Lifetime Fitness and PHE activity elective, 3
- SPE 1000. Fundamentals of Speech, 3
- SSC 3101. Marriage and Family, 3
(3) Psychology Major, 32 hours:
- MAT 2111. Introduction to Statistics and Probability, 3
- PSY 2001. General Psychology, 3
- PSY 2102. Educational Psychology, 2
- PSY 2312. Social Psychology, 3
- PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
- PSY 3204. Physiology of Behavior, 3
- PSY 3601. Christian Counseling, 3
- PSY 4106. Personality Theory, 3
- PSY 4206. History and Systems of Psychology, 3
- PSY 4305. Psychological Assessment and Research, 3
- PSY 4820. Psychology Practicum, 3
(4) Pre-counseling Emphasis, 16 hours:
- PSY 3801. The Exceptional Child, 3
- PSY 3813. The Exceptional Child Lab: Helping Families of Exceptional Children, 1
- PSY 3907. Research Project in Psychology, 3
- PSY 4003. Abnormal Psychology, 3
- PSY 4405. Grief and Loss Counseling, 3
- PSY 4806. Foundations of Counseling, 3
(5) Electives, 3 hours:
Minor in Psychology
Students may attach a Psychology Minor to any Welch College bachelor’s degree program. This program will prepare students minimally for graduate study in the psychology field. At least a master’s degree in the field is required for licensed service as a psychologist. The program is constructed to meet requirements for admission to a master’s program at most universities. The minor may not have more than one-third of the course-hours in common with the declared major. Program objectives will include those for the given major(s), as well as those stated for the Arts and Sciences Core.
Requirements: 18 hours
- PSY 2001. General Psychology, 3
- PSY 2402. Lifespan Development, 3
- PSY 3204. Physiology of Behavior, 3
- PSY 3601. Christian Counseling, 3
- PSY 4003. Abnormal Psychology, 3
- PSY 4106. Personality Theory, 3
Psychology Vocational Meetings
Vocational meetings are designed to offer students a chance to gather together as a group to learn more about the psychology program, be informed of research, internship, and career opportunities, meet guest speakers in the field of psychology, counseling, social work, or related field, and increase their knowledge of the discipline. Approximately six meetings are scheduled throughout the academic year and are led by the program coordinator, Dr. Bracey.
Research and Practicum Opportunities
Students are encouraged to participate in research and volunteer opportunities within the field of psychology throughout their time at Welch. These opportunities may be pursued through Christian Service, practicum or internship placements, as well as through student or faculty research projects. All seniors will either participate in an internship or research project as a requirement for their PSY4830 Psychology Capstone course.
Alumni Testimonials
Hear what some of our alumni have to say about the Psychology Program at Welch College:
Almost immediately upon graduating from Welch College with my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I began a job where my education was put to use every day and in every situation. I quickly realized the immeasurable value of the psychology education I had received from Welch as I worked with clients from varying backgrounds and seemingly insurmountable life circumstances. Thanks to my degree in psychology, coupled with my theological education, I am equipped to care for the needs of individuals and assist them in overcoming barriers.
Attending Welch College was a transformative experience that laid the solid foundation for my career as a counselor. The integration of theology and psychology not only enriched my academic journey but also prepared me to approach my clients and students with integrity, the compassion of Jesus, and a deep understanding of human nature. I’m forever grateful for the supportive community and invaluable guidance I received at Welch College.
I loved my time in the Welch College psychology program. I was challenged academically, mentally, and spiritually as I studied fascinating topics and theories from a Christian perspective. This program helped to strengthen my faith, prepare me for a career, and provided the foundation I needed to pursue further education confidently.
Meet your Degree Program Coordinator
Dr. Sarah Bracey
Assistant Professor of Psychology | Program Coordinator, Psychology
B.A., Ball State University, 2003
M.S., Lipscomb University, 2010
Ph.D., University of the Cumberlands, 2019
Adjunct Instructor, Welch College, 2015-19
Liaison for Enriched Adult Studies, 2017-19
Campus Counselor, 2017-
Program Coordinator, Psychology, 2018-
Faculty, Welch College, 2019-