Psychology
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Science
Psychology is the systematic and scientific study of human functioning.
Human psychology is the result of biological, developmental, emotional, cognitive, and social processes. Psychologists study these processes through the application of the scientific method and apply their findings to better understand human behavior.
If understanding human thought and behavior is at the heart of a liberal arts education, the study of psychology is at the heart of that process. For those interested in the study of human thought, emotion, and behavior, a psychology major is ideal.
The Psychology major at Cal Lutheran is designed to expose students to the theoretical and empirical foundations of the discipline as well as the applications of established principles to behavior change. As a result of majoring in Psychology, you’ll be prepared for graduate work in the discipline as well as to apply the concepts and skills you’ll acquire in a variety of career settings.
Combine theory and observation
Our program is designed to expose you to the theoretical and empirical foundations of psychology, as well as the applications of established principles to behavior change. You will apply the major research methods used in psychology to answer questions and be able to interpret and evaluate the results and conclusions derived through these methods. Our faculty encourages students to become actively engaged in the learning process.
The four junior/senior capstone courses (Clinical Practicum, Applied Psychology, Introduction to Counseling & Psychotherapy and Research Practicum) involve students directly in the mental health field as they integrate and apply theory and concepts, and address ethical and practical concerns.
Psi Chi honor society
Qualified students may join the Cal Lutheran chapter of Psi Chi, the international honor society in psychology. Each year, several students receive support to present the findings of their research projects at undergraduate, regional, and even national conferences.
Opportunities for hands-on research
As a psychology student, you are asked as part of your course requirements to participate in a number of research studies. Doing this will provide you an opportunity to observe the empirical process of psychological inquiry from the inside. Your participation will also assist professors and other student researchers in forwarding the understanding of human behavior and experience – the main goal of psychology as a science!
Choose between a B.A. or B.S. degree
Students targeting work in community service centers, social work, clinics and business usually pursue the bachelor of arts degree in psychology. Those considering careers in the clinical and research arena typically seek the bachelor of science in psychology degree.
Emphasis Areas
Programs
Offered as a major (BA or BS) and a minor.
Recommended Minors
Want to add even more value to your degree? Consider one of these minors to gain a unique combination of skills and perspectives.
- Biology
- Financial Planning
- Gender and Women’s Studies
- Legal Studies
- Philosophy
- Public Health
- Sociology
- Theology and Christian Leadership
In order to discover their purpose, students need to be given an opportunity to learn about what their community and their world need, in addition to learning about what their personal strengths and passions are. I try to give them a safe place in my work with them to talk about both.
Jodie Kocur
Assistant Professor
This major has a range of career options and will help with personal growth. I am interested in working within the juvenile justice system to make a positive impact on young lives and help them navigate their challenges. I have identified this path by taking courses such as Child and Adolescent Development (PSYC 304), volunteering my time at local schools, and joining ride-alongs with the local sheriff’s department.
Yanely Lara '24
Psychology Major
Your degree will be excellent preparation for graduate work in psychology, law, and business.
With a bachelor’s degree, you will find employment opportunities in psychiatric rehabilitation programs, as research assistants, and in the business world.
If you choose to pursue a master’s degree, you will be able to work in clinics and institutions, teach at a two-year college, or work as a school psychologist or counselor. For some clinical and research work, a doctorate is required.
Cal Lutheran offers master’s degrees in clinical psychology and counseling psychology with a specialization in marital and family therapy (MFT) as well as a PsyD (doctorate) degree in Psychology.
Our alumni study at:
- Azusa Pacific
- Boston University
- California Lutheran University
- Chapman University
- Chicago School of Professional Psychology
- John Hopkins University
- New York University
- Pepperdine University School of Law
- Purdue University
- UCLA
- University of Hawaii
- University of Southern California
- University of Washington
Our alumni work for:
- AmeriCorps
- Applied Behavior Consultants
- Aspen Center for Autism
- Behavior Therapy & Family Counseling Clinic
- Casa Pacifica
- California Psych Care
- Children’s Hospital
- Denver Health Medical Center
- Institute for Applied Behavior Analysis
- Interface Children Family Services
- Peace Corps
Career paths:
- Alcohol/Drug Counselor
- Behavior Management Consultant
- Career Counselor
- Case Management Specialist
- Child Care Consultant
- Developmental Therapist
- Head Interventionist
- Marriage and Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Shelter Client Advocate
- Special Education Teacher
- Therapeutic Behavior Specialist
- Youth Development Facilitator
of Cal Lutheran graduates find a job or enroll in graduate school within nine months
The key skill I learned in the psychology program that I now use in my career is Positive Psychology. Leading with empathy is one of the topics that is near and dear to my heart. I hope to continue positively influencing my team by mentoring and coaching them while creating a safe team environment.
Elizabeth Valladares '19
Psychology Major
Junior Scrum Master, SAP Signavio
Berlin, Germany
Professor of Psychology
Associate Professor
Professor of Psychology
Professor of Psychology
Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology
Director of Research Development and Support & Associate Professor of Psychology
Lecturer in the Psychology Department
Associate Professor and Department Chair, Psychology
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