History and Social Science Division

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Description:

Students with a major or minor in psychology will study aspects of human cognition, emotion, development, and behavior.  A typical plan might include courses in general psychology; human development; abnormal psychology; personality; counseling theory and techniques; physiological psychology; learning and motivation; professional ethics; and statistics/research methods.  Throughout their program, students will focus on how psychological principles, theories and techniques can fit within a Christian worldview that equips them to facilitate meaningful and positive changes in a variety of ways.

What types of students succeed in this program?

Students drawn to study psychology typically have a strong desire to understand, support, and help people.  They may have strong interests in understanding how the brain influences behavior; normal and abnormal human behavior and development; relationship dynamics; and facilitating therapeutic change in people’s lives.  They are typically adept in the areas of social skills, written and spoken communication, understanding diversity, and empathy.  Students of psychology are strongly motivated to make meaningful differences in the lives of people, families, schools, agencies, communities and society.

What can I do with this major or minor?

Psychology is a discipline that has applicability in nearly every profession.  Many psychology majors go on to graduate school to prepare for careers in counseling within private practices, agencies, schools, and hospitals.  Others who pursue advanced study in psychology go on to work as mental health consultants, professors, researchers, and administrators.  Due to students’ preparation in understanding and working with diverse people, a psychology background is also appealing to employers in diverse areas such as professional ministry, medicine/health care, business (such as human resources and marketing), and nonprofit work.

Possible positions in:
Activity Leader
Crisis Intervention Counselor
International Student Advisor
Admissions Evaluator
Customer Service Representative
Job Developer
Advertising Assistant
Customs/Immigration Officer
Junior Market Analyst
Assist. Account Executive
Employment Agency Counselor
Labor Relations Specialist
Community and Social Service Worker
Food and Beverage Assistant Manager
Market Research Analyst
Case Worker
Health Club Assist. Mgr.
Marketing/Sales Manager
Community Relations Representative
Hospice Coordinator
Media Buyer
Copywriter
Hotel Event Management
Media Planner
Corporate Merchandising
Human Resources
Mental Health Coordinator
Corrections Officer
Public Opinion Surveyor
Personnel Assistant
Correctional Caseworker
Public Relations Assistant
Personnel Interviewer
Cottage Parent
Recreation Specialist
Statistician Assistant
Probation Officer
Sales Representative
Teacher
Professional Employment Recruiter
Social Service Professional Staff
Technical Writer/Communicator
Program Developer
Wage/Benefits Analyst
Television/Media Research
Youth Corrections Officer

What are some of internships or partnerships with this program?

A broad range of internships and practical experiences are available to psychology majors at Cornerstone University.  Many of our students gain valuable practical experience in area agencies and organizations, including adoption agencies, pregnancy resource centers, law enforcement agencies, inpatient programs, group homes, children’s hospitals, private practice counseling centers, public schools, and churches/ministry centers.  Cornerstone University works in partnership with places such as Pine Rest, DeVos Children’s Hospital, D.A. Blodgett, Wedgwood, St. John’s Home, Kent County Juvenile Courts, and Alpha Women’s Center to train our students in applying Christ-centered academic knowledge in real world settings.  We tailor internship experiences to meet the interests, goals, and talents of each individual student in our program.

What is the future outlook with a degree in this area?

Skilled Christian helpers are needed in all areas of society, and this need is only likely to intensify.  With so many challenges and adversities facing today’s individual, families and communities, an increasing breadth of organizations, agencies, and churches are seeking the expertise of professional psychologists to provide support and counsel to employees, clients, and groups.  The future of psychology and the helping professions is very secure, particularly for those willing to pursue advanced training and specialization.

See admissions (prospective students) or career services (current students) for more information