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B.A. in PsychologyDedicated to
Helping Others Thrive

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Explore Undergraduate

Psychology

Understanding psychology is a valuable discipline no matter what your future profession. It’s about seeing patterns and exploring the intricacies of the human mind and behavior. A degree in psychology can launch you down one of many paths—counseling, social work, teaching and more. Our faculty in the Social Science Division are dedicated to equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to start your career.

Degree Type

  • Bachelor of Arts
  • Minor

Format

  • On Campus
  • Residential

Location

  • Grand Rapids

Find Purpose In
Your Vocation

Cornerstone University prepares students to apply the practical principles of psychology to their careers. With three separate concentrations, students will be able to dive deeper into facets of social science that will give them a clearer understanding of child and adolescent services, clinical psychology and counseling. The child and adolescent services track equips students with an understanding of family dynamics and communication and can be applied in counseling and social work settings. The psychological science and practice track prepares students for research, industrial and organizational psychology and general psychology. Students in the counseling track become adept in understanding relational dynamics and best practices for counseling.

Careers

If you’re interested in psychology, there are several career paths available for you. Our psychology program offers concentrations in counseling, child and adolescent services and behavioral research. Each of these concentrations is valuable and in high demand in workplaces across the country.

Opportunities

  • Adoption counselor
  • Case manager
  • Youth residential treatment programs
  • Group home manager
  • Parent educator
  • Substance abuse counselor

Internships

As a student at Cornerstone, you will take part in an internship or practicum to enrich your education and provide you with valuable experience. Our Center for Career and Life Calling will help you connect with one of our area partners.

Opportunities

  • Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services
  • West Michigan Refugee Education Center
  • Alpha Women's Center
  • Bethany Christian Services
  • Wedgwood Christian Services
  • DeVos Children's Hospital

100%

Of psychology graduates from the class of 2019 were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.

15:1

Student-to-faculty ratio with an average class size of 22.

100%

Of students participate in internship or practicum experiences.

Program Concentrations

The psychology program at Cornerstone is designed to inspire your intellect, deepen your character and prepare you to lead in your career with influence and wisdom.

Child and Adolescent Services Concentration

The child and adolescent services concentration prepares you to work in a variety of human service roles that focus on children, adolescents and families. Your course work and related experiences will focus on child and adolescent development, creative therapeutic approaches for children and families and the contexts that impact children and adolescents.

If you desire to work with children, adolescents and families in agency, counseling and ministry settings, consider adding this emphasis to your program of study.

Psychology: Child and Adolescent Services Four-Year Planning Guide (PDF)

Counseling Concentration

The counseling concentration prepares you to support and encourage the health and development of children, adults and families in a variety of workplace and ministry environments. You’ll examine, explore and critique psychological ideas, theories and applications from a Christian perspective. In addition, you’ll apply what you learn in the classroom to work, volunteer, internship and professional experiences throughout West Michigan.

At Cornerstone, our program is unique because:

  • Faculty hold decades of experience in counseling, school-based practice and research.
  • Students complete an original research project and APA research paper, with the opportunity to present at local, state and national conferences.
  • Students from our program consistently score above the 90th percentile on the Major Field Assessment Test, a national standardized test of psychology majors in all different types of college and university settings.

Psychology: Counseling Four-Year Planning Guide (PDF)

Psychological Science & Practice Concentration

Psychology is a discipline that prepares you to understand and work with diverse people. A psychology background is also appealing to employers in diverse areas such as professional ministry, medicine or health care, business—such as human resources and marketing—and nonprofit work.

At Cornerstone, our program is unique because:

  • Faculty hold decades of experience in counseling, school-based practice and research.
  • Students complete an original research project and APA research paper, with the opportunity to present at local, state and national conferences.
  • Students from our program consistently score above the 90th percentile on the Major Field Assessment Test, a national standardized test of psychology majors in all different types of college and university settings.

Psychological Science & Practice Four-Year Planning Guide (PDF)

Want to Learn More About CU?

Cornerstone has opened my eyes and helped me realize the profession that truly excites me! The staff at Cornerstone has been extremely helpful in answering my many questions and supporting me on this journey.

Alexis Demery (’23)

Faculty

CU professors are devoted to the success of our students. Select a faculty member to learn more about their campus involvement, research interests and teaching responsibilities.

Related Programs

The Social Science Division has several degree options available. Take a look at some of the other programs related to psychology.

Admissions Office

Contact

F:
616.222.1418

Hours

MON - FRI: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
SAT & SUN: Closed

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