Psychology

Major & Minor

How do we think, feel, learn, love, and believe? How do biological, cognitive, and psychosocial processes influence development? How might we improve individual lives and help communities function better for everyone? If these questions intrigue you, study psychology at Bushnell University.

Here, we foster a strong knowledge base in psychology, develop abilities in scientific inquiry and critical thinking, and support faithful, real-world applications of your studies through a psychology-related internship. Growing your knowledge, skills, and abilities in psychology through a Christian lens provides a range of opportunities as a student and beyond.

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Contact

Erin A. Mueller, Ph.D.
Program Director

541-684-7353
emueller@bushnell.edu

 

Why Choose Bushnell?

The psychology major prepares students for careers in community and social services, as well as mental health and counseling. It’s also a great major for those interested in people-oriented fields like human resources, business, marketing, education, and ministry. With available concentration options, our personalized degree sets the foundation students need for career paths in corrections and law to behavioral neuroscience and medicine.

At Bushnell, we provide a rigorous, strong, and supportive psychology program, passionate and dedicated faculty, and an environment where students can thrive while exploring the fascinating field of psychology.

Our courses provide both essential core knowledge and learning relevant to student interests in psychology, and our elective courses and concentrations provide opportunities to study areas of particular and career interests. Our faculty offer individual support and personal care and connection that facilitates our students’ success.

General Psychology

The emphasis of the general psychology major is to equip students with a strong foundation in psychological science. Students will explore the scientific study of biological, social, and psychological factors; apply

psychology to everyday experiences; learn to read, think, and write critically; and consider psychological science from a Christian perspective. Graduates will be prepared for a wide range of careers across social services, business, education, and ministry, as well as graduate study in psychology and related disciplines (e.g., counseling, human relations, marketing, ministry).

FEATURED COURSES

Cross-Cultural Psychology
Vocational Exploration and Psychology
Human Development
Psychology of Learning
Social Psychology
Research Methods

Forensic Psychology

In the forensic psychology concentration, students will gain a working knowledge base of psychological principles as applied to the criminal justice system. They will understand the aspects of forensic psychological evaluations and assessments in criminal cases. In addition to core psychology courses, students will take those in the criminal justice field from seasoned experts. Graduates will be prepared for jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, juvenile justice, and related social service roles. Also, they are ready to continue their studies through graduate programs related to applied psychology and law.

FEATURED COURSES

Law and Criminal Procedure
Juvenile Justice System
Victimology
Forensic Psychology
Theories of Personality
Psychology of Addictive Behaviors

Neuroscience

Neuroscience is a cross-disciplinary field consisting of psychology and life sciences courses such as biology and chemistry. In exploring the interface of brain and mind, the field of neuroscience provides a foundation for deeper understanding of such diverse phenomena as psychological disorders, artificial intelligence, learning and memory, and even brain injury in athletes. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in psychology and related healthcare professions, as well as graduate study in various disciplines (e.g., clinical and cognitive psychology, medicine and nursing, occupational and physical therapy).

FEATURED COURSES

Human Anatomy and Physiology with Lab
Bioregulation
Cognition
Behavioral Neuroscience
Introduction to Neuropsychological Assessment
Neurodiverse Psychology

Program Overview

In the psychology major, students can choose one of three paths for their Bachelor of Science degree: general psychology (onsite or online), a forensic psychology concentration (onsite or online), or a neuroscience concentration (onsite only). The two concentrations build on the core psychology curriculum with emphasis given to their specialty areas while continuing to explore psychological science from a Christian perspective.

Majors

Minors

  • General Psychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Criminal Justice

Program Objectives

Graduates of this program will:

  • Demonstrate a working knowledge base of psychology
  • Demonstrate scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills
  • Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological explanations and practices and adopt values
    that build community in a diverse world
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills in a variety of formats
  • Apply psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits
  • Apply Christian faith to an understanding of psychological science

Program Outcomes

National Exam Scores:

  • 77% of students (24/31) had a 73% or higher test average
  • 93% of students scored 73% or higher on research methods and biological psychology
  • 87% of students scored 73% or higher on human development, gender & sexuality
  • 57% of students scored 73% or higher on sensation & perception and learning
  • 69% of students scored 73% or higher on memory and thinking
  •  81% scored 73% or higher on social psychology, motivation, emotion and health
  • 65% scored 73% or higher on personality and psychological disorders

Highlighted Courses

Bushnell’s Psychology Program is distinct in that our students have access to a broad selection of psychology courses combined with a personalized experience. Seniors complete internships (PSY 495) where they gain hands-on, real-world experience related to their interests and areas of study. They also complete a senior capstone (PSY 499) to dive deeper into the empirical research in their chosen topic to better understand and apply it, culminating with a presentation of what they learned. Regardless of the focus you choose, be assured that our professors will guide you on a path that prepares you for your next steps, whether in the work world or graduate school.

PSY 315 Forensic Psychology

An introduction to psychological principles and the legal system. This
course includes, but is not limited to, topics such as evaluation and treatment of offenders, victim services, juvenile justice, family services and law, police psychology, risk assessment, and correctional
psychology.

PSY 440 Psychology of Religion

An introduction to empirical approaches in the study of religion from
the psychological perspective which includes studying the developmental, psychobiological, and cultural influences that affect beliefs and behaviors. Further, the roles of religion in psychopathology and well-being will be discussed. The course will be taught using a scientific foundation to understand religion.

 

Beacon Points of Pride

  • 100% of traditional undergraduates students graduate with at least 135 hours of field experience
  • 190 company and school internship and field experience partners
  • The National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) reported a 100-percent pass rate for Bushnell students on the national exams (NCE & NCMHE) over the last year. Bushnell students score on average higher than the national averages on 12 of the 14 exam areas
  • According to EDsmart.org, a nationally recognized publisher of college resources and rankings, Bushnell University is ranked 2nd in the state of Oregon among fully accredited universities and colleges

Career Opportunities

Careers with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology include:

  • Human services case manager
  • Correctional treatment specialist
  • Child care worker
  • Parole and probation officer
  • Gerontology aide
  • Research and grant writer
  • Research assistant
  • Public relations specialist

Internship Sites

  • Family Faith and Relationship Advocates (FARA)
  • Eugene Mission
  • PeaceHealth
  • Cascade Hospice
  • Christians As Family Advocates (CAFA)
  • Family Development Center Douglass County Relief Nursery
  • CFD – Recovery Program
  • Looking Glass – (AYS)
  • Postpartum Support International
  • Eating Disorder Center of Eugene – Monte Nido

Life After Graduation

Our graduates pursue careers in health and medical services, law and law enforcement, ministry and church relations, social and human services, sport and fitness, business and sales, teaching and research, counseling and therapy, and more. Some pursue graduate school, completing masters and doctoral programs of various kinds.

Here is a sampling of graduate programs our graduates are enrolled at:

  • Bushnell CMHC
  • University of Oregon School of Business (sports marketing)
  • George Fox University School of Physical Therapy
  • George Fox University School of Clinical Mental Health Counseling
  • Arizona State School of Social Work
  • Portland State University
  • University of Portland
  • University of Southern California, Rossier School of Education
  • Dankook University

Master of Counseling

This 60-credit hour program is offered in a hybrid format and is designed to be completed in 28 months. Some of your classes will be onsite during the evening hours and some will be offered online.

In addition to class time, students have an opportunity for direct client contact at Bushnell University’s operational onsite counseling clinic.

For more information, visit our Masters of Arts in Clinical Mental Health page.

Life at Bushnell

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Academic Catalog

Hear From Our Students

Slide 1
"The psychology program at Bushnell University significantly impacted me; it was my first experience and exposure to the formal research process. This opportunity and mentorship opened my eyes to the world of research and served as a catalyst for my career in academia. I was interested in working with people and finding a career that positively impacted my community."
-Linsey (Johnson) Belisle '14
Slide 2
"I chose to attend Bushnell because of the community. Everyone was so welcoming, and the faculty and staff genuinely care for all of the students. I decided Psychology was the path for me since I have always been intrigued with behavior and emotions. I am a critical processor and psychology deepens my understanding of the world and how to handle certain situations."
-Brooklyn Cahoon '24
Slide 3
"I chose to attend Bushnell University because I was interested in pursuing a degree in Psychology and I liked that it is a Christ-centered environment. I decided to choose the Psychology & Counseling department at Bushnell because I am interested in the mind in relation to behavior seeing as it benefits society and enhances our lives."
-Kirin Pannu '23
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Meet the Faculty

Erin A. Mueller, Ph.D. Program Director

“The Psychology program at Bushnell provides students the best of both worlds – a broad selection of Psychology courses combined with a personalized experience. Your professors come alongside you during your journey to guide you on a path that prepares you for your next steps, whether in the work world or graduate school.

Engaging courses, integration of faith, individualized research, hands-on experiences, and a fun and supportive community offer Bushnell Psychology students a unique undergraduate experience.”

Psychology Faculty

Erin Mueller, Ph.D.    Reed Mueller, Ph.D.    Alexandra Olsen, Ph.D.   Nani Skaggs, Ph.D.    Clare Steffen, Ed.D.