About the Psychology Major at JBU
Psychology major Heather Tiller ’13 discovered that JBU’s classes didn’t just teach her about human behavior. “One of the most useful skills I’ve learned from studying psychology has been research,” she said. “Through studying research, I’ve learned effective ways of gathering and interpreting information, managing my time and writing scholarly papers.”
Psychology is the science of behavior and mental processes. Thus, courses introduce students to the methods of psychology as a science, psychological language, literature, principles and schools of thought. Professors challenge students to consider the relationship between biblical truth and psychological truth.
Students are introduced to research methods in psychology that stress critical thinking about methodological issues. A research seminar gives students the opportunity to develop research skills in a content area with the goal of completing and presenting an empirical research project. Students also have an opportunity to submit their research for publication in the Psychology department's online journal of undergraduate research: Initial Forays in Psychological Science. Students may also gain field experience through placement in a variety of off-campus settings in order to gain practical exposure in the professional field.
Faculty encourage students to use class-learned skills in the Siloam or JBU community. For Heather, this means working with a non-profit organization to develop a music program for children with special needs. “I’m using my major by applying elements of developmental, behavior, cognitive and social psychology to my work,” she explained.
What does Heather want to do after graduating from JBU? “I’m considering grad school,” she said. “I would want to do work in child development or music therapy.”
Opportunities after graduation:
- Graduate school
- Counseling
- Social work
- Consulting
