“Graceland University’s psychology program allowed me to study a wide range of concepts and ideas that has prepared me for many aspects of my continuing education in the health field. With my professors’ support and counsel, I have a greater ability to see the entirety of the patients who cross my path. “
Hallie Linhart ’19
A PSYCHOLOGY major from Graceland equips students to be proficient in not only the theoretical and experimental but also the applied and clinical aspects of the psychology field. Psychologists are employed in many fields including the military, government, education, and sports. Psychologists are everywhere and do almost everything.
Graceland's psychology department regularly integrates its offerings with other related departments across the university including biology and biochemistry, movement and sport science, sociology and human services, computer science and robotics, and art and music. We have many students who double major in these areas and go on to careers in the areas of psychological medicine, social work, and art and movement therapy, among others. Additionally, psychology is thoroughly integrated with the university’s counseling services and members of those services are regularly involved in teaching and advising our students alongside our core faculty.
In addition to the general education requirements, majors in Psychology must complete a 34 or more semester hours in Psychology and 3 semester hours of supporting courses.
Required courses (28 s.h.)
Elective block: Take an additional 6 semester hours from:
Support courses:
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective. +This course is only offered every other year.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
Consideration of how humans receive and interpret information from their environment through receptor systems and brain mechanisms. Including theories of perception, biology of sensory and perceptual systems, and practical applications of findings from research. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C. +This course is only offered every other year.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Goal 4, ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.
A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: Five semester hours in Psychology. Goal 1C
Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510, psychology major.
Examination of professional and ethical issues, as well as careers and graduate education in psychology. Students will procure a professional internship in the field, which should be completed during the following semester. Prerequisite: Psychology major and junior standing.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Students will work with their professor in PSYC3520 to identify an internship where they can apply knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Prerequisite: psychology major, junior standing, instructor’s consent.
A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
Data analysis and measures of central tendency, dispersion, and correlation. Introduction to probability. Estimation and hypothesis testing. Bivariate regression. ANOVA. Introduction to nonparametric techniques. Prerequisite: 1 year high school algebra. ELO6 Math, GE2B Foundational Skills-Mathematics/Quantitative.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective. +This course is only offered every other year.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
Consideration of how humans receive and interpret information from their environment through receptor systems and brain mechanisms. Including theories of perception, biology of sensory and perceptual systems, and practical applications of findings from research. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C. +This course is only offered every other year.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Goal 4, ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.
A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: Five semester hours in Psychology. Goal 1C
Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510, psychology major.
Examination of professional and ethical issues, as well as careers and graduate education in psychology. Students will procure a professional internship in the field, which should be completed during the following semester. Prerequisite: Psychology major and junior standing.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Students will work with their professor in PSYC3520 to identify an internship where they can apply knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Prerequisite: psychology major, junior standing, instructor’s consent.
A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
A minor in Psychology consists of 18 semester hours in psychology including PSYC1300 Introductory Psychology, plus 9 additional semester hours from the list of required psychology core courses and 6 additional semester hours from the list of psychology electives.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
ONLY FOR NON-PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS WHO WANT A SECONDARY PSYCHOLOGY ENDORSEMENT (5-12): Non-Psychology Majors desiring a secondary Psychology endorsement (5-12) in Iowa must complete the Secondary Education Program (with SOSC3390 Methods of Teaching Social Studies as the appropriate methods course), a major in a secondary teaching field, and 24 s.h. in Psychology including the following courses:
Or a student may take 30 s.h. in the broad area of Social Sciences to include 15 s.h. in Psychology including the following courses:
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Discussions of the general and specific objectives of social studies in the secondary school system, the materials and resources available, techniques in teaching the social studies, types of curricula, and methods of evaluation. Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Discussions of the general and specific objectives of social studies in the secondary school system, the materials and resources available, techniques in teaching the social studies, types of curricula, and methods of evaluation. Prerequisites: admittance into Teacher Education, unless part of an approved Liberal Studies Program.
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective. +This course is only offered every other year.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
Consideration of how humans receive and interpret information from their environment through receptor systems and brain mechanisms. Including theories of perception, biology of sensory and perceptual systems, and practical applications of findings from research. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C. +This course is only offered every other year.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Goal 4, ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.
A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: Five semester hours in Psychology. Goal 1C
Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
Psychological theory applied to problems of work: workplace design; group behavior; labor-management relations; leadership; employee selection and retention; psychological evaluation of workers. Goal 1C
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510, psychology major.
In-depth study of topics in the field of psychology. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Examination of professional and ethical issues, as well as careers and graduate education in psychology. Students will procure a professional internship in the field, which should be completed during the following semester. Prerequisite: Psychology major and junior standing.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Students will work with their professor in PSYC3520 to identify an internship where they can apply knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Prerequisite: psychology major, junior standing, instructor’s consent.
A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
An introductory survey of psychological methods and thoughts as they relate to human experience and behavior. Topics include the role of the central nervous system in mediating behavior, learning and memory, states of awareness, motivation and emotion, personality, psychological disorders, and therapy. Goal 1C, ELO5 Social Science - Innovation
The study of human development over the entire lifespan. Focus is on the interaction of physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects of development. ELO5 Social Science - Equality, ELO5 Social Science - Equality and Peace
A social science approach to relationships and attraction with a focus on marriage and the family unit. Topics include dating, marital roles, parenting, and interaction patterns. Explores disruptions such as divorce and domestic violence as well as clinical and community-level interventions from a systems perspective. +This course is only offered every other year.
Analysis and application of psychological and sociological data related to the participation of the coach and the athlete in competitive sports programs. Prerequisites: Junior standing or instructor's permission.
Consideration of how humans receive and interpret information from their environment through receptor systems and brain mechanisms. Including theories of perception, biology of sensory and perceptual systems, and practical applications of findings from research. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C. +This course is only offered every other year.
The study of how people think, feel, and behave in social situations. Attention given to research and application to social perception, interaction, and influence. Prerequisite: SOCI1300 or PSYC1300 (grade of C or better). Goal 1C.
Examination of the biological substrates of behavior. Topics include synaptic transmission and patterns of neural activity, sleep and arousal, learning and memory, and motivation and emotion. Prerequisites: PSYC1300 +This course is only offered every other year.
A study of personality from dispositional, psychodynamic, humanistic, and behavioral perspectives and of the application of personality perspectives to current issues. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Study of psychological theories and empirical findings relating to variations in cultures. Goal 4, ELO4 Global Learning - World Citizenship, ELO4 Global Learning - Equality and Peace.
A study of the disorders outlined in the current diagnostic statistical manual. Emphasis will be on etiology, symptoms, and methods of treatment. Prerequisite: Five semester hours in Psychology. Goal 1C
Research and theory in areas of cognitive psychology, including attention; memory acquisition, storage, and retrieval; language comprehension; and problem solving. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
Psychological theory applied to problems of work: workplace design; group behavior; labor-management relations; leadership; employee selection and retention; psychological evaluation of workers. Goal 1C
Explores a variety of theories of learning. Considers both conceptual and applied aspects of learning. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C +This course is only offered every other year.
A survey of the principles and practices of social research, including research ethics, experimental design, surveys, in-depth interviews, content analysis, participant observation, and field studies. Students also learn to write in scientific journal style. Prerequisite: MATH1370.
Development and implementation of an original research project. Prerequisite: PSYC3510, psychology major.
In-depth study of topics in the field of psychology. May be repeated for credit as topics vary. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
Examination of professional and ethical issues, as well as careers and graduate education in psychology. Students will procure a professional internship in the field, which should be completed during the following semester. Prerequisite: Psychology major and junior standing.
A historical analysis of systematic foundations in psychology. Includes Structuralism, Functionalism, Behaviorism, Gestalt psychology, and Psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: 5 semester hours in psychology.
Students will work with their professor in PSYC3520 to identify an internship where they can apply knowledge, theory, and skills from the major in a professional setting. Students should enroll in 1 credit for every 50 hours that will be volunteered in the sponsor organization (with a maximum of 4 credits). Prerequisite: psychology major, junior standing, instructor’s consent.
A course designed to explore characteristics of counselors, characteristics of clients, basic counseling techniques, and current theories of counseling. Prerequisite: PSYC1300. Goal 1C
An psychology major from Graceland University can help to prepare you for these careers:
…and many other exciting fields.
Employed in Field
51%
Psychology graduates
Estimated Salary
$65,000
Psychology graduates
99% of students on the Lamoni campus receive financial aid.
As you consider college, you want a simple, easy-to-understand formula designed to ensure that the one-of-a-kind Graceland Experience is within reach for your family. Undergraduate tuition includes our unique Transformational Leadership major, and we offer generous financial aid and scholarships to all of our students, making Graceland as affordable, if not moreso, than most public universities.
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