Psychology
Psychology explores multiple perspectives of human nature, including cognitive, behavioral, biological, social-cultural and spiritual.
Studying psychology helps us understand how God designed people and the world. Learning about the complexity of the human brain fills us with wonder at the complexity and beauty of what God has made.
Psychology also helps us understand ourselves and the people around us. Students learn practical skills like active listening, working together in groups, supporting friends who are in crisis, and coping with difficult emotions and experiences. Students love that they can apply what they learn right away, in their real lives. Our graduates gain the foundational knowledge needed to enter the workforce in a helping profession, continue on to graduate school for counseling or social work, serve in ministry settings, or engage in research.
We are passionate about thoughtful integration of Christian faith with our academic discipline, creating space for students to explore how their faith and their academic discipline speak to and strengthen one another. Professors in the psychology department are caring and knowledgeable mentors. We want to hear your story, understand what drew you to the major, and create a path for you to be successful at Vanguard. Because psychology is so broad, it is important to have community around you, helping you find the parts of this field that are most exciting for you.
Whatever your passion, you’ll find people to connect with who have experience in that area and are happy to answer your questions and support you along the way. Vibrant student organizations provide more opportunities for community—recent activities include the Psi Chi honor society induction ceremony, pizza parties, an artistic expression workshop, Psychology chapel, and student-led conversations about mental health.
The psychology major prepares students either to secure employment immediately following graduation or to continue on to pursue advanced study in psychology or counseling at the graduate level.
The Department of Psychology offers the following programs:
A minor in psychology is also offered.
A Sampling of Psychology Courses
Program Highlights
Faculty-Student Research
Students have access to numerous research opportunities, working with faculty mentors to design and implement studies and present their findings at academic conferences.
Experience & Networking
Students participate in internships that allow them to gain valuable experience in helping professions and to make connections with professionals in their field.
Graduate Study Jumpstart
Students can take graduate-level courses during their senior year through our innovative partnerships with Vanguard’s Clinical Psychology master’s program.
Find Your Calling
Psychology majors pursue advanced study and credentials and find meaningful careers in a variety of fields.
Recent alumni work for:
- Easter Seals
- Narooz Clinic
- Bloom Behavioral Health
- Orange County Rescue Mission
- YMCA
- Lynch Ambulance
- Amen Clinics
- Journeys Counseling
- Vanguard University
- Children's Hospital of Orange County
Recent alumni work in:
- Education
- Clinical Mental Health
- Applied Behavioral Analysis
- Community Organizing
- Non-Profits
- Ministry Contexts
- Social Work
- Psychiatry
- Human Resources
- Law Enforcement
Recent alumni study at:
- Azusa Pacific University
- Stanford University
- Chapman University
- California State University, Fullerton
- California State University, Long Beach
- Grand Canyon University
- Pepperdine University
- Texas Christian University
- University of Pennsylvania
- Fuller Theological Seminary