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.
Programs
CMHC Graduate Program
Online Programs
Contact
Erin A. Mueller, Ph.D.
Program Director
541-684-7353
emueller@bushnell.edu
Discover More
Programs
Master of Counseling
Online Programs
Why Choose Bushnell?
The Psychology major will prepare students for careers in mental health, counseling, and community and social services. It’s also a great major for those interested in people-oriented jobs like human resources, business, sales, marketing, and ministry. We provide a rigorous, strong, and highly supportive psychology program, passionate and dedicated faculty, and an environment where students can explore the study of psychology.
Our courses provide both essential core knowledge and learning relavant to student interests in psychology and our elective courses provide opportunities to study areas of particular and career interests. Our faculty offer individual support and perosnal care and connection that supports our students in being successful.
Program Overview
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
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 wellbeing 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 of your classes 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.
Course Syllabi is available upon request via email at rmelton@bushnell.edu. For more information, click HERE.
Life at Bushnell
Visit Campus
Academic Catalog

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
Roger Kennedy, M.A. Erin A. Mueller, Ph.D. Reed Mueller, Ph.D. Nani Skaggs, Ph.D. Clare Steffen, Ed.D.