Bachelor of Arts in Psychology | Northwest University

The Psychology major at Northwest University invites you to explore the human condition in light of a distinctive Christian worldview. Our theoretical framework synthesizes broad-based knowledge drawn from the fields of psychology, anthropology, sociology, and cultural studies to provide the student with a sound social sciences foundation. Students are challenged and equipped to become change agents, accepting the responsibility to truly make a difference in the lives of hurting individuals within a global context.

Why I Teach Psychology - Dr. Cherri Seese

My name is Cherri Seese, and I’m a Professor in Psychology.

I am passionate about psychology and the human mind because God is passionate about the human mind. We are made in His image. He designed our human mind, our biology of the brain, for a very specific design and purpose. And He gave us feelings for a very specific design and purpose.

And so I find that humans, coupled with the presence of the Holy Spirit, can mold and shape our feelings, our behaviors, and our thoughts to glorify God and to serve those around us.

I really want to engage students in not just the theory, but how that theory applies to their daily lives, or their personal growth and development, or of course future occupations. So that means I have to be sensitive to how each student learns, how each student receives that information, how I engage each student.

I also do a lot of things outside of the classroom. I have this thing called “Coffee All Call.” I’ll send an email out to all the psych majors and say the first one to respond to this email, I’ll take you to coffee—on me. And we don’t really talk about the subject or class. I’m just really trying to get to know them—what their passions are, what they hope to do with the degree, and what’s going on in their life—just to let them know that I’m here.

I also do a lot of organizational activities. Every time one of the organizations on campus asks me to participate, I say yes. And that is so that I can communicate with students that it’s not just you sitting in the classroom that’s important to me. It’s you, and investing time with you and in you, both in and out of the classroom.

I love that I’m part of a praying community—that when there are tough times, or even if I’m having a rough morning, I can walk into the classroom and say, “You know what? I need prayer, so let’s open up in prayer,” and everybody’s right there. Or I had a death in the family last year, and I can’t tell you how many of my students and colleagues were like, “I’m so sorry. I’m praying for you.” And that was unsolicited.

So I love that we are doing life together in a learning community.

In this time in our life, we’re young. There’s all that leaving behind what I’ve known and making a life for myself. My faith is now going to be my own. I have to figure out an occupation for myself, maybe find a mate—all of this new, new stuff. And it can be scary.

But to trust God in that process, and trust that all of us here at Northwest are coming alongside you in it—we’re part of the safety net to help you kind of figure those things out.

So even though it feels like it might be overwhelming and scary, it really is a great, safe place to start exploring.

Why Psychology at NU?

Benefit from small classes where you receive personal attention from professors who care about your success.
Develop a global approach to psychology, engaging with challenging issues related to culture and social injustice.
Learn from highly qualified faculty members who are active in the behavioral sciences.
Integrate your faith with your learning while drawing from disciplines such as sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
Put your learning into action through hands-on practicum opportunities.

I wouldn’t be where I am if it wasn’t for the time that my psychology professors spent with me. I’ve been truly blessed by the prayers, the connections made, and the material that I was taught at NU.

–Valentina Korepanova

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Practicum Opportunities

Children’s Hospital Medical Center
City of Bellevue Teen Services
Eastside Recovery Center
Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF)
Kirkland Boys and Girls Club
Local churches

Common Career Paths

A degree from NU can help you launch your career immediately after graduation. Some of the fields that a degree in Psychology can open up for you include:

Counseling / Marriage and Family Therapy
School Counseling
Social Work
Business / Human Relations

A man smiles at the camera outdoors with greenery in the background.

Word from the Dean

“We strive to create a rich environment of faith, in which faculty model Christian character and integrate faith into the classroom experience. We also believe that faith is nurtured best in the context of relationship and seek to create a healthy learning community in which each student is valued and experiences the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships. We likewise present students with a rigorous academic curriculum that prepares them for work in a variety of areas and gives them the necessary tools for successful graduate school application. We also provide opportunities such as study abroad and practicum experiences, which enable them to understand and help other people. Overall, we strive to provide a high-quality education while nourishing our students’ faith and empowering them to meet the needs of the world around them.”

Dr. Robert Campbell

Dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

View Course Descriptions

You can explore program details and course descriptions for this program in our academic catalog.

Go to the Catalog

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Bachelor of Arts in Psychology