Degree Programs

Whether you plan to pursue a doctorate in psychology or apply your understanding of human dynamics to the workplace, our program equips you to make a meaningful difference in the world. 

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Program Outcomes

Hope College students completing a psychology degree will have:

• Foundational knowledge in psychology by developing an understanding of its content areas and methods
• Intellectual skills that will enable them to think, communicate, gather information and synthesize it, and use quantitative, scientific and technological skills
• Personal characteristics that will equip them in becoming global citizens, further their spiritual development, and enable them to function effectively and ethically in their careers, interpersonal relationships and local communities
• Competence in writing and in oral and interpersonal communication skills
• Opportunities to integrate academic concepts with applied and research experiences, to develop habits and skills that equip them to work independently and in teams, and to engage in reflections on the connections between their vocation/calling and career

Our Mission

Hope's psychology curriculum promotes significant learning through integrated coursework, research experiences and service learning. We aim to educate students in a rigorous academic and ecumenical Christian community for effective and faithful service in a diverse world.

Why study Psychology at Hope?

There are many reasons to study psychology — whatever your career path. Many students combine their degree in psychology with another major.

Because our psychology major relies heavily on research and the scientific method, you will learn to think critically and become well-versed in evaluating and interpreting statistical results. And studying psychology will help you better understand relationships and well-being.

With a psychology degree from Hope you will:

Expand your analytical and critical thinking skills

Gain analytical skills through the application of the scientific method. Our department focuses heavily on research in our laboratories, offering a chance to learn from professors who have been recognized locally and nationally for their teaching excellence and who care about student growth and success.

Understand people

You will learn to understand human development, relationships and how cognition, emotion, behavior and neuroscience are related.

Prepare for a career in psychology

Our robust curriculum, research emphasis and additional opportunities prepare students for success in graduate school and beyond. You’ll gain experience and knowledge by enrolling in one of our many internship or practicum experiences in either the Holland area or in a larger city.

Improve your job prospects and employability

Even if you don’t plan to pursue a doctorate or practice psychology professionally, our psychology degree prepares you for success in many work settings. You’ll find that the ability to communicate effectively and understand people is highly sought-after when you seek out jobs. Your field placement or internship is a meaningful way to develop applied skills.

Work closely with award winners — both faculty and students

Work side-by-side with textbook authors and researchers who are making important contributions to the field of psychology. Study with students who have won the highly competitive Regional Research Award of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, an unprecedented 15 of the past 18 years, with multiple winners in nine of those years.

Explore your faith in new ways

Our professors welcome the opportunity to engage in conversations about our faith and explore a student’s sense of calling. We’re always learning — from both our faculty and students — and love to keep the conversation open.

 “I did not begin at Hope as a psychology major, but certainly found my niche in the field. My psychology major has greatly shaped my sense of vocation and calling, particularly through internship reflections and individual conversations with faculty.”

—Hope psychology major