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Psychology

Department

Equipped with Truth

Taylor University’s Psychology department provides a deep and purposeful integration of psychology and Christianity. Our Psychology professors take on the science of psychology and the struggles with morality facing the world today while standing on the Truth and preparing you to do the same.

The varied interests and experiences of our faculty—ranging from studying adolescents and digital media to sex trafficking and peace and reconciliation efforts in South Africa—enable us to offer diverse courses. No matter your interest—whether it’s working in a hospital or prison or with AIDS victims in Ireland, or planning for graduate school—our faculty can help you grow and apply your passion and knowledge wherever God is calling you.

A Closer Look at a Diverse Field of Study

The Psychology Department faculty go the extra mile to create a living, learning community of scholar-practitioners who are able to think critically and biblically. Here’s Dr. Laura Edwards talking about the uniqueness of a Taylor Psychology degree.

Approaches to Learning

Our Psychology program is based on professional growth and hands-on education. Taylor uses three approaches:

  • Practicum Experience: Gain local hands-on experience working with clients and patients. You will participate in a practicum associated with psychology, whether it’s in a hospital, clinic, camp, or elsewhere.
  • Research Experience: Our students get the chance to work with a professor and small team on an advanced research project. They can then present their research at conferences, and several have won cash awards for their poster presentations. Previous projects have covered children’s concepts of God, critical thinking development, intercultural development, and impacts of sex trafficking.
  • Intercultural Experiences: In Search of Sacred Spaces is a study abroad pilgrimage to holy sites (and other locations) throughout Ireland. You’ll explore Celtic monastic life, emphasizing personal and social well-being with a focus on developing our abilities to relate well across cultures and build relationships of mutual respect. Domestic trips travel to inner-city communities to study the needs in education.

Envisioning Your Future

Grad Programs

Many of our graduates have gone on to earn their master’s degree. Here are a few recommended graduate schools for our Psychology students:

  • Ball State University
  • Fuller Theological Seminary
  • Harvard University
  • Indiana University
  • Leheigh University
  • Rosemead School of Psychology
  • Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Denver
  • University of Notre Dame
  • University of Wisconsin
  • University of Wyoming
  • Wesley Seminary
  • Wheaton College Graduate School

Career Opportunities

Our alumni have successfully navigated diverse career paths, contributing their expertise to fields such as counseling, marketing, human resources, sports psychology, educational psychology, higher education, computer science, forensics, and full-time ministry. A considerable number of our graduates have further pursued advanced studies, specializing in a plethora of fields.

With a high career placement rate, our Psychology department alongside the Calling and Career Office will fully prepare you to attain a job or internship after graduation.

Meet our Alumni

Department News

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Researching Restorative Spaces on Campus

Jan 20, 2023

Over the last two years, Psychology students have worked to research shared physical spaces on campus, their use, and students’ responsiveness to those spaces. 

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From Taylor Degree to the CDC

Aug 19, 2021

Anna (Goeglein) Shaum ’15 works for the CDC’s Division of Global Migration and Quarantine. She reflects on how her Taylor education prepared her to earn her master’s and launch her career as an epidemiologist.

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Taylor Partnership Launches Diabetes Prevention Program

May 07, 2019

Taylor University faculty and students have partnered with Marion General Hospital, Upland Health and Diagnostic Center, and local physicians to launch a diabetes prevention program aimed at increasing the health and quality of life in two of the State of Indiana’s most unhealthy counties.

Faculty & Staff

Profile image of Laura Edwards

Department Chair

Laura Edwards

Department Chair and Associate Professor of Psychology

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Jacinda Carder

Psychology & Academic Assessment/Testing Program Assistant

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Diane Dungan

Associate Professor of Psychology

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Laura Gerig

Associate Professor of Psychology

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Katheryn Kelley

Assistant Professor of Psychology

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Vance Maloney

Professor of Psychology

Profile image of Laura McClelland

Laura McClelland

Associate Professor of Psychology