The many colleges and universities spread throughout Idaho offer students many options to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. While some students want the feeling of a large university, others may prefer an intimate college setting. Fortunately for residents in Idaho, they can find whatever they are more comfortable with. Additionally, students can choose whether they want to complete their classes in a traditional classroom setting, online or a hybrid combination of both. This helps each individual choose the amount of flexibility that best suits their schedule and their needs. There are schools with a religious affiliation to help students pursue a degree while also adhering to the guidelines set forth by their church. There are more options than ever before for students interested in the field of psychology. An undergraduate psychology degree is a strong Liberal Arts program that prepares students for graduate studies or employment in a variety of fields.
Northwest Nazarene University
The Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
Northwest Nazarene University (NNU) is a private Christian Liberal Arts College located in Nampa. The mission of Northwest Nazarene University is “the transformation of the whole person. Centered in Jesus Christ, the NNU education instills habits of heart, soul, mind and strength to enable each student to become God’s creative and redemptive agent in the world”. The University is one of eight American Liberal Arts Colleges affiliated with the Church of the Nazarene. The college receives financial backing from the Nazarene churches in its particular region. Each of these eight colleges is bound by a “Gentlemen’s Agreement” not to recruit students outside of their own respective educational region. NNU is the college for the Northwest Region, which comprises the districts of
- Alaska
- Washington Pacific
- Oregon Pacific
- Northwest
- Intermountain
- Rocky Mountain
- Colorado
In 2014, US News & World Report ranked NNU as the 43rd best school in the Western Region of the United States. The Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice offers students a multidisciplinary approach to the study of individuals and groups. Students in this department have the opportunity to study:
- the methods of social and psychological research
- diversity and its various expressions
- indigenous experience
- national, international, ethnic, religious, class, and gender perspectives
- modern languages
- models of advocacy and social justice.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The BA in Psychology Degree Program offers students a broad theoretical understanding of human behavior, including the development, relationships, and the interaction of individuals within social systems. Students in this program work at an intense level to earn a background in the investigation, methodology and theories of psychology. The program at Northwest Nazarene University has been designed to train students to be “Christian professionals serving the community”. Upon graduation, students receiving their BA Degree in Psychology will be able to:
- Understand and carry out research and the scientific method
- Acquire and exhibit practical experience and skills in professional roles
- Access, use, and communicate conclusions about psychological literature
- Understand the basic theories and systems in the field of psychology
- Discuss the relationship between Christian thought and social sciences meaningfully.
Students working toward their BA degree can choose an area of emphasis in one of the specialty fields of psychology.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Pre-Counseling Psychology Emphasis
The Pre-Counseling Psychology emphasis was created to offer students a strong framework for the understanding of human behavior, preparing for such career areas as:
- education
- social service
- business
- the ministry.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Neuroscience / Neuropsychology Emphasis
The Neuroscience and Neuropsychology emphasis is for students interested in working with the theory and methods of psychology within brain and behavior. Earning an undergraduate degree in this rapidly growing area of psychology is an excellent start for further graduate studies.
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Scientist / Practitioner Emphasis
The Scientist / Practitioner emphasis offers students a curriculum which covers general psychology themes and theories. This emphasis is for students who plan on graduate training in clinical psychology, experimental psychology or related fields. Practice in professional clinical psychology (in most states) requires a minimum of a Master’s Degree.
Accreditations
Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU)
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Northwest Nazarene University
The Department of Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice
623 South University Boulevard
Nampa, ID 83686-5897
(208) 467-8251
E-Mail: BJEarwicker@nnu.edu
Program Website:
The College of Idaho
The Department of Social Science and History
The College of Idaho was known as Albertson College of Idaho until 2007. The school is a private, coeducational Liberal Arts College with an enrollment of 1,122 students. It is located in Caldwell. The College utilizes the PEAK curriculum system. PEAK is an acronym for professional, ethical, articulate and knowledgeable. This is an undergraduate curriculum that allows students to graduate with an academic major and three minors in as little as four years. PEAK allows students to “design their own curriculum within a structure that gives both breadth and depth to their education”. In 2014, US News New & World Report ranked the College of Idaho as the 159th best National Liberal Arts School in the United States. The Department of Social Science and History offers several PEAK majors allowing students to choose both a major as well as several minors to help reach their academic and career goals.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Students enrolled in the BS in Psychology program are offered training in an array of sub-specialty fields within psychology. Some of these include:
- experimental psychology
- child psychology
- counseling
- cognitive psychology
- biological psychology
Students in this program work closely with faculty members on psychology research, such as a National Science Foundation-funded project investigating memory and attention. Psychology students often have the opportunity to present their findings at local, regional and national research conferences. In addition to the General Education Requirements set forth by the school, Psychology majors will be required to complete 38 credits in their major.
Accreditations
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
The College of Idaho
The Department of Social Science and History
2112 Cleveland Boulevard
Caldwell, ID 83605
Tim Shearon, PhD
Professor of Psychology; Chair
(208) 459-5011
E-Mail: tshearon@collegeofidaho.edu
Program Website: http://www.collegeofidaho.edu/psychology
University of Idaho
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
The University of Idaho (UI) is Idaho’s oldest public university, located in the city of Moscow in the northern portion of the state. UI is the state’s sole land-grant and primary research university. It enrolls more national merit scholars than all other academic institutions in the state combined. In early 2012, UI enrolled the highest number of National Merit Scholars of any school in the Northwest, including institutions in the region with significantly larger enrollments. In 2014, US News & World Report ranked UI as the 166th Best National University. The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences houses 11 departments and enrolls almost 3,800 students. The School is the self-proclaimed “academic bedrock” of the University. As part of the University’s General Education, every student takes courses provided by the College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences. This experience helps all UI students to better understand their world while cultivating:
- social and personal responsibility
- ethical and moral decision making
- a sense of global citizenship
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
The Psychology Department offers both a Bachelor of Science (BS) and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in psychology. The BA degree requires students to take a wide variety of courses in areas such as:
- developmental processes
- social psychology
- learning and memory
- personality
- clinical psychology
- biological processes
- sensation/perception
Depending on their interests, students can select from specialized subjects such as:
- human factors
- industrial/organizational psychology
- aging
- psychology of emotion
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
In addition to the degree curriculum requirements, students in the undergraduate psychology program are encouraged to select one of four tracks or areas of emphasis, depending on their postgraduate goals:
- The Liberal Arts Track is for students who hope to gain a strong background in general psychology without specializing in any particular sub discipline of psychology. The diverse curriculum offers students a well-rounded background for careers.
- The Job Skills Track is designed for students who plan to pursue a degree with more specialized skills and knowledge relevant to a specific area of psychology, such as clinical/counseling, industrial/organizational psychology, or human factors.
- The Pre-graduate School Track is a collection of recommended course work and other standards created to improve a student’s preparation for graduate training in psychology.
- The Pre-professional Track is a specific curriculum designed for students who are interested in pursuing law, dental, or medical school. Students are encouraged to participate in ongoing research projects, internships, and teaching opportunities to enhance their education.
Accreditations
The Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
University of Idaho
The College of Letters, Arts and Social Sciences
875 Perimeter Drive
Moscow, ID 83844
(208) 885-4944
Email: tthorste@uidaho.edu
Program Website: http://www.uidaho.edu/class/psychcomm/undergraduate
It is clear that Idaho has educational opportunities for all needs. Whether you need the flexibility of online learning or you prefer a traditional classroom setting, you can find what you are looking for. Whether you hope to earn a Bachelor’s of Arts degree or a Bachelor’s of Science, there are programs available. There is even a choice of whether a General Psychology Degree or a Specialized Psychology Degree is an ideal fit. There is more flexibility than even before in choosing an undergraduate degree in Psychology. When you begin considering which program is right for you it is important to spend some time considering:
- what degree is offered
- how much of the curriculum is offered online
- the size of the school
- your chosen area of psychology
By asking these questions each student in Idaho can find the Bachelor’s Degree Program that fits their needs.
For more Bachelor’s in Psychology Degree Programs in Idaho