Nearly 30 bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Oregon are offered for Pacific Northwest residents to gain insights into the brain and behavior. As America’s 27th most populous state with 4.02 million residents, Oregon offers a beautiful learning environment between the ocean and the rugged Cascade Range. Psychology majors will find that health and human services is an important sector in Oregon’s $219 billion economy. Providence Health remains the Beaver State’s largest nonprofit employer. Oregon currently employs 1,180 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists. The BLS also recognized South Coast Oregon as the country’s third top-paying non-metropolitan area for psychologists with an average salary of $90,750. Achieve your goals improving mental health in Oregon at the following undergraduate psychology schools (A-O).
Concordia University-Portland
College of Arts & Sciences
Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University-Portland is a private, nonprofit Protestant liberal arts institution established in 1905 that’s currently serving over 6,500 students from its 13-acre urban campus in Northeast Portland off U.S. Route 30. Reaffirmed by the NWCCU in 2016, CU-Portland is graded B+ for value as America’s 88th “Best College with No Application Fee” on Niche. Within the College of Arts & Sciences, scholars select from 10 majors ranging from chemistry to history and music.
B.A. Psychology
Guided by the APA’s undergraduate guidelines, the B.A. Psychology gives CU-Portland students the interpersonal, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to help the human family. The 124-credit curriculum is delivered face-to-face for incoming freshmen and adults with an Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree. Majors spend 200+ hours in community service learning annually, including abroad trips to Haiti and Angers. Psychology students help organize Concordia’s Diversity Week each Spring to celebrate human differences. Seniors also apply their knowledge in thesis research or a field internship with agencies like Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
2811 NE Holman Street
Portland, OR 97211
(503) 288-9371
rmueller@cu-portland.edu
Corban University
School of Professional Studies
Belonging to the CCCU, Corban University is a private, nonprofit Christian institution endowed for $3 million that’s enrolling over 1,200 students from its 142-acre suburban headquarters in Oregon’s capital city of Salem. Recognized for the United States’ 12th “Safest College Campus” on Niche, Corban is ranked the West’s 68th best regional university by the U.S. News. Featuring a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, the School of Professional Studies provides flexible online learning for adults in psychology, accounting, business management, and marketing.
Online Psychology Degree
Conferring a Bachelor of Arts, the Online Psychology Degree at Corban is available entirely online for students to master the fundamentals of behavioral theory from a Biblical worldview. The faith-filled curriculum consists of 129 semester credits with immediate application to students’ everyday lives. Coursework can be concentrated in General Psychology, Family Studies, or Pre-Counseling/Clinical Psychology. Online learners could even participate in the counseling exchange program with New Zealand’s Laidlaw College. Currently charging $420 per credit, online courses will survey important topics like addiction, family violence, mental illness, and child neglect.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
5000 Deer Park Drive SE
Salem, OR 97301
(503) 581-8600
info@corban.edu
Eastern Oregon University
College of Arts & Sciences
Endowed for $11 million, Eastern Oregon University is one of the Beaver State’s seven public, co-educational state teaching institutions educating around 3,700 students from a 110-acre rural campus in La Grande east of the Blue Mountains. Recognized by the U.S. News for the country’s 63rd best online bachelor’s programs, EOU was granted the “Students Before Profits Award” from Nonprofit Colleges Online. Graded A- for diversity on Niche, the College of Arts & Sciences features three departments for Mountaineers seeking liberal education.
Degree Program in Psychology (B.A./B.S.)
Featuring an acceptance rate of 97 percent, EOU’s Degree Program in Psychology offers a B.A. or B.S. for undergraduates to promote their well-rounded understanding of the core branches of scientific behavioral theory. The 64-credit major develops on prerequisites like experimental design to explore neuroscience, social psychology, personality, psychopharmacology, cognitive psychology, clinical intervention, and more. Courses can be taken face-to-face in La Grande or online in sequential order. Curriculum can be tailored for Experimental Psychology or Applied Psychology. Ambitious majors could pursue a senior honors thesis, capstone internship, and induction to Psi Chi.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
Badgley Hall Room 151
1 University Blvd.
La Grande, OR 97850
(541) 962-3660
clyons@eou.edu
George Fox University
College of Arts & Sciences
Founded by Quaker settlers in 1885 as Friends Pacific Academy, George Fox University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution carrying a $16 million endowment to enlighten over 3,800 Bruins from its main 108-acre suburban campus in Newberg near Route 99W. Ranked as America’s 80th best value on Kiplinger’s, George Fox is the West’s 23rd best college and 13th most veteran-friendly school according to the U.S. News. The College of Arts & Sciences challenges students with quality academics while deepening their relationship to God.
B.A. in Psychology
Taking an applied approach, the B.A. in Psychology program instills the skills George Fox students need to utilize human behavior theories for the betterment of society. Through a 14:1 student-faculty ratio, learners are mentored within a Christ-centered community for spiritual growth. The 40-credit major can become more challenging through the William Penn Honors Program and its integration thesis. Students participate in three-week Juniors Abroad trips spanning the globe from Egypt to Costa Rica. Psychology majors also benefit from partnerships with Juliette’s House, City Team Ministries, CARES Northwest, and other service agencies.
B.S. in Cognitive Science
George Fox undergraduates seeking more research-based bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Oregon should pursue the B.S. in Cognitive Science. As the only CCCU member program of its kind, the 45-credit major studies the mental processes that drive normal and maladaptive behaviors. From a Christian worldview, students spend four years full-time studying everything from cultural anthropology to behavioral neuroscience. Majors can actively participate in the Murdock College Science Research Program. With a 70 percent placement rate, graduates have excelled at Colorado State, Loma Linda, Pacific University, and more.
B.A. in Social and Behavioral Studies
Another alternative for prospective psychology majors is George Fox’s B.A. in Social and Behavioral Studies. This unique 16-month program is designed for non-traditional adults who’ve already completed 62+ credits at accredited colleges. Starting every January and August, the 36-credit major develops the requisite knowledge for practicing ethically in human services positions. Courses conveniently meet one night weekly at the Portland, Salem, or Brooks teaching locations. Currently charging $486 per credit, the program sparks in-class collaborative discussion with out-of-class assignments. Up to 30 elective credits could be claimed for previous experience.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
414 N. Meridian Street #6089
Newberg, OR 97132
(503) 554-2240
admissions@georgefox.edu
Lewis & Clark College
College of Arts and Sciences
Chartered in 1867 as the Albany Collegiate Institute, Lewis & Clark College is a private, nonprofit liberal arts institution split into three academic divisions to educate around 3,500 Pioneers from a 137-acre residential campus in the Collins View district of southwest Portland. Placed at #25 for the Princeton Review’s “Impact Schools,” LC is ranked America’s 87th best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News. Graded A for professors on Niche, the College of Arts and Sciences offers 29 undergraduate majors for life-changing education.
Psychology Major
At Lewis & Clark, the Psychology Major gives undergraduates a scientifically rigorous base for studying behavior and brain function. Leading to a Bachelor of Arts, the 120-credit curriculum will cover health psychology, personality theory, cognition, child development, gender studies, cross-cultural psychology, and more. Students could declare the Neuroscience Minor. Valuable opportunities include conducting research in the Behavioral Health and Social Psychology Lab, completing a psychology-focused overseas internship in Australia, and following the Pre-Health Professions track. LC alumni are admitted to Vanderbilt, Northwestern, Stanford, and other schools of prestige.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
0615 SW Palatine Hill Road
Mail Stop #16
Portland, OR 97219
(503) 768-7511
psych@lclark.edu
Linfield College
Psychology Department
Named after Baptist minister Reverend George Fisher Linfield in 1922, Linfield College is a private, non-sectarian liberal arts and sciences institution endowed for $103 million to enlighten approximately 2,500 students from its 193-acre rural campus in McMinnville near the Yamhill River. Given a Forbes financial grade of B for America’s 209th most grateful grads, Linfield is declared the 128th best national liberal arts college by the U.S. News. The Psychology Department retains 86 percent of freshmen by satisfying their curiosity about the mind.
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology is ideal for Linfield Wildcats who strive to improve human relations by designing behavioral study that’s scientifically sound. Requiring 41 credits, the major offers concentrations in Biopsychology/Cognition, Social/Personality, and Developmental/Abnormal. Students work alongside PhD-level faculty to present research before the Association for Psychological Science (APS). Pioneer Hall uses the Ploog-Tieleman Endowment to continually update psych laboratory equipment, including a water maze. Linfield also arranges field internships with organizations like NASA Ames Research Center and Kaiser Permanente. Majors could add the Teacher Education track for Oregon Preliminary Teaching Licensure in Social Studies.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
900 SE Baker Street
McMinnville, OR 97128
(503) 883-2200
klivesa@linfield.edu
Program Link
Multnomah University
Online Program Division
Located on a 17-acre residential campus in Southeast Portland near historic Ladd’s Addition with a Reno-Tahoe extension, Multnomah University is a private, non-denominational Christian teaching institution and seminary educating around 860 students. Graded B+ for value on Niche, Multnomah was ranked the sixth-best Pacific Northwest college before the University of Washington in Seattle Metropolitan. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, the Online Program Division offers flexible education in theology, business, psychology, and Christian leadership.
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
The first of Multnomah’s bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Oregon is the Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology. Entirely online, the degree completion program is available for transfers to finish their undergraduate study in just 25 months. Experienced faculty sharpen students’ practical knowledge of behavioral concepts to resolve everyday problems. Upon a Biblical core, the 10-course major will inform students on the biological, cognitive, social, and affective processes impacting human relations. Online learners participate in live classroom lectures for active discussion. Admission will require 60+ accredited credits and at least two years of full-time employment.
Bachelor of Arts in Business & Organizational Psychology
Also conducted online, the Bachelor of Arts in Business & Organizational Psychology program at Multnomah teaches behavioral theory from a corporate framework to produce business leaders who can exceed the expectations of employees, customers, and shareholders. The 124-credit curriculum spans four years with courses from cognitive psychology to conflict resolution and human resource management. Online courses presently charge $465 per credit with a $115 technology fee per term. MU undergraduates collaborate via videoconferencing, live chats, and emails on Canvas. Fulfilling service learning hours and passing a senior capstone is required.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Association of Theological Schools (ATS)
Contact
8435 Ne Glisan Street
Portland, OR 97220
(503) 251-6591
jpursley@multnomah.edu
New Hope Christian College
Ministry Leadership Division
Established by Fred Hornshuh in 1925 as the Bible Standard Training School, New Hope Christian College is a private, nonprofit Biblical institution carrying ABHE accreditation to educate around 200 students on a 36-acre suburban campus in Eugene. Belonging to the Pacific Rim Christian College Consortium, NHCC is graded A+ for safety and A- for diversity by Niche. The Ministry Leadership Division has a 67 percent acceptance rate among faithful students seeking to shepherd God’s children.
Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership: Christian Counseling Concentration
Led by the Spirit, the Bachelor of Science in Ministry Leadership is a four-year program for NHCC undergraduates to follow their vocational calling to spread the Word of God. Students select from concentrations in Pastoral Ministry, Christian Counseling, Christian Education, Cross-Cultural Studies, Youth Ministry, and Business Administration. Prospective psychology majors could prepare for pastoral counseling careers nurturing people’s spiritual and emotional growth. Delivered face-to-face in Eugene, the 120-credit program includes servant leadership in the community. Students benefit from annual mission trips, daily devotions, and the Spiritual Growth Conference.
Accreditation
Association of Biblical Higher Education (ABHE)
Contact
2155 Bailey Hill Road
Eugene, OR 97405
(541) 485-1780
admissions@newhope.edu
Northwest Christian University
School of Liberal Arts & Bible
Enrolling 705 scholars, Northwest Christian University is a private, nonprofit Christian liberal arts institution affiliated with the Disciples of Christ since its founding by preacher Eugene Claremont Sanderson in 1895. From its urban campus in east Eugene adjacent to the University of Oregon, NWCU provides 19 regionally accredited academic programs. Graded A for location on Niche, NWCU is listed among College Choice’s “Best Christian Colleges.” Within the School of Liberal Arts & Bible, 76 percent of full-time teaching faculty hold terminal degrees.
Psychology Major
NWCU’s Psychology Major confers a bachelor’s degree for students who complete an exciting journey studying the mind and behavior of God’s greatest creation. Informed by Christianity, the program reveals His grace through the context of psychological functioning. Students are prepared for people-oriented jobs and graduate school admission with the 13-course major. Expected courses include cognition, biological psychology, clinical psychology, psychometrics, counseling, and human development. Students participate in Psychology Club for campus activities. Every senior must complete a research practicum or internship for 135+ hours of experience before graduation.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
828 East 11th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97401
(541) 343-1641
admissions@nwcu.edu
Oregon Institute of Technology
Humanities and Social Sciences Department
Endowed for $23 million, Oregon Institute of Technology is the Northwest’s sole public polytechnic research institution enrolling over 5,200 Owls in Klamath Falls, the “City of Sunshine,” and its five satellites. As Oregon’s second-best value on PayScale, OIT is ranked the West’s third top university, best public school, and second most veteran-friendly college by the U.S. News. With a 73 percent retention rate, the Humanities and Social Sciences Department houses unique programs like population health management and medical sociology.
Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology
Delivered face-to-face in Klamath Falls or Wilsonville and online, the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology allows OIT undergraduates to apply generalist knowledge on human behavior to work interpersonally with multicultural people. Adhering to APA guidelines, the skills-based curriculum surveys psychology branches like social and counseling from a real-world viewpoint. Majors receive valuable opportunities to join Psi Chi, conduct research with the Western Psychological Association, work with Citizens for Safe Schools, and intern with agencies like Klamath County Department of Human Services. Students could also pursue the BACB-accredited Applied Behavior Analysis Graduate Certificate.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
3201 Campus Drive
Klamath Falls, OR 97601
(541) 885-1007
John.Borgen@oit.edu
Oregon State University
College of Liberal Arts
As one of two public, doctoral research institutions holding sea-grant, land-grant, space-grant, and sun-grant status nationally, Oregon State University is situated on a 420-acre urban campus in Corvallis within the Willamette Valley to educate over 30,300 students in the Pac-12 Conference. Recognized for the 80th “Best Greek Life” on Niche, OSU is deemed the 143rd best university and 71st top public school countrywide by the U.S. News. The College of Liberal Arts was established in 1973 to deliver bachelor’s degrees in 17 areas.
Psychology Major (B.A./B.S.)
Oregon State Beavers declaring the Psychology Major can receive a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science to prove their competency engaging in the intricate study of human and animal behavior. Available in Corvallis or via the Ecampus, the 65-credit major covers nearly all psychological disciplines to find students’ passion. Students engage in hands-on research within Reed Lodge, including the Interpersonal Sensitivity Lab and NeuroCognitive Lab. Although there are over 800 majors, classes are kept engaging with an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Study abroad partnerships also span from Dominican Republic to Slovenia and Vietnam.
Accreditation
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Contact
2950 SW Jefferson Way
Corvallis, OR 97331
(541) 737-2311
admit@oregonstate.edu
Don’t finalize your college picks quite yet because we’ll introduce another half of bachelor’s in psychology degree programs in Oregon here.