Psychology Department

In this section, we discuss some common questions from prospective students. Don’t see an answer to YOUR question? Contact Cindi Carder, the Psychology Program Assistant, today!

Q: Why should I pick Taylor University for psychology?

Taylor has a distinct program because we have a purposeful and intentional way of integrating Christianity and psychology. Taylor psychology faculty take on the science of psychology, they take on the struggles with morality in the world today – and Taylor faculty take a stand on the truth and prepare you to do the same.

Additionally, we offer diverse course offerings. Our faculty have varied interests and experience, from studying adolescents and digital media, to sex trafficking, to peace and reconciliation efforts in South Africa, to sports psychology, educational psychology and even market research and systems. No matter your interest, our faculty can help you grow and apply your passion and knowledge to wherever God has called you.

Q: How can I grow professionally outside the classroom?

Our program is based on hands-on education. Taylor has three approaches to this:

• Practicum experience. There is the practicum experience, where students will work somewhere in the psychology world, whether that is in a hospital, a clinic, a camp or somewhere else.
• Research experience. Our students get to work with a professor and a small team. The work begins with a literature search and ends with a professional presentation. See recent research endeavors below.
• Intercultural experience. We have professors who take students to Dublin, Ireland, to study those with HIV/AIDS. Other faculty take students to the Bahamas to study leadership and mental health, Other trips include South Africa for projects associated with peace and reconciliation, or to the intercity community to study the needs in education.

Finally, we have a thriving Psychology Club, and both faculty and students work together to provide meaningful experiences.

Q: What type of research projects might I get to participate in while I am a Taylor student?

Below you can find just a few examples of the kind of student directed research that you can do if you come to Taylor:

• Children’s concept of God
• What teenagers who have diabetes post on YouTube
• Intercultural development
• Laura’s Home
• Critical thinking development
• The effects of Christian meditation and exercise on physical and mental health outcomes
• The impact of sex trafficking
• Peace and reconciliation

Students also get to present their research at conferences, and several students have won cash awards for their poster presentations!