People rarely walk into a counseling office because life feels simple. More often, they come carrying grief, conflict, anxiety, addiction, trauma, or a story they do not know how to name. Because of that, a psychology degree program should train you for more than theory. It should shape your discernment, and should strengthen your compassion. It should form your character.
At Grace Christian University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Bachelor of Science in Psychology takes that responsibility seriously. You will study the science of human behavior. You will also study Scripture with depth and how this truth applies to everyday life. Over time, that combination changes how you listen and how you lead. It changes the kind of help you offer. It also changes the kind of professional you become.
A Program That Sees People
Understanding others starts with seeing them as whole people, body, mind, and spirit. Grace’s psychology program challenges students to think deeply about human behavior, mental health, relationships, and ethical care. You learn psychological principles alongside discussions about meaning, purpose, and moral responsibility.
Psychology students at Grace speak to how that framework shapes their education. Kyla T., an on-campus psychology student, says:
“The Psychology program at Grace Christian is eye-opening. The professors are great — very encouraging. It’s one-on-one, with wonderful internship opportunities and amazing guest speakers. Going into a mental health field can be heavy, so I wanted faith incorporated into my career. That’s what drew me to Grace.”
Close Relationships With Professors
One of the strengths of an on-campus education at Grace is the relational focus. Faculty know students by name. They mentor them, challenge them, and celebrate their growth. In a field like psychology , where empathy, communication, and self-understanding matter, that close mentorship becomes a formative part of learning.
Bella C., a psychology major, highlights that relational investment:
“I cherish my time here in the psychology program. Each professor pours their heart and soul into each student. You can count on your professors to hold you accountable for your goals and mold your academic schedule around your life priorities. Grace is amazing at understanding that each adult here has different backgrounds and different life goals when they study here. I am fully confident that Grace is equipping me appropriately for the path God has for me.”
Faculty Who Care About Your Growth
Grace Christian University’s psychology faculty bring both professional experience and a passion for teaching. Faculty listed for the program include Heidi Jaeckle, EdD (Special Appointment Faculty of Health Sciences and Psychology), Emilee Prins, MA, MSW (Assistant Professor), Janice Schregardus, PhD (Professor of Psychology), and Scott Shaw, PhD, EdD, D.Min. (Associate Provost), among others.
These instructors guide students through concepts and research and critical conversations about care, ethics, leadership, and faith. Their work fosters an environment where academic growth and faith move together, equipping students for service that honors both science and the image of God in others.
Students From the Program
Students in the Grace psychology program appreciate how accessible and integrated their education is. David C., another psychology student, explains:
“To some, psychology might seem like a complex and challenging area of study. Yet, the professors and psychology program at Grace make psychology very accessible and easy to understand. Additionally, the professors do an amazing job integrating Biblical values and teaching with psychology in a way that makes being a Christian just as relevant in this field as it is in other more ministry-focused fields.”
Another student, Renae T., emphasizes the community aspect:
“Grace is more than a school. It’s a place where support knows no bounds, involvement is encouraged, and community is cherished. It’s here that I found not only my passion but also a network of lifelong friends.”
These reflections show how the program strengthens students’ confidence in what they’re learning, and in who they are becoming.
Coursework That Builds Critical Thinking and Compassion
The psychology curriculum at Grace combines core foundational courses with applied subjects that deepen understanding and skill. Students begin with foundational classes like Introduction to Psychology and move into courses such as Lifespan Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Health Psychology, and Research Statistics. These help you grasp human development, psychopathology, wellness, and scientific literacy.
Other courses, like Theories and Foundations in Counseling and Psychology of Leadership, introduce practical skills, active listening, ethical decision-making, leadership dynamics, and contextual application of theory. This blend ensures you’re not only aware of what theories say but can also apply concepts with care and integrity.
Practical Experience and Professional Development
Learning psychology doesn’t stop in the classroom. Grace requires supervised internships in local agencies and organizations, where students integrate classroom knowledge with hands-on experience. These placements help students practice communication, ethical decision-making, and professional responsibility under the guidance of faculty and field supervisors.
Because the campus is near Grand Rapids, a hub of healthcare providers, schools, counseling centers, and social services, students have access to diverse internship opportunities that expose them to real client needs, varied populations, and professional expectations.
A Community That Supports Your Growth
Beyond classes and internships, Grace’s campus community fosters spiritual formation and personal resilience. Students engage through chapel, student groups, and intentional mentorship, all of which reinforce habits of reflection, service, and relational maturity. In the context of psychology, where emotional challenges often emerge, having a supportive community matters deeply.
Pathways After Graduation
A psychology degree opens doors to many paths: counseling, social work, case management, behavior support roles, ministry leadership, and human resources. Some students pursue graduate work in counseling, clinical psychology, or organizational leadership.
What sets Grace graduates apart is not just what they know, but how they think and why they act. Graduates enter their next steps with strong academic habits and a relational foundation that helps them lead and serve in ways that are both professional and compassionate.
Your Next Step
Choosing where you study psychology matters. An on-campus experience at Grace Christian University offers rigorous academics, faculty mentorship, real internship experience, and a community that values you not just as a student, but as a person called to serve. Whether you feel called to work directly in counseling, support families in social services, lead with care in organizations, or serve within church and community contexts, this program equips you to do it with skill and conviction.
If you’re ready to understand people deeply, help others responsibly, and grow both personally and professionally, get started with a psychology degree at Grace.
Earn a Psychology Degree at Grace
