The email in my inbox was one I’d seen variations of dozens of times: “My daughter wants to study psychology and serve in Christian counseling ministry. Should she go to Grace Christian University or our state flagship? We’re torn.”
After years of watching students navigate these choices, let’s break down what really matters, and why programs at Grace Christian University offer distinct advantages for students called to faith-integrated practice.
Comparing Curriculum
Secular Programs: At typical secular universities, psychology curriculum focuses exclusively on empirical research, evidence-based practices, and theoretical frameworks divorced from any faith perspective. Students learn cognitive behavioral therapy, developmental psychology, and abnormal psychology through purely scientific lenses. Faith, if mentioned at all, is treated as one cultural variable among many.
Grace Christian University: Every course intentionally integrates biblical principles with psychological theory. As Renae, a psychology student at Grace, explains: “Psychology and the Bible, kind of like science, seem like they’re opposing at times. But in many of our classes, we have the flexibility to talk about the Bible and see things from a biblical perspective. It’s about being biblically centered in the truth of scripture and taking those values into account as you care for people who are hurting.”
This isn’t superficial integration, it’s deep wrestling with how Scripture informs our understanding of human nature, mental health, and healing. Renee Yanak, another Grace student, notes: “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.”
The comparison reveals a fundamental difference in educational philosophy. Secular programs prepare you to practice psychology as a science. Christian programs like Grace prepare you to practice psychology as a ministry, equipping you with both clinical competence and theological grounding.
Comparing Faculty Relationships
Secular Programs: At most secular universities, especially online programs, faculty interaction is limited and transactional. You might attend virtual lectures with 100+ students, submit assignments through learning management systems, and receive brief email responses to questions. Advisors handle course scheduling but rarely know your personal story or career aspirations in depth.
Grace Christian University: Faculty relationships are deeply personal and mentorship-focused. Dr. Scott Shaw, Assistant Provost and Online Psychology Professor at Grace, embodies this approach. With three doctorates spanning conflict management, health psychology, and educational leadership, he brings exceptional credentials, but it’s his heart for students that stands out.
Bella, a fourth-year psychology student, shares: “I remember the time I told him I was engaged; he gave me a fist bump, which felt so genuine and personal. Having a professor who cares about my life outside of classes is something I’m truly grateful for.”
Renae recounts a vulnerable moment: “I was crying in his office, and he gave me a fist bump and a side hug. It was such a simple gesture, but it reminded me how much he cares.”
With class sizes of 10-15 students, Grace faculty can provide individualized guidance. Bella explains: “When you’re in a class of 10 or 15 students, you really get to dive into discussions. It’s a much more personal learning experience.”
Dr. Shaw’s philosophy captures the difference: “Nobody really cares what we know until they know how much we care.” This relational approach transforms education from information transfer to transformational relationships.
Comparing Flexibility
Both Programs: Both Christian and secular online psychology programs offer flexibility for working adults. Most allow students to complete coursework asynchronously, balance family and career responsibilities, and progress at manageable paces.
Grace’s Advantage: Grace structures its online program to allow students to take one five-week class at a time. This concentrated approach enables deeper focus without juggling multiple courses simultaneously, ideal for busy professionals who want to give full attention to integrating faith with their learning.
Charles Vergara, an online psychology student that graduated from Grace, describes the impact: “Every day, my classes and professors challenged me to grow stronger in my understanding of God’s Word. I have learned how to apply the Word daily to my life. Through this, I grow in my faith a little more every day.”
Comparing Intellectual Climate
Secular Programs: Many secular campuses increasingly struggle with viewpoint diversity. Christian perspectives on controversial psychological topics, sexuality, gender, abortion, marriage, may be marginalized or dismissed as unscientific. Students often report feeling pressure to conform to ideological positions that conflict with their faith.
Grace Christian University: Grace has cultivated something rare: intellectual safety grounded in Christ’s love. Students engage controversial topics from multiple angles while maintaining a biblical foundation.
Renae describes her experience: “I was nervous going in because culture is such an important but potentially controversial topic. However, the class turned out to be a space for meaningful dialogue, where students could share their perspectives without fear of judgment. We were reminded that everyone comes from different experiences, and it’s our job to listen and empathize.”
Dr. Shaw deliberately creates this environment: “When we talk about hot-button topics, Dr. Shaw sets the tone by emphasizing respect and empathy,” Renae explains. “It’s about listening with a heart posture of humility, even when we disagree.”
This is students rigorously examining difficult issues, but within a framework that values both truth and love. Christian students don’t have to hide their convictions or feel intellectually marginalized.
Comparing Practical Experience
Secular Programs: Secular programs typically offer internship placements in clinical settings, hospitals, social service agencies, and private practices. These provide valuable professional experience but rarely integrate faith perspectives into practice.
Grace Christian University: Grace emphasizes internships that allow students to explore faith integration in professional contexts. Kyla Thater, a senior psychology major, speaks to this: “You have wonderful internship opportunities here. And there’s amazing guest speakers that the professors bring in as well.”
Kyla’s internship at Acorn Health, working as a behavior technician with children who have autism, exemplifies practical preparation. Renae explains: “Dr. Shaw often invites people actively living out the Christian faith in their companies to present to our classes. It’s a great way to explore different career paths and see how faith can be integrated into any role.”
The program prepares students for traditional counseling roles but also for leadership in ministry, business, education, and social services. Bella demonstrates this versatility: “My psychology degree is going to be an amazing asset as we serve our clients, and I feel fully equipped to be a light in whatever I do.”
Comparing Community
Secular Online Programs: Online learning at secular institutions can be isolating. You complete coursework independently, interact through discussion boards, and may never meet classmates or faculty face-to-face. Community is minimal or non-existent.
Grace Christian University: Even in online formats, Grace creates genuine community. Students form prayer partnerships, engage in live virtual discussions, join in on virtual chapel services and connect around the common mission of making an eternal impact for Christ.
These relationships create networks of support and accountability that sustain students through challenges through college and as these go off into their careers.
Comparing Career Outcomes
Secular Programs: Graduates from secular programs are well-prepared for licensure (LPC, LCSW, LMFT), clinical positions, research roles, and corporate psychology applications. They possess technical competence and professional credentials recognized across the field.
Grace Christian University: Grace graduates earn the same professional credentials but carry something additional, a coherent framework for practicing psychology as ministry. They’re equipped to serve in traditional clinical settings, but they’re also prepared for unique roles in Christian counseling, church-based mental health ministry, faith-based nonprofits, and mission work.
Renae articulates this calling: “I have a heart for youth ministry, and I want to walk alongside kids during such formative years. Even if you’re not directly talking about faith, the way you counsel with the love of Christ makes such a difference.”
And increasingly, employers recognize the value of hiring people who lead with integrity, compassion, and strong moral values that consistently show up in graduates from Grace Christian University.
Comparing Cost and Value
Secular Programs:
State universities typically offer lower tuition for in-state students, but online psychology programs often run between $15,000–$25,000 per year depending on residency, fees, and course load. Many also add technology fees, course fees, and assessment charges that increase total expenses. While public tuition may look simple on the surface, the final bill for online degree completion often surprises students.
Grace Christian University:
Grace stands out as one of the most affordable accredited faith-based online programs in the country. With transparent tuition, no hidden fees, and access to federal, state, and outside aid, students often find Grace more affordable than many secular online options.
Grace’s tuition is straightforward:
- Online Associate & Bachelor’s Degrees: $470 per credit hour
- Military Personnel: $250 per credit hour
- Application Fee: $0
- Resource Fee: $150 per 3-credit course
Most students take one 5-week course at a time, keeping costs manageable and allowing families to plan their budgets with clarity. Grace also helps students maximize grants, scholarships, and outside funding, reducing out-of-pocket cost even further.
Because Grace Christian University does not inflate tuition and then discount it with large “scholarships,” students pay a true, honest cost for a Bible-centered education. For many, the total investment comes in lower than both secular online programs and other Christian institutions, while providing a level of mentorship, spiritual formation, and community support those institutions cannot match.
Kyla explains what drew her to Grace:
“What drew me to Grace was the faith aspect. Going into a mental health field can be very heavy. And so I knew I wanted to have faith incorporated into my career field… I would highly encourage it. It’s very one on one. The professors are great. They’re very encouraging.”
Comparing Intellectual Rigor
A Critical Consideration: One legitimate concern about Christian universities is whether they match the academic rigor of secular institutions. Dr. Shaw addresses this directly through his teaching philosophy: “Just because I say something doesn’t mean it’s right. Creating a classroom environment where students are invited to ask questions and challenge ideas is important.”
Grace encourages critical thinking, engages diverse perspectives, and maintains academic standards while integrating faith. The goal isn’t to shelter students from challenging ideas but to equip them to engage those ideas from a biblical worldview.
This approach produces graduates who can think independently, evaluate research critically, and navigate professional environments where their faith may be questioned, essential skills for effective Christian practice in any setting.
Making the Comparison That Matters Most
When comparing online psychology programs at Christian and secular universities, the deciding factor shouldn’t be which is “better” in some universal sense, it’s which better serves your calling.
For students who:
- View counseling as ministry, not just profession
- Want to integrate biblical truth with psychological practice
- Seek mentorship from faculty who share their faith
- Desire community rooted in Christian values
- Feel called to serve in Christian counseling or ministry contexts
Programs at Grace Christian University offer preparation secular institutions cannot provide.
Renae’s reflection captures this reality: “The foundation of faith I’ve built here will be key to my future success. The relationships I’ve built and the lessons I’ve learned have prepared me for more than just a job; they’ve prepared me for my purpose.”
Bella adds: “Grace has been more than just a college for me; it’s been a community, a family, and a foundation for everything I hope to achieve. I feel ready to step out into the world as an ambassador for Christ, taking what I’ve learned here to help and serve others.”
For students with that calling, the comparison becomes clear. Secular universities produce competent psychologists. Grace Christian University forms faithful practitioners who will change lives for eternity, counseling with clinical excellence and Christ’s compassion, serving as ambassadors for Christ in every client interaction.
