The discipline of psychology is concerned with the scientific study of cognition, emotion, and behavior.

Students at Covenant are equipped to conduct research on human behavior, prepared for advanced work in psychology, and instilled with the professionalism necessary to apply the principles learned in psychology. This study is done in the context of Covenant’s rich liberal arts tradition.

For General Education

The goals of the psychology department for general education students are:

1. to instill in students an appreciation and respect for studying the behavior and mental processes of God’s creation in all its diversity;
2. to expose students to the varied perspectives, research, theories, and applications in the field of psychology;
3. to promote in students a quality of discernment with respect to the claims about what is known in psychology today;
4. to develop students’ ability to understand the value and importance of utilizing both biblical and empirical methods for understanding human behavior;
5. to provide participatory, hands-on, educational opportunities to enhance the understanding of psychological science.

For the Major Field

For students majoring in psychology, the additional goals of the psychology department are:

1. to help students develop the capabilities needed to understand and conduct research in psychology and related fields;
2. to prepare qualified students for advanced work in psychology;
3. to instill in students life-long values of competence and professionalism when applying principles drawn from psychology;
4. to encourage students’ active involvement in professional activities such as field trips, internships, department colloquia, and on-going faculty research.

Psychology Coursework

Students studying psychology may take a wide variety of courses, including:

• Abnormal Psychology
• Cognitive Psychology
• Counseling & Psychotherapy
• Psychology of Religion
• Physiological Psychology
• Cross-Cultural Psychology

The student majoring in psychology may take advantage of experimental equipment for individual research projects, calculator and computer facilities for the analysis of research data, and internship opportunities at various mental health agencies in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

The psychology department is committed to an academically responsible concept of the integration process. It provides the opportunity for relating the discipline to a Reformed Christian world and life-view. Students majoring in psychology examine contemporary viewpoints on integration relative to psychology and work toward a personal statement reflecting their efforts.

Recent Senior Capstone Projects

• “Cross-Cultural Approaches to Emotion Regulation”
• “An Invitation to Tears: The Psychological and Biblical Case for Grief”
• “The Psychology of Decision Making in Online Advertising”
• “Psychologically Healthy Approaches to Eating and Exercise within a Christian Framework”
• “Behavioral and Neurological Wounds: Long-term Effects of Untreated Childhood Trauma in Adult Survivors”

Where Our Alumni Are

• Richmont Graduate University
• Reformed Theological Seminary
• Mental health technician, Focus Healthcare of Tennessee
• Research assistant, University of Tennessee College of Medicine
• Prevention program coordinator, CADAS
• Psychotherapist, South Shore Mental Health