Doane University

What you'll study

The psychology programme at Doane provides a comprehensive foundation in the major areas of psychological science while emphasising applied skills and close faculty mentoring. Students take a sequence of core courses in research methods and statistics, biological bases of behaviour, developmental psychology, social psychology and abnormal psychology.

• Research methods & statistics: experimental design, data analysis, ethical research practice, and opportunities to participate in faculty-led projects.
• Foundations of psychology: introduction to psychological theory, history of psychology, and critical perspectives.
• Biopsychology and cognitive psychology: brain–behaviour relationships, perception, learning and memory.
• Developmental psychology: lifespan approaches from infancy through older adulthood.
• Personality and abnormal psychology: theories of personality, diagnosis, and treatment approaches.
• Applied and specialised electives: options commonly include child and adolescent psychology, forensic or criminal psychology, industrial–organisational psychology, health psychology, and neuropsychology.
• Capstone and practicum: a senior capstone or thesis project plus supervised practicum or internship placements with community agencies, schools, clinics or businesses to build applied skills.

The programme integrates the liberal arts core curriculum, encouraging interdisciplinary coursework and development of communication, quantitative reasoning, and ethical decision-making skills.

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a recognised high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions materials include official transcripts, a personal statement outlining academic and career goals, and one or more letters of recommendation. Doane considers applicants holistically, looking at academic preparation in key areas such as English and mathematics, extracurricular involvement, and demonstrated interest in psychology or related fields.

International applicants are required to submit official transcripts evaluated for U.S. equivalence and evidence of English language proficiency when their prior education was not in English. Transfer students should provide college transcripts and information on completed coursework in psychology or statistics for appropriate credit evaluation.

Career prospects

A bachelor’s degree in psychology from Doane prepares graduates for a range of entry-level roles and for graduate study. Common career paths include roles in human services, case management, community and youth work, behavioural health support, and rehabilitation services. Graduates also find positions in human resources, training and development, sales, and research support.

For those aiming to become licensed psychologists, clinical counsellors, or licensed clinical social workers, graduate study and licensure are required. The programme’s research training and capstone projects also prepare students for master's-level and doctoral-level study in psychology and related disciplines.

Why study at Doane University

Doane offers small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio that enable personalised mentorship and close supervision on research and practicum placements. The psychology faculty are active teachers and mentors who supervise undergraduate research and collaborate with students on applied projects.

The programme emphasises experiential learning: students frequently complete internships with local schools, clinics and community organisations, gaining practical experience and professional networking opportunities. The liberal arts environment encourages cross-disciplinary perspectives, while career services and alumni connections support students in planning next steps—whether entering the workforce or applying to graduate programmes.