Berea College

What you'll study

The Psychology major at Berea College provides a broad introduction to the scientific study of behaviour and mental processes alongside opportunities for practical application. Core topics typically include introductory psychology, research methods and experimental design, statistics for the behavioural sciences, developmental psychology, social psychology, cognitive psychology, abnormal psychology and biological bases of behaviour.

Upper-level and elective modules often cover personality, learning and motivation, health psychology, neuropsychology, assessment and testing, and specialised seminars. Students are encouraged to engage in independent study or honours projects and complete a senior capstone or research thesis under faculty supervision. Practical learning is emphasised through supervised practicum placements, community-based internships and laboratory research where students gain experience in assessment, intervention, data collection and analysis.

Course structure follows a liberal arts model with general education requirements alongside the major. The programme emphasises critical thinking, research literacy, ethical practice and written and oral communication skills relevant to both professional work and postgraduate study.

Entry requirements

Admission to Berea College looks for a solid college-preparatory high school record and evidence of academic readiness for undergraduate study. Applicants should provide a high school transcript and a personal statement that explains their interest in studying psychology and in Berea’s mission. Schools may request letters of recommendation and a record of community or work engagement.

Berea follows a holistic admissions approach that considers academic performance, leadership, service and financial need; standardised test scores (SAT/ACT) are considered optional where applicable. Successful applicants typically have completed coursework in English and mathematics; background in biology or social sciences is helpful for psychology majors. All admitted students participate in Berea’s student work program, which combines employment on campus with academic study.

Career prospects

Graduates with a bachelor’s in Psychology from Berea enter a wide range of careers. Common entry-level roles include research assistant, caseworker, behavioural health technician, human resources assistant, community outreach coordinator, and positions in education, social services and nonprofit organisations.

Many graduates pursue further training: clinical or counselling psychology, social work, school psychology, occupational therapy, public health or advanced research degrees. The degree also provides useful skills for careers in business, human resources, marketing, criminal justice and healthcare administration. The programme’s emphasis on research methods and practicum experience helps prepare students for both professional certification pathways and competitive graduate-school applications.

Why study at Berea College

Berea College offers a distinctive learning environment: small class sizes, close faculty mentorship and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and community engagement. Berea’s practice of offering a tuition-free education to students with limited financial means means academic promise and service orientation are central to the student body.

The campus work program gives students hands-on employment experience that complements academic learning and builds professional skills. Berea’s liberal arts ethos encourages interdisciplinary study, and psychology students benefit from collaborative opportunities across departments and local community partnerships. For students seeking a rigorous, values-driven education with practical training and personal attention, Berea College provides a supportive setting to launch careers or further study in psychology-related fields.