Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion

What you'll study

The curriculum builds a foundation in psychological theory and research, and emphasises research skills, critical thinking, and applied practice. Course topics explicitly include human development, neuroscience, research methods, counseling, and integration of psychology and faith. Students may participate in faculty-led research, practicum experiences, and travel courses. Program course listings include PSY-250, PSY-251, PSY-252, PSY-370, PSY-371, PSY-380, PSY-485, PSY-487, PSY-493 and PSY-495.

Child Life Specialization (commonly paired with the Psychology major): requires completion of ten college courses across categories such as Child Life (1), Child Development (2), Family Systems (1), Therapeutic Benefits of Play (1), Loss/Bereavement or Death/Dying (1), Research (1), plus three additional courses in child life or related content. The specialization covers child development, family systems, therapeutic play, grief and loss, medical terminology, and interdisciplinary collaboration to prepare students for child life certification paths.

Entry requirements

Requirements differ by credential:

• Associate degree: completion of 62 semester hours, cumulative GPA ≥2.0, at least 24 semester hours in the major with GPA ≥2.0, completion of general education requirements; major-specific requirements apply.
• Bachelor’s degree (graduation/transfer): completion of at least 124 semester hours (some majors may require more), cumulative GPA ≥2.0, designated semester hours in the major with a major GPA ≥2.25 or as required by the major, completion of general education requirements; major-specific requirements apply. Degree designation is based on the first major when multiple majors are declared.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for immediate employment in roles such as case manager, mental health counselor, occupational therapy pathways, school psychology-related work, clinical research positions, and other occupations across industries. The degree also supports further professional study toward licensure or certification in counseling, child life, social work and related fields.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

IWU states it surpasses national averages on several educational benchmarks and notes that students incur lower-than-average student debt compared with national figures. Prospective students should consult IWU's tuition, fees and net price calculator and explore university scholarship and support services such as the Center for Student Success for tutoring and counseling when planning funding.