Students who study psychology may go on to a variety of careers, including counselors, K-12 therapists, social workers, human resources, and researchers. At Azusa Pacific University, the Department of Psychology equips its students with the tools and mindsets that they need to pursue whatever career they are called to. Through field studies, faith integration, faculty mentorship, and genuine community, psychology majors are set up for success in the field.
APU’s psychology faculty are essential to the success of the students and the foundation of the community. Professors are working professionals, many running research labs and continually publishing their work in industry journals. Beyond academics, the faculty care about the students and their holistic development. “They are so good at interpersonal relationships. As I was looking at the program, I met with faculty, and they had very honest and faith-centered advice,” said Elizabeth Bryce ’27. “They genuinely cared about me choosing a career path that aligned with my calling and what would benefit me.” Through one-on-one advising, professors develop consistent mentorship with students, ensuring that each student has someone guiding them through their journey. “We want students to be prepared for their graduate school or to go out into the world. We take mentoring and advising very seriously,” said Matthew Heller, PhD, chair of the Department of Psychology. “We are interested in students’ well- being and faith as well as their academics.”
By establishing a connection with students, faculty also lead them in research and
field experiences in the program. All undergraduate students have the opportunity
to gain experience either in a research lab with professors or through programs connected
with the university. “All stages of the scientific method are being covered: learning
how to generate a hypothesis, doing data analysis, and representing work at conferences,"
said Heller.
Students can also go out into the field of psychology, working with programs connected
with the university. “I am interested in school psychology, and was connected with
an opportunity to work with students. That experience helped solidify my calling and
gain experience in the field I want to pursue,” said Payton Hiester ’26. Unique opportunities
to gain experience in diverse fields of psychology prepare students for their careers
after graduation.
Faith integration is essential to the psychology department and APU as a whole. “We want to show how every decision we make is bringing together how faith is the lens through which we view our counseling, our research, and all of our work,” said Heller. “If you are a Christian, the way you engage with your client can be faithful. That means showing the love for your neighbor not just as a professional but as a deep-seated motivation as a person of faith.” Having a foundation of faith in the classroom, through scripture integration, prayer, and deep discussion, allows students to pursue a Christ-like approach to psychology. “APU works on a Christian approach that doesn’t limit our education but improves it. The Bible tells us that there is a renewing of the mind through spending intentional time with God,” said Hiester. “There is power in thought and in where you spend your time, and that ties in with what we know about psychology.”
Psychology provides a foundation for a multitude of careers. “There are over 300 careers that students can pursue with an undergraduate psychology degree,” said Heller. “APU also provides a substantial number of graduate psychology programs for students who want to continue and concentrate their education.” With master's degrees offered in clinical and counseling psychology, child life, marriage and family therapy, and school psychology, APU has a variety of paths for students to pursue. “I am interested in children and family counseling. As I was doing mission work, it opened my eyes to all the needs in the world,” said Bryce. “Working with children who didn’t have as many advantages, I saw the impact that education and counseling could have. I’m excited to work on something that could help in the same way.” Students like Bryce are able to pursue their callings at APU both through undergraduate and professional programs.
Psychology students are called to be difference makers, working alongside faculty
to change the APU community and beyond. “At the end of every semester, we have a graduation
celebration. It's bittersweet because you have spent years teaching these students,
interacting with them, and watching them grow,” said Heller. “We are building bonds
with students who will go on to change the world.” Students in the department are
encouraged to listen to the calling that God has placed on their hearts. “As long
as I’m serving the Lord, I’m less concerned with what my professional life looks like,”
said Bryce.
Psychology students are given the perfect combination of community, faith, experience,
and mentorship to go on to change the world for the better.