"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom & instructions. Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom. 
And in all your getting get understanding" (Prov. 1:7 & 4:7)

Mission Statement

The mission of Eastern University's Psychology Department is: (a) To pursue excellence in teaching and research in our field of study, examining its theories from empirical, philosophical, and theological perspectives; (b) To develop the potential of our students as Christian scholars and practitioners of psychology, preparing them for confident service to the academy, the church universal, and the local and global community; and (c) To serve our university as competent Christian professionals and our students as caring role models and mentors. [read expanded mission statement]

Psychology Major: Curriculum

Faculty (click names for individual webpages and email)
(Note: When using email links, remove "NOSPAM" from addresses)

David Tyson – Ph.D. Pennsylvania State University. Area of specialty in developmental psychology, personality, and family studies. [Department Chair] dtyson@eastern.edu

Mary Stewart Van Leeuwen – Ph.D. Northwestern University. Recent Publication winning Christianity Today’s Book of the Year award Biblical Feminism. mvanleeu@eastern.edu

Terry Weathersby – Ph.D. University of South Carolina. Area of specialty in behavioral neuroscience. tweather@eastern.edu

Yolanda Turner - M.A. Hahnemann Medical University.  Area of specialty in counseling. yturner2@eastern.edu

Douglas Trimble - Ph.D Temple University.  Area of specialty in social psychology. dtrimble@eastern.edu

Internship Opportunities

Internships can be 1-6 credits towards your major. Students have the option of an internship or a senior thesis (by invitation only). Students have internship opportunities from around the corner to the other side of the world. Possible internships include, but are not limited to:

• Residential treatment centers
• Psychiatric hospitals
• Preschool & daycare centers
• After school tutoring & recreation programs
• Individual behavior modification programs
• Crisis intervention agencies
• Business settings (Human Resources)
• Social welfare & community counseling centers

"In Eastern’s Psychology Department, we actively scrutinize psychological theory, research, and intervention through the lens of biblical revelation". Dr. David Tyson – Department Chair

Job Opportunities for Graduates with a B.A. or B.S. degree

Currently the field of Psychology has been rated an "A+" for employment opportunities. Psychology is the fastest growing major in the United States this year. While becoming a professional psychologist does require graduate training (at least a master’s degree and preferably a doctorate), there are many job opportunities for those with a bachelor’s degree. That is why the psychology department at Eastern University requires an internship. Because psychology is the study of people, both the American Medical Association and the American Bar Association have recommended psychology as one of the best undergraduate majors for students considering degrees in medicine and law. Jobs open to psychology majors include but are not limited to:

• marketing
• residential care
• advertising
• human resources
• pharmaceutical research
• case worker
• mental health clinics
• research associate

Distinctives of Psychology at Eastern:

• High quality, innovative teaching and mentoring from caring faculty.
• Integration of an internship and/or research thesis.
• Favorable professor: student ratio.
• A deliberate attempt to integrate the Christian Faith with the study of psychology.
• Individual attention within small class sizes.
• Students have the opportunity to participate and present research at a Psychology Convention.
• Degrees offered include B.S. or B.A. in Psychology.
• A strong focus on psychological theory and research at the undergraduate level, preparing students for various types of graduate studies.
• A strong focus on cultural and gender issues, and on examining psychology through the eyes of faith.

Eastern University, 1300 Eagle Road, St. Davids, PA 19087-3696