Welcome to the GVSU Psychology Department!

Hello! We're excited that you're here. Psychology covers a broad range of topics that psychologists can specialize in. These areas include: clinical, cognitive, counseling, cross-cultural, developmental, educational, experimental, industrial-organizational, neuropsychology, physiological, and social psychology.

The interests and training of the faculty members in our department cover all of these areas, so we are able to offer a wide range of courses in the undergraduate curriculum.

Please click the button below for information about their office hours. If you have any questions, please send an email to [email protected] or you may call the main telephone number, 616-331-2195.

Office staff are available in person 8AM - 5PM Mon-Fri.

Undergraduate Degrees Offered

Psychology BA/BS

Psychology is the science of mind and behavior. This basic and applied science includes the study of thought, action, and emotion. Psychologists study how people influence and interact with one another, how they develop, and the role that biological mechanisms play in psychological processes.

Graduates find jobs in varied settings, including business, industry, and human services.

Many of our graduates pursue graduate studies in a wide variety of disciplines, including psychology, medicine, law, social work, business, library science, human resources management, and non profit administration.

PSY Program Overview PSY Course Catalog

PSY Requirements Worksheet

Behavioral Neuroscience BA/BS

Behavioral Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area that studies the interactions between the nervous system and behavior, the development and function of the nervous system, and their application to the treatment of disorders.

The major is administered by the Psychology Department. Students may earn a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Behavioral Neuroscience. The B.S. requires students to take the degree requirement sequence from the Psychology Department. The B.A. requires third semester proficiency in a foreign language.

Graduates with training in behavioral neuroscience have worked for colleges and universities, research institutes, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, and government agencies. Students with a Behavioral Neuroscience degree may also pursue graduate study in neuroscience, neuropsychology, or related fields, or professional degrees in health-related fields.

BNS Program Overview BNS Course Catalog

BNS Requirements Worksheet Preprofessional Worksheet

Psychology Minor

Because human interaction is central to many careers, students often choose to add a psychology minor to their major field of study. Psychology minors gain increased understanding of how humans perceive, think, feel, and act, and how research contributes to our growing knowledge in these areas.

For future teachers interested in teaching psychology in high school, there is a strongly suggested set of courses that will fulfill the minor requirements and prepare students for secondary teaching.

PSY Minor Course Catalog

Minor Requirements Worksheet Minors Interested in Secondary Teaching

What Can You Do With A Psychology Major

Graduate Degrees Offered

School Psychology, M.S. and Psy.S.

Grand Valley State University's School Psychology graduate program, leading students to earn both a Masters of Science degree (M.S.) and a Specialist in School Psychology degree (Psy.S.), offers students extensive training through coursework, practicum, and research experiences in the assessment, prevention, and intervention of academic, social, and mental health problems that affect a wide range of students.

The full-time program spans 3 years, and includes extensive coursework and practicum experiences. Upon graduation, students are eligible to apply for licensure as a school psychologist.

School PSY Program Overview School Psychology Website

School PSy Course Catalog Course Requirements

GVSU's School Psychology Grad Program

Interested in applying?

Apply today!

Additional videos about career paths, grad school, gaining experience, and more!

Opportunities

in Psychology

Opportunities in Psychology

5th

Largest Major

95%

Students Employed in Continuing Education

90%

Applicants Accepted to Maters Programs

90%

Faculty InvolvingS Studens in Researh

Events

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Spotlights

Conferences & Presentations

In Memory of Valued Psychology Professor, Chris O'Connor

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of professor emeritus of psychology, Mary Christine (Chris) O'Connor.

Published May 20, 2026

Award winners and presenters at Student Scholars Day 2026

2026 Students Scholars Day and Award Ceremony

On Wednesday, April 8th, faculty, family, and friends acknowledged psychology student achievements at the 2026 Students Scholars Day and PSY Award Ceremony.

Behavioral Neuroscience Psychology

Published April 29, 2026

New Publication about Jealousy in Romantic Relationships

Congratulations to Dr. Mikhila Wildey on her publication that explores how jealousy operates in romantic relationships.

Psychology

Published March 4, 2026

ASH Lab Dedication Ceremony

On January 30th, the Psychology Department hosted a Dedication Ceremony for the recently remodeled Au Sable Psychology Laboratories.

Psychology

Published February 11, 2026

25th Anniversary START Speaker Series

Celebrate 25 years of START with the 25th Anniversary START Speaker Series! This virtual series brings together an engaging lineup of speakers who will share perspectives on diverse, meaningful topics that reflect STARTs ongoing commitment.

Psychology Special Education

Published January 6, 2026

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