Psychology, Sociology and Social Welfare

Department Chair: Kaye Cook

Faculty: Susan Bobb, Sybil Coleman, Ryan Daley, Ivy George, Sarah Krass, Daniel Norton.
Adjunct: Kevin Baldwin, Andrea Brown, David Cook, Linnea Hultberg, Alexis Lambert, Kristelle Lavallee, Stephanie Leathe, Glenn Smith, Cindy Veatch.

Psychology Program

MISSION: Students in the Psychology Program study the mind, brain, and behavior through classroom experiences, readings, experiential learning, and discussions. Psychology is a diverse field that includes questions about, e.g., how we develop, how language and culture affect our sense of self and others, and how we as social beings form and are formed by the relationships and social groups to which we belong. It also includes questions about what mental health is, and how to help ourselves and others flourish. At Gordon, the psychology program provides an exceptional education in classic and cutting-edge theories, research, and practice. Across our courses, we wrestle with the ways that faith can lead to better psychology, how psychological knowing informs Christian faith, and how psychology and Christian faith together better prepare us for service in the places to which we are called.

Psychology Major

With a bachelor’s degree, students are prepared for graduate work in psychology and related fields and/or for employment in human and social services or business settings.

The department intends to prepare all students to carry out their scholarly, professional and personal vocations in a way that reflects their Christian commitment and motivates and empowers them to act as agents of redemptive change. Both faculty and students are encouraged to develop and use their scholarly and professional skills to serve the communities of psychology, the church and the world.

Sociology Minor

MISSION: The Sociology minor is designed to offer an understanding of the characteristics, processes and components of human social life and impart the skills necessary for critical analysis of the same. This understanding is based on a solid grasp of social theory and research methods and is integrated with the assumptions and principles of the Christian faith. Moreover, since an understanding of social life is significantly deepened by direct exposure to and engagement in a variety of social contexts, the department facilitates opportunities for learning in urban, national, international and organizational settings.

Social Welfare Major

MISSION: The social welfare major educates students for entry-level, generalist practice in social work, social welfare, and social policy within the context of a Christian liberal arts institution. The major maintains a commitment to the value and dignity of every person and the biblical mandate to address social and structural inequality. Graduates are prepared to work in a variety of settings to help bring about peace, justice, and social transformation.

Human Services Minor

The human services minor is appropriate for those interested in entry-level practice in social welfare and public policy. Students learn about organized networks of public and private social services, and basic practices and perspectives in the social work profession. In so doing, they acquire the knowledge to understand, participate, and lead in efforts to actively transform the social problems in American society and abroad.

Programs

Major

Minor

Concentrations

Courses

Psychology

Psychology Lab

Sociology

Social Welfare