Biopsychology (B.S.)

Program Overview

The B.S. in Biopsychology prepares students who are interested in any of the following fields: medicine, psychiatry, clinical psychology, cognitive neuroscience, psychopharmacology, neuropsychology, behavioral genetics, experimental psychology, evolutionary psychology, or comparative psychology.

Most biopsychologists are trained experimental psychologists who have brought their knowledge of biology to the study of psychological phenomena. These phenomena include behavior and underlying psychological processes, such as learning, memory, perception, attention, motivation, emotion, and cognition.

In addition to the Biopsychology major as described above, Messiah also offers an accelerated 3+2 program in Biopsychology and Occupational Therapy in conjunction with Thomas Jefferson University. Students who meet the requirements and are accepted by Thomas Jefferson University either during their senior year of high school or at the end of their first year at Messiah College can complete three years of study at Messiah College and two years at Thomas Jefferson University to earn a B.S. in Biopsychology and an M.S.O.T. in Occupational Therapy.

Biopsychology Majors can choose from a variety of minors such as Bible, business, chemistry, communication, early childhood education, Christian ministries,  gerontology, human development and family science, mathematics, sociology, criminal justice, or anthropology. Students in our majors are encouraged to spend a semester studying abroad and/or participate in a practicum or internship off campus. Opportunities are available for professionally supervised participation in medical research labs, community mental health centers, retirement facilities, hospitals, prisons, crisis intervention centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, and other service agencies in the area.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biopsychology program can:

1. Identify and explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology, developing a sophisticated understanding of individual human behavior.
2. Input and analyze data using appropriate SPSS methods;
3. Design, execute, analyze, and systematically report research results
4. Integrate and interpret multiple test data.
5. Reflect on experiences (academic/ volunteer/internship/employment) that shaped their current sense of vocation and articulate how those experiences impact future vocational goals.
6. Articulate how faith connects to Psychology and to potential career options in the field of Psychology

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

One of the following series of courses:

A. Option 1* (13 credits):

B. Option 2 (12 credits):

One of the following options:

A. Option 1 (10-12 credits)

Six to eight credits from the following courses:

B. Option 2 (11-12 credits)

Three to four credits from the following courses:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

Three credits from the following:

QuEST Requirements