The Education and Psychology Department at Southwestern Adventist University provides meaningful learning experiences to promote critical thinking, knowledge acquisition, and problem-solving skills. Our faculty bring expertise through earned degrees and real-world experience to their teaching. The faculty strive to prepare students for careers in a wide range of education, counseling, and mental health professions.
What sets us apart
- Education majors have opportunities for field experience beginning in the freshman year
- One-on-one work from dedicated professors, small class sizes
- Education majors are prepared for public and private school settings
- Internship options are available for psychology majors during the senior year
- One-of-a-kind B.S. degree in Psychology with an emphasis on school guidance
We focus on preparation for the classroom, clinical practice, research, and other relevant settings so students can pursue a career as a:
- Curriculum director
- Diagnostician
- Principal
- Probation officer
- Psychology technician
- Social Services case manager
- Superintendent of schools
- Speech pathology
- Teacher
- Technology director
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How SWAU Ranks
SWAU Education & Psychology graduates show great passion for their fields, which opens doors for successful careers in flourishing organizations.
100%
Of psychology students are offered internships before going to graduate school
99%
Of graduates get career or graduate school offers within one year of graduating
100%
Pass Rate on Texas State Professional Pedagogy and Responsibilities Exam
Anabella Lopez
“I graduated from Southwestern Adventist University almost three years ago. My experience was a very enriching and valuable one. Being in the Department of Education and Psychology was the best decision I could have made. I was exposed to many things that would later help me in my career, even in my life. During my time in the program, I was lucky enough to be pushed out of my comfort zone by my professors in many ways. They looked out for me academically as well as personally.
One of the things they encouraged me to do was to become the social vice president for the department. This experience helped me later become the student association social vice president for SWAU and get a development internship with Make a Wish Foundation because of my previous experience.
For a teacher, they say that your first year is your worst, due to not being fully equipped and not knowing what to expect. I can honestly say that my first year was the best. During my experience in the Department of Education and Psychology, I had the best mentors, hands-on experience, practical lessons for day-to-day teaching, lesson-planning tools, and classroom management strategies.
I am currently working on my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which means at least seven papers are due each semester. To another student, this may seem overwhelming, but my time in the department made me feel more prepared for it. Being in the program, we learned how to correctly write in APA format and how to get our thoughts out on paper. I feel blessed to have had time at Southwestern Adventist University, and I will always be a Knight at heart!"
Class of 2017
Anabella Lopez
“I graduated from Southwestern Adventist University almost three years ago. My experience was a very enriching and valuable one. Being in the Department of Education and Psychology was the best decision I could have made. I was exposed to many things that would later help me in my career, even in my life. During my time in the program, I was lucky enough to be pushed out of my comfort zone by my professors in many ways. They looked out for me academically as well as personally.
One of the things they encouraged me to do was to become the social vice president for the department. This experience helped me later become the student association social vice president for SWAU and get a development internship with Make a Wish Foundation because of my previous experience.
For a teacher, they say that your first year is your worst, due to not being fully equipped and not knowing what to expect. I can honestly say that my first year was the best. During my experience in the Department of Education and Psychology, I had the best mentors, hands-on experience, practical lessons for day-to-day teaching, lesson-planning tools, and classroom management strategies.
I am currently working on my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, which means at least seven papers are due each semester. To another student, this may seem overwhelming, but my time in the department made me feel more prepared for it. Being in the program, we learned how to correctly write in APA format and how to get our thoughts out on paper. I feel blessed to have had time at Southwestern Adventist University, and I will always be a Knight at heart!"