One Day Academy

Psychology of Mind and Behavior offers students a unique opportunity to explore how people learn, think, grow, and relate through the integration of psychological science and Biblical truth. This course examines foundational psychology topics such as brain function, learning and memory, thinking and language, personality, and social behavior. Throughout the year, students investigate how contemporary research in neuroscience increasingly affirms Biblical principles.

The goal of this course is to equip students with scientifically informed knowledge that is immediately applicable to daily life, empowering meaningful personal development and transformation through the practical understanding of mind and behavior. Psychological and neuroscience concepts are presented in an accessible way, making the course intriguing for all.

Students engage directly with psychological science through hands-on activities, class discussions, case studies, experiments, and reflective practices that connect psychological theory to real-life application and spiritual growth. Homework includes unit projects, journaling, and reading from selected books, Scripture, and devotionals. By the end of the course, students will gain a scientifically grounded understanding of God’s design for the brain and how this insight can help form intentional development of their own thoughts, personality, character, learning, and relationships.

This course offers a comprehensive introduction to psychology taught from a biblical worldview. Designed at an honors high school level, the curriculum parallels the content of an undergraduate general psychology course while spreading the material across a full school year to allow for deeper understanding, concept retention, and thoughtful discussion. Throughout the course, students learn to evaluate psychological ideas and research through the lens of Scripture and Christian truth.

Students will explore the foundations of psychology, including:

• The history and development of the field

• Major theories and schools of thought

• Topics such as emotion, thinking, learning, perception, and behavior

• Influential psychologists and well-known experiments

Each unit integrates biblical principles alongside the textbook, case studies, and age-appropriate scholarly readings. Students are encouraged to think critically, compare perspectives, and develop discernment as they consider how psychology and faith intersect.

As part of their learning, students will become familiar with common mental health challenges and how psychologists observe, assess, and support individuals. Through guided case studies and class discussion, they will explore ethical questions and practical applications in a thoughtful, responsible way. The course also introduces students to potential careers in psychology and related helping professions, outlining educational paths from entry-level positions to advanced degrees.

Course Expectations

Students should expect approximately 2–4 hours of homework each week. Assignments include reading, short written responses, occasional projects, and hands-on learning activities designed to strengthen research, analysis, and communication skills.

Class time at One Day Academy balances clear instruction with discussion and small-group collaboration. Students may complete self-assessments, analyze case studies, observe demonstrations, and conduct simple experiments to help them apply what they learn in meaningful ways.

By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in psychological principles, a deeper understanding of human behavior, and the ability to thoughtfully evaluate ideas from both scientific and biblical perspectives.

Process/Purpose

Jesus offers His followers an ‘abundant life’ in Him. And yet, why are so many of us weighed down with anxiety, depression, addictions and fear?

Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior, and while there are many theories on the topic, there is no better place to look than Scripture, where we discover who we are and what motivates our lives. The instructor will lead the class in exploring human thought processes and behavior in light of biblical truth.

This will be an excellent intro course in Psychology, while laying a solid biblical foundation for those interested in careers in counseling, social work, missions and ministry. This class will also serve as a catalyst for personal spiritual transformation for the student. Small group discussions, weekly journaling assignments and bible meditation will take the teachings and bring it to a personal level.

Topics include:

• Our Unique Design: personality and learning styles

• Brain processes: thought life and its effect on behavior

• Relational Health: conflict resolution and the power of forgiveness

• Disorders: Anxiety, Eating Disorders, Addictions, Depression

• Community: connecting relationships as a foundation for emotional health

Psychology & Scripture is a Bible-centered course that examines human behavior, brain functioning, and a Biblical analysis of human beings. Accompanying each unit, students assess an aspect of human psychology with Scripture. Over the course of one academic year, students will study:

• Human Thought, Behavior, & Sin: How does God expect humans to behave? How much of what we do is in our control? Are we a product of our genetics? Where does neuroscience fit with God’s expectation for behavior?

• Personality & the Image of God: What do our personalities teach us about God and ourselves?

• Common Mental Health Disorders & Biblical Counseling: What does the Bible say about      depression/anxiety? Eating disorders? Trauma? Neurodiversity? What does being a friend to someone with these in their background look like?

• Interpersonal Conflict: What does the Bible say about redemption and forgiveness? How does this fit with contemporary psychology?

• Self-Help Culture & Scripture: What do trends in pop culture teach us about human behavior?      How does personal responsibility fit with God’s sovereignty?

• Christianity & Psychology: How should Christians view psychology? What are the different views? How do they impact Christian living?

Using the Bible, textbook, case studies, and self-assessment, students will examine the Biblical view of humanity in light of psychology. With a strong emphasis on self-reflection and personal experience, students are challenged to apply the information in this course to their personal and spiritual lives. Devotional-style Bible reading guides the student’s understanding of the human mind and human behavior from a biblical perspective.

Students can expect homework to consist of reading the textbook, reading Bible passages, journaling, self-assessments, and experiments. In class, students will be assigned to discussion groups and/or work with a randomly assigned partner on a weekly basis. On occasion, students will conduct social or psychological experiments.