Psychology (B.A.)

Location(s): Campus

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Major Foundation Courses

PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hours: 3 (see General Education below) *
PSY 103 - Psychology Seminar I Credit Hours: 1 *
PSY 203 - Psychology Seminar II Credit Hours: 1 *
PSY 303 - Psychology Seminar III Credit Hours: 1 *
PSY 342 - Application of Behavioral Principles Credit Hours: 2 *
PSY 351 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 3 (see General Education below) *π
PSY 352 - Research Design Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 450 - Internship Credit Hours: 3
PSY 498 - Capstone: Integration and Prep. Credit Hours: 2 *

Choose one 18 credit hour concentration from the following.

General Psychology Concentration Courses

PSY 305 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 321 - Cognitive Psychology Credit Hours: 2 *
PSY 403 - Neuropsychology Credit Hours: 4 *π (Science with Lab Pathway requirement)
PSY 422 - Counseling Psychology Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY elective Credit Hours: 3 *
Choose one of the following
PSY 300 - Infant and Early Childhood Development Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 306 - Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 309 - Lifespan Development Credit Hours: 3 *

Working with Vulnerable Children Concentration Courses

PSY 242 - Death, Grief, and Loss Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 300 - Infant and Early Childhood Development Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 306 - Middle Childhood and Adolescent Development Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 361 - Play Therapy Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 362 - Understanding Trauma and Developing Resiliency Credit Hours: 3 *
PSY 363 - A Systems Approach to Helping Families Credit Hours: 3 *

Psychology Major Credit Hours 37

General Education

Community of Learners Core Courses

COR 100 - Life In Community Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 200 - Christ, Culture, and Diversity Credit Hours: 2 +
COR 374 - Preparing for Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 1 +
COR 375 - Cross Cultural Studies Credit Hours: 3 +
COR 300 - Christian Faith and Community Credit Hours: 2
COR 400 - Christian Life and Vocation Credit Hours: 2

Biblical Studies Courses

BIB 217 - Survey of the Old Testament Credit Hours: 3 +
BIB 218 - Survey of the New Testament Credit Hours: 3 +

Liberal Arts Skills Courses

ENG 104 - College Writing Credit Hours: 3 ^*
ENG 304 - Writing and Research Credit Hours: 3 ^*#
HPR 101 - Personal Fitness and Wellness Credit Hours: 2
Speech See General Education Section for approved courses Credit Hours: 3 ^

Liberal Arts Pathways Courses

Art Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
History Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Literature Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Mathematics Pathway - PSY 351 - Statistics for Behavioral Sciences (see Major Foundation courses)
Music Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 2 Credit Hours
Philosophy Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 3 Credit Hours
Science with Lab Pathway - See General Education Requirements - Main Campus 4 Credit Hours
- or PSY 403 - Neuropsychology (see General Psychology Concentration courses)
Social Science Pathway - PSY 100 - Introduction to Psychology 3 Credit Hours (see Major Foundation courses)

General Education Credit Hours 42-46

Elective Credit Hours 37-41

B.A. in Psychology Total Credit Hours 120

Symbol Key

^ Grade of “C” or better required.
* This course has a prerequisite.
# Possible waiver by exam.
π A major course that meets General Education requirements.
+ Possible waiver with a specified number of transfer credits upon first-time admission.

Psychology Learning Outcomes

Students in the psychology major will demonstrate an understanding of the methods and applications of the discipline of psychology within a Christian worldview. Students will employ experimental and clinical methods for studying people; articulate theoretical concepts and research findings of the discipline; explain the historical background and philosophical assumptions underlying the methods and theories of modern psychology and how they apply to Christian belief and experience; and apply psychological knowledge to address significant human need. The major will prepare students for graduate study and/or entry-level careers in helping professions such as crisis intervention and counseling centers, community and social work agencies, evaluation and intervention in psychiatric clinic/hospital settings, substance abuse programs, law enforcement, ministry, and services/programs for senior citizens and special needs children or adolescents.

Graduate School Preparation

Students planning to attend graduate school for studies in counseling or clinical psychology are advised that success in PSY 450 - Internship will enhance chances for acceptance into a quality program.

Rationale for Major Courses

In PSY 100 , students will receive a broad overview of the sub-disciplines in the discipline.
PSY 103 , PSY 203 , and PSY 303 will provide students with some of the requisite skills that will help prepare them for graduate training for psychology -related careers.
PSY 351 and PSY 352 help students develop competence in the basic quantitative methods of inquiry used in the social sciences.
Developmental courses help students build a basic knowledge of the major paradigms for understanding human development and the philosophical assumptions, strengths, and limitations of each.
The neuropsychology course allows students to receive exposure to basic methods, logic, findings, and theories in several of the traditional “hard science” sub-disciplines of psychology.
From courses in the clinical/counseling area, students learn skills in how to relate more effectively to a diverse group of people.
By taking a psychology internship, students will receive supervised experience in direct application of psychological knowledge.
Through PSY 498 , students will be able to demonstrate competencies in the psychology discipline.

Psychology Major Oversight

The psychology major is overseen by the Department of Psychology. Courses with the PSY number are administered by this department. Questions about the major should be directed to the department chair.