Psychology Major (A)

The mission of the Psychology program is to increase the awareness of the boundaries and applications of psychology, foster intellectual development and problem solving, and encourage students to serve others within the context of Christian faith. The Psychology program is committed to cultivating multicultural awareness and appreciation for the magnificence of God viewed through human diversity. The program prepares students to pursue helping professions and/or graduate study.

Psychologists find great meaning in helping other people build lives of wellness and emotional resilience.  Most careers and vocations involve working with people which means the possibilities of where a Psychology degree can take you are endless. The Psychology program aims to produce students who are engaged citizens active in serving their communities. The program integrates faith and learning, providing students with opportunities for growth and leadership.

Program Learning Outcomes

Goal 1: Knowledge Base in Psychology

  • Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology, including from a Christian perspective.
  • Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
  • Describe applications of psychology

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking

  • Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
  • Demonstrate psychology information literacy
  • Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving, including from a Christian perspective.
  • Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
  • Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry, including from a Christian perspective.

Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

  • Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
  • Build and enhance interpersonal relationships
  • Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels, including from a Christian perspective.

Goal 4: Communication

  • Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
  • Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
  • Interact effectively with others

Goal 5: Professional Development

  • Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
  • Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation
  • Refine project-management skills
  • Enhance teamwork capacity
  • Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation

Goal 6: Apply a Biblical Worldview to Psychology Coursework

Curriculum

Core Requirements45
Major Requirements37
Electives38
Minor: Required
Total Hours120

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses
Public Speaking (Communication and Language)
Statistics I (Natural World)
Recommended Core Course
Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology (Natural World)
Required Courses
COMM 2100Interpersonal Communication3
PSY 1010General Psychology3
PSY 2050Theories of Learning3
Select one of the following Development Courses:3
Child Development
Adolescent Development
Life Span Development
PSY 3100Theories of Personality3
PSY 3150Social Psychology3
PSY 3500Experimental Psychology3
PSY 4250Abnormal Psychology3
PSY 4500Psychology Practicum3
PSY 4850Research Proposal1
PSY 4900Psychology Senior Seminar3
Major Electives
Two 3000 or 4000 Level Psychology Electives 16
Total Hours37
1

PSY 4450 Principles of Counseling is a recommended elective to be taken during spring of junior year.