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 emphasizes a Biblical perspective, integrates faith and learning, and provides 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
• Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
• Describe applications of psychology, including from a Biblical perspective

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
• Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
• Incorporate sociocultural factors, including a Biblical perspective, in scientific inquiry

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 Biblical 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: Biblical Worldview and Psychology

• Apply the five themes of a Biblical perspective on human nature to psychology content
• Interpret Lutheran vocation in the context of using psychology knowledge for Christian service

Curriculum

Major Requirements 

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

Admission to Senior Status in Psychology

The following criteria have been established for students to be admitted to Senior Status in the Psychology program. (Application is generally made in the second semester of the junior year.)

1. Successful completion of 90 semester hours of credit
2. Cumulative GPA of 2.5 
3. GPA of 2.75 for Psychology coursework     
4. Completion of professional portfolio 
5. Completion of application interview 

Placement into clinical or professional practicum settings requires a student be knowledgeable, confident, and demonstrate the highest potential for success. Enrollment in the Psychology Practicum, Research Proposal, and Senior Seminar requires a student to be well-grounded in psychological theory/practice and capable of conducting research in the field.

Students must meet the requirements above and have no conduct or ethical violations to be granted Senior Status in the Psychology major before they may enroll in Practicum, Research Proposal and Senior Seminar.

Plan

Course options and schedule are subject to change.