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

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 (will apply to students admitted, beginning in 2011)
3. GPA of 2.75 for Psychology coursework (will apply to students admitted, beginning in 2011)   
4. Submission of completed application form (will apply to students admitted, beginning Fall 2013)
5. Completion of professional portfolio (will apply to students admitted, beginning Fall 2013)
6. Completion of application interview (will apply to students admitted, beginning Fall 2013)

Placement into clinical or professional practicum settings requires that 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 to be capable of conducting research in the field. Students must meet the requirements above for Senior Status in the Psychology program before they may enroll in Practicum, Research Proposal and Senior Seminar.

Course options and schedule are subject to change.