Psychology

PSY 201

A general survey of the discipline of psychology including the principles, methods, vocabulary, and major theories in the study of human behavior. Consideration will be given to selected application of psychology for life and ministry.

3

Credit Hours

SOC 251

A study of contemporary Western society with emphasis on culture, socialization, group life, social institutions, social processes and social change.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 215

Reviews the psychological and social processes that characterize effective leaders. Students will learn about leadership in relationship to psychological exchanges between leaders and followers and situations/behaviors that make some people more effective leaders than others. Some key factors that will be studied include psychological theories related to leadership, importance of teamwork, role of power, motivation, role of emotional intelligence, expectations of leaders, and various factors affecting future leadership in the 21st century. All of this will be studied from a Christian worldview of servant leadership. Offered alternate years.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 245

Explores human development from conception through death using the bio- psycho-social-spiritual model. Using major theories, such as psychodynamic, behaviorism, cognitive, ecological, etc., students will examine life span development similarities, yet also see how each life unfolds in its own unique pattern due to various factors such as temperament, personality, etc.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 325

Examines individual behaviors within the context of one’s society. It is a study of how people think about, influence and relate to one another. Components of the behaviors studies in this course include attitudes, beliefs, prejudices, aggression, leadership, altruism, conformity, attraction, persuasion, and stereotypes.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 461

An introduction to physiological psychology in which students explore basic principles of brain structure and functional mechanisms, including the role of neurons and neurochemistry. The interrelationship between observable physiological function and psychological behavior will be explored, including the behavioral consequences of damage to the physiological systems of the nervous system.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 339

Examines the psychological influences on health, well-being and longevity. Students evaluate the interplay between emotions, cognitions and behavioral factors which affect the onset, duration, recovery and prevention of chronic illness and disease over the life span. Topics will include depression and illness, traumatic injuries, neuromuscular diseases, cancer and chronic pain. Psychological treatment involving wellness behaviors, smoking cessation, substance abuse, proper nutrition and exercise are studied from the biopsychosocial model.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 310

An introduction to the classification, description, and interpretation of behavior identified as abnormal. Emphasis is given to neuropsychological aspects, social variables and environmental conditions related to the acquisition and persistence of such behavior(s).

3

Credit Hours

PSY 456

Focuses on the traits responsible for surviving in high-stress environments, including responding directly to high-threat encounters. Pro-survival behaviors are presented, including the “gift of fear” and balancing independence and leadership versus the need for teamwork collaboration in responding to stressful events. Organizational and professional psychological traits present in law enforcement, paramilitary organizations and high stress organizations are explored, as well as healthy lifestyle factors that lead to career effectiveness and avoiding burnout, such as managing vicarious trauma and promoting self-care.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 282

An introduction to research methodology and statistics as a liberal arts discipline, this course will not primarily be a number crunching course, though many statistical concepts will be presented in context. The emphasis of the course will be on developing an understanding of the principles and concepts underlying the use of statistics in social sciences research and applications. Topics to be explored include the formulation of questions and hypotheses, appropriate experimental design, sampling methodology, data analysis, and the presentation of results using graphical summaries and proper statistical notation. Offered alternate years.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 349

In this course, students will examine various theories of personality and counseling, with an emphasis on those theories used in the United States. Included in the course will be training in assertiveness and investigation of one’s own personality. Students will have an opportunity to develop some basic counseling skills based on the theories studied through the use of role play, case studies, and other means to learn practical strategies used in the counseling setting.

3

Credit Hours

PSY/MIN 457

An integrated approach to counseling and coaching techniques in a variety of contexts. Provides an overview of basic skills and develops a model for integration of skills with a faith-based approach to helping others. Students will practice skills and techniques within and outside of the classroom context.

3

Credit Hours

CAP 498

Program Capstone

3

Credit Hours

GEN 111

Focuses on the foundational knowledge, basic software skills, and motivation required to succeed 1n the digital classroom and as a follower of Christ. Through various educational experiences, students will learn about self and others, and how the Body of Christ works together to impact the world for His glory. Students will gain an understanding of university systems, vision, and mission. This course will begin preparing students to make an eternal impact wherever they go while on a successful fulfilling path to graduation.

3

Credit Hours

ENG 105

Writing is an important skill for academic, ministry, and vocational success. This course focuses on developing writing skills, providing students opportunities to break down the writing process. Students will learn how to create strong thesis statements to drive an academic paper. They will learn how to craft introductory and concluding paragraphs, build the body of a paper, consider their audience, and improve writing skills to communicate more effectively. They will develop basic skills in APA formatting and citations. Students will also work on refreshing grammar skills. Must be completed with a grade of C- or higher.

3

Credit Hours

COM 140

Life Communication prompts students to identify their passion and excitement to use the gift of speech for good. By working through the process of topic selection, research, and speech organization, students will build confidence in serving others with their communication. In Life Communication, students will be encouraged to know their story, challenged to live their story, and empowered to tell their story.

3

Credit Hours

COM 290

Explores the fundamental concepts, principles, and skills needed for effective communication in a global world. Emphasis will be given to communication concepts, skillful writing, professional interviewing, organized informational presentations, and cultural intelligence in the workplace. Prerequisite: ENG 101, COM 140

3

Credit Hours

ENG 300

Students will learn the importance of using credible sources and building strong arguments. Students will develop thesis statements, introductions and conclusions, consider audience and purpose, and integrate credible and scholarly sources using APA formatting. They will develop writing skills to help in academic courses, business pursuits, ministry, as well as other career positions.

3

Credit Hours

HST 231

Provides students with skills in historical research and analysis, a chronological understanding and factual knowledge spanning from the dawn of civilization to 1700. Emphasis is placed on the origins and achievements of the core civilizations of Asia, Africa, America, and Greco– Roman civilizations. In addition, Christian, Islamic and Byzantine cultures will be studied. The ultimate focus will be to provide students with a historical, factual, cultural, and geographical knowledge of ancient history and its relationship to the Bible. Upon completion, students should be able to analyze significant political, socioeconomic, and cultural developments up to the early modern world civilizations within the interrelations of societies and cultures.

3

Credit Hours

PHL 133

Addresses the fact that our culture is confronted with a vast assortment of differing philosophies and worldviews; each claiming to be true. Focus is provided to understand and evaluate these various belief systems in an increasingly pluralistic society. Main ideas of eight different worldviews will be explored while the student develops and expresses a personal worldview. Topics will center around the nature of God, reality, nature of man, death, truth, morality, and the meaning of life. The primary purpose of this course is to challenge students to examine the timeless truths of Christianity.

3

Credit Hours

SOC 243

An exploration of cultural diversity and multiculturalism from a Christian faith perspective. This course provides a process to understand and practice cultural diversity competence. It is designed to initiate and provide ongoing preparation for effective interaction with everyone in our culturally diverse world. Growth in these skills equips individuals with the social graces needed to form bonds of mutual trust that will bridge the differences that ordinarily divides people.

3

Credit Hours

SCI 220

Provides a general understanding of environmental science, while exploring the natural world and the resources it provides. The study of environmental science is approached with an understanding of the responsibilities of human beings to practice wise stewardship of God’s creation. Topics include, but are not limited to, exploration of environmental issues, the relations between living and nonliving things, human responsibility for the environment and the earth’s resources now and in the future.

3

Credit Hours

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3

Credit Hours