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

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 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 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 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 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 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 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/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

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

SOC 255

An introduction to human services in public and private settings. Course discussions will include the history and development of professional human services and a survey of potential local resources, which will include casework, group work, community organizations and self-study. Consideration of professional approaches will be used in working with people in the human services professions (especially psychology and social work). This course will also require site observations with special emphasis on environmental variables and diversity, including socioeconomic status (SES) and differences in power. Instruction will include lecture, discussion, field internship experiences, experiential exercises and small group experiences. Students will also begin to explore their commitment to a human service career.

3

Credit Hours

SOC 356

Analysis of the family as an American institution including an emphasis on those factors of courtship which influence an integrative relationship of marriage and family.

3

Credit Hours

PSY 320

A faculty-supervised internship that involves placement in a local agency. The student will begin integrating classroom concepts and theory with practical interventions. Internships require a minimum of 40 hours of contact time per credit earned. The typical Psychology Internship is three credits, a minimum of 120 hours under agency supervision. Students also complete additional coursework in collaboration with their supervising faculty for practical integration and growth of the developing human services professional.

1-6

Credit Hours

PSY 420

Continuation of PSY 320. Prerequisite: PSY 320

1-6

Credit Hours

PSY 426

A faculty-supervised internship that involves placement in an approved agency or setting. The student will integrate classroom concepts and theory with practical interventions that have been the foundation from the theoretical and conceptual basis of prior learning. The intensive 6 credit internship requires a minimum of 240 hours under agency supervision. Students also complete coursework in collaboration with their supervising faculty for practical integration and growth of the developing professional.

6

Credit Hours