PSYC • Psychology
PSYC 085 · Capstone Orientation 0 Credits
An in-depth preview of the Capstone courses. The Capstone experience provides opportunities for the senior psychology student to demonstrate applied and integrated knowledge of psychological concepts, theories, and practices. Students demonstrate proficiency in learning through experiences in psychology-informed settings such as social organizations, education, business, and government or by developing psychoeducation to present to their peers and instructors.
Prerequisites: PSYC 105; senior standing or assistant dean permission. Recommended: Prior completion of PSYC 300, PSYC 315, PSYC 320, PSYC 325, PSYC 330, PSYC 335, PSYC 340, PSYC 350, PSYC 405, PSYC 410, PSYC 430, and PSYC 475. Note: This course must be completed in conjunction with PSYC 485 & PSYC 490; failure to successfully complete PSYC 485 & PSYC 490 in the immediately following sessions will require repeating PSYC 085. Grading type: CR/NC.
PSYC 105 · Introduction to Psychology 3 Credits
A broad introduction to the study of the mind and human behavior through the review of multiple perspectives within psychology. Students examine relationships between brain and behavior, perception, cognition, development, social behavior, personality, learning, psychopathology, and psychotherapy.
PSYC 285 · Abnormal Psychology 3 Credits
The classification, explanation, and treatment of disorders described in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Students examine historical and modern trends in etiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.
PSYC 295 · Human Growth and Development 3 Credits
An extensive study of psychological development from conception through death. This multidisciplinary approach examines the effects of psychosocial, emotional, cognitive, biological, spiritual, moral, and related factors that impact human development.
PSYC 300 · Research Methods in Psychology 3 Credits
Introduction to theoretical and practical application of psychological research. Coursework emphasizes planning, conducting, reporting, and evaluating research. Topics include experimental design, quantitative and qualitative procedures, ethical considerations, and critical analysis and scrutiny of published research. Students will plan, propose, and present research using APA guidelines and writing standards.
PSYC 315 · Integration of Psychology and Christianity 3 Credits
Constructive exploration of psychology and the Christian faith. Students critically analyze the relationships among theology, faith, and psychology while developing a personal philosophy of the integration of personal worldview and psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 320 · Personality Theory 3 Credits
An evaluative review of the methods and content utilized in the study of personality. The course covers varied approaches and theories to understanding the dynamics of personality and instruments measuring personality along with their validity and ethical considerations.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 325 · Learning Theory 3 Credits
Foundations of human learning are examined, with an emphasis on experimental research and the underlying assumptions related to research. Both historical and contemporary concepts are discussed with particular focus on application to individuals, organizations, and institutions.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 330 · Cognition 3 Credits
An in-depth exploration of human cognition focusing on both classic and current theories, problems, paradigms, methods, and measurement.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 335 · Fundamentals of Testing and Assessment 3 Credits
An appraisal of the construction, administration, interpretation, and evaluation of psychological tests and measurements. Students evaluate validity, reliability, applicability, cultural and ethical uses. Students are involved in the administration and interpretation of select instruments.
PSYC 340 · Interviewing and Counseling Techniques 3 Credits
An overview of basic clinical interviewing and counseling techniques from both the didactic and experiential perspectives. Topics include methods and theories in counseling, roles in the counseling relationship, legal considerations, dealing with resistance, cultural awareness, and ethical issues related to counseling.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 345 · Criminal Behavior 3 Credits
An exploration of theories and research that provide cognitive, behavioral, and psychological explanations of criminal behavior, including how individual criminal behavior is acquired, evoked, maintained, and modified. Also addresses cultural and social aspects related to criminal behavior along with effective intervention strategies.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 350 · Social Psychology 3 Credits
A comprehensive overview of social psychology that examines how the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals are influenced by actual, imagined, or implied social interactions. Coursework includes pertinent research, ethical principles, and cultural aspects of social psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 360 · Special Education and Rehabilitation Services 3 Credits
Application of evidence-based practices, theories, and research to design effective learning interventions for individuals with mild/moderate and moderate/severe disabilities. Coursework addresses advocating for special education and rehabilitation services from a Christian worldview.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 370 · Topics in Psychology: Psychopharmacology 3 Credits
An introduction to the behavioral, psychological, and physiological effects of chemicals used in the treatment of psychological disorders. Addresses therapeutic and recreational uses coupled with prevention and treatment of abuse and alternatives to medication.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 400 · Introduction to Clinical Psychology 3 Credits
Survey of the science and practice of clinical psychology, including diagnoses and evaluations, interventions and prevention strategies for use with clinical populations, cultural applications, and ethical issues in the clinical profession.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 405 · Physiological Psychology 3 Credits
Comprehensive study of the physiological and neurological correlates of human behavior. Potential topics include physiological mechanisms in perception, learning, emotion, and motivation.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 410 · Psychology of Emotions 3 Credits
An examination of emotion focusing on how emotions are interconnected to other basic psychological processes such as cognition, motivation, and decision-making. Students will analyze emotions from neurological, physiological, cognitive, and behavioral perspectives and apply theoretical models and applied skills to real-life scenarios.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 415 · Forensic Psychology 3 Credits
Investigation of the application of the science and profession of psychology to issues relating to law and the legal system. Coursework addresses related psychological research, legal issues and processes, and cultural and ethical issues in forensic psychology.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 420 · Wellness Coaching and Development 3 Credits
Examination of the personal, professional, and societal constructs of wellness. Students discuss how to cultivate whole-person wellness, develop skills to integrate wellness into personal and professional settings, as well as communicate this process to others in their sphere of influence.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 425 · Crisis Counseling and Intervention 3 Credits
An examination of the knowledge, skills, and practices specific to crisis counseling and intervention. This course focuses on applying appropriate methods to crisis situations, while considering cultural and ethical issues. Loss, crisis, trauma, suicide, and inventory of personal losses are addressed.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 430 · Cultural Psychology 3 Credits
Research and perspectives on the psychology of culture. Coursework examines diversity including age, race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, language, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and gender. Students explore the relationship between cultural factors and bias, prejudice, discrimination, privilege, and oppression. Students apply knowledge and principles for effective interaction and service in a diverse society.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 435 · Gender and Sexuality in Psychology 3 Credits
Critically examination of research and perspectives on gender and sexual socialization and development, along with physiological and cultural contributions to gender differences, sexual orientation, sexual adjustment, and related areas of influence.
Prerequisites: PSYC 105.
PSYC 440 · Child Psychology 3 Credits
An exploration of different aspects of psychological issues in children emphasizing symptomatology, assessment, etiological factors, and various treatment modalities. Students examine cultural, ethical, and legal issues related to the treatment of children.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 445 · Adolescent Psychology 3 Credits
Exploration of the different aspects of psychological issues in adolescents emphasizing symptomatology, assessment, etiological factors, and various treatment modalities. Students examine cultural, ethical, and legal issues related to the treatment of adolescents.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 450 · Family Systems 3 Credits
An overview of the development of the family system, including functional and dysfunctional family relationships and cultural and spiritual implications. Coursework introduces psychological interventions and techniques which promote development and change.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 455 · Conflict Management 3 Credits
Examination of the diagnosis, analysis, and resolution of conflict between individuals and in organizations. Students also discuss the applications of different types of negotiation strategies based on rational and emotional elements in approaching negotiation, cultural contexts, and individual differences.
PSYC 460 · Motivation 3 Credits
Exploration of research and perspectives on experimental and applied analyses of behavior that impacts motivation. Coursework addresses the application of methods for effective motivation in a variety of settings.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105,
PSYC 465 · Topics in Psychology: Marriage 3 Credits
Marriage in the context of multiple issues facing couples today. Students explore practical skills and resources that are pertinent to individual spouses and the marriage system based on field research and unique needs of couples. Students build professional skills by conducting interviews with married couples and developing hypothetical plans for marriage enrichment.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 466 · Topics in Psychology: Grief 3 Credits
Grief from a multidimensional perspective. Students will navigate how to best utilize resources that provide theoretical foundations, case studies, perspectives from those grieving, and strategic methods for coping, to aid persons experiencing grief. Students investigate special populations and issues and spiritual and ethical issues. Students take a personal inventory of grief experiences in their own lives in order to better understand and assist those in need.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 470 · Positive Psychology 3 Credits
Investigation of methods, research, and assessment in positive psychology. This strength-based course incorporates both experiential and academic approaches to the study of pertinent techniques and applications related to the field.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 475 · Professional and Ethical Issues in Psychology 3 Credits
An in-depth assessment of the values, ideas, and laws that guide the helping professions, including professional codes of conduct, practical ethical principles, and the Christian worldview.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 480 · Group Processes 3 Credits
Study of research and perspectives regarding human interaction in groups. Students examine the impact of various individual, social, and cultural dynamics and how to successfully influence and interact in group settings.
Prerequisite: PSYC 105.
PSYC 485 · Undergraduate Applied Psychology Capstone I 3 Credits
Opportunity for the senior psychology student to demonstrate applied and integrated knowledge of psychological concepts, theories, and practices. Students demonstrate proficiency of learning through experiences in psychology-informed settings such as social organizations, education, business, and government or by developing psychoeducation to present to classmates and instructor.
Prerequisites: PSYC 085 in the immediately preceding session, PSYC 300, PSYC 340, PSYC 475, and senior standing; or assistant dean permission. Recommended: Prior completion of PSYC 315, PSYC 320, PSYC 325, PSYC 330, PSYC 335, PSYC 350, PSYC 405, PSYC 410, and PSYC 430. Note: This course must be completed in conjunction with PSYC 490; failure to successfully complete PSYC 485 or PSYC 490 in the immediately following session will require repeating PSYC 085 and PSYC 485. In order to move on to PSYC 490 students must submit certificates for identified trainings, have their proposal approved by the instructor, submit a standard affiliation agreement if identified by the instructor, submit informed consents if identified by the instructor, and successfully pass the class.
PSYC 490 · Undergraduate Applied Psychology Capstone II 3 Credits
Opportunity for the senior psychology student to demonstrate applied and integrated knowledge of psychological concepts, theories, and practices. Students demonstrate proficiency of learning through experiences in psychology-informed settings such as social organizations, education, business, and government or by developing psychology psychoeducation to present to classmates and instructor. Note: This course must be completed in sequence following PSYC 485; failure to successfully complete PSYC 490 will require repeating PSYC 085, PSYC 485, and PSYC 490. In order to successfully complete the class, students conducting service learning must complete 56 hours of service in the field based on site approval received during PSYC 485, with at least 28 of those hours being direct service (confirmed by site-supervisor), have two evaluations completed and sent by the site supervisor, and successfully earn a passing grade. Students completing the psychoeducation project must submit all of the psychoeducation project assignments (outline, two lesson plans, two interview assignments, and two presentations), and successfully earn a passing grade.
Prerequisites: PSYC 085 and PSYC 485 in the immediately preceding sessions, PSYC 300, PSYC 315, PSYC 320, PSYC 325, PSYC 330, PSYC 335, PSYC 340, PSYC 350, PSYC 410, PSYC 430, PSYC 475, and senior standing; or assistant dean permission.