Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
Preparation for a successful applied psychology career requires a broad knowledge base for the major elements of psychological sciences. Thus the Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology (BAAP) program equips students with professional knowledge and practical skills in general psychology, recommended concentrations, and electives. The program promotes personal and spiritual growth by emphasizing Christian values, ethical principles, and effective interpersonal relationships in diverse settings. The BAAP program is unique in that it not only provides a broad liberal arts foundation for lifelong learning, but incorporates applied psychological training and development approaches that are experiential, applicable, and practical, utilizing theoretical constructs from researchers in the field. The BAAP program provides students the experience of exploring applied psychology from accomplished instructors, successful practitioners, and cooperating institutions.
The BAAP program prepares students for career opportunities in industries such as social services, government agencies, justice departments, nonprofits, and a variety of areas of ministry, along with the ability to advance to graduate education. The job possibilities include child welfare liaison, probation officer, adolescent residential care counselor, Christian camp counselor, corrections officer, etc. Completing a concentration gives students the opportunity to stand out among others in their field of interest, increasing their marketability for jobs and graduate education. A concentration may also provide opportunities to transfer credits and reduce coursework requirements for certain graduate school programs.
The material within psychology courses can be sensitive in nature. You may read, study, watch, and discuss potentially disturbing topics. Some of the materials may result in difficulties for you. Some courses in the program require self-examination and/or public discussion regarding sexual history; history of abuse and neglect; psychological treatment; and relationships with parents, peers, and spouses or significant others. Please consult your instructor or an appropriate treatment provider should you have concerns or experience any difficulties.
Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) for the B.A. Degree in Applied Psychology
Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology program will be able to:
- PLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to integrate principles of applied psychology and Christian faith.
- PLO 2: Demonstrate knowledge of ethical decision making within the applied psychology disciplines.
- PLO 3: Identify and use theoretical frameworks and practical skills for effective critical inquiry and information literacy.
- PLO 4: Develop professional competencies in applied psychology.
- PLO 5: Analyze the critical role that multicultural awareness plays in understanding psychological processes and behavior.
- PLO 6: Demonstrate effective communication skills.
The Los Angeles Pacific University Core comprises the General Education requirements and the LAPU Distinctives. Students are encouraged to complete the Core before beginning their major requirements. General Education requirements may be met by transfer work. The LAPU Distinctives are required for all undergraduate degrees at LAPU.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| General Education Requirements | 25 | |
| LAPU Distinctives | 9 | |
| Total Credits | 34 | |
General Education
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English Communication | ||
| COMM 105 | Public Communication | 3 |
| ENGL 105 | Introduction to Academic Research and Writing | 3 |
| Arts | ||
| ARTS 110 | Introduction to Art | 3 |
| Humanities | ||
| ENGL 115 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| or PHIL 205 | Introduction to Philosophy | |
| or PHIL 210 | Introduction to Ethics | |
| Quantitative Reasoning | ||
| STAT 280 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| Behavioral Sciences | ||
| ECON 203 | Principles of Microeconomics | 3 |
| or PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | |
| Social Sciences | ||
| HIST 202 | World Civilizations | 3 |
| or HIST 204 | U.S. History from 1865 | |
| or HIST 420 | United States History and the Constitution | |
| Physical and Biological Sciences | ||
| BIOL 230 | Anatomy and Physiology I/Lab | 4 |
| or BIOL 240 | Anatomy and Physiology II/Lab | |
| or CHEM 115 | Chemistry for Health Sciences/Lab | |
| or NSCI 150 | Introduction to Astronomy/Lab | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
LAPU Distinctives
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIBL 100 | Introduction to Biblical Literature: Exodus/Deuteronomy | 3 |
| BIBL 230 | Introduction to Biblical Literature: Luke/Acts | 3 |
| ISTU 101 | Success in the University 1 | 3 |
| Total Credits | 9 | |
- 1
Must be taken at LAPU.
To earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology, students must complete the following degree components:
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core 1 | 28 | |
| Program Requisites | 12 | |
| Major Requirements | 45 | |
| Electives | 35 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
34 credits total; 6 credits are counted below in Program Requisites.
In order to earn the Bachelor of Arts degree in Applied Psychology, students must complete the following required courses while achieving a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 2.0 in their major courses.
| Requirement | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Core | ||
| Core Requirement 1 | 28 | |
| Program Requisites | ||
| PSYC 105 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 285 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 295 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| STAT 280 | Applied Statistics | 3 |
| Major Requirements | ||
| PSYC 085 | Capstone Orientation | 0 |
| PSYC 300 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 315 | Integration of Psychology and Christianity | 3 |
| PSYC 320 | Personality Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 325 | Learning Theory | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Cognition | 3 |
| PSYC 335 | Fundamentals of Testing and Assessment | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Interviewing and Counseling Techniques | 3 |
| PSYC 350 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 370 | Topics in Psychology: Psychopharmacology | 3 |
| or PSYC 465 | Topics in Psychology: Marriage | |
| or PSYC 466 | Topics in Psychology: Grief | |
| PSYC 405 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 410 | Psychology of Emotions | 3 |
| PSYC 430 | Cultural Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 475 | Professional and Ethical Issues in Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 485 | Undergraduate Applied Psychology Capstone I | 3 |
| PSYC 490 | Undergraduate Applied Psychology Capstone II | 3 |
| Electives | ||
| Electives Requirement 2 | 35 | |
| Total Credits | 120 | |
- 1
6 credits of the 34-credit Core are fulfilled within the Program Requisites and Applied Psychology Major Requirements.
- 2
Students may choose from any course in the catalog. If students wish to complete a concentration, they may complete a maximum of two concentrations.
Students may also earn up to 30 credits of electives via Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).