Curriculum

• Bachelor of Arts - Psychology Major
• 44-45 Units

• BSC 265: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
• 3

This is an introductory course for students intending to do social science and education research that will address the basic principles of elementary statistics through the use of statistical analyses, including basic descriptive measures; sampling and sample size estimation; hypothesis testing; testing for differences between means, correlation, and measures of association; techniques for analyzing categorical data; and summarizing and presenting statistical results. A heavy emphasis will be placed on applications of basic statistical concepts to a wide variety of problems encountered in social, educational, and policy-related research, along with the use of computer packages for assisting in data analysis. Prerequisite: CMTH 101, MTH 201 or equivalent.

• BSC 296: Introduction to Research Methods
• 3

This is an experimental learning course in which research techniques and methodologies are studied by developing and carrying out a research project using the following steps: selection of research problems, research design, data collection and analysis, statistical computation, hypothesis testing, and theory building.

• PSY 340: Introduction to Biopsychology
• 3

This introductory course to the biological basis of behavior will include topics on the structure and function of the nervous system, brain-behavior relationships, and hormonal and genetic effects on behavior. Prerequisites: PSY 101; limited to psychology and behavioral science majors or consent of instructor.

• PSY 345: Social Psychology
• 3

The effect of social influences upon the development of personality and behavior patterns will be examined in this course including socialization, attitude formation and change, communication, propaganda, roles and stereotypes, leadership, and collective behavior.

• PSY 351: Personality Theory
• 3

This course will study personality through the examination of the psychological systems which determine an individuals unique adjustments to their environment including the major issues and the variety of personality theories and underlying research. (Alternate prerequisite for all upper-level psychology courses.)

• PSY 361: Abnormal Psychology
• 3

This introductory course will look at the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of psychopathology including topics in anxiety, personality, and psychophysiological disorders; psychoses; addictions; sexual deviations; and organic disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 101 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

• PSY 371: Cognition
• 3

This theoretical and research-based course will investigate the mental processes that underlie perception, imagery, attention, memory, language, reading, reasoning, decision making, and problem solving.

• PSY 390: Practicum: Psychology
• 1

This course is a practical, hands-on experience outside the classroom directly related to the student's major, minor or professional program that is a beneficial complement to the student's academic experience.

• PSY 403: Health Psychology
• 3

Unlike traditional models and schools of thought that see diseases solely as malfunctions of organs or breakdowns of body systems, this course will present the approach that health and illness are parts of a complex interplay among biological, psychological, and social factors.

• Choose 1 of the following course pairings:

• PSY 202: Human Sexuality
• 3

This survey course will look at the topic of human sexuality with a foundation in Christian ethics guiding sexual conduct and the development of sexual behavior including gender identity, sexual orientation, sexual anatomy, contraception, reproduction and birthing, sexually transmitted diseases, sexual dysfunctions, and the paraphilias.

AND

• PSY 301: Topics in Psychology
• 3

Through individual and group study of selected topics bringing together perspectives of anthropology, psychology, and sociology, this capstone course will emphasize the student's major in synthesis with other majors in the behavioral sciences. Prerequisites: Second-semester junior or senior standing and (BSC 265 or MTH 265) and BSC 296.

• PSY 331: Marriage and the Family
• 3

Using a Christian approach to marriage, this course will study the family and its intimate environment including a discussion of courtship and role relationships within the family as a social institution. An emphasis will be placed on the changing nature of the family, family problems, and family strengths.

AND

• PSY 301: Topics in Psychology
• 3

Through individual and group study of selected topics bringing together perspectives of anthropology, psychology, and sociology, this capstone course will emphasize the student's major in synthesis with other majors in the behavioral sciences. Prerequisites: Second-semester junior or senior standing and (BSC 265 or MTH 265) and BSC 296.

• PSY 381: Advanced Research Methods I
• 3

In this course students will conduct original, empirical, and/or literature review-only research under the direct supervision of and/or collaboration with an assigned faculty member with the express intent of having the resulting manuscript published in a reputable psychological outlet (e.g. professional journals, monographs, book chapters, etc.) and presentation at a professional conference. Prerequisites: Research methods and statistics courses, junior or senior standing, expressed interest in applying to graduate school in psychology or kindred fields, commitment to a year-long sequence of PSY 381 and PSY 382, and consent of instructor.

AND

• PSY 382: Advanced Research Methods II
• 3

A continuation of PSY 381. Prerequisite: PSY 381.

• Choose 2 of the following courses:

• PSY 313: Developmental Psychology: Childhood
• 3

The development of physiological and psychological aspects of human growth will be traced from birth through childhood in this course through an examination of the theories and research evidence as well as methodological problems as they relate to the growth process. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above.

• PSY 314: Developmental Psychology: Adolescence
• 3

This course will study human development during the adolescent period with an emphasis on an examination of theories and research data as they relate to adolescent development including problems and adjustment patterns in the context of the family, peer groups, school, and society.

• PSY 315: Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging
• 3

This introductory course to the major psychological and developmental issues concerning adulthood, aging, and the aging process; will examine the issues associated with the physical, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of aging; give students a better understanding of the grief process as it relates to the issues of adulthood and aging; and dispel many of the myths and stereotypes about aging. Offered alternate years.

• PSY 320: Developmental Psychology: Lifespan
• 3

This course will focus on the development and change through the human life-span including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging. Physical, social, communicative, emotional, and cognitive issues will be covered along with the expected milestones during each phase of development while looking at each individual's unique and multifaceted physiological, psychological, sociological, and spiritual dimensions.

• Choose 1 of the following courses:

• PSY 441: Clinical and Forensic Psychology
• 3

This course will cover clinical psychology's history and current professional issues, psychological assessment, training, and ethical issues with an emphasis on the role of the psychologist as an expert witness in court. Prerequisite: PSY 361 or equivalent or consent of instructor.

• PSY 466: Principles of Counseling
• 3

This foundation course will provide an understanding of the content and process of counseling including basic skills, legal and ethical issues, crisis intervention, cultural sensitivity, how and when to refer, control-mastery theory, and the integration of psychology and theology.

• Choose 1 of the following courses:

• ANT 364: Culture and Self
• 3

This course will explore the relationship between individual experiences and the socio-cultural context, focusing on the role socio-cultural institutions play on personality, health, and world view.

• SOC 321: Social Problems
• 3

As an introduction to the major problems in contemporary America, this course will focus on the causes, theoretical explanations, and social policy solutions including economic, political, urbanization, environmental, family and educational problems; child abuse; social deviance; crime; delinquency; and drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse.