Bachelors (BA) in Psychology
Overview
This major offers a 50-semester-hour course of study, designed to acquaint students with the field of psychology and the implications of its principles for human behavior. The bachelor of arts degree has a greater emphasis on applied learning than does the bachelor of science. Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.
Degree Outcomes
Graduates with a BA in psychology will:
- Understand the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology
- Apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis and interpretation
- Apply critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes
- Apply psychological principles to personal, social and organizational issues
- Weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a discipline
- Reflect on their personal faith and explain how it interacts with the discipline of psychology
Major Requirements
Complete the following:
An introduction to the scientific study of human behavior. Major topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation, perception, thinking, learning, memory, development, emotion, motivation, personality, social interaction, and abnormal behavior. Prerequisite to most other psychology courses.
By focusing on the structures and functions of the nervous system, this course provides a biological framework for understanding normal and abnormal complex human behaviors and mental processes such as perception, motor control, learning, memory, and emotions. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Applied statistics for the social and behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on statistical logic and decision making. Prerequisite: High school algebra or equivalent.
This course examines psychology as a career. Career options are examined. Goal setting, professional development, and networking are emphasized. Required for all psychology and psychological science majors.
Understand the power of the situation. This course explores the social and psychological processes of human interaction. Major topics to be covered include conformity, aggression, self-justification, persuasion, prejudice, attraction, and interpersonal communication. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Traditional areas of study in cognitive psychology will be discussed. These areas include perception, attention, memory, reasoning, problem solving, and language. Traditional views as well as current trends will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
An introduction to methods of psychological research. Explores essential topics for experimental research including research design, reliability, validity, and research ethics. Students also learn how to critically assess research literature, assimilate information from a variety of sources, and interpret data. In addition, students learn how to prepare manuscripts in APA format and to prepare professional research presentations. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and PSYC 240 Statistical Procedures.
The history of psychology course serves as a capstone for the psychology and psychological science majors. It examines the main themes, important figures, and prominent theories of the discipline, including their origins, distinguishing characteristics, and major contributions, as well as investigating the impacts on historical and contemporary issues. Required for psychology and psychological science majors. Prerequisites: PSYC 150 General Psychology and a minimum of two upper-division psychology courses; senior standing is recommended.
This is a capstone course for the major focusing on the integration of Christianity and psychology and the application of psychological principles and findings in everyday settings. Required for all psychology majors. Additional course fee is required. Prerequisite: Senior status.
Choose one of the following:
What shapes your personality? The answer is multi-layered. This course is a survey of the major theories of personality, including trait, biological, psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive behavioral theories. Students will practice important skills of psychology as they apply multiple theories to targeted inquiry. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
What does it mean to flourish? This course will examine the paradigm shift from pathology to strengths-based psychology, with a growing understanding that mental health is much more than simply the absence of mental illness. We will explore the concepts, research, techniques, and exercises to enhance optimism, decrease stressors, and increase well-being. The format of the course will be experiential and interactive. Students will apply their learning to increase well-being in people around them. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
What you see as "normal" is probably your culture. This course will cover the nature of culture and its applications to understanding human functioning. Students will examine their own and other cultures, as well as cultural influences on their thought, behavior, and relationships. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Choose one of the following:
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 311 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A study of physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral development from young adulthood to old age. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 312 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A study of the unique physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral developmental changes during the period of adolescence. Students who take PSYC 310 Lifespan Development are not eligible to also take PSYC 314 for credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Choose one of the following:
A study of theory and technique of person-centered counseling. The course is designed to teach basic theoretical postulates and to focus on effective intervention skills for those anticipating future work in Christian ministries, teaching, or mental health settings. Prerequisite: Sophomore status or above.
This course is an overview of the biopsychosocial-spiritual perspectives of abnormal behavior. Emphasis is given to understanding why some behaviors are determined to be abnormal while others are considered to be within the normal range of human diversity. Exploration includes the classification of psychological disorders according to the DSM-5 criteria, the standard currently used in the mental health field. Various causes, treatments, and the ethics of working with those dealing with psychological disorders will be explored. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
Examines the complex interaction of biological, psychological, and sociological forces involved in substance abuse and addictions. Etiology, treatment options, and efficacy of treatments are reviewed. Recommended: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology.
Choose one of the following:
This upper-level course delves into complex topics in neuroscience, integrating advanced concepts in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and neural circuits. Students will explore brain functions such as sensory processing, motor control, learning, and memory, as well as the molecular mechanisms underlying neurological diseases. The accompanying lab component provides hands-on experience with techniques in neurosurgery, optogenetics, and behavioral assays. Students will conduct experiments, analyze data, and present their findings. Prerequisite: PSYC 220 Biological Psychology or instructor permission. Additional course fee is required.
A survey of learning theories and the basic research questions being asked in this important field. Special emphasis will be placed on translating experimental theory into practical methods. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Using psychophysical techniques, students will study sensory systems, including vision, audition, olfaction, taste, touch, and kinesthesis. Classic and current theories of perception and sensation will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
Choose 3 hours of the following:
This course provides supervised experiences in helping activities in mental health agencies and institutions. Students will have the opportunity to explore and apply psychology in professional settings. The course builds on knowledge and skills students gain in many of their other psychology courses. The applied emphasis of psychology through this course may include some elements of clinical, counseling, school, industrial/organizational, forensic, and/or research psychology. This course is Pass/No Pass. Recommended: PSYC 381 Counseling or other 300-level psychology course.
Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major. Additional course fee (per credit) is required.
Choose 12 hours of the following:
Upper-division psychology (PSYC) coursework (300-level or above).