Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Composition

This is a process-based writing class that focuses on academic writing, reading, and critical thinking as expressed in expository and analytical writing assignments through 5 to 7 substantial essays over the course of the semester. Develops fluency, coherence, style, effectiveness, and literary analysis. Students must pass this course with a C- or better or demonstrate a comparable level of writing competence to fulfill general competency requirements and to proceed to ENG 123 - Intermediate Composition. Students may only earn credit for ENG 113 or ENG 113E - Composition Enriched with Lab. (3 units)

Intermediate Composition

Continued practice in writing and research strategies, with emphasis on critical thinking, information literacy, argument, analysis, and interpretation of multicultural and interdisciplinary readings. Includes the writing of a major research paper in addition to several shorter essays. Students may earn credit for either ENG 123 or ENG 123E - Intermediate Composition Enriched with Lab. Prerequisite: ENG 113 with a grade of C- or better or evidence of comparable level of writing competency. Note: Students must successfully complete this course with a grade of C- or better to fulfill general education requirements and to begin any literature course. (3 units)

Intermediate Algebra

This course satisfies the math competency for the general education requirements. It will include instruction in the following areas; roots and radicals, quadratic equations and inequalities, graphing relations and functions, systems of equations and inequalities, and matrices and determinants. Prerequisite: MAT 095 or sufficient SAT, ACT or math placement exam scores. (3 units)

General Psychology

This introductory course is a survey of the processes of adjustment, growth, learning, remembering, perception, sensation, socialization, and emotions. It is meant to better equip students to understand and articulate their own life experiences, as well as improve their understanding of the behavior of others. This course is a prerequisite to all other courses in Psychology. (3 units)

Reading & Writing in the Behavioral Sciences

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses. (3 units)

Introduction to Research Methods

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Prerequisite: BEH 250. (3 units)

Epistemology and Worldview

This course examines the basic models of integrating the Christian faith and modern behavioral sciences, including the development of Biblical examples of worldview and epistemology. Emphasis is placed upon the student's development of a personal theory of integration. (3 units)

Statistics and Research Methodology I

This course introduces the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. Also included are the collection, treatment, and interpretation of data in research and testing using a statistical analysis application. Prerequisites: BEH 290, and either MAT 115 or STA 144. Lecture: 3 hours. Lab: 3 hours. (4 units)

Statistics and Research Methodology II

This course presents some of the more complex quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. It builds on the various concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation introduced in previous courses. This course continues the development of student proficiency with basic and intermediate functions of a statistical analysis application. Prerequisite: BEH 383. Three hours lecture, three hours lab. (4 units)

Capstone

This course provides students the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate learning from their major, evaluate their own strengths/weaknesses and demonstrate an understanding of the integration of a Christian worldview and their major field of study. Students will evaluate their personal goals, calling and purpose as well as develop skills to move toward successful and fruitful participation in multiple levels of community, including graduate school and careers. Prerequisite: Senior status. (3 units)

History and Systems of Psychology

This course is an overview of the major schools of thought in psychology presented in historical, philosophical and scientific context. The methods of inquiry, terminology and theoretical systems of historical and contemporary psychology will be surveyed. The primary goal is to understand the connections and progressions of psychology throughout its development. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Life-Span Development

The course addresses principles of psychological development across time and culture. Students will understand universal stages of human development, influences on individual differences and the impact of nature and nurture. The course views human development as a unit of interrelated parts, concentrating on the relationships between the mind, body, and the socio-cultural context. Specific consideration is given to issues of integration, culture, and Biblical worldview. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Theories of Personality

This course is a survey of theories of personality emphasizing various viewpoints, unique theoretical perspectives, functions, and development of basic attitudes and belief systems that influence behavior throughout the life span. The course equips students to actively integrate faith (i.e., biblical principles) with the theories discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Tests and Measurements

This course is a survey of the construction, application, interpretation and evaluation of psychological tests. Theory and principles related to psychological assessment and testing will be examined. Tests used to measure general mental abilities, specific abilities and aptitudes, personality, interests and attitudes are surveyed. Prerequisite: PSY 213 and BEH 350 or 383. (3 units)

Cognitive Psychology

This course provides an introduction into the structure and processes of the mind, focusing on topics including perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and consciousness. Students will engage with research examining cognition from a behavioral, information-processing, and a physiological perspective. Additionally, students will engage with the philosophical/epistemological assumptions in the study of cognition, with relevant applications in domains such as artificial intelligence, criminal justice, and theology. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Abnormal Psychology

Study of the dynamics, cultural implications and prevention of abnormal behavior including neuroses, psychoses, character disorders, psychosomatic reactions and other abnormal personality patterns. Textual and lecture attention will be given to the impact of the environment and oppressed populations in relation to abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Theories of Counseling

A survey of modern theories of therapeutic counseling with emphasis on gaining an understanding of the psychological principles underlying these methods. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Psychophysiology

This course is an introduction to the capacity, limitations, and complexities of the human brain and its relationship to the neural and endocrine processes underlying brain function and behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 213. (3 units)

Overview of the Bible

A general survey of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian writings (New Testament) with special emphasis to the religious and national life of the Hebrew people, the life of Jesus, and the development of the early church. An Online and Professional Studies requirement for Online and Professional Studies degree programs only. (3 units)

Foundations of Christian Thought

An introduction and primer to Christian theology with special emphasis on identifying the importance and development of a Christian worldview, understanding the doctrine of scripture and biblical authority, learning to do theology, comprehending the relationship between truth, faith and reason, and applying a biblical worldview to the Christian life. (3 units)