Designed to introduce the students to the study of human behavior. Areas of study include: psychological research methods, developmental psychology, senses and perception, altered states of awareness, learning and conditioning, intelligence and testing, and the psychology of abnormal behavior. Each area of study is dealt with from a Christian perspective.  Students interested in pursuing a Psychology major must earn a grade of C or better in PSY 101 in order to continue in the program.  Students that receive a D or F must retake the course prior to taking other required Psychology courses.

A study in the psychological principles underlying learning and effective teaching, the effect of social and personality factors on the learning process, and the application of learning theory to teaching. The course is designed to build upon knowledge gained in the General Psychology course requirement. Cross-listed as ED 201. Prerequisite: PSY 101 General Psychology or may be taken concurrently with PSY 101.

This class examines the theories and development of interpersonal relationships and counseling skills. Principles of communication, relationship building and interpersonal growth within various contexts are covered.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology or may be taken concurrently with PSY 101.

A study of the basic theories, principles, research findings and ideas about child and adolescent development from a psychological perspective, covering from conception to adolescence. Factors which influence the child and adolescent are noted with regard to their effect on the child’s physical, cognitive, social, and personality development. Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology or may be taken concurrently with PSY 101.

An examination of the developmental processes which take place during normal adult life. The major theorists in this area will be examined and reviewed. An integration of spiritual maturity and adult life experiences will be made.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology or may be taken concurrently with PSY 101.

This course is intended to assist the prospective psychology graduate in gaining awareness and understanding of the breadth and depth of the social work profession. Topics covered will include the emergence of the social work profession; knowledge, skills, values, practice settings, client groups, helping services, career patterns, and practice methods. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding and exploring the intervention strategies that can be employed to achieve greater social and economic justice.

Designed to integrate Scripture, psychology and introductory counseling, the course focuses on the issues and problems of being a people helper. Special fee.

A study of the major theories of personality. Emphasis is given to understanding the development, structure and dynamics of the various theories and evaluating them from a biblical context.

A study of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. The student is introduced to the most current version of the DSM.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology.

A study of the cultural, social and economic factors that apply to specific cultural, ethnic and racial minority populations. Special attention will be given to African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian cultures. Specific theories and methods when working with these groups will be addressed.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology.

A study of the major principles, research methods, and empirical findings of cognitive psychology. The course will consider such topics as learning, memory, attention, thinking functions and structures, and artificial intelligence. Prerequisite: PSY 101: General Psychology.

A study of human physiology with special emphasis on the primary mechanisms that control emotional, cognitive, and behavioral functions. Prerequisite: SCI 341 Principles of Biology or equivalent.

A study of the social and psychological processes of human interaction. Major topics to be covered include conformity, aggression, self-justification, persuasion, prejudice, attraction and interpersonal communication. Analysis of social behavior, including social cognition, attitude formation and change, conformity, prejudice, group processes, etc. Both theory and research findings will be examined.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology.

A study of the standards of conduct and ethics as they apply to human services and chemical dependency counseling. These include: legal issues, client welfare, professionalism, counselor values and conflicts, dual roles, confidentiality, informed consent, professional development, burnout and self-care. Ethical codes of various professional organizations will be examined as well.

This course provides an overview of the issues of faith and psychology. Models of integrative thought and practice are explored and evaluated.

This course will provide an introduction to the major theories and techniques of behavior change as related to psychology and psychotherapy. Client-related techniques focusing on establishing rapport will be practiced and evaluated. A critical evaluation of theory and techniques are stressed. Emphasis will be given to practice and acquisition of basic skills in psychology and psychotherapy.  Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology.

An overview of the principles of group theory, dynamics and process, as applied to various therapeutic settings and problems. There is an experiential component of group exercises and interaction in the class.

A study of how one communicates intrapersonally and interpersonally. There will be an emphasis on one’s own development looking at personal goals, values and beliefs and realistically preparing for the future. Principles of communication, relationship building, and conflict resolution will be addressed within a variety of contexts.

The purpose of this course is to enhance students’ understanding of how to have a successful marriage (focusing on the principle of the permanence of marriage), while emphasizing what it means to be a leader of others. Students will be exposed to typical issues that singles and spouses face in today’s society. Biblical teachings, existing research, and current popular techniques will be reviewed, with the goal of aiding each student's understanding of leadership and marital issues. (This course taught at Focus on the Family Institute.)

The purpose of this course is to enhance students’ appreciation of the importance of proper parenting, and the sanctity of human life. Students will be exposed to typical problematic issues that most parents are forced to confront as they attempt to raise healthy children. Additionally, students will be exposed to the principles that life is sacred, unique, broken, beautiful, and deserving of love and truth. Biblical teachings, existing research, and current popular techniques will be reviewed, with the goal of aiding each student in their development of a personal strategy for dealing with problematic parenting areas. (This course taught at Focus on the Family Institute.)

Provide the student with opportunities for supervised field experiences. This course is designed to help the student utilize and further their skills in problem-solving, research, and case management within the professional setting of mental health agencies and institutions. Prerequisite:  PSY 101 General Psychology and instructor approval.

This course will cover the process of collecting relevant data about clients/client systems and their environment, and evaluating the data for making decisions regarding alcohol/drug disorder diagnosis, treatment and/or referral. Identifying and prioritizing client treatment goals and collaboration and coordination with other services, agencies and resources to achieve those goals will be included. The student will also practice assessing and managing cases, including the development of sample case records, using the client’s written record to guide and monitor services with emphasis on the development of the social history and intake, initial assessment, individual treatment plan with measurable goals and objectives, and documentation of progress and ongoing assessment.

This course will focus on the physical, cognitive, psychological and spiritual development processes which take place during childhood, adolescence and adulthood. The major theories will be examined and reviewed.

This course will focus on the basic concepts of establishing and maintaining a home including defining marriage and exploring family structures. Emphasis is given to understanding the social and psychological forces which impact marriage and family life. It will include a Biblical model of marriage, family life, and parenting. We will consider the effects of modern thought, cultures, and behaviors on family structures. The role of the church in marriage and family development will also be explored.

This course will include the study of the physiological and sociological aspects of alcohol/drug use, abuse and dependence. The classification and basic pharmacology of drugs, basic physiology and the effects of drug use on the systems of the body, and alcohol and drug tolerance will be addressed. The course will also include etiological, behavioral, cultural and demographic aspects and belief systems about alcohol/drug use along with the processes of dependence and addiction including signs, symptoms and behavior patterns.

A study of the major theories of personality. This course emphasizes the understanding of the development, structure and dynamics of the various theories. These will be evaluated from a Biblical context.

A study of the etiology, diagnosis and treatment of abnormal behavior. The student is introduced to the most current version of the DSM.

This course will include the study of treatment issues specific to alcohol/drug disorders, including dual diagnosis and the impact of physical and mental health disorders on treatment, historical and generation influences, the family disease concept and 12-step philosophies. Also covered are special populations and how they affect the assessment of, response to and delivery of alcohol and drug treatment.

A study of the social and psychological processes of human interaction. Major topics to be covered include conformity, aggression, self-justification, persuasion, prejudice, attraction and interpersonal communication. A special emphasis will be placed on group dynamics.

This course will give the student the opportunity to assimilate the knowledge they have gained through their course of instruction and apply that knowledge through field exercises as well as displaying their skills though the generating, developing and delivery of a research proposal. Prerequisite: MA 211 and SS 204.

See Directed Studies description in the Scholastic Policies and Grading System Page

Each seminar module focuses on a specific, contemporary issue in the field of psychology.