PSYC100 (3 units)
Introduction to Psychology
An introduction to the study of human behavior and mental processes. The history of psychology and basic theories of learning, motivation, personality, and emotion are explored. Application of psychology to everyday living is emphasized.
PSYC102 (3 units)
Psychology and Christian Thought
Students will be introduced to the nature of persons from a Christian world view, while considering the nature and process of the application of Christian thought to the study and practice of psychology. An examination of the practice of responsible integration will be included. (Prerequisite: PSYC100).
PSYC141 (3 units)
Developmental Psychology
An overview of physical, cognitive, psychosocial, and moral development of mankind from prenatal life through old age. This class should be taken early in the student's training as it is prerequisite to many other courses.
PSYC200 (3 units)
Marriage and Family
A psychologically and theologically integrated study of marriage and family relationships, this course prepares students to develop a personal philosophy of family. It will include a personal evaluation of familial experiences and a challenging look at cultural norms and biblical principles. This course prepares students to develop a personal conceptualization for family development in addition to aiding others to do the same. (Prerequisite: PSYC141)
PSYC203 (3 units)
Social Psychology
The study of the impact of the social context on the individual, this course examines the relationship of the individual to the family, the group, and the larger social milieu. Both theory and research findings will be examined as students analyze social behavior, including social cognition, attitude formation and change, conformity, prejudice, and group processes. (Prerequisite: PSYC100)
PSYC222/COMM282 (3 units)
Interpersonal Processes
A study of the elements of effective communication. Increasing self-awareness and improving personal effectiveness are emphasized. Consideration of cultural traditions as they impact communication styles is included.
PSYC230 (3 units)
Psychology of Relationships
An exploration of man's relational nature as it reflects God's relational nature. Health in a variety of relational contexts will be explored. Self awareness as well as implications for ministry to others will be emphasized. (Prerequisite: PSYC 141)
PSYC300 (3 units)
Personality Theory and Therapy
An introduction to basic theories of counseling and an analysis of their credibility from a Christian perspective. Legal and ethical issues, including reporting requirements in abusive situations are included. (Prerequisites: PSYC100, PSYC201)
PSYC310 (3 units)
History and Systems of Psychology
An overview of the history of psychology as a scientific field and classical systems in psychology. The class considers issues in the philosophy of science relevant to psychological systems, research, theory, and practice. (Prerequisites: PSYC100)
PSYC322/COMM383 (3 units)
Small Group Dynamics
An integrated study, from theological and psychological perspectives, of effective group process and leadership. Techniques for forming groups, analyzing processes, leadership facilitation, measurement of behavior, and methods of stabilizing gains over time will be included. (Prerequisite: PSYC222/COMM282)
PSYC331 (3 units)
Counseling Skills
The appropriate use of techniques and strategies in counseling provides the core focus for this class. Skills to assess need, provide appropriate interventions, and use relevant referrals will be included. This practical course emphasizes demonstration and application. (Prerequisites: PSYC 222)
PSYC431 (3 units)
Crosscultural Issues in Psychology
Students will explore cultural differences and develop greater sensitivity to these differences as they influence human behavior and mental processes. Psychological dynamics involved in the formation and reduction of prejudices, discrimination, and stereotypes will be explored. (Prerequisite: COMM282, PSYC100, PSYC141)
PSYC333 (3 units)
Human Sexuality
An examination of the biopsychosocial science of human sexuality. This course provides students with an opportunity to explore complex sexual issues. Designed to help participants become more comfortable with discussing sexuality. The course emphasizes increased self awareness and provides direction for working with sexual issues in others.
PSYC342 (3 units)
Child and Adolescent Psychology
An in-depth look at the development of children and adolescents. Guidance and practical parenting skills as well as therapeutic interventions will be emphasized. Students will be encouraged to reflect on their own development and the experiences in childhood and adolescence that have shaped their lives. (Prerequisite: PSYC141)
PSYC345 (3 units)
Gender Studies
An exploration of a scriptural view of male and female identity and roles, this course is designed to expand the student's perspective regarding gender differences and similarities. The impact of culture upon men and women socially, physically, and spiritually will be examined. Issues unique to each gender will be explored with the goal of preparing students for working more effectively with both men and women. (Prerequisite: BIBL349)
PSYC346 (3 units)
Adult Development and Aging
An in depth exploration of relevant developmental issues in adulthood in the early, middle, late, and late late years. The prevention of mental health issues and stress reduction as adults manage careers, parenting, and the care of older adults will be emphasized. Community support for adults as they age and experience loss of physical health and loss of relationships will also be included. (Prerequisite: PSYC141)
PSYC351 (3 units)
Abnormal Psychology
A study of psychopathology or abnormal behavior. Emphasis is placed on description and identification of individual disorders. A consideration of cultural differences in the expression of abnormal symptomatology is included. (Prerequisites: PSYC100, PSYC141, or consent of the instructor)
PSYC451 (3 units)
Psychology of Addiction
A course designed to explore the psychological, physiological, and societal effects of addiction. Students will be introduced to a variety of addictions and drug classifications; gender, ethnic and cultural differences regarding addiction; psychological and physiological effects of a variety of drugs; and the part that family and society play in addiction, treatment, and rehabilitation. (Prerequisite: PSYC351; Anatomy, Physiology recommended)
PSYC400 (3 units)
Psychology of Learning
This course utilizes empirical findings and theoretical development in understanding human cognition, learning, and motivation and its application to human behavior. All dimensions of human experience (physiological, psychological, behavioral, and theological) are included. (Prerequisite: PSYC100, PSYC141)
PSYC430 (3 units)
Community Psychology
A study of theory, research, and practice relevant to the reciprocal relationships between individuals and the social systems which constitute the community context. Special emphasis will be placed on management and administration of community agencies providing social services including mental health, corrections, chemical dependency, and child/adolescent treatment services. Legal and ethical issues in the administration of these agencies will be included.
PSYC432 (2 units)
Grief and Loss
An experiential examination of the elements of therapeutic, growth-oriented grieving. The effective journey into, through, and out of the loss experience is explored from a personal as well as a ministerial perspective. This interactive course is designed to provide the student with a model informed by scripture and psychological theory/research for incorporating grieving skills into his/her current life and for helping others do the same. (Prerequisite: PSYC141)
PSYC433 (3 units)
Case Management
The study and practice of human assistance to the frail, needy, and disenfranchised within the broader social context. Students will be introduced to the theories of Social Welfare, the principles and practice of social work, and effective social interventions to individuals, families, groups, and larger community systems. The course is skills based and it is expected that students will practice and develop rudimentary competency in the 12 core skills of social work practice (Prerequisite: PSYC430 - Community Psychology may be taken concurrently).
PSYC450 (3 units)
Biopsychology
This course includes a comprehensive study of the physiological and neurological correlates of behavior; including neurobiology (at both cellular and systemic levels), neuroendocrinology, molecular biology, and biological considerations of mental disorders. (Prerequisite: PSYC100 or consent of the instructor)
PSYC460 a,b (3 units)
Professional Skills
Students will develop and understand the legal and ethical requirements of a profession in counseling addictions. The foundational legalities of a counseling practice such as confidentiality as well as those specific to Drug and Alcohol counselors will be explored. Personal and professional growth issues will be discussed including stress management. Additionally, advanced and applied counseling skills for substance abuse and addiction will be explored and developed (Senior level status is required to take this course).
PSYC475a (2 units)
Field Work in Psychology
The student will be expected to work in a setting congruent with their psychology concentration. Cross cultural, educational, mental health, correctional, or related placements may be approved, depending upon the concentration chosen by the student. Supervision on site as well as group supervision on campus will be a part of field work. Field Work in Psychology will be taken the senior year. All required course work must be concurrent with or prerequisite to Field Work in Psychology.
PSYC475b (2 units)
Field Work in Psychology
The student will be expected to work in a setting congruent with their psychology concentration. Cross cultural, educational, mental health, correctional, or related placements may be approved, depending upon the concentration chosen by the student. Supervision on site as well as group supervision on campus will be a part of field work. Field Work in Psychology will be taken the senior year. All required course work must be concurrent with or prerequisite to Field Work in Psychology.
PSYC475c (3 units)
Practicum in Addiction Studies
Hands on volunteer experience in an agency practicing the 12 core functions of a Substance Abuse counselor with supervision by both the agency personnel and Addictions Studies faculty. Primary focus of faculty supervision for the fall semester is on development of Orientation, Screening, and Client Education skills as well as mastering the intake process. Legal and ethical issues will be discussed in the context of case conferencing. All required coursework must be concurrent with or prerequisite to Practicum. All required coursework must be concurrent with or prerequisite to practicum.
PSYC475d (3 units)
Practicum in Addiction Studies
Continuation of agency volunteer experience practicing the core functions of a Substance Abuse counselor with supervision by both the agency personnel and Addictions Studies faculty. The primary focus of faculty supervision for the spring semester will be Assessment, Counseling, Treatment Planning, Case Management, Crisis Intervention, and Referral. All required coursework must be concurrent with or prerequisite to practicum.
PSYC490 (3 units)
Research Methods and Statistics for the Social Sciences A study designed to facilitate the student's fluency in social science research methods and statistical concepts. Descriptive and inferential statistics including correlation/regression, student's analysis of variance, and several non-parametric tests are discussed. Using a conceptual approach, the aim of the course is to advance the student's ability to read and apply professional literature and to help the student understand the mechanics of research. (Prerequisites: PSYC100, Math)
PSYC491 (3 units)
Advanced Statistics for the Social Sciences
An applied approach to advanced statistics used in psychological research, concepts covered include: multivariate analysis of variance, covariance, factor analysis, cannonical correlation, and multiple regression. Students will conduct research and use SPSS in the analysis of data. (Prerequisite: PSYC 490)
PSYC492 (3 units)
Psychological Testing and Assessment
Theory and principles of psychological assessment and testing including test construction, reliability and validity, assessment, and the application of assessment in various professional settings. (Prerequisite: PSYC 490)
PSYC498 (3 units)
Applied Integration
Capstone Course
The senior capstone experience for Psychology majors, this course provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to integrate course work from the breadth of the entire program. Students are required to successfully complete a comprehensive exam in order to graduate. This course should be taken in the spring semester of the senior year. (All core course work is prerequisite)