Psychology Course Descriptions

Psychology Degree Program


BIBL 3013 BIBLICAL INTERPRETATION   (3 hours)
This course is a study of the process that led to the creation of the English Bible and its authority. It includes a survey of the principles and practice of independent Bible study, including an emphasis on the grammatical, historical approach to Biblical interpretation.  The student will study methods of application leading to the development of theme, proposition, and, finally, the lesson itself. Prerequisite: ENGL 1513 and ENGL 1613

CMIN 4723 CHRISTIAN MINISTRY COUNSELING  (3 hours) 
This course is designed for those in leadership positions.  The course is practical and applicable to the counseling problems common to pastors and church leaders.

ENGL 3113 WRITING AND RESEARCH  (3 hours) 
This is an undergraduate course designed to develop sound techniques of research (experimental, historical, and descriptive survey) and writing in the student’s major field. It also deals with selecting appropriate subjects, gathering and evaluating data, presenting material, and objectively reporting conclusions.  Prerequisites: ENGL 1113 and ENGL 1213.

PHIL 1113 CHRISTIAN ETHICS (3 hours)
This course is an introductory study in Christian ethics designed to assist college students in the integration of belief and behavior.  The course focuses on the kinds of ethical issues which college students are likely to encounter.

PSYC 2223 LIFE-SPAN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY  (3 hours) 
This course is a survey of the psychological changes in the human race through the life cycle. This includes the changes in cognitive, social, and emotional physiological development from the prenatal stages through death.  Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3113 CHILD PSYCHOLOGY   (3 hours) 
This course is an investigation of the relationship between the child’s development and environmental influences with observations of child behavior.  Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3123 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY (3 hours) 
This course is a study of the physical growth, glandular changes, and emotions of adolescents including interests, religious experience, and social adjustment. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123.

PSYC 3143 PSYCHOLOGY OF PERSONALITY   (3 hours) 
This course provides a study of the classical theories of personality in psychology and introduces the student to the objectives and challenges of a scientific study of personal life. Emphasis will be given to a critical evaluation of personality theories in light of current knowledge and Biblical perspectives.  Prerequisite: PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 3163 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY  (3 hours) 
This course is a study of the nature of the social structures which man has developed and their influences on the functioning of human individuals/groups from a Christian perspective. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123, SOCI 2123, and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 3193 LEARNING AND COGNITION  (3 hours) 
This course is a study of the research and theories in learning and cognition. Basic types of learning and the variables which influence the learning and cognitive processes will be included. In the learning component, the focus will be on instrumental and operant conditioning and issues growing from these basic types of learning.  In the cognitive component, topics covered will be information processing, memory, language, comprehension, and thought.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 3323 EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY  (3 hours) 
This course is a study of the application of psychological principles to learning and behavior. Results of research as applied to classroom learning and motivation are studied together with factors which help or hinder effective learning.  A minimum of 20 hours field experience is required.  Prerequisite: PSYC 1123, EDUC 2311, EDUC 3112.

PSYC 3353 MARRIAGE AND FAMILY  (3 hours) 
This course presents factors in self-understanding and interpersonal relations.  Mate selection, changing roles of men and women, and problems of marital adjustments are investigated from a Christian perspective. Socialization of children and problems of parenthood are also considered.  Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4103 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY  (3 hours)
This course will provide students a general introduction to the study of abnormalities and the factors which make up such abnormalities.  It includes a presentation of the biological, psychological, and sociological factors which are correlated with maladaptive behavior. Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4183 TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS  (3 hours) 
This course is a study of the measurement of human behavior. Special reference is given to tests of intelligence, achievement, personality, and interest. Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123, STAT 3003, and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4203 INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY  (3 hours) 
This course provides a study of the individual and groups in complex organizations, including organizational structure, organizational changes, and the organization in society. The course is concerned with motivation, worker satisfaction, and communication in organizations, personnel relations, and other related factors. Prerequisite: PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.  Cross-listed as BUSN 4203.

PSYC 4263 GROUP PROCESSES  (3 hours) 
This course deals with both the theoretical and the practical processes of group relationships. It provides students with an understanding of the psychological principles underlying group behavior. Topics covered will include group formation and development, cohesion and norms, social influence and power, stereotyping and prejudice, group decision-making, inter-group relations and diversity within groups, stigma in the workplace, leadership in groups, group performance, and staffing organizational groups. Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123 and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4353 RESEARCH DESIGN  (3 hours) 
The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the various methods of research in the behavioral sciences.  Topics will include surveys, longitudinal and cross-sectional studies, naturalistic observations, and experimental designs.  Each student will complete a research project using knowledge gained from this course and the statistics course.  Prerequisites: PSYC 1123, STAT 3003, and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4393 PSYCHOLOGY PRACTICUM  (3 hours) 
This course involves supervised work in a school, church, or community setting to provide practical experience in the area of psychology.  Prerequisite:  Permission of the Program Director and junior/senior standing.

PSYC 4463 PSYCHOLOGY CAPSTONE (3 hours) 
This is a capstone course to integrate the academic programs of psychology and general education with an emphasis on examining the interaction between the discipline and essential Christian beliefs and practices.  It is required to be taken in the final semester of study. Prerequisites: PSYC 4353 and permission of the Program Director.

PSYC 4523 INTRODUCTION TO CHRISTIAN COUNSELING  (3 hours) 
This is an introductory course to develop basic counseling skills for those who plan to serve as pastors, missionaries, or other Christian workers.  It includes a study of the various approaches, methods, and resources which may be used in counseling in a Christian context. Prerequisite:  PSYC 1123 or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 4903 SPECIAL TOPICS  (3 hours) 
Various subjects in the area of study will be presented through research and writing or through visiting professors and lecturers that complement the curriculum and take advantage of the educational background, experience, and expertise of the instructor. Emphasis is given to the creative approaches, research, and/or collaborative learning to enrich the understanding of the student.  Permission of instructor is required.  This course may be repeated with a change of subject matter for a maximum of nine credit hours.

SOCI 2123 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY  (3 hours) 
This course includes the study of humans as they relate through the social bond, groups, communities, and cultures.  Norms and values, their application to anthropology and religion, and social deviancy are included.

SOCI 3123 CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY (3 hours) 
This course is a study of man as related to the make-up and meaning of culture, the origin of man, and modern civilization.

STAT 3003 STATISTICS  (3 hours) 
This is an introductory applied statistics course focusing on descriptive and inferential statistical methods.  Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, the normal distribution, correlation, regression, and ANOVA.  Prerequisite: MATH 1513, MATH 1523, MATH 1503 or permission of the instructor.