Psychology
PSYC 5311 (3-3-0) Professional Orientation: Legal and Ethical Issues in Psychology
A study of the ethical guidelines, principles, and laws that govern the practice of psychology and counseling in a professional setting, including the examination of the moral philosophy underlying ethical decision-making, records management, business/family law, and the application of professional codes.
Requisites: Undergraduate general psychology course.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 5312 (3-3-0) Theories and Techniques of Psychotherapy
A study of the philosophical and theoretical foundations of selected theories and techniques of the major psychotherapy approaches as applied to normal and abnormal human behavior. Students are encouraged to identify and develop a tentative theory of personality as it relates to an effective psychotherapeutic approach. A strong emphasis is placed on the ethical standards of the profession of psychology and on multicultural issues. An integration of the Christian worldview with the theory and techniques is emphasized.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online periodically.
PSYC 5313 (3-3-0) Group Process and Practice
The social and experiential study of group behavior, theories and techniques. Leadership roles, stages of group development, and member responsibilities are explored. Ethical and legal issues related to group interventions are discussed.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 5314 (3-3-0) Psychology: Lifespan Human Development
An advanced study in developmental psychology with an emphasis on physical, cognitive, social, emotional, sexual, personality, and spiritual development from conception to death within the context of basic theories of development, as they relate to psychological processes and strategies.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online periodically.
PSYC 5315 (3-3-0) Psychological Assessment I
In this first semester of a two-semester sequence on psychological assessment, students will be educated in issues of statistics and psychometric testing including reliability, validity, identifying and selecting test instruments, interpreting norm-referenced and criterion-referenced test scores, test construction, fairness and bias, and elements of standardization. In addition, this course will introduce legal/ethical issues pertaining to assessment, and the procedure of assessment within clinical, workplace, and educational settings. The methodology, with and without technology, of interviews, observation, standardized tests, self-report measures, physiological or psychophysiological measurement devices, and other specialized procedures and apparatuses will be researched and reviewed.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
PSYC 5316 (3-3-0) Psychological Research Methods and Statistics
A study of the scientific method approach to social and psychological research. The student will gain understanding of the theoretical bases of scientific research and develop a working knowledge of methodology and potential issues with human research. The student will gain the ability to conduct statistical research and evaluate the quality of the research of others.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 5317 (3-3-0) Clinical Practice with Culturally Diverse Clients
This course is designed to provide learners with the knowledge and skills of cultural behavior and assessment utilized in a variety of mental health and educational settings. The course examines how to progress towards cultural competence through research, theoretical examination, case studies, and group discussions. Learners will evaluate and apply understanding of the impact of culture on mental health and psychoeducational assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Substantial attention is given to developing awareness of one's own values, attitudes, and beliefs as they relate to counseling in a diverse society, with a focus on the commonalities of individuals as created in the image of God.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online periodically.
PSYC 5318 (3-3-0) Essential Psychotherapeutic Skills
This course will provide the experiential foundation for all practicum and internship experiences. Students learn communication and interpersonal skills under faculty guidance. This course is designed to equip students with a comprehensive understanding and practical application of fundamental techniques and competencies essential for effective psychotherapeutic practice. These skills reviewed and learned consist of active listening, empathetic communication, rapport-building, and ethical considerations, among others. By focusing on both theoretical principles and experiential learning, students will gain the knowledge and confidence to establish , enhance insight and awareness in clients encountered.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 5319 (3-3-0) Cognitive and Learning Theories of Psychology
In this course, students will learn the intricacies of the field of cognitive psychology. Students will learn about the knowledge of cognition, theories, and empirical bases of learning, memory, motivation, affect, emotion, and executive function. Students will explore the interaction of factors that influence cognitive performance and/or emotional experience.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 6000 (0-0-0) Mental Health License and Ethics Review
This course involves a formal comprehensive review of the entire graduate curriculum including but not limited to ethics and mental health license regulations. Students must achieve and submit a passing score of 75% or better on national and jurisprudence practice exams in order to receive credit (CR) for the course, the exam may be retaken until the appropriate score is achieved. The score will be submitted to the M.A. Psychology program director. Graduation requires a satisfactory score on the comprehensive exam.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 6304 (3-3-0) Orientation and Consultation in School Psychology
Course is designed to prepare new school psychology practitioners to support the diverse needs for students' academic, behavioral, and social–emotional success. Learning outcomes include skills for planning and implementing evidence-based prevention and intervention efforts and collaborating to facilitate systems change. Exploring and learning ways to collaborate with parents, school staff and community services is addressed through the lens school organization and operation of schools. Utilizing a guided by a problem-solving perspective, the class will be introduced to legal and ethical issues for school psychology, school administration and multi-tiered systems of support.
Requisites: Only for students seeking LSSP.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 6305 (3-3-0) Applied Behavior Management and Analysis
This course examines the principles, theories, and practical applications of behavior management and analysis in school and other settings. The learner will be challenged to comprehend how behavior is shaped, modified, and maintained, with a focus on practical applications to improve problematic habits, responses and functioning shown by children adolescents and adults.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 6310 (3-3-0) Applied Psychology in Consultation, Career Guidance, and Lifestyle Development
This course explores the application of psychological principles in the contexts of consultation, career guidance, and lifestyle development. Students will learn how to apply psychological theories and assessments of consultation, vocational choice, career choice and lifestyle, sources of occupational and educational information, and career decision-making processes to individuals, groups or organizations. In addition, students are provided a knowledge to assist individuals make fulfilling career choices and placements, address issues of self-care, and effectively address personal and professional challenges.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 6311 (3-3-0) Psychology of Addictive and Compulsive Behaviors
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the psychological aspects of addictive and compulsive behaviors including the biological bases of these actions. Students will examine the theories, causes, consequences, and treatment approaches related to various forms of addiction and compulsivity. In addition, this course studies the underlying neuropsychological processes intertwined with social and cultural contexts.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Spring, Fall, Summer, Online.
PSYC 6312 (3-3-0) Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology I
This course involves the study of psychological disorders and normalcy across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on student’s competency in assessment processes, conceptualization, and diagnosis of the major categories of abnormal behavior as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Attention will be given to the historical trends, etiology, cultural factors, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches in understanding and treating abnormal behavior. In addition, the course will present basic knowledge of psychopharmacological medications related to specific disorders. This course will integrate clinical and scientific research with a biblical worldview so that students will have a working bio/psycho/social/spiritual perspective to understand and treat mental disorders.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall.
PSYC 6313 (3-3-0) Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology II
This course is a continuation of Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology I, which involves the study of psychological disorders and normalcy across the lifespan. Emphasis will be placed on student’s competency in assessment processes, conceptualization, and diagnosis of the major categories of abnormal behavior as defined by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Attention will be given to the historical trends, etiology, cultural factors, and evidence-based therapeutic approaches in understanding and treating abnormal behavior. In addition, the course will present basic knowledge of psychopharmacological medications related to specific disorders. This course will integrate clinical and scientific research with a biblical worldview so that students will have a working bio/psycho/social/spiritual perspective to understand and treat mental disorders.
Requisites: PSYC 6312 Child, Adolescent and Adult Psychopathology I.
Offered: Spring.
PSYC 6314 (3-3-0) Marriage, Couple, Family Assessments and Interventions
This course provides information about assessment, techniques, and intervention strategies for working with couples and families. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of various assessment tools and therapeutic interventions aimed at addressing marriage, couple and familial issues.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Summer, Spring
PSYC 6316 (3-3-0) Advanced Ethics and Clinical Methods and Skills
This course will be an experiential study of ethics, methods and skills utilized when addressing mental health clinical cases in outpatient, inpatient and educational settings. These will include interviewing, assessment, diagnosing, treatment planning, record management, professional practice, council rules/regulations, mental health business and family law, consulting, crisis intervention, psychotherapeutic techniques and cultural influence.
Requisites: PSYC 5313, PSYC 5315, PSYC 5318, PSYC 6312, PSYC 6313, and PSYC 6319.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 6318 (3-3-0) Neuropsychology
A study of the biological and neural bases of behavior and how they relate to behavior and cognition, in terms both of their normal function and of the dysfunctional processes including brain damage. The neuroanatomical, neurophysiological, and neurochemical structures and processes that impact mental health and disorders will be specifically addressed along with the intertwining of genetic and environmental influences.
Requisites: PSYC 5311, PSYC 5319.
Offered: Spring.
PSYC 6319 (3-3-0) Psychological Assessment II
In this course, students will be provided a thorough tutelage in conducting of psychological assessment, including but not limited to intellectual, personality, aptitude, projective and neuropsychological designs, and across the lifespan. Students will have the opportunity to administer, score, interpret, and report findings of standardized and non-standardized educational and psychological assessment completed in individual and group settings.
Requisites: PSYC 5315 Psychological Assessment I.
Offered: Spring.
PSYC 6320 (3-3-0) Practicum in School Psychology
A study that requires placement in a school setting for direct field experience in a school setting under the supervision of a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. Practicum provides the first opportunity for School Psychology candidates to gain requisite career skills and apply the knowledge and skills they have learned in their course work.
Requisites: 48 hours of sequential academic coursework as outlined for the Specialist in School Psychology Program.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 6321 (3-3-0) Psychology Internship I (S-L)
This course involves supervised delivery of direct psychological services at an approved agency or practice site. Students are evaluated on a wide range of professional criteria which includes analysis of taped sessions, and seminar discussions of psychological assessments and techniques utilized during the Psychological Internship experience. A minimum grade of B must be earned in order to progress to the Psychology Internship II course. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: Course is taken after completion of 48 hours.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 6322 (3-3-0) Psychology Internship II (S-L)
This course is a continuation of the internship experience for students which involves supervised delivery of direct psychological services at an approved agency or practice site. Students are evaluated on a wide range of professional criteria which includes analysis of taped sessions, and seminar discussions of psychological assessments and techniques utilized during the Psychological Internship II experience. A minimum grade of B must be earned in order to complete the Internship II course. This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: PSYC 6321. Course is taken after completion of 48 hours.
Offered: Fall, Spring.