Psychology
PSYC 1301 (3-3-0) General Psychology
This introductory course provides the foundation for all other courses in psychology. The historical, theoretical, and research foundations for psychology are examined. A survey is made of human development, learning, perception, motivation, personality, neurological development, and emotions. The focus of the course is on the development of a Christian perspective on psychology.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 2301 (3-3-0) Statistics for the Social Sciences
(MATH 2301; POLS 2303; SOCI 2303)
Introductory course including elements of probability to support statistical theory. Topics include theoretical distributions, discrete and continuous variables, and tests of hypotheses. Suggested for majors in the social and behavioral sciences. TI- 83/84 Plus graphing calculator required. This course may not be used to satisfy any general studies requirements for Social Sciences.
Requisites: MATH 1301, 1303, 1307, or 1405.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
PSYC 3301 (3-3-0) Educational Psychology
(EDEP 3301)
A study of the salient points of the discipline known as educational psychology. The course focuses on the cognitive, moral, and social development of children, giving particular attention to children with learning differences and exceptionalities. Students will analyze the behavioral and cognitive views of learning and study theories pertinent to instructing, managing, and motivating children.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Periodically.
PSYC 3302 (3-3-0) Juvenile Delinquency
(CRJS 3302; SOCI 3302)
A study of deviant behavior by the legal minors in contemporary society, factors and conditions contributing to delinquency, control and treatment of offenders, and programs for prevention.
Requisites: CRJS 1301 or 1302, or PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
PSYC 3303 (3-3-0) Psychology Internship I (S-L)
This course connects student public service with academic study by providing a professionally supervised activity in a setting that offers some type of human service. The student will be required to work 20 hours for each credit hour earned. The student’s work will be evaluated by both the site supervisor and the course instructor. This course contains a field-based
service-learning component.
Requisites: Twelve hours of psychology and junior standing.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
PSYC 3304 (3-3-0) Psychology Internship II (S-L)
A continuation of PSYC 3303 Psychology Internship I (S-L). This course contains a field-based service-learning component.
Requisites: Twelve hours of psychology and junior standing.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 3306 (3-3-0) Study of Aging
(SOCI 3306)
An examination of aging in relation to sociology, psychology, biology, law, political science, literature, religion, recreation, and health. Special emphasis is placed on an understanding of gerontology from a Christian Perspective.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, odd-numbered years, Online.
PSYC 3311 (3-3-0) Marriage and Family Systems
(SOCI 3311)
In this course, students will learn the historical development and principal conceptualizations of marital and family systems theory. Students will learn the theories, therapeutic processes, and techniques involved in treating marriage, family, and relationships. To familiarize students with specific issues pertinent to marriage, family, and relationship counseling (e.g., gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and culture).
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 3312 (3-3-0) Drug and Alcohol Problems
(SOCI 3312)
The philosophical, economic, political, social, and psychological dimensions of drug and alcohol problems will be examined.
Requisites: PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Periodically.
PSYC 3315 (3-3-0) Forensic Psychology
(CRJS 3315; SOCI 3315)
In this course students will learn the history of forensic psychology and how it differs from other forensic sciences. Students will cover a variety of topics including; careers in forensic psychology, profiling, interviewing and interrogation, eyewitness evidence, consulting and testifying, child custody evaluations, violence and intimidation, development of delinquent and criminal behaviors, personality profiles, forensic victimology and victim services, sexual assault, family violence and abuse, and correctional psychology. Students will also see how the field of forensic psychology informs the criminal justice system and the policies developed by that system.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3317 (3-3-0) Clinical Psychology
In this course students will learn the intricacies of the field of clinical psychology. Students will be provided learning opportunities about the history of this discipline; diagnostic interviewing; intellectual, neuropsychological, projective, and personality assessments; and psychotherapeutic evidence-based interventions.
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 3332 (3-3-0) Development of Infants, Children, and Adolescents (S-L)
(EDUC 3302; SOCI 3332)
An interdisciplinary course emphasizing the psychosocial development of the child from conception through adolescence. A study is made of the physical, intellectual, emotional, social, and moral development of the child. This course contains a field- based service-learning component.
Requisites: PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.
PSYC 4301 (3-3-0) Race and Ethnicity
(SOCI 4301)
Examines the theories and operational definitions of race and ethnic relations in the social sciences within a biblical framework. Evaluates programs for the reduction of prejudice, discrimination, and racism. Analyzes historical and contemporary status of racial/ethnic minority groups in the United States. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Spring, Online.
PSYC 4303 (3-3-0) Social Psychology
(SOCI 4303)
A study of individual behavior as affected by cultural and social stimuli. Social psychology focuses on the perceptions, thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals.
Requisites: PSYC 1301 or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Spring, Online.
PSYC 4305 (3-3-0) Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
A study of the nature and causes of mental disorders as reflected in the major theories and current research regarding abnormal behavior.
Requisites: 12 hours in psychology.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 4308 (3-3-0) Psychology of Sport, Exercise, and Human Performance
(KNES 4308)
This course will introduce students to the field of sport psychology through a foundational study of pertinent theories and concepts, psychological variables, and the application of these variables to sport, exercise, and human performance. This interdisciplinary field of psychological study in sport and exercise is ideal for students that will be working with athletes in any capacity, those pursuing physical education, or those engaged in various other professions within sport, fitness, or human performance.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4309 (3-3-0) Child Life Theory and Practice
Child Life Theory and Practice will support students in the application of knowledge of child development to educate, prepare, and support children and their families through the processes of hospitalization and changes in family dynamics related to current or chronic illness.
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4311 (3-3-0) Integration of Psychology and Christianity
This course includes a survey of the major approaches to and issues in relating psychology to Christianity. Psychology and Christianity will be compared in relation to their views of the nature of the human being, the sources of truth, sin and psychopathology, change and sanctification, and other factors.
Requisites: 18 hours of psychology and 6 hours of religion.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 4313 (3-3-0) Group Psychotherapy
This course has as its goal the development of a basic understanding of group processes as they relate to group therapy. Central to this study is an emphasis on group dynamics. Practical experience in group dynamics is included. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC 1301, 4314, and 4316.
Offered: Periodically.
PSYC 4314 (3-3-0) Counseling Theories and Techniques
A course dealing with the fundamentals of counseling as they relate to human behavior. A survey of the major theories of counseling and psychotherapy is included. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Fall, Online.
PSYC 4315 (3-3-0) Psychology of Personality
An investigation of the interacting biological, psychological, and sociological factors which contribute to formation of behavior in personality structure. A survey of the major theories of personality is included.
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Spring, Online.
PSYC 4316 (3-3-0) Human Growth and Development
(SOCI 4316)
A course in developmental psychology that focuses on physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development from conception to death within a context of basic theories of development. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC or SOCI 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 4317 (3-3-0) Research Methods
(CRJS 4317/5326; SOCI 4317)
This course is designed to introduce the student to the scientific method of research. Topics covered include the philosophy/logic of research, hypothesis testing, the construction of concepts, sampling, data gathering, and data analysis. Completion of the course will make students better "consumers" of behavioral research data, as well as prepare them for more advanced classes in statistics and research. Examples in the class will be drawn from diverse disciplines including criminal justice, sociology, psychology, business, and healthcare. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC 1301 and 2301, or SOCI 1301 and 2303, or 18 hours in criminal justice and general studies math requirement.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Online.
PSYC 4319 (3-3-0) Cognitive Psychology
In this course, students will learn the intricacies of the field of cognitive psychology. Students will be provided learning opportunities about the branch of psychology that explores the operation of mental processes related to perceiving, attending, thinking, language, and memory, mainly through inferences from behavior. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4321 (3-3-0) Dynamics of Therapeutic Play
This course provides an overview of the interaction between human play and development and introduces the concept and principles of therapeutic play. The content emphasizes play within the context of medical and non-clinical settings, and culture. Students learn appropriate skills and strategies for engaging children in a variety of playful activities and approaches to assist the child and family members to cope with stressful events.
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Fall.
PSYC 4322 (3-3-0) Effective Helping Skills
This course serves as a general overview of applied helping skills for those who are considering the counseling/psychology professions or related professions as a career. Students will learn and practice the basic helping skills needed in human service settings. Special attention is given to the qualities and skills that influence the helping relationship. The effects of social and cultural diversity on the helping relationship will also be explored. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: 9 hours of Psychology.
Offered: Periodically
PSYC 4323 (3-3-0) Career Orientation to the Mental Health Disciplines
The course is designed to prepare students who are entering the mental health profession with a broad overview of the profession’s historical and theoretical foundations, as well as to begin the development of a professional identity. Students will explore the various careers in the mental fields and experience career and/or self-related assessment. Attention will be given to understanding the purpose of the mental health field and the related settings, practices, and ethical issues. The course will introduce foundational and emerging issues of the mental health fields. (This course is Bridge-eligible.)
Requisites: None.
Offered: Periodically
PSYC 4324 (3-3-0) Psychology of Learning
A study of the principles and applications of how knowledge or skill is acquired. Learning as it relates to cognition, emotion, physiology, decision-making, behavior, and experience will be analyzed. The major learning theories and their respective underlying presuppositions will be contrasted from a biblical perspective.
Requisites: 9 hours in psychology, including PSYC 1301.
Offered: Periodically.
PSYC 4325 (3-3-0) History of Psychology
An investigation of the history of psychological thought. The course concentrates on the evolution of contemporary theoretical concepts from their historical origins in philosophy and natural sciences.
Requisites: 12 hours in psychology.
Offered: Periodically.
PSYC 4326 (3-3-0) Foundations of Professional Counseling (Bridge)
An introduction to standards, ethical guidelines, legal aspects of counseling, standards of preparation, objectives of professional organizations, and the professional identity of persons providing direct counseling services with attention to the integration of faith. Instructor Approval Required. For MAPC Bridge Student Concentration only.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4327 (3-3-0) Introduction to Professional Counseling (Bridge)
An introduction to the ethical guidelines, principles, and laws that govern the practice of counseling, including the examination of moral philosophy underlying ethical decision-making,r records management, business/family law, and the application of professional codes. Instructor Approval Required. For MAPC Bridge Student Concentration only.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring.
PSYC 4328 (3-3-0) Introduction to Basic Counseling Skills (Bridge)
An introduction to experiential learning in the counseling profession with attention to communication and interpersonal skills and counseling techniques. Students will also examine their intrapersonal issues and relational styles. Instructor Approval Required. For MAPC Bridge Student Concentration only.
Requisites: None.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer.PSYC 4332 (3-3-0) Crisis Intervention
(CRJS 4332/5332; SOCI 4332)
This course examines the field of crisis intervention from a multi-disciplinary perspective including law enforcement, human services, psychology, and sociology. The evaluation and application of crisis intervention techniques, methods, and concepts will be examined related to community, workplace, therapy, and social/personal environments.
Requisites: 6 hours in criminal justice, sociology, or psychology.
Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer, Online.
PSYC 4333 (3-3-0) Psychology of Adolescence
An interdisciplinary course emphasizing psychosocial development from adolescence through young adulthood. This study would include developmental and psychological issues that evolve in the teenage years.
Requisites: PSYC 1301.
Offered: Spring.
PSYC 4340 (3-3-0) Special Topics in Psychology
This course concentrates on specialized areas of psychology. May be repeated for credit when content changes. Grade replacement for special topics courses may only be accomplished under special topics courses with the same topic and content.
Requisites: 9 hours of psychology.
Offered: Periodically.