COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY – Psychology
PSY 223 – Introduction to Psychology: 3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts of human behavior, motivation, emotion and personality, and a survey of the contemporary psychological field.
PSY 263 – Psychometrics: 3 credits
A variety of test instruments is surveyed as potential assessment tools in variety of settings; vocational, intellectual, personality, and learning styles. A significant part of the course involves training in test construction and using measures of reliability and validity as a basis for test selection.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 283 – Lifespan Human Development: 3 credits
A survey of human development from conception to death. Focus is on the biological, intellectual, and psycho-social development of the individual person.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 300 – Organizational Psychology: 3 credits
This course will provide the student with an overview of the field of Organizational Psychology. An emphasis will be placed on motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, decision making, teams in the workplace, organizational change and human factors. Students will also examine emerging trends and historical theory. Case Studies will be extensively used.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 303 – Biological Psychology: 3 credits
A study of interrelationship between the psychological and physiological bases of human behavior including analysis of emotions, motivation, and perception.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 313 – Theories of Personality: 3 credits
A study of theories relating to the development and structure of personality. Biographies are included enabling students to contextualize the social and family dynamics of major theorists.
Prerequisites: PSY 223 and PSY 283
PSY 321 – Perspectives on Parenting: 3 credits
A biblical foundation for a Christian approach to parenting will be studied. Historical thought concerning childhood and parenting philosophies as well as contemporary literature, policy, and parenting practices will be examined. Attention will be given to application of information and theory when working with multiple family types in church and community settings.
PSY 323 – History and Systems in Psychology: 3 credits
A study of the evolving thought in psychology from its inception as an experimental science to development of significant systems and experiments. Provides an overview of historical and contemporary systems and theories.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 325 – Introduction to Equine Studies: 3 credits
Provides an overview of basic equine knowledge and care. Basic health care issues will be addressed as well as anatomy and physiology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding and interpreting horse behavior. Class format will include classroom lecture and discussion as well as a field experience component.
PSY 333 – Pastoral Counseling: 3 credits
An introduction to the pastoral perspective in counseling. A study of the biblical basis for counseling will be conducted. Emphasis will be given to a survey of techniques for premarital, marriage, family, career guidance, grief, and pre-referral counseling.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 343 – Legal and Ethical Issues in Counseling: 3 credits
Sensitive issues in counseling, from both the pastoral and professional perspective, will be examined for the purpose of preventing legal and ethical misconduct. Special attention will be given to the development of ethical thinking when involved with cross-cultural clients, issues of competency, and dual relationships.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 353 – Community Psychology: 3 credits
An introduction to the basic concepts in community mental health, from theories, to research, to actual settings in which students may work or volunteer. Strategies for changing the lives of others in the community for the better will be a focus of this course.
Prerequisites: PSY 223
PSY 363 – Abnormal Psychology: 3 credits
Behavioral deviations from the norm are assessed and classified according to DSM-5 criteria. Special attention is given to the developmental and genetic factors that contribute to abnormal behavior. Assessment, diagnosis, and treatment strategies are examined in light of current research.
Prerequisites: PSY 223 and 283
PSY 373 – Industrial Psychology: 3 credits
This course will provide the student with an overview of the field of Industrial Psychology. The student will be introduced to research and assessment of the work environment, assessing individuals, job analysis and performance measurement, staffing decisions and training development. An emphasis will be placed on emerging trends in the workplace, historical theories and models.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 375 – Riding Skills & Techniques: 3 credits
An introductory riding class geared toward students with little experience. Students with experience will be allowed to advance according to their levels of mastery. Basic riding skills are covered. Students will learn to control the horse at the walk, the rising trot, and the two-point position. Ground skills must be mastered before being allowed to ride. The focus will be on basic schooling figures and transitions. The two-point positions is taught and cavalletti and single cross rails may be introduced.
Lab fee: $180
PSY 383 – Educational Psychology: 3 credits
A study of learning processes with practical applications for classroom teaching. Topics include human development, the impact of culture and community on learning, learning theory, motivation, testing, and assessment. This course includes a practicum involving observations and interviews with persons working in educational settings.
PSY 403 – Experimental Psychology: 3 credits
Advanced study in human behavior. This course requires formulation of a research problem and hypothesis, research design, field research, and writing of a major research report.
Prerequisites: PSY 223 and PSY 263
PSY 413 – Human Relations in the Work Place: 3 credits
This course focuses on developing interpersonal skills for the workplace. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding diversity, dealing with difficult people and improving employee communication skills. Personal inventories will be used to provide students with insight into their personality predisposition as it relates to effective communication in the workplace. Time and stress management in an organization will also be examined. Prerequisites:
PSY 223, 300 and 373
PSY 414 – Marriage and Family Therapy: 3 credits
Students will receive specialized training in marriage and family counseling from a systems perspective. Hypothetical cases will be conceptualized, assessed and diagnosed from this orientation. Interventions unique to this approach will be examined.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 423 – Leadership Development: 3 credits
This course will provide the student with an in-depth look at the nature of leadership. Leadership models will be reviewed as well as self-evaluations and practical exercises to develop the student’s ability to lead. The student will learn the importance of increasing employee performance through creating a vision, developing and empowering employees and decision making. Ethics and responsibility will also be explored. Current case studies will be used to enhance the student’s understanding of today’s work place.
Prerequisites: PSY 223, 300 and 373
PSY 463 – Theories & Techniques of Counseling: 3 credits
A review of major counseling orientations with specialized techniques suitable for use in various counseling settings. Diagnostic instruments for effective assessment will be introduced as part of the curriculum.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 471 – Internship Seminar: 1 credit
This course allows for the integration of theory, methods, skills, and values of generalist practice with knowledge and experience gained in the student’s internship. Emphasis will be placed upon self- understanding, conflict resolution, and the practical concerns faced by interns. This provides the student with support, supervision, and an integrative educational experience.
Prerequisites:
Psychology Majors: PSY 343, 363, 463 and PSY 473
Pastoral Counseling Majors: PSY 363, 463 and 473
Criminal Justice Majors: JUS 413
PSY 473 – Crisis Intervention Skills: 3 credits
An introduction to the basic theories and techniques of crisis counseling as it relates to pastoral ministry. Specific attention is given to crisis intervention in areas such as teen pregnancy; suicide; substance, emotional and physical abuse; bereavement and grief; eating disorders; divorce; and family relations. Includes legal and ethical considerations and referrals.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 481 – Internship: 1 – 3 credits
This phase of the student’s education is to provide a supervised experience in direct ministry/marketplace. All required clearances must be submitted and approved prior to the start of the Internship. Liability Insurance must also be obtained prior to the start of the Internships. All internships must be approved by the professor. Students are required to complete 75 hours within their Internship. Internship must be taken for 1 credit and can range from 4 to 15 weeks in duration. The Internship will be offered during every semester: Fall, Spring, and Summer. A comprehensive journal is required that addresses the student’s activities during the internship and issues of development in their area of ministry. Written evaluations are required by the intern and the on-site supervisor. Internships are tailored in conjunction with the student’s focus of development and future ministry plans.
Prerequisites:
Psychology: PSY 343, 363, 463, 471 and 473
Pastoral Counseling: PSY 363, 463, 471 and 473
Criminal Justice: Successful completion of all 100, 200, 300 level criminal justice courses and JUS 413
PSY 483 – Grief, Death and Dying: 3 credits
A detailed examination of the nature and stages of death, customs, and rituals surrounding the death experience are presented, emphasizing the role of care giving professionals in the processes of death and bereavement.
Prerequisite: PSY 223
PSY 485 – Therapeutic Horsemanship: 3 credits
Focuses on learning the basic counseling facilitation skills necessary in order to assist a client in processing the experience. The class will be divided into three parts: classroom instruction will provide the basis for understanding the theoretical model of equine interactive counseling; experiential learning will provide the basis for understanding the facilitation process (students will assume the role of ‘client’ while riding and will have instructors facilitate as they process their experience); and field observation, where students will observe and report on trained facilitators at a therapeutic riding center.
Lab Fee: $180
PSY 490 – Human Sexuality: 3 credits
A study of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions of human sexuality. Focus on biblical principles, formation of gender roles, sexual identity, sexual deviancy, human sexuality through the life cycle, and contemporary sexual issues.
PSY 491, 492 or 493 – Topics in Psychology and Counseling: 1-3 credits
Special topics of varied interest are offered as needed and as resources permit.