Curriculum: Psychology
The School of Professional Studies Psychology major is an undergraduate program specifically designed for adult students that includes course work emphasizing psychosocial development, integration, research, and foundational theories of psychological study. Since students select a psychology major for various reasons, a broad range of courses have been selected for students desiring employment or advancement in a variety of fields which may include education, ministry, human resources, business, and human services. The courses are chosen to concurrently satisfy the prerequisites for graduate programs in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, educational psychology, school counseling, and other related fields of study.
The major consists of 51 units. (Course requirements may vary based on catalog year.)
CPSY 202 Group Behavior (2-3 units)
A study of group behavior and how groups function effectively. Emphasis is placed on group decision making and conflict resolution. Fee: $20.
CPSY 204 Psychology and Christian Thought (3 units)
An introduction to the nature and process of the application of Christian thought to the study and practice of psychology.
CPSY 208 Statistics with Computer Applications (3 units)
Basic descriptive and inferential statistics for social-psychological research and evaluation with an emphasis on computer application.
This course is a prerequisite for CPSY 320 Experimental Psychology.
CPSY 210 Psychology and Worldview (2-3 units)
An introduction to the integration of faith, learning and living for a more accurate understanding of reality. The course emphasizes Christian thinking and psychological analysis of contemporary worldviews that are intellectually viable and consistent with biblical truth. Students examine case studies of individual and group behavior that demonstrate the methods and difficulties of integration and application.
CPSY 310 Psychology and Anthropology (2-3 units)
An examination of biblical concepts related to human relationships and interpersonal
communication. Attention is given to human beings as designed and created by
God, the consequences of the fall and the impact of redemption. Case studies
and student experiences are discussed.
CPSY 320 Experimental Psychology (3 units)
Introduction to basic research design and evaluation. An analysis of the philosophy
and methodology of the experimental method is considered. Psychological experimentation
and evaluation are implemented with human subjects. Students will complete
an experimental research paper using A.P.A. guidelines and formatting. Meets
Writing Competency requirement.
Prerequisite: CPSY 208 Statistics with Computer Application.
CPSY 322 Learning and Cognition (3 units)
Empirical findings and theoretical development in the area of learning, cognition,
and memory and their application to human behavior. A series of computer based
laboratory experiments are used to expose students to classical and operant
conditioning processes.
CPSY 325 Developmental Psych: Child-Adolescence (3 units)
A study of the theory and research regarding human development from conception through adolescence. Consideration will be given to the biological, psychological, cultural, and social influences on human development.
CPSY 326 Developmental Psych: Adulthood-Aging (3 units)
A study of the theory and research regarding human development from late adolescence through death. Consideration will be given to the biological, psychological, cultural, and social influences on human development.
ORLD 330 Theology and the Christian Life (3 units)
A consideration of God's Person, existing as one God, yet manifested in three
Persons, and the believer's responsibility to the Church, Christ's body, and
the world at large as an agent of reconciliation in God's kingdom program in
the end times.
CPSY 344 Abnormal Psychology (3 units)
Nature, causes, and treatment of abnormal behavior, including the full range of mental disorders identified within the current categorical system.
CPSY 406 Social and Cultural Psychology (3 units)
Analysis of social behavior, including social cognition, attitude formation,
change, and group processes. Emphasis is placed on the application of
social psychology principles to a range of issues, including sociocultural
diversity, prejudice, conflict resolution, and gender roles.
CPSY 414 Theories of Personality (3 units)
An overview of personality theories including the primary representatives from
the major schools: analytic-psychodynamic, humanistic-existential, and cognitive-behavioral. Integration
will be emphasized throughout the course. Meets Writing Competency requirement.
CPSY 418 The Psychology of Spiritual Development (3 units)
An introductory exploration into the nature of spiritual formation and its relationship
with psychology. Attention will be given to the nature of spiritual growth,
the psychological hindrances to growth and how to address these for the sake
of spiritual maturity. The course will also address various ways that
Christians have sought to deepened their relationship with God, with special
emphasis given to the nature and practice of prayer in the Church and the Christian
life.
CPSY 420 Psychology of Marriage and Family Life (3 units)
An exploration of contemporary marriage and family life, including cultural and
sociological factors impacting today’s family. Divorce and remarriage,
single parenting, dual career families, and the role of religious faith in
the home will be addressed.
CPSY 422 Physiological Psychology (3 units)
A study of physiological aspects of human behavior including neural, sensory,
motor, and chemical processes. Current research on physiological aspects
of mental and physical health, emotions, and psychopathology are addressed.
CPSY 450 Psychology and Ethics (2-3 units)
Student’s explore and formulate a psychologically sound and spiritually
viable philosophy of life, providing the base for such concerns as personal and
group ethics, accountability in government, respect for human rights, and a responsible
lifestyle in our contemporary world. Ethical theories and personal values are
examined through readings, personal exploration and classroom discussion.
OTHER COURSES
CPSY 340 Psychology of Religious Experience (2 units)
An examination of the nature and scope of religious experience including such
issues as the development of religious concepts and values, conversion, the
experience of prayer and meditation, and psychological and spiritual maturity.
An emphasis will be placed upon the student’s experiential understanding
of his or her own psychological and spiritual integration.
CPSY 410 Psychology and Values (2 units)
Examination of biblical principles and ethical values relevant to diverse psychological
constructs. Fundamental moral principles and cultural expressions are
analyzed and the biblical basis for values and morality is studied. Case studies
emphasize the relationship of God and man in regard to professional and personal
ethical choices.
CPSY 460 Directed Internship (1-4 units)
Psychology work experience related specifically to field of study. A proposal
describing learning objectives, collateral reading and expected benefits must
be submitted and accepted by the student's advisor prior to registration. Units
to be counted toward elective credit only.
Prerequisite: Department chair approval.
CPSY 480 Seminar: Selected Topics (1-4 units)
Reading, research, and application relevant to selected areas in the field of psychology.
Prerequisite: Consent.
CPSY 490 Directed Studies (1-4 units)
Supervised study, research, and writing in specified area of psychology, including learning, education, and psycho-physiology.