Designed as an applied science course, students will be introduced to the history and science of stress studies. The role of stress (negative and positive) will be reviewed with specific emphasis placed on the interaction of physiological, psychological, and spiritual factors.
Psychology
Ideal For: Those interested in understanding people and pursuing careers in counseling, therapy, or psychology
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“In the beginning, God created…” and with these words the human story was ushered into being. All that we are, including who we are as people, how we think, how we function, how we develop – all of that finds its beginnings in those moments of time between Genesis 1 & 2. Yet, much of the science of psychology has long ignored the origins of humanity and has sought to understand existence only through the eyes of modern reasoning.
Appreciating a theological perspective, the purpose of the Psychology Program is to engage students in experiences that allow them to discern the unique interplay between soul, mind, brain, and behavior, in order to collaboratively discover ways to improve the human condition.
The student is challenged to view the study of psychology as a theological pursuit; One in which the created (human) marvels at the wonders of the Creator (God) and His creation. It is through this discipline that the student learns the redemptive application of psychological theory in light of theological truth. Ultimately, the student is invited to understand the discipline of psychology in light of Biblical revelation, Christian orthodoxy, and scientific methodology.
As such, the psychology program engages its work through the Wesleyan model that considers the role of Scripture, Reason, Tradition, and Experience when seeking to discover or discern truth. In this way, the program supports the College’s mission to provide a Christ-centered Education for Character.
The psychology major is intended to provide students with a comprehensive overview of the area of psychology while also giving them the knowledge required to flourish in the area. Depending on a student’s job or educational ambitions, studying psychology at Central Christian can offer several doors of opportunity. Our comprehensive approach to education will offer students the skills they need to excel in their educational efforts.
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Possible Career Paths
- Career Counselor – $44,606*
- School Guidance Counselor – $51,113*
- Social Services Director – $54,933*
*O*Net – National Median Wage Data
Program Information
Core Courses
Psychology Core (25 Credits)
NS-MA 209 Statistics (3)
SS-PY 201 Developmental Psychology (3)
SS-PY 310 Research Methods/Applied Statistics (3)
SS-PY 312 Personality Psychology (3)
SS-PY 320 Social Psychology (3)
SS-PY 330 Abnormal Psychology (3)
SS-PY 493 Research Project [Psychology] (3)
SS-PY 498 Capstone [Psychology] (3)
SS-AP 291 Scientific Writing Seminar: APA (1)Psychology Electives (12-18 Credits)
Any SS-PY Course (12-18)
Degree Requirements
Bachelor of Science in Psychology: 120 Credit Hours
- 43 Credits – General Education
- 25 Credits – Psychology Core
- 12-18 Credits – Psychology Electives
- 34-40 Credits – Open Electives
Departmental Outcomes
Purpose
the purpose of the Psychology Program is to engage students in experiences that allow them to discern the unique interplay between soul, mind, brain, and behavior, in order to collaboratively discover the redemptive potential of the human condition.
Outcomes
- Mind (Vocational Competence): We believe graduates should demonstrate reasoned and productive lifestyles, filled with the “Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills.”
- Academically Competent: Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of behavioral science by academically applying, reapplying, or combining behavioral science terminology and theories when provided with information about human behavior, mental processes, and the socio-cultural environment, and demonstrate an understanding of behavioral science research methodology by manipulating and analyzing observable facts to arrive at an informed conclusion.
- [PSY3]…explain the contributions of psychological theories and their relation to current practices in psychology and human functioning.
- [PSY5]…design and execute an experiment or research initiative to answer a psychological question.
- [PSY7]…analyze, interpret, and describe data using descriptive and inferential statistics.
- [PSY9]…devise psychologically informed explanations, resolutions, and conclusions for situations encountered as part of human functioning
- Academically Competent: Demonstrate an understanding of basic principles of behavioral science by academically applying, reapplying, or combining behavioral science terminology and theories when provided with information about human behavior, mental processes, and the socio-cultural environment, and demonstrate an understanding of behavioral science research methodology by manipulating and analyzing observable facts to arrive at an informed conclusion.
- Heart (Virtuous Citizenship): We believe that graduates should demonstrate civic and moral leadership, in order “to do good; seek justice, and correct oppression.”
- Socially Responsible: Develop intercultural competence and civic responsibility by engaging regional, national, and global communities while utilizing the methods, principles, and perspectives of behavioral science.
- [PSY1]…facilitate APA guidelines for the ethical treatment of human and nonhuman research participants.
- [PSY2]… adapt psychological principles and modalities in response to diverse cultures and worldviews.
- Socially Responsible: Develop intercultural competence and civic responsibility by engaging regional, national, and global communities while utilizing the methods, principles, and perspectives of behavioral science.
- Strength (VIGOROUS Lifestyle): We believe graduates should demonstrate dispositional strength and behavioral readiness so that they “never tire of doing what is good”.
- Service ORIENTED Apply psychological reasoning and therapeutics to enhance overall health and wellness both individually and communally, including a secure identity of self, emotional stability, and hardiness.
- [PSY4]…distinguish various etiologies and treatments related to normative and non-normative behavior.
- [PSY8]…express thoughts, ideas, findings, etc., in accordance with APA standards.
- Service ORIENTED Apply psychological reasoning and therapeutics to enhance overall health and wellness both individually and communally, including a secure identity of self, emotional stability, and hardiness.
- Soul (Vibrant Faith): We believe graduates should demonstrate an appreciation for the Lordship of Christ, “not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.”
- Spiritually Mature: Explore the unique nature and design of the human brain and its effect on human functioning and behavior, including the interplay between mind and spirit.
- [PSY6]…evaluate psychological theories, practices, and responses from a holistic perspective (Heart, Soul, Mind, and Strength).
- Spiritually Mature: Explore the unique nature and design of the human brain and its effect on human functioning and behavior, including the interplay between mind and spirit.
- Mind (Vocational Competence): We believe graduates should demonstrate reasoned and productive lifestyles, filled with the “Spirit of God, with wisdom, with understanding, with knowledge, and with all kinds of skills.”
Pi Gamma Mu
Pi Gamma Mu is the oldest and preeminent international honor society in the social sciences. Our mission is to encourage and recognize superior scholarship in social science disciplines and to foster cooperation and social service among its members. Pi Gamma Mu serves the various social science disciplines which seek to understand and explain human behavior and social relationships as well as their related problems and issues. Our Kappa chapter at Central Christian College is one among 150 active chapters in the United States and overseas. We were chartered in 2009 with faculty, former graduates, graduate students, and current students alike.
Pi Gamma Mu’s constitution defines the social sciences to include the disciplines of history, political science, sociology, anthropology, economics, psychology, international relations, criminal justice, social work, social philosophy, history of education, and cultural/human geography. Membership is also extended to interdisciplinary social science areas that build on the core social science disciplines, such as business and society, education, minority studies, public administration, international studies, public finance, leadership studies, consumer behavior, public policy, and organizational behavior.
Course Examples
Leadership Development
This course is designed to introduce the student to the basic principles of leadership and followership. The course will investigate the essential elements of both concepts and challenge the student to master the concepts relative to both. Specific attention will be placed on Leadership Styles, Followership Styles, Personality Styles, Spiritual Gifts, and the Leader/Follower Relationship.
Stress Management
Counseling
A combination of theory and practice. Basic listening and counseling skills are stressed and combined with some of the major counseling theories.
Abnormal Psychology
Students will be exposed to the DSM-IV (diagnostic manual) and all psychological disorders from multiple perspectives. They will study many disorders, all disorders presently listed in the DSM-V, as well as case studies of disorders.
Cognitive Psychology
This course investigates the concept of human cognition by exploring topics such as perception, attention, action, memory, and problem solving. Each of these topics is investigated from an information processing point of view. Basic theoretical models, classic and recent research, developing theories, and applications in areas such as education will be discussed.
Introduction to Art Therapy
This course provides an introduction to the theoretical and practical use of art within a therapeutic framework. The student will gain a unique perspective of how art and its practice can be used to affect behavioral, spiritual, emotional, and psychological aspects of the human being. The course culminates in the production and presentation of a psychological art exhibit.
Psychology of Religion
This course will investigate the role of religion and its effects on beliefs, behavior, self-conception, motivation, emotions, and sociological interactions. Students will be challenged to investigate the psychological issues related to conversion, adherence, and ritual.
