Department of Behavioral Sciences - Catalog

Faculty

  • Carlos Perez, Ph.D., Chair
  • Kaylene Brown, Ph.D.
  • Joshuah Ellis, Ph.D.
  • Macy Williamson, Ph.D.

Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies

The family studies degree explores relationships between family members across the lifespan.  The focus is on helping students recognize the impact of community, school, and church on relationships within the family.  Biological, cognitive, social, emotional, environmental, cultural and spiritual aspects of family development are studied in the context of understanding the impact change, crisis, and culture have over time. 

Family studies majors are involved in service learning activities throughout their college experience and the culminating service learning experience is a community practicum which provides learning in a variety of settings. Students intern in group homes, foster care centers, child care centers, schools, child care centers, child placing agencies, adoption agencies, youth development programs, nonprofit agencies, retirement communities, assisted living facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, juvenile justice facilities and probation offices.

When students complete their family studies degree, they find employment in a wide variety of social service agencies, educational settings, and local, state, and federal governmental agencies.  Students who want to pursue graduate degrees are encouraged to participate in undergraduate research with faculty members.  

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from HIS
    • FIN2301  Personal Financial Planning
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
    • HSC2330  Love, Courtship, and Marriage
    • HSC3305  Children, Families, and Social Policy
    • HSC3313  The Family
    • HSC3322  Gender and Sexuality
    • HSC3326  Family Stress, Crisis, and Resilience
    • HSC3328  Parenting
    • HSC4323  Family Life Education and Enrichment
    • HSC4324  Family Dynamics of Addiction
    • HSC4326  Family and Community
    • PSY4391  Behavioral Sciences Capstone
    • 6 hours upper level from PSY or HSC
  3. Supporting Courses (18 hours)
    • PSY3315  Ethics in the Helping Professions
    • PSY2340  Psychological of Diversity
    • PSY3310  Psychological Statistics
    • PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • PSY4342  Qualitative Research
    • SOC1300  General Sociology
  4. Electives (18 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Art Therapy Emphasis

The purpose of the study of psychology is to provide students an opportunity (1) to develop a better understanding of themselves and others, (2) to develop a broad base of knowledge about the field of psychology, and (3) to analyze critically psychological theories and principles from a Christian perspective. The psychology curriculum is designed to provide a core of knowledge about experimental, clinical, and counseling psychology. The program provides the flexibility that allows students to learn about psychology in multiple settings. The flexibility of the program allows students to emphasize the acquisition of useful life skills while preparing for graduate programs or vocational opportunities. Emphases in Art Therapy and Sport and Exercise Psychology are also available.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in service learning throughout their courses with the culminating service learning experience being a community practicum where the students apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in their courses.  Students wanting to pursue graduate degrees are encouraged to engage in research projects during the studies to help them prepare for applying to graduate programs.  Students from the program have pursued graduate degrees in experimental psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from HIS
    • 3 hours from ECO, FIN, GOV, or HIS
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • SOC1300  General Sociology
    • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
    • PSY2340  Psychology of Diversity
    • PSY3302  Counseling Theories and Techniques
    • PSY3303  Abnormal Psychology
    • PSY3310  Psychological Statistics
    • PSY3315  Ethics in Helping Professions
    • PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • PSY3381  Social Psychology
    • PSY4302  Theories of Personality
    • PSY4307  Learning, Cognition and Emotion
    • PSY4390  Practicum
    • 3 hours upper level PSY
  3. Supporting Courses (18 hours)
    • ART1303  Drawing I
    • ART1304  Drawing II
    • ART2310  Ceramics
    • ART2312  Three-Dimensional Design
    • ART2316  Painting I
    • ART3306  Art and Children
  4. Electives (18 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)
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Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with General Psychology Emphasis

The purpose of the study of psychology is to provide students an opportunity (1) to develop a better understanding of themselves and others, (2) to develop a broad base of knowledge about the field of psychology, and (3) to analyze critically psychological theories and principles from a Christian perspective. The psychology curriculum is designed to provide a core of knowledge about experimental, clinical, and counseling psychology. The program provides the flexibility that allows students to learn about psychology in multiple settings. The flexibility of the program allows students to emphasize the acquisition of useful life skills while preparing for graduate programs or vocational opportunities. Emphases in Art Therapy and Sport and Exercise Psychology are also available.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in service learning throughout their courses with the culminating service learning experience being a community practicum where the students apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in their courses.  Students wanting to pursue graduate degrees are encouraged to engage in research projects during the studies to help them prepare for applying to graduate programs.  Students from the program have pursued graduate degrees in experimental psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from HIS
    • 3 hours from ECO, FIN, GOV, or HIS
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
    • PSY3302  Counseling Theories and Techniques
    • PSY3303  Abnormal Psychology
    • PSY3315  Ethics for the Helping Professional
    • PSY3327  Physiological Psychology
    • PSY3381  Social Psychology
    • PSY4302  Theories of Personality
    • PSY4305  Experimental Psychology
    • PSY4307  Learning, Cognition and Emotion
    • PSY4391  Behavioral Sciences Capstone
    • 9 hours upper level PSY or HSC
  3. Supporting Courses (18 hours)
    • HSC3313  The Family
    • PSY2340  Psychology of Diversity
    • PSY3310  Psychological Statistics
    • PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • PSY4342  Qualitative Research
    • SOC1300  General Sociology
  4. Electives (18 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)
To top

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Forensic Psychology Emphasis

The purpose of the study of psychology is to provide students an opportunity (1) to develop a better understanding of themselves and others, (2) to develop a broad base of knowledge about the field of psychology, and (3) to analyze critically psychological theories and principles from a Christian perspective. The psychology curriculum is designed to provide a core of knowledge about experimental, clinical, and counseling psychology. The program provides the flexibility that allows students to learn about psychology in multiple settings. The flexibility of the program allows students to emphasize the acquisition of useful life skills while preparing for graduate programs or vocational opportunities. Emphases in Art Therapy and Sport and Exercise Psychology are also available.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in service learning throughout their courses with the culminating service learning experience being a community practicum where the students apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in their courses.  Students wanting to pursue graduate degrees are encouraged to engage in research projects during the studies to help them prepare for applying to graduate programs.  Students from the program have pursued graduate degrees in experimental psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from HIS
    • 3 hours from ECO, FIN, GOV, or HIS
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • CRJ3301  Criminology
    • CRJ4333  Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice
    • HSC3326  Family, Stress, Crisis, and Resilience
    • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
    • PSY3303  Abnormal Psychology
    • PSY3327  Physiological Psychology
    • PSY3381  Social Psychology
    • PSY4302  Theories of Personality
    • PSY4307  Learning, Cognition and Emotion
    • PSY4321  Forensic Psychology
    • PSY4391  Behavioral Sciences Capstone
    • 6 hours upper level PSY or HSC
  3. Supporting Courses (18 hours)
    • CRJ2301  Introduction to Criminal Justice
    • CRJ2305  Court and Criminal Procedure
    • CRJ3312  Violent Offenders
    • CRJ3322  Social Deviance
    • PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • PSY4322  Drugs, Alcohol, and Behavior
  4. Electives (18 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)
To top

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with Sport and Exercise Psychology Emphasis

The purpose of the study of psychology is to provide students an opportunity (1) to develop a better understanding of themselves and others, (2) to develop a broad base of knowledge about the field of psychology, and (3) to analyze critically psychological theories and principles from a Christian perspective. The psychology curriculum is designed to provide a core of knowledge about experimental, clinical, and counseling psychology. The program provides the flexibility that allows students to learn about psychology in multiple settings. The flexibility of the program allows students to emphasize the acquisition of useful life skills while preparing for graduate programs or vocational opportunities. Emphases in Art Therapy and Sport and Exercise Psychology are also available.

Students have the opportunity to be involved in service learning throughout their courses with the culminating service learning experience being a community practicum where the students apply the skills and knowledge they have learned in their courses.  Students wanting to pursue graduate degrees are encouraged to engage in research projects during the studies to help them prepare for applying to graduate programs.  Students from the program have pursued graduate degrees in experimental psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, clinical psychology, counseling psychology, marriage and family therapy, and clinical mental health counseling.

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from HIS
    • 3 hours from ECO, FIN, GOV, or HIS
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from AFA, BIL, ENG, Fine Arts History, FOL, GBC, GOV, HIS, PHI, or REL
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
    • PSY3302  Counseling Theories and Techniques
    • PSY3303  Abnormal Psychology
    • PSY3327  Physiological Psychology
    • PSY3381  Social Psychology
    • PSY4302  Theories of Personality
    • PSY4304  Psychological Testing
    • PSY4307  Learning, Cognition and Emotion
    • PSY4390  Practicum
    • ESS3324  Sport in Society
    • ESS3329  Sport, Exercise, and Performance Psychology
    • 3 hours upper level PSY
  3. Supporting Courses (24 hours)
    • ESS2314  Human Movement
    • ESS3340  Motor Learning and Control
    • ESS3371  Physiology of Exercise
    • PSY3310  Psychological Statistics
    • PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • SOC1300  General Sociology
    • 6 hours from
      • ESS3321  Management of Sport
      • ESS4330  Internship in Exercise and Sport Sciences
      • ESS4350  Principles of Strength and Conditioning
      • ESS4382  Lifespan Motor Development
  4. Electives (18 hours)
  5. Total (126 hours)
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Minor in Family Studies

(18 hours)

  • PSY2310  Lifespan Human Development
  • HSC2330  Love, Courtship, and Marriage
  • HSC3324  Marriage and Family Therapy
  • HSC3326  Family Stress, Crisis, and Resilience
  • HSC3328  Parenting
  • HSC4323  Family Life Education and Enrichment
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Minor in Psychology

(18 hours)

  • PSY1300  General Psychology
  • PSY3302  Counseling Theories and Techniques
  • PSY3303  Abnormal Psychology
  • PSY3310  Psychological Statistics
  • PSY3381  Social Psychology
  • PSY4302  Theories of Personality
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Minor in Theology & Psychology

Minor in Theology & Psychology is listed for Department of Biblical Studies and Behavioral Sciences

(18 hours)

  • PSY2340  Psychology of Diversity
  • PSY3302  Counseling Theories and Techniques
  • PSY3381  Social Psychology
  • HTH3311  Christian History and Theology I
  • 6 hours from
    • HTH3322  Christian History and Theology II
    • HTH3331  Christian History and Theology III
    • MIN4331  Spiritual Direction and Worship
    • upper level REL
    • PHI (excluding PHI3305 Ethics)
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