Applied Psychology

The Applied Pastoral Counseling concentration enables students to develop critical skills that can be applied to a pastoral care setting. Students engage in fundamental theories, concepts, and principles providing a basis for psychology. In addition, students learn how to integrate biblical principles with counseling and interviewing skills, as well as theoretical concepts. Students may choose to pursue a master’s degree in counseling or psychology to obtain counseling licensure but desire a more Christian emphasis or a Master in Divinity (M.Div.) for those interested in chaplaincy.

PSYC 425 – Crisis Counseling and Intervention (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)

PSYC 470 – Positive Psychology (3 Credits)

The Industrial/Organizational Psychology concentration provides a foundation for motivating and understanding organizational behavior, conflict management, and gender issues. Focus on psychological theory, concepts, and business-related strategies effectively prepare the student for a career in the business arena. This is also a valuable foundation if students plan to get a master’s degree in business.

BUSN 485 – Management and Organizational Behavior (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)

PSYC 470 – Positive Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

The Child and Adolescent Psychology concentration provides a framework for working with children and adolescents, as opposed to concentration areas that may focus on other populations. Students have the opportunity to observe children and apply psychological theory, principles, and methodology within assignments geared toward this population. Graduates of the concentration may choose to pursue a master’s degree and beyond, and potentially a marriage and family therapy license.

PSYC 425 – Crisis Counseling and Intervention (3 Credits)

PSYC 440 – Child Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

The Clinical Psychology concentration is geared toward those interested in the mental health profession. Students are effectively trained in psychological theory, concepts, and methodology in order to prepare them for a career in the clinical arena. Concentration courses provide the opportunity for practical application and building a critical skill set needed within this profession. Students are prepared for graduate education if the desire is for licensure as a counselor through a master’s in counseling or psychology, as well as prepared for opportunities to work in the social service or mental health industries.

PSYC 400 – Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 425 – Crisis Counseling and Intervention (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

The Criminal Behavior concentration acquaints the student with criminal behavior, group dynamics (such as gangs), forensics, and conflict management (such as how to defuse an irate inmate). Courses provide the fundamental foundation of principles, concepts, theories, and skills required to work with this particular population. Students may choose to build a profession working with those displaying criminal behavior or extend their studies to law school or perhaps a master’s in criminal justice or criminal behavior. This degree also provides a foundation for higher-level government jobs.

PSYC 345 – Criminal Behavior (3 Credits)

PSYC 415 – Forensic Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Motivation (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

The Cultural Psychology concentration provides a foundation to study, through the lens of psychology, the world’s rapidly changing culture. Psychological cultural sensitivity and training are critical when working with diverse populations. Students in this concentration engage material to guide thinking and skill related to cultural phenomenon impacting society at large, as well as particular populations. Fundamental psychological theories, concepts, and strategies will prepare students for a profession associated with human services working with diverse populations.

PSYC 435 – Gender Issues in Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 455 – Conflict Management (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

BUSN 485 – Management and Organizational Behavior (3 Credits)

The Educational Psychology concentration provides students with specific knowledge related to special needs and educational advocacy, in addition to the child, adolescent, and family needs. This concentration hones in on particular concepts, theories, and methodologies that are fundamental for working in the fields of education and social services. This concentration also sets a solid foundation if students want to pursue a master’s degree in teaching education but want job opportunities broadened by having degrees in two fields, rather than getting an undergraduate education degree.

PSYC 360 – Special Education and Rehabilitation Services (3 Credits)

PSYC 440 – Child Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)

The General Psychology concentration is designed for those who want a broad, general degree offering versatility in the job market. Concentration courses provide a distinct framework to study broadly, including theories and methods related to clinical foundations, systems approach, as well as current trending psychological theories.

PSYC 400 – Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 450 – Family Systems (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)

PSYC 470 – Positive Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)

The Human Services concentration utilizes a more general approach and sets students up for a broad scope of career opportunities. Designed to aid students in creating a clear set of skills for helping people, this concentration provides foundations in pivotal applied psychological theory and methodologies geared toward aiding people while understanding their framework of experience.

PSYC 425 – Crisis Counseling and Intervention (3 Credits)

PSYC 435 – Gender Issues in Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 445 – Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 460 – Motivation (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 – Group Processes (3 Credits)