Major Courses

In this course, students learn to write formal manuscripts using APA style. They also learn to read, understand, and critically evaluate behavioral science research as presented in academic journals and conferences. Learners in this course build foundational skills needed to succeed in their future courses.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of both quantitative and qualitative research methods used in behavioral science research, along with an understanding of the ethical considerations and other challenges involved in good research design. Additional topics include measurement, sampling, and qualitative and quantitative data analysis.

This course examines the basic models of integrating the Christian faith and modern behavioral sciences, including the development of Biblical examples of worldview and epistemology. Emphasis is placed upon the student's development of a personal theory of integration.

This course introduces the various quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. Also included are the collection, treatment, and interpretation of data in research and testing using a statistical analysis application.

This course presents some of the more complex quantitative and qualitative methodologies utilized in behavioral science research. It builds on the various concepts of quantitative research, qualitative research, data collection, analysis, and interpretation introduced in previous courses. This course continues the development of student proficiency with basic and intermediate functions of a statistical analysis application.

This course provides students the opportunity to integrate and demonstrate learning from their major, evaluate their own strengths and weaknesses, and demonstrate an understanding of the integration of a Christian worldview and their major field of study. Students will evaluate their personal goals, calling and purpose as well as develop skills to move toward successful and fruitful participation in multiple levels of community, including graduate school and careers.

This course is an overview of the major schools of thought in psychology presented in historical, philosophical and scientific context. The methods of inquiry, terminology and theoretical systems of historical and contemporary psychology will be surveyed. The primary goal is to understand the connections and progressions of psychology throughout its development.

The course addresses principles of psychological development across time and culture. Students will understand universal stages of human development, influences on individual differences and the impact of nature and nurture. The course views human development as a unit of interrelated parts, concentrating on the relationships between the mind, body, and the socio-cultural context. Specific consideration is given to issues of integration, culture, and Biblical worldview.

This course is a survey of theories of personality emphasizing various viewpoints, unique theoretical perspectives, functions, and development of basic attitudes and belief systems that influence behavior throughout the life span. The course equips students to actively integrate faith (i.e., biblical principles) with the theories discussed.

This course is a survey of the construction, application, interpretation and evaluation of psychological tests. Theory and principles related to psychological assessment and testing will be examined. Tests used to measure general mental abilities, specific abilities and aptitudes, personality, interests and attitudes are surveyed.

This course provides an introduction into the structure and processes of the mind, focusing on topics including perception, attention, memory, decision-making, and consciousness. Students will engage with research examining cognition from a behavioral, information-processing, and a physiological perspective. Additionally, students will engage with the philosophical/epistemological assumptions in the study of cognition, with relevant applications in domains such as artificial intelligence, criminal justice, and theology.

Study of the dynamics, cultural implications and prevention of abnormal behavior including neuroses, psychoses, character disorders, psychosomatic reactions and other abnormal personality patterns. Textual and lecture attention will be given to the impact of the environment and oppressed populations in relation to abnormal behavior.

A survey of modern theories of therapeutic counseling with emphasis on gaining an understanding of the psychological principles underlying these methods.

This course is an introduction to the capacity, limitations, and complexities of the human brain and its relationship to the neural and endocrine processes underlying brain function and behavior.