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PSYCHOLOGY DEGREES
B.A. in Psychology
B.S. in Psychology
Psychology Minor
GENERAL INFO
Admissions
Major/Minor Time Schedule
Major/Minor Course Descriptions
Faculty
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COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:

BIO 2129 | BIO 2130 | BIO 4418 | CHM 1211 | CHM 1330 | FCS 3320 | FCS 3340 | HSC 3035 | PSY 1180 | PSY 1250 | PSY 2250 | PSY 2360 | PSY 2361 | PSY 2422 | PSY 2470 | PSY 3438 | PSY 3439 | PSY 3442 | PSY 3448 | PSY 3460 | PSY 3588 | PSY 3600 | PSY 3885 | PSY 4402 | PSY 4410 | PSY 4420 | PSY 4428 | PSY 4460 | PSY 4470 | PSY 4485 | PSY 4488 | PSY 4688 | PSY 4899 | PSY 4900 | PSY 4910 | PSY 4930 | PSY 4940 | PSY 4970 | VIEW ALL

BIO 2129: () Offerings
Studies the structure and function of the human organism. Includes cells and tissues, skeletal, integumentary, muscular, and nervous systems. Includes laboratory.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 2130: () Offerings
Studies the structure and function of the human organism. Emphasizes the circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, endocrine, renal, and reproductive systems. Includes laboratory.
Attributes:Natural Science A
BIO 4418: () Offerings
Prerequisites: BIO 2102 or 2129 and CHM 3372. An introduction to the neurosciences, focusing on fundamental concepts and comparative aspects of nervous-system structure and function. Laboratory makes extensive use of invertebrate models to examine the cellular basis of behavior, including neuronal morphology, electrophysiology, and transmitter chemistry. Includes laboratory. Offered alternate years. Extra fee.
Attributes:Upper-Division
CHM 1211: () Offerings
Prerequisites: Requires two years high school mathematics (including algebra), a passing score on the SPU Mathematics Proficiency exam (or completion of the required MAT 0120 credits), one year of high school chemistry, or CHM 1100 and passing the Chemistry Placement test. Introduces properties of matter, stoichiometry, chemical reactions, thermochemistry, states of matter, chemical bonding, and atomic and molecular structure. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science B
CHM 1330: () Offerings
Prerequisite: CHM 1211. Studies simpler laws of organic chemistry, nomenclature, and classification. Simple chemistry of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins, integration of metabolisms, and chemistry of heredity. Includes laboratory. Extra fee.
Attributes:Natural Science B
FCS 3320: () Offerings
Prerequisites: FCS 2385, 3340 or BIO 1100 (Human Nutrition). Studies the influence of nutrition on the course and outcome of pregnancy; nutritional needs during lactation, fundamentals of infant nutrition and influence of nutrition on growth, development, and behavior during infancy, childhood and adolescence. Women's study minor course.
Attributes:Upper-Division
FCS 3340: () Offerings
Prerequisites: CHM 1211, 1330, BIO 2129, and 2130 (Note: either BIO 2130 or CHM 1330 may be taken concurrently). Presents essentials of adequate diets and food sources of the nutrients; nutritional needs throughout the lifespan; nutritional composition of foods in relation to normal diets and medical nutrition therapy.
Attributes:Upper-Division
HSC 3035: () Offerings
Introduces basic aspects of human sexuality: biologically how the reproductive system works; psychologically how males and females view their sexuality; and sociologically how sexual values and behavior affect the society as a whole. Christian perspectives will be related to the development of sexual values.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman students are excluded.
PSY 1180: () Offerings
Introduces psychological principles of intrapersonal dynamics, interpersonal relationships, human development, abnormal behavior and the psychological processes of learning, perception, motivation and cognition.
Attributes:Social Science A
PSY 1250: () Offerings
A foundation course introducing healthy relational principles through self-exploration of interpersonal needs and dynamics. Includes the application of psychological research to gender differences, family of origin issues, relational needs and the dating process.
PSY 2250: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1250. Presents the conceptual and practical basis for making healthy relational commitments. Includes the application of psychological research to friendship, love, intimacy, marital myths and mate selection.
Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 2360: () Offerings
Prerequisites: High school algebra or equivalent; satisfactory completion of math proficiency requirement; and PSY 1180. Presents the conceptual basis and application of statistical analysis in social and behavioral research. Includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing and inferential statistics. An introduction to analysis of variance and nonparametric statistics will also be provided.
Attributes:Mathematics (MAT) Restrictions:Psychology, Sociology Majors only.
PSY 2361: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Provides introductory experiences in the conduct of actual empirical research in social and behavioral science. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor. May be repeated for credit up to 6 credits.
PSY 2422: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Views adjustive processes in terms of coping with struggles in life. Building on an understanding of adjustment, growth and self, the course explores coping strategies dealing with physical, cognitive, emotional and social influences.
PSY 2470: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Surveys human development from conception to death, focusing on the interacting processes of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development within social and cultural contexts, including developmental tasks and transitions associated with developmental stages.
PSY 3438: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Examines human thought, emotion, and behavior in social contexts. Major topics include impression formation, social cognition, attribution, self, attitudes, persuasion, prejudice, conformity, group behavior, aggression, helping, attraction, and interpersonal relationships. SOC 4440 may be substituted for PSY 3438 in the psychology major, although PSY 3438 is the recommended course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 3438 and SOC 4440.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 3439: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Presents the theories and principles of motivation and leadership with practical applications in business, church, community and educational settings.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 3442: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Surveys the major theoretical views of personality with emphasis on comparison, contrast and practical implications for improving the understanding of self and others.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 3448: () Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 1180 and PSY 2360 or equivalent. Explores the nature and use of measurement and evaluation, psychometric theory and standardized testing. Develops concepts and skills in the development, selection, administration and interpretation of psychological and educational tests and nontesting means of evaluation.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 3460: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Surveys child development from conception through late childhood, focusing on the interacting processes of physical, cognitive, social, emotional and moral development within social and cultural contexts, including parent-child relationships. Includes an introduction to the observation, measurement and evaluation of children.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 3588: () Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 1180 and PSY 2360 or equivalent. Explores the nature of scientific inquiry, the variety of psychological research methods, the design of internally and externally valid studies, and the application to designs of statistical techniques. Develops skills in locating, interpreting and evaluating published research. SOC 3751 may be substituted for PSY 3588 in the psychology major, although PSY 3588 is the recommended course. Students may not receive credit for both PSY 3588 and SOC 3751.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 3600: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Focuses on theory and applications of research regarding small-group interaction and leadership. Will provide students with practical supervised experience in group leadership.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 3885: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180 and PSY 3588, or SOC 3751. Studies the theories, methodologies, and findings of learning and cognitive psychology. Topics include classical and instrumental conditioning, and the information processing aspects of memory, concept formation, reasoning, problem solving and development.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4402: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Focuses on psychological processes of religious motivation, rituals, recruitment, conversion, and the development and maintenance of religious beliefs. Stages of faith development and the effects of religion on psychological functioning will be explored.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4410: () Offerings
Prerequisite: At least one introductory course in the social and behavioral sciences. A comparative study of perception, cognition and life span development in non-Western cultures. Special focus is placed on understanding Western and non-Western worldviews and their relationship to such topics as child rearing practices, psychosocial adjustment and spiritual expression.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4420: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Provides an overview of adolescent development focusing on the interaction of the physical, cognitive, emotional, moral, social, familial, educational and vocational dimensions within social and cultural contexts. Includes an introduction to the observation, measurement and evaluation of adolescents.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4428: () Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 2360. An advanced course in statistical analyses, particularly relevant for students with interests in conducting social and behavioral research. Topics include multiple regression, factor analysis and advanced applications of analysis of variance.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4460: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Provides critical analysis of the history, causes, and symptoms of abnormal behavior with reference to modern methods of assessment and treatment. Emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding maladaptive behavior.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4470: () Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 1180 and PSY 3442. Provides an overview of the current approaches and techniques of psychological counseling. Examines the critical issues of counseling with an emphasis on personal-skill development. Provides application through use of role play, supervised experiences and videotape recording.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4485: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Addresses how endocrinology, anatomy and physiology influence female behavior, affect and quality of life during several time segments across the life span. Issues such as the physical and psychological development of the female, the bi-directional relationship between hormones and behavior, pregnancy, childbirth and lactation, and menopause will be addressed in both a physical and social context.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4488: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. The biological bases of behavior are explored through essential concepts in anatomy, physiology, biochemistry and pharmacology within the context of behavioral processes. Introduction to sensation and perception provided. The nervous and endocrine systems are presented as a foundation for behavior.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4688: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180 and a minimum of 25 hours of psychology. Gives an historical review and philosophical analysis of the development of psychology as a discipline. Emphasis is given to the relationship between specific historical antecedents and contemporary trends in psychology.
Attributes:Upper-Division, Writing "W" Course Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4899: () Offerings
Prerequisites: PSY 1180, PSY 2360 or equivalent, PSY 3588 and at least 35 credits completed in psychology. A capstone experience in psychology integrating psychological theories and research in the context of the liberal arts and the Christian faith.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Psychology Majors only. Senior students only.
PSY 4900: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Students will carry out an extensive exploration of a topic in psychology. Study is under supervision of a psychology faculty member, and builds on previous course preparation in psychology. Objective is to provide greater depth in analysis, synthesis and evaluation of the topic of interest. Substantial reading and writing expected. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4910: () Offerings
Seminar style course designed to consider contemporary and controversial issues in psychology. Not offered every year.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4930: () Offerings
Practicum May be repeated for credit up to 5 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division
PSY 4940: () Offerings
Prerequisite: PSY 1180. Provides field experience in some phase of psychological work in the community. Builds on previous course preparation in psychology. Twenty-five hours of field work will be completed for each credit. A minimum of five hours per week on-site required. Participation in a biweekly seminar is also required. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor. For students desiring placements in social-service agencies, SOC 4310 and SOC 4380 are recommended. May be repeated for credit up to 15 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.
PSY 4970: () Offerings
Prereqisites: PSY 1180, PSY 2360 or equivalent, PSY 3588. Student will carry out empirical research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member and synthesize the findings in a written research report. Objective is to apply skills in research methods and data analysis. Credits may not be applied toward the minimum 30 needed to complete the minor. Credit variable up to a maximum of three per term. May be repeated for credit up to 9 credits.
Attributes:Upper-Division Restrictions:Freshman, Sophomore students are excluded.



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