Bachelor of Arts
Psychology
Program Overview
William Jessup University’s Psychology program provides students with the opportunity to study human behavior and relationships from a Christian Worldview. The program prepares students for graduate school, as well as providing students with a solid foundation for a wide range of vocational careers, including human service work, social work, and ministry.
Psychology department faculty are committed to mentoring students in the application of both a psychological and theological knowledge base and assisting students as they find direction for their personal and professional lives.
Program Details
PSYC102 Psychology and Christian Thought
Students will be introduced to the nature of persons from a Christian world view, while considering the nature and process of the application of Christian thought to the study and practice of psychology. An examination of the practice of responsible integration will be included.
PSYC230 Psychology of Relationships
An exploration of man’s relational nature as it reflects God’s relational nature. Health in a variety of relational contexts will be explored. Self‐awareness as well as implications for ministry to others will be emphasized.
PSYC300 Personality Theory
An introduction to basic theories of personality and their application in therapeutic contexts, this class includes an analysis of the credibility of each theory from a Christian perspective. Legal and ethical issues, including reporting requirements in abusive situations, are included. This is a writing intensive course for the psychology major.
PSYC331 Counseling Skills
The appropriate use of techniques and strategies in counseling provides the core focus for this class. Skills to assess need, provide appropriate interventions, and use relevant referrals will be included. This practical course emphasizes demonstration and application.
PSYC351 Abnormal Psychology
A study of psychopathology or abnormal behavior. Emphasis is placed on description and identification of individual disorders. A consideration of cultural differences in the expression of abnormal symptomatology is included.
PSYC392 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
This course is designed to enhance the student’s understanding of scientific research methodology as it is applied to the science of psychology. The focus of this course is on developing the student’s knowledge and skills in scientific methodology, ethics, research processes, experimental design, qualitative strategies, and APA style.
PSYC410 Cognitive Psychology
Organized topically, this course will provide a current and comprehensive overview of psychological learning theory. It examines the theoretical and empirical research related to learning, memory, attention, problem solving, concept formation and language. Additionally, it will also review controversies that have developed as our understanding of human learning has developed and will explore the implications of these various theories.
PSYC452 Biopsychology
This course is a comprehensive study of the neuroanatomy correlates of behavior as seen in the interplay of structure and function: cellular and systemic biological integration, molecular biology, epigenetics, advances in imaging technology, plasticity, and the big‐ picture emphasis of normal and abnormal behavior correlation. Students will delve deeper into such questions as: why do we have a brain, and how did God design it? How is the nervous system organized? How do drugs affect our behavior? How does the brain learn? How does the brain think?
PSYC475a and b Fieldwork in Psychology I and II
The student will be expected to work in an agency/setting congruent with their psychology concentration. Cross‐cultural, educational, mental health, correctional, or related placements may be approved, depending upon the concentration chosen by the student. Supervision on site as well as group supervision on campus will be a part of field work. Field Work in Psychology will be taken the senior year. All required course work must be concurrent with or prerequisite to Field Work in Psychology.
PSYC498. Applied Integration
As the senior capstone experience for psychology majors, this course provides the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to integrate coursework from the breadth of the entire program. This course should be taken in the final semester of the senior year, and it includes a comprehensive exam..
Electives
Psychology electives (Choose one)
Social Psychology (PSYC203)
Professional Skills (PSYC460)
General Psychology (12 Units)
The general psychology concentration is directed toward students who desire preparation in the field of psychology but, because
of their unique career interests, goals, or life needs, are best served by selecting courses throughout the concentrations.
Counseling Psychology* (12 units)
Marriage and Family (PSYC200) 3
Small Group Dynamics (PSYC322) 3
Psychology of Addiction (PSYC352) 3
Grief and Loss (PSYC432) 3
Marriage and Family (PSYC200) 3
Small Group Dynamics (PSYC322) 3
Psychology of Addiction (PSYC352) 3
Grief and Loss (PSYC432) 3
Developmental Psychology (12 units)
Marriage and Family (PSYC200) 3
Child and Adolescent Psychology (PSYC342) 3
Gender Studies (PSYC345) 3
Grief and Loss (PSYC432) 3
Community Mental Health* (12 units)
Cross‐Cultural Issues in Psychology (PSYC332) 3
Psychology of Addiction (PSYC352) 3
Community Psychology (PSYC430) 3
Case Management (PSYC433) 3
International Psychology (12 units)
Cross‐Cultural Issues in Psychology (PSYC332) 3
Cultural Anthropology (ICS202) 3
Intercultural Communication (ICS310) 3
World Religions (ICS320) 3
Offerings
Bachelor of Arts
BA in Psychology
Concentrations
Counseling
Developmental
Community Mental Health
International
General
Minor
Psychology Minor