Psychology
Faculty/Staff
Donna Berkner, Chair; Marcel Sargeant, Associate Chair; Mark Aldridge, Program Director; Lynette Frantzen, Cheryl The
Adjunct: Jeremy Carter, Carlos Estrada, Ken Jones, Kimmy Kijai, Lillianne Lopez, James The
Aims of the Program
The goals of the department are to serve those who are interested in majoring in psychology and those who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the areas of psychology and counseling. This degree is designed as a basis for graduate work that provides a basic understanding of Christian psychological principles and to provide a background for a wide variety of careers that involve working with people.
Programs
- Psychology, B.S.
- Psychology, B.S. with emphasis in School Guidance
- Minor in Psychology
Psychology, B.S.
B.S. requires 55 hours, with concentrations in:
- General Psychology
- Case Management
- Marriage and Family
Degree Requirements
Psychology Core Courses
Required of all B.S. students
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| PSYC 222 | Ethics for Mental Health Professionals | 3 |
| PSYC 322 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 331 | Multicultural Perspectives | 3 |
| PSYC 338 | Conflict Resolution | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Personality Theory & Development | 3 |
| PSYC 410 | Group Therapy | 3 |
| PSYC 415 | Crisis Intervention, Assessment, and Treatment | 3 |
| PSYC 444 | Courtship, Marriage, and Family | 3 |
| PSYC 445 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 460 | Applied Social Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 470 | Counseling Theory & Techniques | 3 |
| Total: | 42 |
Requirements by Concentration
- B.S. Psychology with concentration in General Psychology
This concentration is intended for individuals wanting to continue in graduate studies in counseling or clinical psychology immediately after graduation.
Electives to be selected from the following courses
| PSYC 233 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 320 | Parenting Skills | 3 |
| PSYC 326 | Exceptional Children | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Transitions, Grief, and Loss | 3 |
| PSYC 430 | Addictive Behaviors | 3 |
| PSYC 480 | Psychology Internship | 3-6 |
| PSYC 491 | Selected Topics | 1-3 |
| Total: | 13 |
- B.S. Psychology with concentration in Case Management
This concentration is intended for individuals wanting to enter the field of work immediately after graduation at places such as juvenile detention centers, human resource management and social services institutions. These individuals can still pursue graduate studies in counseling or clinical psychology with this concentration.
Required Courses
| BUAD 295 | Health Care Management | 1 |
| BUAD 301 | Principles of Management | 3 |
| PSYC 233 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Transitions, Grief, and Loss | 3 |
| PSYC 430 | Addictive Behaviors | 3 |
| Total: | 13 |
- B.S. Psychology with concentration in Marriage and Family
This concentration is intended for individuals wanting to enter the field of work immediately after graduation at places such as social services institutuions. These individuals can still pursue graduate studies in marriage and family or any counseling area.
Required Courses
| BUAD 295 | Health Care Management | 1 |
| PSYC 320 | Parenting Skills | 3 |
| PSYC 326 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Transitions, Grief, and Loss | 3 |
| PSYC 430 | Addictive Behaviors | 3 |
| Total: | 13 |
Required Cognates
| MATH 241 | Intro to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
Minor in Psychology
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 330 | Transitions, Grief, and Loss | 3 |
| PSYC | Electives 6 hours under division | 9 |
| Total: | 18 |
Psychology, B.S., emphasis in School Guidance
Psychology Courses:
| PSYC 212 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 220 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| PSYC 222 | Ethics for Mental Health Professionals | 3 |
| PSYC 244 | Courtship, Marriage, and Family | 3 |
| PSYC 322 | Adolescent Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 326 | Exceptional Children | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 360 | Personality Theory & Development | 3 |
| PSYC 445 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| PSYC 460 | Applied Social Research Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 470 | Counseling Theories & Techniques | 3 |
| Subtotal: | 33 |
Education Courses:
| EDUC 312 | Educational Psychology | 3 |
| EDUC 350 | Educational Technology | 3 |
| EDUC 364 | Kindergarten Materials & Methods | 3 |
| EDUC 382 | Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School | 3 |
| EDUC 385 | Philosophy of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 386 | Mathematics in the Elementary School | 3 |
| EDUC 414 | Science and Health in the Elementary School | 3 |
| EDUC 418 | Legal Foundations of Education | 3 |
| EDUC 419 | Social Studies in the Elementary School | 3 |
| EDUC 424 | Language Arts Essential Skills in the Elementary School | 3 |
| EDUC 434 | Classroom Assessment | 3 |
| EDUC 436 | Classroom Management | 3 |
| EDUC 475 | Directed Teaching in the Elementary School | 6 |
| Subtotal: | 42 |
Required Cognates:
| POLS 211 | National and Texas Constitution | 3 |
| MATH 241 | Intro to Probability and Statistics | 3 |
| Total: | 81 |
Bachelors of Science in Psychology, emphasis School Guidance
This School Guidance emphasis will prepare you to complete a number of classes in education that are required by the State of Texas to fulfill course requirement before taking the State Exam for Educators (TExES). Please note that the State of Texas requires candidates who desire a certificate in school counseling must have two years of successful teaching and in possession of a valid teaching certificate issued by the State of Texas and a Masters degree in School Guidance/School Counseling. The intent of this composite is to prepare you to take the State Exams (EC-6) that consists of two tests (Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility and Generalist EC-6), you will be certified to teach in the State of Texas, after passing these tests and successfully completing all the courses or additional requirement as required by any Alternative Certification Program (courses may vary by Alternative Certification Program).
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Take the THEA exam and meet a minimum score of 260 in reading, 230 in math, and 220 in writing. Passing standards are subject to change, as the State Board of Education changes minimum standards. Note: You are exempt from the THEA if you earn a score of 550 in both areas or better in the areas of Math and Verbal on your SAT or if your ACT score had a composite of 21 with at least a 19 in Math and Language.
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Candidates must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
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Before acceptance all students must submit to, pay for, and pass a criminal background check
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Candidate is responsible for initiating the application process, that is available in the Education & Psychology Department. All applicants will be accompanied by:
- statement of purpose - a one page typed essay describing reasons for desiring profession in the teaching field
- two letters of recommendation from individuals other than relatives. Preferably, these recommendations will come from Southwestern Adventist University faculty members not in the Education and Psychology Department, or other work supervisor.
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All potential candidates will have an interview with the Education/Psychology Department before being fully accepted into the School Guidance emphasis. See Technical Standards in Pre-Service Teacher Candidate Handbook.
Degree Plan
After the student has been admitted to this program, they should develop a degree plan with their major advisor and the Department of Education and Psychology. The plan will show the declared major with certification area, the work completed and the remaining requirements for the degree. Copies of the degree plan will be filed with the Registrar’s Office, Education and Psychology Department and the major advisor.
Retention in this Program
To be retained in this program, students must:
- Maintain a cumulative 3.00 grade point average in all course work.
- Give evidence of satisfactory professional growth.
- Show promising development in field experiences.
- Demonstrate behavior that is ethically and morally responsible.
Courses
PSYC 212 - General Psychology (3 hours)
A beginning course in the basic principles and concepts of psychology. Attention given to the concepts of Christian psychology. Recommended as a preliminary to other courses in the field. (Fall, Spring)
PSYC 220 - Human Growth and Development (3 hours)
A study of the basic principles of human growth and development across the life span. The environmental and psychological functions of human development are examined. Includes case studies. (Fall, Spring)
PSYC 222 - Ethics for Mental Health Professionals (3 hours)
An overview of ethical and legal issues related to human services professions. Topics include responsibility, competency, duty to warn, confidentiality, professional relationships, and professional licensing standards and procedures. As part of the course students will have a major term paper that will be used to introduce the research skills used in the field of psychology. Students will learn to use primary and secondary sources as well as psychology journals, indexes, and databases as needed for psychology research papers. Psychology majors will begin the process of senior portfolio development. Must be taken in the sophomore year to comply with portfolio requirements. (Spring)
PSYC 233 - Social Psychology (3 hours)
A study of the basic principles and concepts required in understanding group dynamics and social behavior, focusing on the different types of social setting and influencing factors on behavior. This course deals with social interactions, including their origins and their effects on the individual. A look at how it impacts government policy, group behavior and organizations. (Spring)
PSYC 291 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of department director.
A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.
PSYC 300 - Life Transitions, Grief and Loss (3 hours)
A study of conceptual models and theories about death, dying, grief and loss. Cultivate and foster affective development and sensitivity to issues concerning death, dying, and grief. (Spring)
PSYC 320 - Parenting Skills (3 hours)
A study of the care and guidance of the young child. Strategies for handling problems and behaviors are discussed. (Fall)
PSYC 322 - Adolescent Psychology (3 hours)
An overview of the physical, mental and emotional phases of human development during the adolescent years. A study of the environmental and educational problems of the teenager. (Also taught as EDUC 322.) (Spring)
PSYC 326 - Exceptional Children (3 hours)
Provides students with skills to include children of all abilities through appropriate arrangement of the environment. Study will include the characteristics, assessment, admission, review, and dismissal processes for special students requiring individualized or specialized programs. (Also taught as EDUC 326.) (Spring)
PSYC 331 - Multicultural Perspectives (3 hours)
A study of racial and ethnic groups in American society featuring an examination of their history, cultural heritage, contribution, struggles, and hopes for the future. Emphasis will be placed on a strengths-based analysis of diverse groups. (Spring)
PSYC 338 - Conflict Resolution (3 hours)
Recommended prerequisites: PSYC 212, SOCI 111
A study of practical applications of conflict and dispute resolution. The course focuses on developing practical problem solving and decision making skills while exploring issues of self-awareness, identity, culture, power, race, gender, violence, and forgiveness. Workplace disputes are explored and addressed from a perspective emphasizing preventive models. (Fall)
PSYC 340 - Abnormal Psychology (3 hours)
Prerequisite: PSYC 212
A study of maladaptive and disorganized behavior patterns within a personal and social context, including their development, symptoms, and treatment. Focus on the various etiologies of mental illness and treatment modalities. Class must be taken in the junior year, and will serve as checkpoint #1 for the psychology department e-portfolio. (Spring)
PSYC 360 - Personality Theory & Development (3 hours)
A study of major theories and the development of personality. (Fall)
PSYC 410 - Group Therapy (3 hours)
A study of the group dynamics, the stages of group development, group interventions, and the selection of group participants. Students will gain the essential knowledge and skills for understanding, organizing, and working with groups. (Fall)
PSYC 415 - Crisis, Intervention, Assessment, and Treatment (3 hours)
A study of current issues as they relate to crisis intervention. Students will apply crisis intervention theory and models of intervention to various crisis situations. Students will become familiar with assessment and treatment interventions for individuals, families, and groups of varying ages, multicultural backgrounds, and other special needs. (Fall)
PSYC 430 - Addictive Behaviors (3 hours)
A study of addiction and addictive behaviors. This course provides a comprehensive overview of current theories about addictions, their prevention, and treatment. In addition, it will highlight controversies surrounding behavioral addictions, ways to link theory and practice, and motivational factors in personal change. (Fall)
PSYC 445 - Deviant Behavior (3 hours)
An examination of what deviant behavior is (including specific examples of behavior which is so labeled) and social explanations for its existence. (Spring)
PSYC 444 - Courtship, Marriage, and Family (3 hours)
Emphasis on dating, engagement, marriage, and successful family life-styles. Good communication and relationship skills are studied. (Fall)
PSYC 470 - Counseling Theory & Techniques (3 hours)
Prerequisite: PSYC 340, Senior Status
A study of various theories and techniques used in the counseling process. Study will also include techniques for interviews, administration, questionnaires, and records used in guidance work by teachers, ministers, counselors, and psychologists. Study will include the ethics and principles involved in the counseling process as they relate to the counselor, as well as the situation , and is the final portfolio checkpoint. This class meets the requirements for the Communication Competencies for General Education. (Spring) Senior year only.
PSYC 460 - Applied Social Research Methods (3 hours)
Prerequisite: MATH 241
An introduction to applied research methods and their applications to the disciplines of Physical Education, and Psychology. Emphasis is on understanding basic terminology, the use of fundamental research tools, and the integration of research and practice. Students will gain experience with single subject designs, program evaluation methods, SPSS-driven data analysis, and case studies in data collection. This class meets the requirements for the Computer Competencies for General Education (Also taught as KINT 460.) (Fall)
PSYC 480 - Psychology Internship (1-6 hours)
Prerequisite: Senior status, cumulative GPA 3.0, and approval of department director.
This course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity for training in practical work situations and areas of interest dealing in the area of psychology. There are 45 clock hours required for each credit hour. Admission is limited to students who have completed at least 24 hours in psychology. The Psychology Internship must be student driven, but will require departmental approval on a case by case basis. Pass/fail course.
PSYC 491 - Selected Topics (1-3 hours)
Prerequisite: Approval of the department director.
A study in an area of student interest under the direction of a staff member. This study may involve research, laboratory or library work. Content and method of study must be arranged prior to registration. May be repeated for a total of 3 credits.