The Psychology Degree
Psychology seeks to give students a thorough grounding at TWU-Bellingham in the understanding of human experience and behavior derived from systematic observation and research. This research is interpreted within the framework of the meaning and nature of persons and society revealed to us in the Bible. Graduates in Psychology can have an impact on their world through enabling people to understand themselves and others and by helping them experience the transforming love and power of God.
The program provides a good foundation for those considering people-helping or service-oriented work such as counseling, therapy, public service, Christian ministry, or social work. Students who want to pursue graduate studies in Psychology will have the option of taking an additional course in statistics to meet the requirements of most graduate programs. Compared to traditional psychology programs, this program is unique in that all students complete over 300 hours of field experience in the human services field as a certificate embedded within the degree.
This gives students an opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge to real life. It is a valuable learning tool to explore possible careers, gain experience, and establish contacts within the field.
CAREERS
The training and education received opens doors to work with individuals and communities experiencing emotional, cognitive or social problems. Examples of careers in this field are as follows*:
- Mental Health - case manager, counselor aide
- Government - child protection services, corrections officer
- Non Profit - director of volunteers, home care
- Medical - associate social worker, medical records clerk
- Education - para educator, admissions counselor
- Business - human resources, employee counselor
- Ministries - ministry director, chaplain
*some organizations and/or positions may require an advanced degree
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS:
SOCI 201 Introduction to Human Services
An examination of the basic philosophies and social influences which underlie the helping professions and a brief review of the history of professional human services workers. This course must be completed successfully before a student is assigned a field placement.
SOCI 400 Critical Issues in Human Services
This seminar explores critical issues which occur across the helping professions. Basic questions concerning human nature and the influence of society are examined. This course also serves as a key preparation and support for upper level field placement experience.
PSYC 301 Theories of Personality
The major theories of personality, traditional and contemporary, with a view to demonstrating their usefulness in accounting for human behavior.
PSYC 305 Abnormal Psychology
The symptoms, causality, and treatment of psychopathic and behavioral problems. Examination of research findings as well as theoretical explanations.
PSYC 326 Cognitive Process
Using the "information processing" approach, higher cognitive activities such as attention, memory, language, and thinking are examined in light of the current theory and research.
PSYC 408 History and Systems of Psychology
Historical roots of modern psychology. Major systems of thought within the discipline in the context of a Christian view of humans in the world.
PSYC 340 Interpersonal and Helping Skills
Skills for developing helping relationships from a Christian perspective. A problem-management approach to helping: helping theory and skills practice.
RELS 343 Current Issues in Biblical Theology
An examination of the topics currently being discussed in biblical theology, such as the possibility and methodology of a biblical theology, apocalyptic and eschatology, covenant and election, redemption and freedom, worship, church, the righteousness of God, history, society, law and gospel, faith, canon, life and death, suffering, creation, atonement and reconciliation, sin and guilt, wisdom and worldview.
PSYC 331 Theories of Counseling
A survey of selected theories of counseling and psychotherapy: their theoretical base, view of the nature of the person, key concepts, goals, roles of therapist and client, techniques, and overall effectiveness.
PSYC 440 Psychology of Religion
An application of the tools of empirical psychology to the study of the development and function of religious experience. An analysis of the role of religious experience in the human personality. Specific religious experiences (e.g., conversion, prayer, glossolalia, miracles) are examined with a view to understanding their function in the normal individual.
PSYC 342 Psychology of Adolescence
The physical and psychological processes that take place during adolescence. Issues of identity formation, moral development, physical development, changes in family relationships and development of independence, sexuality in adolescence, a perspective on peer relationships and pressures, and anticipation of vocational preparation.
PSYC 330 Leadership in Organization
Comprehensive understanding of leadership. Theories, models, facets of leadership, and characteristics of effective leaders. Leadership development and current issues.
PSYC 490 Personhood: An Interdisciplinary Examination of the Individual
A consideration of the function of world views, the meaning of a Christian world view, and the implications of a Christian world view for the understanding of persons and their role in modern society. Inasmuch as contemporary world views have been shaped extensively by developments in science, as well as by historical influences from philosophy and religion, an interdisciplinary approach is taken.
SOCI 320
A supervised practical experience with a community or social agency related to the student's interests and/or future plans. Readings, written assignments, and group meetings help students reflect on and integrate knowledge with practical experience.
SOCI 411 Field Placement
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
PSYC 322 Research Methods
Issues and methods related to the conduct and analysis of psychological research. Internal and external validity, experimental and quasi-experimental designs, research ethics and analysis of variance. Projects involve both library and empirical research components.
PSYC 390 Field Placement-Special Topics in Psychology
An examination of selected issues, theories, or special topics within the field of psychology.
SOCI 420 Human Services Field Placement
Supervised field placement in an approved social services setting.
PSYC 497 Senior Thesis
Under supervision of the department faculty, students conduct a careful review of the literature on a topic of their choice as well as an empirical study of some portion of the topic. The final written result is submitted in thesis form.
Adult Degree Completion
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