Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences

(PSY, SOC, SWK)

The Department of Psychology and Behavioral Sciences supports majors designed for the student planning graduate work in psychology and other related fields. The curriculum is designed to develop strong skills in the theory and practice of the science of psychology with an emphasis on dealing with the emotional, mental, social, and spiritual needs of others. Courses in social work are designed to prepare students for graduate work in the field of social services. Psychology and social work students have also been employed in entry level positions at various agencies within the field. Courses place an emphasis on the Christian model of service.

Program Learning Outcomes:

1. Students will be able to identify, explain, and apply the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings and historical trends in psychology and social work to behavioral problems.
2. Students will be able to use research design and data analysis to generate insights into behavioral and psychological phenomena.
3. Students will be able to use scientific reasoning and theory to solve problems-and examine behavioral and mental processes.
4. Students will be able to identify and evaluate ambiguity in scientific evidence, and the complexity of sociocultural diversity.
5. Students will be able identify and explain good practice that reflects ethical values that contribute to positive outcomes in home, work, and public life.
6. Students will be able to write a clear and precise scientific argument, present information using a scientific approach, engage in discussion of psychological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity in different formats.
7. Students will be able to reflect on their own and others' behavior and mental processes and apply effective strategies for self-management, teamwork, self-improvement and vocational preparation.
8. Students will be able to discern the relationship between faith and science and articulate their own view of the world.

These Program Learning Outcomes (PLO) are also representative of the guidelines adapted from the American Psychological Association (2013) APA guidelines for the undergraduate psychology major: Version 2.0 ( http://www.apa.org/ed/precollege/undergrad/index.aspx).