Psychology Major with a Concentration in Human Development*
Claudia Degelman, M.F.T., Associate Chair
The major in Psychology: Human Development Concentration seeks to enhance students’ understanding of human nature with an emphasis on human development across the life span from both a secular world view as well as a Christian perspective. The program explores multiple perspectives of human nature, including cognitive, behavioral, biological, social-cultural, and spiritual. All students learn the skills necessary to conduct research and to carefully evaluate others research. The Psychology program prepares students for employment, especially in human service agencies, or for graduate study.
Psychology Major Requirements
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Total General Education Core Requirements
English Composition
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40 units
6 units
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Humanities/Fine Arts
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9 units
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Science (3) with Lab (1)
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4 units
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College Math
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3 units
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Science or Math
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3 units
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New Testament Survey
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3 units
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Philosophy
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3 units
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Social Sciences
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9 units
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Major units earned in Degree Program
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51 units
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Elective units needed
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33 units
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Total units needed for B.A. degree
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124 units
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Course Descriptions
PSYD 265 • Introduction to Statistical Methods (3 units)
A course in basic statistical concepts and methods of collecting, summarizing, presenting, and interpreting data in the behavioral sciences: including descriptive statistics (use of graphs and charts), normal distribution curve, measures of central tendency, deviation and dispersion, hypothesis testing, statistical fallacies, correlation and topics in probability. Students are advised to take Math 105 and Math 109 in preparation for this course.
PSYD 340 • Biological Psychology (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. A study of human behavior in terms of the nervous system and its control of the activity of the muscles, glands, and the biochemistry of the body, with special emphasis on perception, sensory and motor functions, motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. Neurological impairment and disorders are examined. (Replaces PSYD 439 Physiological Psychology & Cognition)
PSYD 366 • Survey of Human Behavior (3 units)
Surveys the fundamental concepts of human behavior and psychology from multiple perspectives, including biological processes in development and behavior, learning and memory, motivation, personality, psychological disorders, and social behavior.
PSYD 367 • Writing and Research Skills (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366. Designed to introduce students to the advanced skills needed for academic writing in the social sciences. Students will also be introduced to advanced academic research techniques.
*This course must be passed with a “C” or better to fulfill requirements for graduation. A student receiving a “C-” or lower must retake the course to earn the required grade for graduation.
PSYD 368 • Survey of Human Services (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Explores the ways in which care is provided for the whole individual, surveying community resources and developing an understanding of the ways in which human services are carried out in various settings. Ethical issues in human services practice are also examined. Each student will identify an appropriate human service agency for a field practicum placement and will develop a plan to meet the requirements for Field Practicum.
PSYD 370 • Childhood and Adolescence (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines the physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual development from infancy through adolescence, utilizing current research and developmental theories. Variations in family life across cultures, parenting styles and the role of peer groups are also examined.
PSYD 372 • Adulthood and Aging (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines the physical, cognitive, social and emotional adjustments of adult life from adulthood through death. Focuses on the process of development rising from physical aging, continuing socialization and environmental changes involved in these life phases.
PSYD 373 • Psychology of the Family (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Explores the institution of the family from a multigenerational developmental perspective. Psychological, socio cultural, and spiritual perspectives are also explored. Students will be introduced to family systems theory as a method of understanding family dynamics and to theoretical orientations of family therapy.
PSYD 375 • Understanding Research Design (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 265, PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Provides an introduction to research design, including purposes and procedures of descriptive, quasiexperimental, and experimental research. Literature review strategies and writing of APA style research papers will be covered.
PSYD 420 • Behavior Modification (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines the applications of cognitive and learning theories to a broad range of problems and settings, including child rearing, education, psychotherapy, and industrial settings. Integration of theological aspects of therapy is also addressed.
PSYD 432 • Social and Cultural Psychology (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines interpersonal behavior as it is influenced by social processes, culture, face-to-face interactions, and personality characteristics. Among the topics covered are interpersonal and group behavior in relationship to social values, diversity issues, norms, attitudes, roles, and social needs.
PSYD 434 • Group Dynamics (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Introduces students to various types of groups used in clinical settings and to the theoretical orientations commonly utilized in group practice. The stages of group work, leadership skills, and work with special populations are explored. Students are introduced to ethical issues, and multicultural issues that apply to group work.
PSYD 436 • Abnormal Psychology (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367, PSYD 370. Studies deviations in human behavior from socio cultural, spiritual, emotional, cognitive and behavioral perspectives with regard to description, patterns of development, measurement, symptoms, systems of classification, and treatment methods.
PSYD 446 • Psychological Testing (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 265, PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines basic principles of construction, administration, scoring, interpretation and the use of psychological tests and measurements, including the study of problems related to reliability and validity.
PSYD 460 • Field Practicum (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367, PSYD 368, PSYD 370, PSYD 436, and senior standing. Students will accrue 100 hours at a human services agency or research facility as a student intern. Students will begin their practicum after the Human Services course, accruing hours over the course of the program. A written report detailing the field practicum experience as well as an oral presentation will be completed during this course. May be repeated for credit for a maximum total of 6 units.
PSYD 462 • Counseling Theories (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367, PSYD 370, PSYD 436. Studies the various theoretical approaches to counseling, the personhood of the counselor, and ethical issues in clinical practice. Major counseling theories are introduced by covering key concepts, the nature of the therapeutic relationship, and techniques associated with each theory. The worldview underlying each theory is examined as it relates to a Christian worldview, and the integration of biblical principles in counseling theories is introduced.
PSYD 470 • Special Topics (1-3 units)
Prerequisite: Consent of the Instructor. Study of a special topic in psychology. May be repeated for credit.
PSYD 477 • Psychology and Christianity (3 units)
Prerequisite: PSYD 366, PSYD 367. Examines human nature from the perspective of psychology and Christian belief. The major approaches to the integration of psychology and Christianity will be examined, utilizing a range of issues such as the relationship between mind, body, and soul; the nature of human freedom; Christian prayer; conversion; the relationships between people’s attitudes and their behavior; and contemporary Christian counseling and pastoral care.
* This information is provided for ease of use, however it is not the official record. See the academic catalog for official course descriptions and requirements.