Psychology

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Possible Careers for Psychology Majors

Vocationally, majoring in Psychology at Missouri Baptist University may be a crucial first step in your undergraduate preparation for a career in any of a wide array of professional careers, such as:

Adoption Counselor
Advertising
Clinical Psychologist
Crisis Intervention Counselor
Forensic Psychologist
Group Therapist
Guidance Counselor
Human Resources Administrator
Marketing Analyst
Marriage Counselor
Mental Health Aide
Pregnancy Counselor
Product Design
Psychology Professor
Public Relations Director
Social Worker
Substance Abuse Counselor

Mission Statement: The Mission of the Missouri Baptist University psychology program is to educate students in the breadth and depth of the discipline of psychology and its practical applications. We integrate empirical science, theory, and practice, and train students to think critically about mental processes and behavior. Where mainstream psychology and the Bible conflict, it is our privilege and responsibility to incorporate our Christian faith into our classrooms, respectfully explaining from credible academic evidence why we continue to believe unashamedly in the superior authority and accuracy of the Bible.

Need More Information?
For more information, contact Dr. Holly Brand, Assistant Professor of Psychology at brandhl@mobap.edu. To learn about Division faculty, click here.

The following course information is provided to highlight key features of the program. For full, up-to-date information, always consult the latest university course catalog.

Major

Students must complete a total of 39 hours for a major in Psychology.

Required Psychology Core Courses: 27 hours
MATH 243 Probability and Statistics*
MATH 343 Statistical Methods*
PSYC 133 General Psychology
PSYC 213 Personal Adjustment*
PSYC 233 Advanced General Psychology
PSYC 313 Human Growth and Development*
PSYC 323 Abnormal Psychology
PSYC 373 Experimental Psychology*
PSYC 473 Internship in Psychology (Capstone)

Extended Core: Choose at least one course from each of the following areas:

Developmental:
PSYC 333 Child Psychology
PSYC 343 Adolescent Psychology
PSSC 423 Psychosocial Aspects of Aging
EDPS 453/5531 The Exceptional Child

Social/Applied:
PSSC 303 Social Psychology
PSSC 443 Death & Dying
MGPS 403/5031 Organizational Behavior and Leadership
(pre-requisite MGMT 303 Management Concepts and Practices)
PSPO 323 Psychology and the Law*
PSHU 403 Chemical Dependency
SMGT 433/5331 Psychological Aspects of Sport and Physical Activity

Cognition:
PSYC 363 Cognitive Psychology
PSYC 413 Sensation and Perception
PSYC 443 Neuropsychology*
EDPS 383 Psychology of Teaching and Learning

Personality/Assessment:
PSYC 433 Theories of Personality*
PSRL 433/5331 Psychology of Moral and Spiritual Development
PSHU 483 Tests and Measurements*

*May not be taken as a Directed Study
1 See the catalog section on Senior Permission for information on earning graduate credit for this course.

Minor

The student must complete 18 hours of Psychology, including PSYC 133 and PSYC 213, and at least 9 hours of upper division work.

Course Descriptions

PSYC 133 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
This is the introductory course to the study of psychology, which
is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. General Psychology
provides a strong foundation in theory, research, and application of
psychology. It is intended to introduce students from all majors to the
breadth and depth of psychology by examining the major subdisciplines in
the field including: research methods, physiology, human development,
cognition, motivation, emotion, learning and intelligence, sensation and
perception, sleep, health, stress and coping, social relationships, personality,
psychological disorders, and therapy.
Three hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

PSYC 213 PERSONAL ADJUSTMENT
A practical and applied study of the psychology of personal
adjustment, designed to assist the student in understanding the
challenges of adjustment to oneself and others in a social world.
Additional emphasis is on adjusting to major life events. Highlights
include a discussion of personality differences, personal character
and integrity, the concept of the self and issues of self-control,
stress, coping, physical and mental health, and adjustment to
careers and retirement, marriage and close relationships,
communication, and social behavior.
Three Hours, Spring

PSYC 233 ADVANCED GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY
This course represents an enhancement of the topics highlighted in
PSYC 133 General Psychology. Specifically designed for and required
for psychology majors, Advanced General Psychology
examines the history of the discipline, careers in psychology, and the
various sub-disciplines, schools of thought, and controversies in
current mainstream psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 133.
Three hours, Spring

PSSC 303 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the relationship of the individual to society. Attention
is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group
thinking, sources of conflict, analysis and evaluation of propaganda,
and other collective behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133,
SOCO 113, or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring

PSYC 313 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
A study of normal human development from infancy through
childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, maturity, and old age,
emphasizing significant physical, mental, emotional, social, and
personality changes during these progressive phases of the
development process. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

PSPO 323 PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW
This is a course that examines the application of psychological
principles to the American legal system, including presentation of
scientific evidence, analysis of the criminal and victim mind, jury
selection and decision-making, malingering, various defense pleas,
trials, persuasive tactics of lawyers, rights of the accused, expert
witnesses, and eyewitness testimony. A mock trial may be
presented to allow students to see psychological concepts in
action. Prerequisite: PSYC 133.
Three hours, Fall, Even Years

PSYC 323 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the major mental disorders including anxiety disorders,
dissociative disorders, disorders of mood, psychosomatic disorders
and personality disorders. Information pertaining to the etiology,
symptomology, and therapeutic alternatives will be presented.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133 and PSYC 213, or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall

PSYC 333 CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the development of the child from conception to
the beginning of adolescence. The areas of emphasis are
physical, intellectual, psychological, social, and religious.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133.
Three Hours, Spring

PSYC 343 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the development of the adolescent, beginning at
puberty and continuing through late adolescence. Special attention
is focused on the contemporary problems of teenagers in regard to
social, intellectual, physical, psychological, and religious
development. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133.
Three Hours, Fall

PSYC 363 COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Cognitive psychology is the study of mental processes, including
memory, attention, learning, language, processing, problem-solving,
reasoning, and decision-making. This course also emphasizes the
major theories in cognitive psychology, along with current research
findings in the field. Special emphasis is placed on the vast amount
of research on Alzheimer’s Disease. Prerequisite: PSYC 133.
Three hours, Spring

PSYC 373 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Provides an experimental framework for studying various
psychological problems. Emphasis is on identification of problems,
designing experiments, analysis of data, and reporting research which
the student has conducted. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133, MATH 243,
or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall

EDPS 383 PSYCHOLOGY OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
The course is designed to study principles, models, theories, teaching
procedures, and practical methods of instruction and assessment that
apply to everyday problems in education. The study will emphasize
the educational implications and application of research on child
development, cognitive science, motivation, learning and teaching.
Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

MGPS 403/503 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR AND LEADERSHIP
This course explores the dynamics of individual, group, and firm behavior
used to develop broader managerial skills. Theoretical models and concepts
will be evaluated in the areas of values, attitudes, personality traits, decisionmaking,
motivation, communication, and the development of effective
relationships in a diverse work environment. Students will examine the need
for individuals to identify, comprehend, and maximize various aspects of
proactive leadership devices such as organizational development, influence
techniques, and total quality management as a means of effective leadership.
Experiential exercises and case studies may be utilized to develop a broader
understanding of behavior and leadership in the workplace. Students seeking
graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements. Prerequisite
for undergraduate(s): MGMT 303 or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring

PSHU 403 CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY
The purpose of this course is to heighten the student’s awareness
of chemical dependency; to facilitate personal awareness of
attitudes, skills, and expectations which are related to those who
use and abuse drugs, and to dependency/addiction; and to acquaint
the students with the skills of identification, intervention, referral,
and treatment. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133 and HUSR 233, or
consent of the instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

PSYC 413 SENSATION AND PERCEPTION
This course will discuss the ways in which information in the
surrounding environment is detected, processed and interpreted by
humans. An overview of all sensory systems will be presented. Special
attention will be provided regarding the role cognition assumes in
the sensation/perception process. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

PSRL 423/523 PASTORAL COUNSELING AND CARE GIVING
This course focuses on the theology and practice of pastoral
counseling and care giving. Attention is given to developing a
biblical model and biblical skills for ministers and other church
leaders who are counseling and caring for others in the context of
the local church. Particular attention is given to interpersonal
communication and listening skills, Special emphasis is given to the
role of the ministry and the Word of God and the reconciliation
through genuine repentance in counseling and pastoral care.
Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all
graduate course requirements. Prerequisite(s): RBIB 113, RBIB 123,
and RRED 273 or PSYC 133 or PSYC 213 or HUSR 233, or
consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Spring, Even Years

PSSC 423 PSYCHOSOCIAL ASPECTS OF AGING
This course examines the topic of aging from the biological,
psychological, and social perspectives. Special emphasis will include
physical changes in aging, cognitive and mental health changes and
current information regarding memory, and social changes such as
relationships, finances, and retirement. The course concludes with
information regarding death, dying, and bereavement.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

PSRL 433/533 PSYCHOLOGY OF MORAL/ SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT
A study of the major theories of moral development from
Piaget to Fowler and how those theories relate to a theological
and ethical understanding of spiritual growth and development.
Students taking this course for graduate credit must complete all
graduate course requiremetns. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

PSYC 433 THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
A survey of contemporary personality theories with an emphasis on
the nature of personality, factors in development, and methods of
assessing personality.
Three Hours, Spring, Odd Years

PSSC 443 DEATH AND DYING
A study of the various aspects of death and dying that affect every
individual in our society. This course includes readings in the areas
of death of a parent, death of a child, death of a spouse, terminal
illnesses, the stages of acceptance of death, handling grief, and
funeral traditions. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133 or consent of instructor.
Three Hours, Fall, Odd Years

PSYC 443 NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
This course includes an overview of the relationship between
neurological processes and the study of human behavior. An
explanation of the various parts and functions of the central
nervous system will be presented. Additional topics of discussion
will include etiology, symptomology and current treatment of
diseases (i.e., Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s Disease) associated
with the central nervous system. Prerequisite(s): PSYC 133
Three Hours, Fall, Even Years

EDPS 453/553 THE EXCEPTIONAL CHILD
A study and identification of the physical, psychological, social, and
educational needs of special needs children. Attention is given to
difference in growth and development of individual children as well
as group differences, in addition to appropriate modifications of the
educational process. Prerequisites: PSYC 133 and PSYC 313, PSYC
333, or PSYC 343. Open to teachers, or prospective teachers, and
Psychology or Behavioral Science majors. Students taking this course
for graduate credit must complete all graduate course requirements.
Three Hours, Fall, Spring, Summer

PSYC 473 INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY
This capstone course and field experience is designed to equip
psychology majors with hands-on knowledge of working in the
field of psychology. It contains two components: a course
component and field work. The course component will be offered
online. Topics to be discussed include selecting the right internship,
focusing career interests in the vast field of psychology, and
preparing for graduate school. Regarding the field work component,
students will select (with approval from professor) an internship
site that is appropriate to their goals and interests in psychology
and complete 120 hours of internship experience. A portfolio is
required as a final project.
Three hours, Spring