Requirements for a major in Psychology are 41 semester hours of courses in the major including Psychology 222, 232, 260, 267, 330, 368 (or 370 as of Fall 2021), 369, 461, 463 and 480; three psychology electives chosen from additional psychology offerings; Mathematics 212 and eight semester hours of science are required (Biology 111 is required and Biology 221 strongly recommended). No more than nine hours may be earned through practicum courses. Psychology 222 is a prerequisite to all other psychology courses.
Students considering graduate study for work in clinical or counseling psychology should take additional work in biology. Anyone planning work in experimental psychology should elect additional courses in mathematics, statistics, and chemistry. Those considering the personnel and industrial fields of psychology should elect Business Administration 331 (Management) and Economics 454 (Labor Economics).
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A major in psychology attracts students who are interested in gaining a better understanding of themselves, in learning to relate to other people well, and ultimately, in helping society and other individuals. Naturally, a great deal of introspection is required. You will be encouraged to develop self-understanding and to examine your family life and its effects on you. You will be asked to consider honestly your intellectual ability and level of motivation as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses.
In addition, you’ll study the interaction between psychology and faith, learning how each impacts the other. You’ll learn to think critically and creatively in discovering how the scientific aspect of psychology can be employed in developing and managing interpersonal relations and in addressing society’s problems.
Most states require some type of licensure or certification for psychologists, so we encourage our students to attend graduate school. But for those who don’t, many positions are available in a wide variety of settings where helping other is the priority.
Course Descriptions
A study of the various fields of psychology: the developmental process, learning, motivation, emotion, frustration and adjustment, attention and perception, memory and cognition, group dynamics, and abnormal behavior. Attention is given to the application of these topics to problems of study, self-understanding, and adjustment to the demands of society. Required of all prospective teachers. Psychology 222 is a prerequisite to all psychology courses. Offered in the fall and spring.
A study of the course of human development from conception to death, including physical, moral, cognitive, emotional, and social development. Normal developmental tasks are also examined. Offered in the fall and spring.
A study of the causes and treatment of various psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence, for example, anxiety disorders, depression, developmental pervasive disorders, and autism. Offered in the fall of odd years.
A study of factors which affect human relationships, e.g. family of origin, familial cultural factors, personal values, parenting styles, making choices, personal growth, and sex roles. Offered in the fall.
Surveys the application of psychological theories and methods to industrial and social organizations. Topics include employee selection, placement, training, development, and evaluation; and organizational leadership, culture, teams, stress, and communication. Offered in the spring of even years.
A study of the biological correlates of behavior. Emphasis is placed on the development and organization of the nervous system, the physiological basis of motivated behavior, and the function and structure of sensory and motor systems. Offered in the fall.
A survey of the theories, methods, and research related to cognitive processes. Topics to be covered will include attention and perception memory formation and retrieval, creativity, problem solving, reasoning and decision-making.
A study of the organizing principles of perception. Topics such as perception of movement, depth, taste, smell, form, color and illusions are examined. Offered as needed.
A study of issues related to the identification, assessment, and instruction of children with special needs, including the academically gifted. The course will include an examination of current definitions of exceptionality, legal issues, teaching strategies, coordination with families and community agencies, and the professional responsibility of the teacher. Offered as needed.
A seminar course designed to give students experience in evaluating literature, planning and conducting original research, and technical writing aimed at publication. Emphasis will be on gaining mastery of topics by extensive literature review and on gaining critical thinking skills necessary for scientific inquiry. Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 267 and PSYC 330 with a grade of “C” or higher. Instructor permission required. Offered in the spring.
A survey of the major forms of abnormal behavior of children and adults with an emphasis on understanding the cause, treatment, and prevention of these disorders. Prerequisites: Nine semester hours of psychology. Offered in the fall and spring.
A study of the principles of educational and psychological testing in the areas of aptitude, achievement, personality, interests, and attitudes. An examination of the various types of tests through using test manuals and the tests themselves. The application of these tests to educational and psychological measurement is addressed. Offered in the spring.
An exploration of quantitative methods of data analysis, including: higher order analysis of variance, factor analysis, multiple regression and other multivariate techniques. Emphasis is placed on the logic and utility of statistical techniques and on computer applications of data analysis. Prerequisites: a grade of C or better in Psychology 330 and Psychology 267. Instructor permission required. Offered as needed.
A survey of the field of clinical psychology, with emphasis on the major positions in which clinical psychologists are employed and their principal activities. Prerequisites: Psychology 364 and 461. Offered in the fall of even years.
A survey of the major personality theories ranging from Freud’s theory to Existentialism. This is a seminar for psychology majors or minors only. Offered in the fall of odd years.
A study of the important figures, concepts, schools, and systems of psychology from the early Greek philosophers to the present; an exploration of the development of psychological research and theory within the modern and post-modern sociopolitical context; and a re-evaluation of psychology’s heritage from the perspective of a Christian worldview. Offered in the fall.
A practicum in a setting or an institution for persons with development disabilities. Students are given the opportunity to become involved in various programs that allow for the practical application of coursework. Supervision is arranged through the staff of the institution or agency and the faculty at Campbell. The student participates in a seminar, writes a library research paper and keeps a log concerning his or her experiences. Offered as needed through the main campus.
An introduction to various techniques of counseling, e.g. ingredients of a helping relationship, listening responses, and conceptualizing client issues. Offered in the fall of odd years only through the main campus.
Full-time work for selected upper class students in a human services setting during a summer session. The students are supervised by the staff of the institution and Campbell faculty and are involved in activities with a staff psychologist or mental health counselor at the respective institution or agency. Offered as needed only through the main campus.
A directed study designed to permit an advanced psychology major to investigate in detail specific problem areas relating to his or her primary field of interest. Permission must be obtained from the instructor, chair, and dean. Offered as needed.
An overview of the psychotropic medications that health care providers prescribe for various emotional, mental and behavioral disorders. Class discussion will begin with some basic issues in drug action (i.e., potency, efficacy, primary effects and side effects, administration, distribution and metabolism). Focus will be on educating non-medical professionals about the use of drug treatments for conditions like depression, excessive anxiety, ADHD, schizophrenia and others. Offered as needed.