Bachelor of Arts Accelerated (BAA or BA) in Psychology & Mental Health Studies
Overview
The Psychology & Mental Health Studies program provides learners with knowledge, skills, and abilities to pursue opportunities in these fields of study. Graduates of this program work in a variety of helping professions as well as enter into graduate programs of study in psychology, counseling, school psychology, and education.
Graduation Requirements
Bachelor of Arts Accelerated (BAA) in Psychology and Mental Health Studies credit requirements:
- Bachelor's degree requirement (90 credits minimum)*
- General Education (36 credit hours)
- Electives (18 credit hours)
- Major courses (36 credit hours)
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Mental Health Studies (BA, BAA), graduates will be equipped to:
- Apply a knowledge base of psychology to understand the self, the profession, and the global community.
- Employ scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills in psychological research and in responding to interpersonal and intercultural issues.
- Demonstrate ethical, cultural, and social responsibility in the helping profession and society, informed by Christian principles.
- Cultivate personal and professional development for effective service in the helping profession and global community.
Course Requirements
Students are required to obtain a minimum grade of C- in all courses taken for the major.
Major Requirements
Psychology & Mental Health Studies Coursework (36 credit hours)
Complete the following:
In this advanced course, students will engage in an in-depth analysis of worldview formation, with a focus on its implications for personal identity, professional paradigms, interpersonal communication, ethical decision-making, and faith development. Students will evaluate diverse perspectives and theological frameworks, including a discipline-specific exploration of the foundations of the Christian faith and its historical and societal impact. The course will guide students in refining a personal worldview that shapes their understanding of work, fostering a deeper integration of faith, reason, and ethical responsibility.
This course will introduce students to the theoretical and developmental approaches to child and adolescent development. Emphasis on a biosocial, psychosocial, and cognitive approach to development in childhood and adolescence is explored. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
This course will introduce students to specific developmental issues and changes during early, middle, and later adulthood. Emphasis on a biosocial, psychosocial, and cognitive approach to development in adulthood and aging is explored. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
The course introduces students to concepts in family relationships and dynamics. Historic and contemporary family theories are explored as a framework to better understand families. Presents family and group dynamics from a systems perspective.
This course is an introduction to the basic methods of qualitative and quantitative research. Focus is on the basic concepts of scientific inquiry as applied to social services. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.
This course offers an introduction to the types, nature, and causes of major behavioral disorders. Provides insight into behaviors that can have an impact on relationships. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
This course investigates the role communication plays in creating healthy group relationships. Emphasis is placed on intentional interviewing strategies, verbal and nonverbal communication, effective listening, constructive feedback, and assertiveness in communication. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.
This course is an exploration of personal and professional ethics in the helping professions. Students will examine and develop systems for making ethical decisions. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.
This course provides an overview of screening, intake, and assessment. It includes recognizing physical health problems, psychological effects, social effects, making recommendations about addiction education, outpatient and inpatient treatment. Topics include, but are not limited to, drug, gambling, and sexual addictions. Prerequisites: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics, PMHS 427 Abnormal Psychology
This course will introduce students to the history and foundations of psychology with an emphasis on the cultural and global understanding of this discipline. Students will explore schools of thought in psychology including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt, and psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
This course will explore the vast fields of cognitive psychology, memory, and language. Emphasis will be on developing the student’s understanding of the historical and modern accomplishments of cognitive psychology, the many aspects of memory, and the development and application of the study of language. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
This course will provide an overview and analysis of the concepts of acute stress, trauma, and how to cope with stress and trauma. An emphasis will be placed on crisis management, self-care, building safe relationships, generational trauma, and cultural implications of stress and trauma. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics
Supervised experience in the discipline including internships and practica required for professional programs. This advanced experience must have an on-site supervisor and/or a departmental instructor overseeing, designing, and evaluating the content of the course.