The Psychology Major | Degree Requirements | Course Descriptions
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Programs Offered
Child/ Adolescent Development, Clinical and Research Psychology, Social Relations
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Psychology Department Objectives
- To provide a spiritual and academic atmosphere in which the student is able to reflect upon and integrate Christian principles with the tenets of psychology.
- To provide the student with a broad background in psychological theory and research
methods which will prepare the student for further professional development and
graduate training. The department strives to encourage an appreciation for research
and a desire to keep abreast of current literature.
- To provide the student with an understanding of the development and dynamics of
human behavior that will strengthen the student liberal arts experience. The department
functions in close relationship with the major academic and professional goals of
other departments.
- To provide an opportunity for students to grow in self-understanding, appreciation of
diversity, and acceptance of others. Discernment between healthy/unhealthy and
nurturing/abusive behavior is fostered. The department provides an atmosphere conducive
to such growth and appreciation of the dimensions of human personality and behavior.
- To enhance the student’s oral and written communication skills by incorporating
effective listening, constructive interpersonal communication, usage of the American
Psychological Association (APA) writing style, and other skills conducive to meaningful
communication.
- To provide the student with opportunities for fieldwork experience which will strengthen
the student’s understanding of theoretical models, research, and the integration of
differing viewpoints. Students are encouraged to participate in a variety of community
and institutional contexts in their development both as students and concerned
members of society.
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Degree Requirements
The Department of Psychology has a history of attracting students interested in a variety of academic and professional areas. The following three (3) options within the major illustrate our commitment to a broad-based education in psychology coupled with special emphases for particular graduate school and/or employment tracks.
Special Notes Regarding Liberal Arts Core
Those students choosing to double major may use PS110 Introduction to Psychology and PS240 Lifespan Development as their Social Science Options. Psychology majors may choose to use PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences as their Math/Science Option.
Bachelor of Science - Clinical and Research
This program is intended for students planning on careers and/or graduate studies in psychology or related social science fields who desire scientific training and research experience. Through exposure to a broad range of physiological, cognitive, and social theories and methodologies, the student will gain an appreciation for the processes, which contribute to
the growing and dynamic body of knowledge we call psychology. Possible career/graduate school tracks include clinical psychology, health psychology, experimental psychology, neuropsychology, psychometrics, teaching of psychology, and mental health services.
In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, students in this program will take 48 credit hours of psychology courses as follows:
PS110 Introduction to Psychology
PS240 Lifespan Development
PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences
PS313 Social Psychology
PS331 Theories of Personality
PS351 Methods of Social Research
PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
PS353 Psychology of Learning (3 credit hours, plus 1 credit lab)
PS372 Abnormal Psychology
PS392 Counseling Psychology
PS430 Field Experience
PS432 Physiological Psychology (3 credit hours, plus 1 credit lab)
PS450 Advanced Research Methods
PS453 Senior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
Plus 7 credit hours of required cognates as follows:
BI101 Principles of Biology (or equivalent)
S0451 Quantitative Research and Data Analysis
Bachelor of Arts - Child/Adolescent Development
This program is for students planning on careers and/or graduate studies in human development, particularly child and adolescent development. Possible careers include elementary or middle schoolteaching, early childhood or special needs education, preschool/daycare services, children’s or youth ministry, and community mental health work. This program lends itself to double majoring or minoring in such areas as Christian Education and Youth Ministry and for those planning on acquiring a teaching credential in addition to the psychology major. The required professional education sequence can be found under Education.
In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, students in this program will take 30 credit hours of Psychology courses as follows:
PS110 Introduction to Psychology
PS240 Lifespan Development
PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences
PS331 Theories of Personality
PS342 Child Development OR
PS343 Adolescent Development
PS351 Methods of Social Research
PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
PS372 Abnormal Psychology
PS430 Field Experience
PS453 Senior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
Plus, any three credit hours of the Psychology course options.
Bachelor of Arts - Social Relations
This program is for students planning on careers and/or graduate studies in human services, social relations, or Christian ministry. Providing a solid foundation in the social scientific perspectives and tools required by a broad range of professions including counseling, pastoral or youth ministry, social services, community organization management,
and personnel/human resource development, this program lends itself to double majoring or minoring in areas such as Religion, Youth Ministry, English, History, Sociology or Business. Graduate school tracks include counseling psychology, social psychology, industrial and organizational psychology, sociology, criminal justice, social work, seminary, and law school.
In addition to the Liberal Arts Core, students in this program will take 30 credit hours of psychology courses as follows:
PS110 Introduction to Psychology
PS240 Lifespan Development
PS251 Statistics for the Social Sciences
PS313 Social Psychology
PS331 Theories of Personality
PS351 Methods of Social Research
PS372 Abnormal Psychology
PS430 Field Experience
PS352 Junior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
PS453 Senior Psychology Seminar (1.5 credit hours)
Plus, any three credit hours of the Psychology course options.
Minoring In Psychology
Students from any major field of study at ENC may add a minor in Psychology to their transcript by successfully completing PS110 Introduction to Psychology, plus any 12 credit hours with Psychology. Course prerequisites must be observed. It is recommended that nonmajors consult with a Psychology Department faculty member in selecting courses to maximize the enriching of their major and to best facilitate the achievement of long term goals.
Senior Comprehensive Examination
All psychology students will be required to pass the major field examination to fulfill this requirement.
Bachelor of Science Research Project
All Bachelor of Science students will be required to conduct an individual research project as part of the required research sequence (PS251, PS351, PS450, SO451). for the major. Students will be expected to orally present the results of their research to the psychology faculty and their peers.
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Psychology Department
Eastern Nazarene College | 23 East Elm Avenue
Quincy, Massachusetts 02170
Phone: 617-745-3556 | email: Psychology Department Head