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B.S. in Psychology

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Bachelor of Science in Psychology

You have the drive to cultivate transformative change for yourself and those around you. Build off your past as you influence your future with a degree in psychology. Through practical learning anchored in Christ-centered virtues in areas like counseling, cross-cultural studies and abnormal psychology, you’re prepared to serve as an influencer for Christ where you’re called.

Format

  • Online

Location

  • Online

Credit Hours

  • 120

Admission Requirements

  • Application
  • Official college and/or military transcripts
  • CLEP and DANTES transcripts (if applicable)

Careers

Advance in the career field that inspires you to cultivate lasting change. This intentional learning environment can also help you take the next step toward a master’s in counseling.

Opportunities

  • Child and family ministry
  • Child care
  • Social work
  • Case management
  • Volunteer services

90%

Of students work full time while pursuing a degree.

2

Online bachelor’s programs ranked No. 2 in Michigan (U.S. News & World Report, 2021).

100%

Of faculty members are professing believers of Jesus Christ.

Next Program Start

Pursue your calling on your own schedule with flexible course scheduling and online programs.

Spring 2024: Classes Start on Mar. 13, 2024

Summer 2024: Classes start on May 6 and July 3, 2024

Fall 2024: Classes start on Aug. 28 and Oct. 23, 2024

Courses and
Learning Outcomes

At Cornerstone University, we’re committed to equipping you with practical tools and practices to drive lasting transformation in your work and in your world. Foundational courses in communication, multicultural counseling and current trends in psychology prepare you to persevere in your vision of a better world.

Program Courses

In addition to the courses listed here, you may also need additional elective credits to complete the required 120 total credits for your bachelor’s degree. If you are accepted into a program, your academic adviser can help you figure out how many credits you need and add them to your schedule.

IDS-302 Principles of Self-Management

An examination of personal strengths and identification of areas of adjustment that may assist in personal growth. Selfmanagement includes the development of group interaction skills and management of individual and professional priorities. Topics include communication processes within groups, goal setting, prioritizing, identifying personal values and time management.

ENG-119 Professional Writing

The study and practice of the various writing styles and skills required in a professional setting with emphasis on clear, concise expression aimed at a specific audience for a specific purpose. The course includes a library and research component, writing of professional letters, compilation of reports and graphs, use of computer technology and the writing of a research paper documented by APA standards. (Satisfies general education English requirement.)

COM-211 Professional Communication

An overview of the communication process in organizations with emphasis on oral presentation skills. (Satisfies general education speech requirement.)

PSY-241 Introduction to Psychological Theories, History and Systems

A study of the philosophical, socio-cultural and historical foundations of psychology as well as people, ideas and influences that have contributed to the modern-day science and practice of psychology. An overview of the study of heredity and physiology, development theories, learning and thinking, motivation and emotion, and theories of personality is included.

IDS-402 Christian Foundations in Psychology – Issues and Ethics

A study of the nurture and development of personal faith and Christ-centered worldview in which students are challenged to develop and defend a Christ-centered worldview relating to diversity, society, the environment and questionable psychological practices. How to demonstrate love with truth and justice is emphasized.

PSY-332 Cross-Cultural Psychology

A study of the relationship between culture and psychological processes affecting human behavior. Emphasis is placed on developing self-awareness through an examination of culture, values and biases. Other topics include an investigation of diversity and inclusion (historical context and contemporary issues), and a survey of research traditions studying dimensions of culture.

PSY-447 Current Trends and Specialties in Psychology

An exploration of current trends and specialties in psychology including personal life coaching, art therapy, music therapy, play therapy, sports and exercise. Focus is on the investigation of careers and competencies needed to practice psychology in various fields

PSY-425 Organizational Psychology

A study of human behavior within organizations and the workplace. Topics include leadership styles and development, the evaluation, management and development of employees, job satisfaction and motivation, organizational culture and change management

PSY-424 Introduction to Counseling

An introduction to counseling psychology theory and techniques. Topics include a specific emphasis on the practical application of counseling theory and techniques from a Christ-centered worldview, along with a consideration of the required professional and ethical standards of counseling.

PSY-354 Research Methodology and Statistics

An overview of major research designs and an introduction to basic statistical techniques using MS ExcelTM and APA style for documentation. Focus is placed on research methodologies, conceptualization, hypothesis and measurement of sampling techniques, and evaluation and synthesis of data using statistical measurements, tools and software.

PSY-335 Lifespan Development Psychology

An exploration of developmental changes in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional dimensions of the development of human behavior from birth to adulthood. Physical characteristics and psychological concepts of learning, memory, motivation, perception, personality and thinking are examined from the standpoint of how they develop and change during an individual’s life.

PSY-446 Introduction to Relationships in Psychology

A study of the formation, maintenance and termination of relationships. Topics include friendship, courtship and marriage across cultures with an emphasis on currently changing values and cultural, social, cognitive and emotional bases of intimacy, commitment and family roles

PSY-423 Abnormal Psychology

An examination of the causes, dynamics, classifications and treatment of major psychological disorders. Utilizing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders to classify abnormal behavior by identifying the incidence, frequency and various types of dysfunctions that occur, as well as the classification of these disorders, theories used and potential treatments. Prerequisite: PSY-241.

PSY-441 Physiological Psychology

An exploration of the complex interplay between physiological structures/processes and human behavior with emphasis given to gaining a basic understanding of neurological disorders. Topics include biopsychological development, the neurological basis of psychological disorders, visual-spatial and auditory processing, motor function, language, memory, learning and emotion. Prerequisite: PSY-241.

PSY-455 Psychology Capstone

A psychology capstone course integrating Christ-centered worldview, theory and real-life application. Students explore an area of their choosing, compiling resources for later use, sharing their findings with the class for mutual benefit, and celebrating completion of the bachelor’s program. Prerequisites: IDS-402, PSY-332, PSY-354, PSY-421 and PSY-452.

Program Learning Outcomes

Fuel your passion to meet the needs of a diverse and global population. Our psychology program integrates faith, core knowledge and practical experience to empower you to persevere in what you know you’re capable of and grow as a compassionate, character-driven leader in our world for Christ.

Proficiency in Terminology, Theories, Concepts, Practices and Skills

Students will demonstrate knowledge of and proficiency in the terminology, theories, concepts, practices and skills specific to your field of study.

  • Identify major theories and terminology relevant to the study of psychology.
  • Articulate foundational approaches to psychology, including major scholarship and the historical development of the field.
  • Understand ethics and issues related to the practice of psychology.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the latest trends and specializations in psychology.
  • Provide evidence of relating psychology to personal growth and lifelong learning.

Competency in Applying Knowledge to Address Real-Life Problems

Students will exhibit competency in applying your knowledge to address real-life problems through both individual and group effort.

  • Demonstrate professional skills appropriate to the degree program.
  • Provide evidence of the ability to collaborate with others in achieving shared objectives.
  • Exhibit communication skills, both in written and oral forms, appropriate for their professional field.

Integration of Traditional and Non-Traditional Cognitive Skills

Students will demonstrate your ability to integrate both traditional and non-traditional cognitive skills, including analytical inquiry, use of information resources, quantitative fluency and communicative fluency.

Intercultural Competence

Students will demonstrate intercultural competence in addressing civic, social, environmental and economic issues. This will include issues related to multicultural counseling, understanding diversity and developing cultural awareness in addressing human needs.

Articulation of a Christ-Centered Worldview

Students will articulate a Christ-centered worldview and its personal, professional and communal embodiment through Christian virtues. In particular, you will demonstrate understanding of the integration of Christian worldview and psychology.

Having a psychology background helps me work with different types of people more easily. I have a better understanding of where people may be coming from.

Michaele Lockard (B.S. ’20)

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