Counseling Psychology Courses
COU 161 - Counseling Foundations (3 credits)
An introductory course in biblical counseling. The student will gain an understanding of counseling with a biblical foundation while being exposed to various techniques and theories of counseling. A foundation will be set for basic technique in counseling. Ethics, referral training, and available resources will be addressed. May be used as a social science elective. Pre-requisite: PSY 107 Introduction to Psychology
COU 210 - Methods and Techniques of Counseling (3 credits)
A study of the major techniques and strategies that can be appropriately and effectively used in counseling individuals or families, including ways of determining, defining, and treating problems. May be used as a social science elective. Pre- requisite: COU 161 Counseling Foundations
COU 310 - Group Dynamics of Counseling (3 credits)
This course is designed to assist the student with a basic understanding of the nature of group development, group dynamics, group counseling theory, and ethical issues pertaining to group work. Students will have the opportunity to apply their growing knowledge of group counseling by practicing the skills necessary for proposing, forming, leading, and evaluating groups in a variety of counseling settings. Pre-requisite: COU 210 Methods and Techniques of Counseling
COU 320 - Personality Theories (3 credits)
An overview of personality theories including the primary representatives of the major schools: Pychodynamic, Cognitive-Behavioral, and Humanistic-Existential which will be evaluated through the lens of a Christian/Biblical framework.
COU 410 - Crisis Counseling (2 credits)
The student will gain an understanding of the dynamics of crisis behavior, and consider methods and techniques of counseling with people in crisis situations. Special emphasis will be placed on the role of a non-professional people helper in crisis counseling. The student will develop a repertoire of resources and referral options in the community. Pre-requisite: COU 310 Group Dynamics
COU 420 - Ethics and Issues of Counseling (2 credits)
A capstone, senior level course designed to expose the student to discussions regarding ethical, cultural, and spiritual issues, with a minor emphasis in legal concerns. The student will learn how to use the knowledge and skills gained in the Biblical Counseling program and his or her critical thinking skills in order to be effective in helping people with problems. Pre- requisite: COU 410 Crisis Counseling
COU 450 - Counseling Theories (3 credits)
This course will look at various counseling theories and seek to help the student build a personal theory of counseling which is theologically sound and clinically proficient.
COU 460 - Applied Integration (3 credits)
An examination of theological concepts and spiritual disciplines in the practice of psychology including sin, grace, prayer, confession, forgiveness, use of Scripture, and fellowship. Attention will be given to the application of these concepts and practices within an implicit/explicit model of integration, practice within psychological frameworks, and in working with people with differing spiritual commitments and/or practices.
COU 470 - Multicultural Counseling Techniques (3 credits)
A study of cultural and cross-cultural issues as they relate to counseling. The course will investigate the society and the church in terms of the role of ethnic groups, lifestyle traditions and change, populations patterns and counseling in various societies and mission fields.
PSY 151 - Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
The student will be provided with an introduction to the field of psychology together with its basic terminology and concepts and be aided in developing a greater understanding of his own behavior and of human conduct in everyday life. May be used as a social science elective.
PSY 254 - Child Development (3 credits)
This course focuses on the scientific study of children and their development by examining the physical and psychological changes as they occur from conception to adolescence. Many aspects of child development such as language acquisition, peer relationships, motor skills, and the emergence of self- worth are studied in the context of six major themes in developmental psychology. Seven class hours will be devoted to acquiring a knowledge of language development, reading acquisition (birth through sixth grade), and the variations related to culture and linguistic diversity to assist parents and teacher candidates in providing effective instruction in reading and writing. May be used as a social science elective.
PSY 260 - Developmental Psychology (3 credits)
Developmental psychology studies the continuous process of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. This course will utilize a Christian worldview to examine the major theoretical perspectives that pertain to the biological (bio- social), cognitive, psycho-social, and spiritual changes from conception through death. Students will consider the biological influences (such as genetics), the environmental aspects (such as parenting techniques or the cohort effect), and the Christian theological propositions (such as the imago Dei) that shape who we are as individuals. Developmental disabilities and the effects of atypical development are considered but not emphasized. May be used as a social science elective.
PSY 351 - Educational Psychology (3 credits)
This course explores how different factors affect the classroom behavior of both teachers and students. Various psychological theories, concepts, and principles of child and adolescent development, cultural and student differences, social processes, learning processes, instructional practices, motivation, and testing and measurement are applied to teaching. Fourteen class hours will be devoted to student assessment and evaluation practices, and teacher candidates will utilize both formal and informal assessments to identify student's reading proficiencies and needs, to plan for and revise instruction, and to communicate results to all stakeholders. May be used as a social science elective.
PSY 450 - Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
This course engages the student in the process of understanding abnormal behavior and the ways that mental health professionals study and attempt to treat it. An eclectic, multicultural approach will cover the major categories of disorders listed in the DSM-IV.