Courses | BS Psychology | Undergraduate | Indiana Wesleyan University

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Courses

One of the best ways to discover a degree program is to check out the course listings. By simply clicking on the course titles below, you can get a preview of the classes you will attend as a student at Indiana Wesleyan University.

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Required Core Courses*
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PSY-150   General Psychology3 Hours
Students will be introduced to the basic schools of thought within the field of psychology. Four major aspects of psychology will then be considered: (a) theories of personality and human development, (b) stress and adaptation, (c) interpersonal relationships and (d) psychopathology and therapy. These concepts will be explored in the light of research, personal experience, and a consideration of Biblical principles that apply to the study of human behavior. Throughout this introductory overview of the field, students will be assessed in, reflect upon, discuss, and write about the insights gained about themselves.
PSY-152   General Psychology II3 Hours
This course exposes psychology majors to psychology's scientific methods, biological foundations of human behavior, sensation and perception, states of consciousness, memory, thinking and language, intelligence, and motivation and emotion.
PSY-225   Learning and Motivation3 Hours
The major goal of the course is that the student understand the basic principles of conditioning, motivation, and learning derived from experimental research. Students will be encouraged to see the ready application of those principles to the human context in everyday life with numerous illustrations of the application of these principles to the field, to business settings and to therapeutic situations. Course topics may provide an overview of on going research within experimental, cognitive, behavioral, and biological psychology. Offered May Term.
PSY-227   Adv.Topics in Behavioral, Cognitive, and Neuropsychological Research3 Hours
The course is the alternative to PSY-225 for students in the pre-professional track within the psychology major, and planning on pursuing graduate studies in the field. Course topics will provide a more in-depth and rigorous overview of the current state of the science with respect to ongoing research in various topics within experimental, cognitive , behavioral, biological and neuro-psychology. Computer-based labs and demonstrations will be included and required for all of these research domains, with an emphasis on emerging areas of application and clinical specialization for psychology career professionals. Students will also be asked to consider the implications of these areas of scientific research on their Christian perspective in psychology. Students may substitute PSY-227 for PSY-225 or they may earn credit in both. Offered May Term and odd number years in Spring.
PSY-290   Psychology Seminar1 Hours
Introduction to career options within the field of psychology. Includes career testing, screening, emotional intelligence and preparation for department interview. Offered Fall Term only. Required for Psychology Majors.
PSY-291   Urban Encounter for the Helping Profession1 Hours
All psychology majors are expected to participate in a field trip to Chicago, Illinois. The purpose of the trip is to provide students an urban, cross-cultural experience as well as exposure to the diversity and universality of human experience and behavior. Students will be encouraged to live out the love of Jesus in connecting with the people of the Olive Branch Mission or a similar community. Students will interview ministerial staff and seek out opportunities to dialogue with those served by the mission. These interactions will provide the basis for a four- to five-page reaction paper upon returning to IWU. Students will reflect on the impact of this experience in terms of their personal development, faith, and sense of life calling. Limited to Psychology Majors unless special permission from Division Chair.
PSY-250   Developmental Psychology3 Hours
A survey of human development and changes throughout the life cycle.
PSY-251   Child Development3 Hours
The development and characteristics of the child at various stages of his physical, social, and mental growth as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation. Problems of prediction, guidance, and control of child behavior will be explored.
PSY-252   Adolescent Growth and Development3 Hours
Emphasizes mental, physical, and personality development of the individual during the transitional years from childhood to maturity as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation.
PSY-322   Physiological Psychology3 Hours
A study of the neurophysiology that underlies human behavior. Emphasis will be given to the mechanisms of the central nervous system which mediate sensation, perception, consciousness, motivation, learning, and emotional behavior.
MAT-305   Statistics for Social Sciences3 Hours
This is an upper-division course for the Social Sciences. Topics include measures of central tendency and dispersion and graphical representation of data. Other topics include inferential statistical theory and hypothesis testing for statistical significance. Bivariate and multivariate measure of statistical relationship include chi square, nominal and ordinal measures of association, correlation and regression, analysis of variance, and multiple correlation and regression techniques. Factor analysis and analysis of covariance are briefly introduced. Primarily for students concentrating in psychology, sociology, social work, criminal justice, or political science. Prerequisites: Math SATI 450 (SAT 410) or ACT 19 or MAT-112 or MAT-204.
PSY-355   Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences3 Hours
This is a three-hour course offered each spring semester. Its purpose is to provide the student with an introduction to the concepts and techniques of research methodology as employed in the behavioral sciences including experimental research, field and survey research, content analysis and other unobtrusive techniques, and evaluative assessment research. Students will be encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the role of research for helping professionals; examining truth-seeking from a scientific and from a Biblical perspective; critiquing current research findings in professional journals; identifying appropriate research methodology for a given problem or topic; completing an empirical research project from start to finish; developing a research manuscript using the APA publication manual guidelines; and developing oral communication skills in presenting one's research project to a professional audience. Prerequisite: MAT-305.
PSY-360   Social Psychology3 Hours
A study of the experience and behavior of individuals in relation to group situations and social influences of modern life. Gives credit for majors in Sociology or Psychology.
PSY-366   Psychology of Abnormal Behavior3 Hours
Systematic study of behavior pathology with special reference on forms of abnormal behavior, etiology, dynamics, and treatment.
PSY-390   Psychology Seminar1 Hours
Papers, lectures, and group discussion of scientific and professional topics by staff and visiting lecturers. Two semester hours required of all majors in Psychology. May be repeated to earn up to 4 hours credit. Sophomore Seminar is for students planning to apply for the major and is not included in the two required seminars.
PSY-370   Theories of Personality3 Hours
A survey of some of the major theories of personality development and the parallel therapeutic approaches. The purpose is an attempt to explain shared human nature as well as individual differences. Critical evaluation of the theories from a Christian perspective is a vital component of this class. The course also qualifies as a "writing across the curriculum" course and involves creating and developing the student's own personality theory.
PSY-485   Theories of Counseling3 Hours
Surveys various approaches to counseling with emphasis on philosophy underlying the theory. Senior majors begin to write their own theory of counseling as part of this class.
PSY-385   Psychology Practicum2-3 Hours
This course is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn about psychology through service in a community agency. Eighty hours of volunteer experience will be acquired over two semesters (40 hrs per) or in one semester. And this course requirement can be fulfilled through ADC-461-464 or SWK-370-371 or SWK-470-471.
36-37 credit hours
* Students choose from either PSY-225 or PSY-227; from either PSY-250, PSY-251, or PSY-252; and from either PSY-370 or PSY-485. MAT-305 counts as general education MAT requirement for Psychology majors.

Double Majors

Required Core: 36 - 37 credit hours
Psychology Electives: 6 credit hours

42-43 credit hours
Single Majors

Required Core: 36 - 37 credit hours
Psychology Electives: 6 credit hours
Behavioral Science Electives: 6 credit hours

48-49 credit hours
Elective Options
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PSY-250   Developmental Psychology3 Hours
A survey of human development and changes throughout the life cycle.
PSY-251   Child Development3 Hours
The development and characteristics of the child at various stages of his physical, social, and mental growth as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation. Problems of prediction, guidance, and control of child behavior will be explored.
PSY-252   Adolescent Growth and Development3 Hours
Emphasizes mental, physical, and personality development of the individual during the transitional years from childhood to maturity as it relates to the principles of the learning process and methods of measurement and evaluation.
PSY-370   Theories of Personality3 Hours
A survey of some of the major theories of personality development and the parallel therapeutic approaches. The purpose is an attempt to explain shared human nature as well as individual differences. Critical evaluation of the theories from a Christian perspective is a vital component of this class. The course also qualifies as a "writing across the curriculum" course and involves creating and developing the student's own personality theory.
PSY-485   Theories of Counseling3 Hours
Surveys various approaches to counseling with emphasis on philosophy underlying the theory. Senior majors begin to write their own theory of counseling as part of this class.
PSY-371   Family Systems Therapy3 Hours
A study of principles, theoretical approaches, specific objectives, and techniques currently used in the "systems theory" approach to marriage and the family. The focus will be on normal developmental problems rather than on psychopathology. This course will present both a systemic and strategic approach to therapy including the theories of Minuchi , Satire, Bowen, and Haley. Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. (Course also listed as SOC-371.) Offered May Term in alternate years.
ADC-320   Theory and Practice of Group Counseling3 Hours
The course is intended to introduce the student to the basic issues of group therapy and group therapy with substance abusers. Emphasis will be given to understanding the group process, artful group facilitation, and tailoring interventions to work with clients in the various stages of the change process. Students will become familiar with the 11 therapeutive factors as outlined by Yalom. The course will include an experiential component, with all students participating in an actual group experience. Students will develop an understanding of group process issues, group facilitation skills, and the merits of curriculum-based group treatment.
PSY-210   Introduction to Art Therapy3 Hours
Designed to acquaint the Pre-Art Therapy major with practices and opportunities offered in this field. Offered Spring Term.
PSY-380   Cognitive-Behavioral Counseling3 Hours
A survey of the theory, research, and practical application in therapy of the techniques involved in cognitive-behavior modification and therapy. Course work involves case studies, role practice, and an analysis of this theory from a Biblical perspective. Prerequisite: 9 hours of Psychology. Usually a May term class.
CRJ-268   Crisis Intervention3 Hours
A study of the dynamics of crisis events including rape, child molestation, suicide, death, hostage situations, stress, and specific intervention strategies with an emphasis on practical application.
ADC-212   Psychopharmacology3 Hours
This course is intended to introduce the student to drug administration, absorption, movement, and drug-receptor interactions. Students will learn the psychoactive properties of each class of psychoactive drugs including the respective withdraw abstinence syndromes. Students will become familiar with current research in regard to biochemical abnormalities and their proposed role in behavioral disorders. Students will also become familiar with the etiology and treatment of co-occurring disorders. The course will also provide an overview of clinical practice guidelines for treating psychological and substance use disorders, including the use, strengths and limitations of pharmacologic treatments.
PSY-487   Techniques of Counseling3 Hours
Students will be exposed to many techniques used in counseling to facilitate client change and growth. Role-playing and some supervised "hands on" experiences give students practical experience. Offered Spring semester.
PSY-490   Senior Capstone1 Hours
Completion of personal assessment portfolio compiled from several courses in the major. Will include integration papers. Instruction on preparing for the GRE and applying for graduate school or placement.
PSY-475   Special Topics1-3 Hours
In-depth literature search and analysis of specified topic. May be repeated.
PSY-473   Supervised Practicum1-3 Hours
Practical experience in social agencies and other counseling settings. May be repeated.
PSY-471   Faculty/Student Collaborative Research Psychology: Research1-3 Hours
Experience through individual projects involving design, execution, analysis, and reporting individually initiated research. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor. May be repeated.
PSY-493   Integration of Psychology and Christianity3 Hours
A study of integration models and a conceptual framework for integrating psychological research and the Christian faith. Examination of the potential tensions and resolutions in integrating psychological and Christian approaches to understand the nature of man, mental illness, development, and counseling. Will consider the nature of religious experience, conversion, the meaning of religious images, the significance of individual difference in religious faith, and other pertinent topics in the psychology of religion. Prerequisite: 12 hours in Psychology and/or Religion (exclusive of General Education courses).
PSY-495   History and Systems of Psychology3 Hours
A study of the historical foundations of psychology and its development as a distinct discipline. Consideration will be given to the major concepts and personalities of the various systems of psychological thought. Limited to upper classmen, enrollment only by permission of instructor. May be offered as a hybrid course (combined classroom and online).
Psychology Minor

The Psychology minor may be earned by taking 24 credit hours of recommended courses for the Psychology major, not including PSY-485 and PSY-487.

24 credit hours

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