2003-2004 Academic Catalog

148 Psychology School of Social Sciences and Professional Studies Purpose Statement The Department of Psychology seeks to: 1. Develop understanding of biblical content that has psycho- logical impact and to investigate all psychological concepts in the light of scriptural truth. 2. Provide an analysis of the person from physical, emotional, rational, and spiritual levels. 3. Aid students in their personal adjustment to everyday life through an understanding of human behavior. 4. Prepare students for graduate study in psychology and related areas. 5. Train students desiring to use counseling in vocational ministry and in biblical counseling contexts. 6. Introduce students to the work world through internships, Christian ministries, guest lecturers, and advisement. 7. Provide courses in psychology necessary for teacher certification. Personal Requirements Some students who pursue a major in psychology are interested in providing human services to populations with special needs. Other psychology majors choose to focus on graduate school preparation, including research interests. Department Requirements All psychology majors must obtain a cumulative 2.0 grade point average or higher in their major for graduation. Programs of Study The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in the following programs of study: Majors: • Psychology • Applied Psychology with concentrations in: • Child and Family Studies • Counseling Minor: • Psychology While significant flexibility exists in both the psychology and applied psychology majors, the latter program is particularly useful for students not intending to pursue graduate studies subsequent to earning the bachelor’s degree. The applied psychology major provides more in-depth course work geared specifically toward human service jobs in child and family and counseling fields. The psychology program is particularly useful to students who wish to earn a minor field of study at Cedarville, earn a double major, or take a sequence of courses in preparation for graduate school. Co-Curricular Opportunities Psychology majors have the opportunity to present papers at the Mid-America Undergraduate Psychology Research Conference and the Ohio Undergraduate Psychology Conference. In addition, the department sponsors the Alpha Psi Omega (APO) Psychology Club for qualifying psychology majors. Technical Resources Psychology students are able to conduct data analysis utilizing the University’s SPSS software system. Counseling skill courses involve participation in simulated role-playing experi- ences. Personality inventories are utilized as part of courses in personality and psychological measurement. Dr. Michael Firmin invests his life into students by way of mentoring, discipling, and providing individual guidance in the psychology discipline.