Psychology B.A.
- Apply principles of cognitive, behavioral, biological, socio-cultural, and spiritual perspectives on human nature to practical issues such as personal, social and/or organizational issues.
- Apply core principles of empirical research, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation, to critically evaluate scholarly research.
- Practice professional ethics (as defined by American Psychological Association), cultural competency, and citizenship with the focus on core principles of beneficence, responsibility, integrity, justice, and respect.
- Develop oral and written products that demonstrate information literacy skills in established scientific format (APA).
- Apply psychological knowledge, skills and values to various careers and/or postgraduate study.
- Integrate Christian worldview with knowledge of psychology.
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Core Curriculum Requirements 1 | 41 | |
| Psychology Major Requirements | 49 | |
| General Electives | 30 | |
| Total Units | 120 | |
Psychology Major Requirements
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Survey of the Field | ||
| PSYC-103C | Introduction to Psychology 2 | 3 |
| PSYC-221 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-332 | Psychological Disorders | 3 |
| PSYC-345 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| or PSYC-462 | Counseling Theories | |
| Research Component | ||
| PSYC-220C | Researched Writing/Psyc Majors 2 | 3 |
| or ENGL-220C | Researched Writing | |
| PSYC-265C | Introduction to Behavioral Statistics 2 | 3 |
| or MATH-265C | Intro to Statistical Methods | |
| or MATH-270C | Health Professions Statistical Methods | |
| or SOC-265C | Introduction to Behavioral Statistics | |
| PSYC-381 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| Psychological Perspectives | ||
| Cognitive: | ||
| PSYC-449 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| Behavioral: 4 | ||
| PSYC-351 | Principles of Behavior | 3 |
| or PSYC-420 | Behavior Modification | |
| Biological: | ||
| PSYC-340 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| Sociocultural: | ||
| PSYC-324 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| Spiritual: | ||
| PSYC-477C | Psychology and Christianity | 3 |
| Career and Grad Readiness | ||
| PSYC-384 | Next Steps: Career and Grad Readiness | 1 |
| Application (3 or more units) | ||
| Select three or more units from the following: | 3 | |
| Field Research Lab/Seminar | ||
| Field Practicum | ||
| Psychological Research I | ||
| Psychological Research II | ||
| Research in Neuroscience | ||
| Upper Division Electives | ||
| Select three courses from the following: | 9 | |
| Political Psychology | ||
| Forensic Psychology | ||
| Nutritional Psychology | ||
| Death, Grief, and Loss | ||
| Adolescent Psychology | ||
| Positive Psychology | ||
| Multi-Cultural Psychology 3 | ||
| Social & Psychological Aspects of Aging | ||
| Managing Crisis | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| Family Violence | ||
| Human Sexuality | ||
| Principles of Behavior | ||
| Disability Studies | ||
| Survey of Human Services | ||
| Psychology of the Family | ||
| Intro to Industrial/Organizational Psychology | ||
| Mental Illness in Society | ||
| Addiction Studies | ||
| Group Dynamics | ||
| Sport Psychology | ||
| Psychology Teaching Internship | ||
| Field Practicum | ||
| Counseling Theories 3 | ||
| Counseling Methods 3 | ||
| Special Topic: | ||
| Psychological Research I | ||
| Psychological Research II | ||
| Individual Studies: | ||
| Research Assistant | ||
| Experimental Psychological Research | ||
| Total Units | 49 | |
- 1
Number of units required from the Core Curriculum not included in the major requirements below.
- 2
Course fulfills Core requirements
- 3
Students considering graduate work in counseling psychology or clinical psychology are strongly encouraged to take the indicated courses.
- 4
For the Behavioral component of Psychological Perspectives one class will meet the requirement and the second option may be used to fulfill the upper division elective.
Disclaimer: This sample Four Year Plan is provided as a guide for the recommended sequencing of courses. Vanguard University requires that students complete a minimum of 120 units of required course work as outlined on the Requirements tab in order to receive a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Science, or Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. It is the student's responsibility to confirm with the department the course rotation before enrolling in courses. If applicable, please note the footnotes at the bottom of the page for additional information related to courses listed in a particular year and term. Questions, contact the Department of Psychology.
Study Abroad Participation: Students interested in participating in the university's Study Abroad programs are encouraged to reach out to the Global Education and Outreach Office for more information and collaboration in their academic course planning. Students using Education and Training Benefits through the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs are encouraged to also reach out to the School Certifying Official for more information regarding how benefits can be applied.
| Year 1 Term 1 | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| PSYC-103C | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| CORE-ARHU1 | History/Political Science Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-CSTN | Cornerstone | 1 |
| CORE-ENGL1 | Composition Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-SCI2 | Science Fitness and Wellness Requirement | 3 |
| CORE-THEO1 | Theology Intro Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 1 Term 2 | ||
| PSYC-220C | Researched Writing/Psyc Majors | 3 |
| PSYC-221 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-265C | Introduction to Behavioral Statistics | 3 |
| CORE-SOBS2 | Social/Behavioral Science Requirement 2 | 3 |
| CORE-THEO2 | NT Survey Requirement | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 2 Term 1 | ||
| PSYC-332 | Psychological Disorders | 3 |
| PSYC-PSYUD3 | PSYC Upper Division Elective 3 units | 3 |
| CORE-SCI1 | Science and Lab Requirement | 4 |
| CORE-THEO3 | OT Survey Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Year 2 Term 2 | ||
| PSYC-324 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-345 | Theories of Personality | 3 |
| PSYC-381 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
| CORE-ARHU3 | Fine Arts/Philosophy Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 3 Term 1 | ||
| PSYC-340 | Biological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-PLBEH | Behvior Mod Or Princ of Behav | 3 |
| PSYC-PSYUD3 | PSYC Upper Division Elective 3 units | 3 |
| CORE-ARHU2 | Literature Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Year 3 Term 2 | ||
| PSYC-384 | Next Steps: Career and Grad Readiness | 1 |
| PSYC-449 | Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC-PSYUD3 | PSYC Upper Division Elective 3 units | 3 |
| CORE-THEO4 | Christian Worldview Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY3 | Any General Elective 3 Units | 3 |
| Units | 13 | |
| Year 4 Term 1 | ||
| PSYC-PLPRRE | Psyc Field Prac., Research, Neuro Rsch | 3-4 |
| ELCT-ANY12 | Any General Elective 12 units | 12 |
| Units | 15-16 | |
| Year 4 Term 2 | ||
| PSYC-477C | Psychology and Christianity | 3 |
| CORE-THEO5 | Christian Heritage Requirement | 3 |
| ELCT-ANY9 | Any General Elective 9 units | 9 |
| Units | 15 | |
| Total Units | 120-121 | |