BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY OR THEOLOGICAL STUDIES: PRE-PASTORAL COUNSELING CONCENTRATION

Total credit hours: 128

REQUIRED CURRICULUM

Core and General Education for Bachelor of Arts in Psychology or Theological Studies degree (45 credit hours)

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) fulfill both general education and major requirements.

The College of Arts and Sciences requires an additional 12 credits in General Education from the disciplines within the college for the Bachelor of Arts degree.

Theology
Choose one:
THS 125* Foundations of Theology
Also:
THS 220* Introduction to the Old Testament
THS 221  Introduction to the New Testament
THS 232  Theology of Marriage
THS 233  Suffering, Healing and Dying
THS 265* Christian Ethics
THS 373  Introduction to Christian Spirituality
THS 435  Peace, Justice and Forgiveness
THS Elective One upper-level course (300-400 level)

Psychology
PSY 110* General Psychology
PSY 105  Pre-Prof. Seminar for the Social Sciences
PSY 210  Developmental Psychology
PSY 310  Psychology of Human Learning
PSY 350  Abnormal Psychology
PSY 411  Personality Theories and Dynamics
PSY 470  Introduction to Counseling
Two of the following:
PSY 315  Child Psychology and/or
PSY 319  Adolescent Psychology and/or
PSY 320  Adult Development and Aging
MTH 212 Statistics

DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY LEARNING OUTCOMES

PRE-PASTORAL COUNSELING

Knowledge Base of Psychology

Students will demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

Learning Outcomes:

• Characterize the nature of psychology as a scientific discipline.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding representing appropriate breadth and depth in selected content areas of psychology.
• Explain major perspectives of psychology (e.g. behavioral, biological, cognitive, evolutionary, humanistic, psychodynamic, and sociocultural).

Research Methods in Psychology

Students will understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

Learning Outcomes:

• Explain different research methods and statistical analyses used by psychologists.
• Design and conduct basic studies to address psychological questions using appropriate research methods and statistical analyses.
• Follow the APA Code of Ethics in the treatment of human and nonhuman participants in the design, data collection, interpretation, and reporting of psychological research.

Critical Thinking and Communication Skills in Psychology

Learning Outcomes:

• Use critical thinking effectively.
• Demonstrate effective writing skills and oral communication skills in various formats and for various purposes.

DEPARTMENT OF THEOLOGICAL STUDIES LEARNING OUTCOMES

PRE-PASTORAL COUNSELING

1. Scripture
   Graduates of the Theological Studies program exhibit proficiency in their approach to and interpretation of the Scriptures including the ability to relate the Bible to contemporary experience.
   – Apply historical-critical approaches to interpretation of biblical texts;
   – Demonstrate knowledge of the biblical narratives and themes as well as the way that they speak today.
2. Historical Theology
   Graduates of the Theological Studies program exhibit an understanding of the development of the Christian thought and its interaction with human history and culture.
   – Apply a historical-critical approach to interpretation of primary and secondary sources;
   – Understand the history and development of Christian thought and the role Scripture and Tradition play in
   the evolution of Christian belief and practice.
3. Doctrinal Theology
   Graduates of the Theological Studies program demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for the major doctrines and themes of the Christian tradition.
   – Engage in theological analysis of fundamental Christian doctrines through the application of scriptural and
   historical methods.
   – Demonstrate an understanding of the major Christian doctrines and their coherence as a system of
   thought and belief.
4. Ethics
   Graduates of the Theological Studies program think critically about issues, events, and institutions and evaluate them in light of the Christian tradition.
   – Understand the way Christian beliefs ground the moral life;
   – Draw upon the Christian tradition and employ critical thinking in evaluating ethical problems and presenting solutions systematically.
5. World Religions
   Graduates of the Theological Studies program demonstrate an understanding of and appreciation for at least two major world religions.
   – Demonstrate an empathetic understanding of the history, beliefs, ethics, and religious practices of two major world religions.