Psychology (BS) - Online
Degree: Bachelor of Science
Location: Online
Program Mission: The program will deliver a biblically centered education in psychology that equips students to develop competency, integrate faith into their profession, nurture Christian virtue, and develop a biblical worldview in serving Christ in church and society.
Introduction/Program Description An undergraduate degree in psychology enables students to develop the analytical skills and human behavior basics to thrive in any career working with people. Throughout the program, students will grow into knowledgeable professionals with communication, research, and interpersonal skills many employers seek. Skills such as analyzing and responding to emotional, psychological, and interpersonal concerns with empathy and understanding will serve the students in a variety of employment settings. Students considering graduate school will have enhanced foundational preparation necessary for acceptance. Whether seeking entry-level employment in the mental health field or pursuing graduate school after earning an undergraduate degree, the training embedded within the program will empower students to make an impact for the Kingdom regardless of the setting in which they find themselves.
Program Outcomes: Students will:
1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the discipline of psychology from a biblical worldview in line with growing self-awareness
2. Analyze findings though psychological research principles undergirded by a multicultural perspective
3. Recognize the history of psychology and early philosophers and their contribution to the field
4. Employ APA ethical principles and code of conduct as a researcher and clinical observer
5. Apply the research findings to practical experiences through integrating a biblical worldview
Program Purpose & Goals: The purpose of the Psychology program is to equip students with a broad knowledge in the field of psychology and faith-based skills. Students, empowered with holistic knowledge that gives them tools to interact in the world from a Biblical worldview, will graduate equipped for lives of character, intellect, and Christian faith. Supporting the understanding that any workplace in any nation should be seen as our mission field, psychology specifically enhances our understanding of biological, psychological, social, and spiritual aspects of daily living. This in turn helps students with relational living in contexts of family, church, and society (personal and professional spheres).
1. Examine professional literature and research demonstrating competency to describe and critique from a Biblical worldview.
2. Critically evaluate counseling theory and methods—assimilating learned knowledge into direct practice.
3. Develop skill to identify diagnostic categories and apply intervention strategies to direct practice.
4. Integrate professional ethics into the practical field setting.
5. Evaluate personal assets and limitations—prioritizing areas of needed personal change for use in the Psychology field.
6. · Develop and practice interpersonal skills relative to effectiveness in the Psychology field.
Program Requirements: The Psychology Program is designed to promote and encourage student success and prepare the student to study at the graduate level. Through course work and field service opportunities students will learn about counseling theory and methodology, along with being introduced to specialty areas of counseling. In our hands-on classes, such as practicum, students will have the opportunity to experience what they have learned in the classroom setting. As a result, the Psychology Program’s courses have been structured in a way to allow for students to learn biblical truth and theology alongside the science of psychology and the art of counseling. That way, students can utilize these key pieces of learning to serve the church and the field of counseling. This sets a precedent for the student to engage in the church and the field of psychology through the entirety of their life.
During the student's first three semesters, concentration on core knowledge courses, many of which are pre-requisite courses for advanced courses, will be the focus. Students should have completed 18 credits in Bible/Theology, 12 credits in Arts and Sciences, and 13 credits in Psychology. Students may consider taking courses during the summer or during winter breaks in order to plan for their practicum, or if they plan to graduate at an accelerated rate.
To fulfill the professional elective requirements, students have the options to register for Social Work and CML (Church and Ministry Leadership) courses.
Psychology BS Curriculum Scope
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Bible & Theology Core
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30 credits
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Arts & Sciences Core
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37 credits
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Psychology Core
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35 credits
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Electives
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18 credits
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Program Total
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120 credits
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Electives
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| Elective | 3 |
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| Elective | 3 |
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| Elective | 3 |
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| Elective | 3 |
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| Elective | 3 |
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| Elective | 3 |
Biblical Studies
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| BIB 106 | Interpreting the Bible | 3 |
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| THE 105 | Prelude to Biblical & Theological Studies | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
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| Bible/Theology Elective 3 credits | 3 |
General Education
HIS
| HIS History Elective | 3 |
| HUM 101 | Human Thought and the Humanities | 3 |
| HUM 102 | Human Thought in Math and Science | 3 |
| HUM 204 | Cultural Diversity | 3 |
| LAN 101 | Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric | 3 |
LIT
| LIT Literature Elective | 3 |
| MAT 216 | Statistics for the Social Sciences | 3 |
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| SCI Science Elective 3 credits | 3 |
SCI ____
| SCI L____ SCI Lab CORE 100-200 Level-1 credit | 1 |
| SOC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 203 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 228 | Principles & Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| SOC 325 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
| CSV 199 | Christian Service | 0 |
| CSV 200 | Christian Service II | 0 |
Psychology Courses
Program Director:
Melissa Boas, MEd
Melissa Boas works full-time at Lancaster Bible College as the Director of the Bachelor of Psychology and the Master’s in Professional School Counseling degree programs. Prior to coming to LBC she worked in clinical mental health for 3 years followed by 12 years in public education as a former middle school and high school counselor, and a supervisor of school counseling services. Melissa believes that the psychology profession is a special calling from God, a very rewarding career, and she is excited to train the next generation of students. Melissa serves as an associate professor, teaches multiple courses, and supervises and advises future psychology and school counseling students. She is currently working on her Doctorate in Education degree and when she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family.
Education:
MEd, Millersville University, School Counseling
MEd, Neumann University, Social Emotional Learning
BS, Mansfield University, Psychology, Minor Criminal Justice