Psychology (BS) - Online
Credential: Bachelor of Science
Majors: Psychology and Biblical Studies
Location: Online
Program Director: Lori DeWald, PhD
Program Mission Statement: 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.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, 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
Experiential Learning: Students will take a practicum course as part of their degree program. Students will apply learned methodologies to real world psychotherapeutic environments, including group facilitation. Student will select a practicum site and participate in delivery of services in accordance with organizational requirements. Some students encounter one-on-one opportunities, while others work in groups, direct care, or observation of clients. Students are required to complete 75 total hours at the practicum site with 15 of those hours being direct client hours.
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.
To fulfill the professional elective requirements, students have the options to register for Social Work and CML (Church and Ministry Leadership) courses.
Psychology Curriculum Structure
|
Curriculum Structure
|
Credits
|
|
Bible & Theology Courses
|
30
|
|
Arts & Sciences Courses
|
37
|
| Psychology Courses |
35 |
|
Elective Courses
|
18 |
|
Program Total
|
120
|
Bible & Theology Courses (30 credits)
| 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 |
| Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
| Bible/Theology Elective | 3 |
Arts & Sciences Courses (37 credits)
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
| Literature Elective (100/200 level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Elective (100/200 level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Lab (100/200 level) | 1 |
| SOC 101/PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 203 | Principles of Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 228 | Principles and Techniques of Psychotherapy | 3 |
| SOC 325 | Human Growth & Development | 3 |
Psychology Courses (35 credits)
Electives (18 credits)
| FAS 100 | Foundations for Academic Success | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
FAS 100 Foundations for Academic Success is required for all students studying at the sites. For students studying completely online, this course is required for all students unless they are transferring in 45 or more credits, not including life experience credits. Students should take this course at the beginning of their program.
Electives can possibly be filled through Life Experience Credits.
Christian Service (0 credit)
Christian Service provides an important part of the overall education program of the college. Its function is to assist students in experiencing various forms of practical ministry, proclaiming Christ by serving Him in the Church and society.
CSV 199 and
CSV 200
Global Program Coordinator: Lori DeWald, PhD
Lori DeWald is the Global Program Coordinator for the online BS in Psychology program at LBC and serves as Assistant Professor for the program. Lori has over 5 years of experience teaching psychology courses at various institutions. Prior to beginning her teaching career, Lori worked for almost 20 years with children and adolescents with diverse mental health challenges in various settings. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology: Developmental Psychology at Liberty University where she conducted research on the impact of social media use on the psychological well-being of emerging adults, considering the possibility of spirituality as a protective factor. Lori enjoys sharing her love of God and the field of psychology with her students at LBC. When she is not working, Lori enjoys spending time with her family, including her 2 dogs and 2 cats, volunteering at her church, and being active in outdoor activities and sports.
Education:
PhD Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Liberty University
MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Messiah University
MA in Psychology: Child & Adolescent Concentration, The Chicago School of Professional Psychology
BA in Psychology, Mansfield University