BA in Psychology

Programs

Objectives

The psychology major provides opportunities to study a broad spectrum of issues concerning human nature and functioning from a distinctly Christian world view. Since students select a psychology major for a variety of reasons, course offerings are designed to provide as much flexibility as possible. There are seven courses required of all students, and we offer a choice of eight different specializations from a variety of theoretical, applied or professional areas.

Students preparing for graduate study in psychology take a broad set of courses in the research and theory of psychology as well as foundational courses in applied areas. Students majoring in psychology as a terminal degree or those preparing for the ministry or other professional areas may select from the eight different concentrations focusing on those specialties most suited to their vocational and personal goals.

Admission Requirements

Admissions into Biola University does not guarantee admission as a psychology major in the School of Psychology, nor permission to enroll in upper division psychology courses. The following requirements must be observed.

  1. Completed with a minimum of a “C” (2.0) grade in each of the following courses: Introduction to Psychology 200; Psychology & Christian Thought 206; Statistics with Computer Application 209 and 211; Biblical Studies, Foundations of Christian Thought 105; and English 110A and B.
  2. Completed a minimum of 30 hours of General Education and Bible.
  3. A ccomplished an overall cumulative GPA of 2.5 in all college level work.
  4. Filing of an application as a psychology major which shall include an autobiographical essay. The application can be filed any time following the completion of the student’s third semester of college work.

Degree Program

A Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology is offered upon completion of the university baccalaureate and major requirements. The 162 Undergraduate Programs Biola Univers i t y psychology major requires the completion of a minimum of 35 units beyond Introduction to Psychology (200), 24 of which must be upper division. Psychology 200 is prerequisite to all other psychology courses. All majors are required to take seven core courses, which include

  • Introduction to Psychology (200)
  • Psychology & Christian Thought (206)
  • Statistics with Computer Applications (209 and 211)
  • Experimental Psychology (305)
  • Developmental Psychology: Lifespan (320)
  • Cognitive Psychology (365)
  • Theories of Personality (411)

Students then choose from the eight specializations listed below.

Admission into Biola University does not guarantee admission as a psychology major, nor permission to enroll in upper division psychology courses.

Specializations

Each specialization requires five courses.

Clinical/
Counseling
  • Psychological Testing and Assessment (306)
  • Abnormal Psychology (309)
  • Psychology of Family (355)
  • Seminar in Therapeutic Techniques (418)
  • Social Psychology (405)
Cross Cultural
  • Abnormal Psychology (309)
  • Psychology of Religious Experience (313)
  • Cross Cultural/Ethnic Issues in Psychology (319)
  • Social Psychology (405)
  • Upper level elective - PSYC or INCS
Family & Child
  • Human Sexuality (303)
  • Abnormal Psychology (309)
  • Developmental Psychology: Childhood (321) or Adolescence (322)
  • Psychology of Family (470)
  • Upper level elective - PSYC
General Psychology
  • Choose any 5 upper division elective PSYC courses
Health Psychology
  • Human Sexuality (303)
  • Abnormal Psychology (309)
  • Physiological Psychology (412)
  • Health Psychology (470)
  • Upper level elective - PSYC or BIOS
Industrial/
Organizational Psychology
  • Psychological Testing and Assessment (306)
  • Psychology of Religious Experience (313)
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology (315)
  • Social Psychology (405)
  • Upper level elective - PSYC or BUSN
Psychology & Ministry
  • Human Sexuality (303)
  • Abnormal Psychology (309)
  • Psychology of Religious Experience (313)
  • Psychology of Family (355)
  • Upper level elective - PSYC or CEED
Pre-Graduate
School
  • Psychological Testing and Assessment (306)
  • Applied Learning (318)
  • Social Psychology (405)
  • Physiological Psychology (412)
  • History and Systems of Psychology (440)

Graduate School Preparation

The following courses are recommended for graduate school preparation:

  • Experimental Psychology (305)
  • Psychological Testing and Assessment (306)
  • Learning (310)
  • Developmental Psychology: Lifespan (320)
  • Social Psychology (405)
  • Theories of Personality (411)
  • Physiological Psychology (412)
  • History and Systems of Psychology (440)

Undergraduate Permission to Take Graduate Courses

Senior level undergraduate psychology majors may take certain graduate courses with permission. A special form may be obtained in the Psychology Department. It must be filled out and signed by the department chair, dean of Rosemead, and instructor of the course.

Faculty

Dean
Patricia L. Pike, Ph.D.

Undergraduate Chair
Peter C. Hill, Ph.D.

Professors
Keith J. Edwards, Ph.D.
Christopher R/ Grace, Ph.D.
Peter C. Hill, Ph.D.
Gary H. Strauss, Ed.D.

Associate Professors
M. Elizabeth Lewis Hall, Ph.D.
John Williams, Ph.D.

Assistant Professors
Armida Iglesias Bustamante, Psy.D.
Christina Lee-Kim, Ph.D.
Jenny H. Pak, Ph.D.
Steve Porter, Ph.D.

Undergrad Course Descriptions

List and descriptions of all undergrad psychology courses