Psychology
The Bachelor of Science in psychology focuses on the understanding of human behavior through classic theories and relevant research with a Christian worldview. Students will take fundamental courses, conduct an original research study and engage in a practicum to prepare for the world of work or graduate school.
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in psychology equips you to understand human behavior through a combination of classic theories and practical research. In addition to foundational coursework, the program offers incredible opportunities for hands-on learning through original research projects, practicum experience and internships.
Program Benefits
- Learn from faculty who possess high degrees in their fields, who have relevant and valuable real-world experience and who make an effort to know you personally.
- Participate in undergraduate research and practicum experiences.
- Enjoy our small class sizes and supportive campus community.
- Take advantage of incredible internships and job opportunities available in the exciting Nashville market.
What to Expect
Trevecca’s Bachelor of Science in psychology combines knowledge of the classic theories of human behavior with relevant research opportunities and an overarching Christian worldview. As a student in this program, you’ll gain a strong foundation of scientific and psychological research methods along with practical studies as you learn from faculty members who are actively practicing and researching in the clinical field.
You’ll take fundamental courses like General Psychology, Human Growth and Development, Theories of Personality, Abnormal Psychology, Physiological Psychology and more. In addition, you’ll have multiple opportunities for hands-on learning. You’ll complete an original research study and can present your findings at our acclaimed Undergraduate Research Symposium. Past students have had their research published in peer-reviewed, academic journals. You’ll also participate in either a practicum field experience or a full internship.
Why Choose Trevecca?
Founded in 1901 and a leader in online education for more than two decades, Trevecca helps students discover and pursue an individual calling by providing innovative instruction; cultivating a supportive, Christ-centered community; and establishing relationships that open doors.
Recognized nationally and locally for academic quality, Trevecca has earned a reputation for providing the world with servant leaders, problem solvers and difference makers. Trevecca’s holistic approach to education encompasses intellectual, social, emotional, physical and spiritual growth.
As a Christian university, we offer programs that explore the ways faith intersects with your field of study. This means you can gain your psychology degree in a supportive, Christian community with small classroom sizes and engaged faculty members who care about you, your faith and your goals.
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.
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Financial Aid & Costs
Nearly every student at Trevecca receives some form of assistance in paying for college. Learn all about the affordability of a TNU education and options for receiving aid.
- Honors Opportunity
For highly motivated students with an interest in pursuing a career in psychology, counseling or a related field, the Department of Psychology’s Honors Program is an opportunity to develop, execute and defend an original research project; craft a comprehensive review of the literature on the diagnosis and/or treatment of mental illness; and gain real-world experience working alongside mental health professionals and with populations benefiting from programs that support mental health. Students will receive one-on-one mentorship and training from psychology faculty members with expertise in research and counseling. The program is designed to help participating students develop as scholars and professionals who are confident and fully equipped to enter graduate work in their chosen field.
Program Requirements and Overview
- Students may apply to the psychology honors program as early as the spring semester of their sophomore year and must apply no later than the spring semester of their junior year. Applications are due the Wednesday after spring break each year. Upon admittance, candidates will begin the program in the fall semester.
- A cumulative GPA of 3.65 in the major and a 3.00 overall GPA are required at the time of the proposal to enter the honors program.
- Honors students will be accepted in one of two tracks, outlined below. A student’s proposal should include a declaration of interest in either the research or counseling track as an area of primary focus.
- Track One (Research): Primary research focus with secondary clinical/counseling focus
- Track Two (Counseling): Primary clinical/counseling focus with secondary research focus
- All honors students are required to complete a senior presentation, regardless of the track selected.
For more information on this program and how psychology honors students will be recognized for their achievements, please contact a faculty member in the Psychology Department.
Career Opportunities
With your degree from Trevecca, you'll be well-prepared to continue on to graduate studies or to use your psychology degree to make a difference in roles such as:
- Case Manager
- Research assistant
- Human resources
- Behavioral health technician
- Family advocate
My classes have taught me so much, and have been able to teach me so much more about my future career field. However, it is thanks to my incredible professors that I have been able to learn the most, because of their firsthand experience as actual mental health practitioners and psychotherapists.
Our Faculty
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Amy Smith
Assistant Professor, Psychology
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Sarah Johnson
Program Director, B.A. Psychology Online / Associate Professor of Psychology
Read Full BioSarah is an associate professor of psychology. She has B.A in media communications from Asbury University, an M.A from Trevecca and an Ed.D. from Trevecca. She has also worked in Student Development and Counseling throughout her career and has a ...
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Randy Carden
Professor, Psychology
Read Full BioRandy, a professor of psychology, teaches a range of courses including General Psychology, Statistics, Research Methodology, Drugs and Behavior, Psychology of Art and Senior Seminar. Each semester he guides students on a journey conducting ...
Course Descriptions
Get details on all the courses you’ll complete as you work toward this degree at Trevecca.*
General Psychology
PSY 2010
General introduction to major areas of psychology with emphasis on the psychological bases for understanding human behavior. A recommended prerequisite to other psychology courses except PSY 2175.
Behavioral Science Statistics
PSY 2060
An introductory course in statistics. Topics include basic measurement concepts, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability, the normal curve, standard scores, correlation, regression, random sampling and probability, binomial distribution, hypothesis testing, t test, ANOVA, and nonparametric tests. Introduction to SPSS is also included.
Behavioral Science Research Methods
PSY 3000
An introduction to designing and conducting behavioral research. Includes theory related to the scientific method, generating hypotheses, reviewing literature, ethics, operational definitions, and experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental designs. The student will conduct an original research study including literature review, data collection, analysis of data via SPSS, interpretation of results, and writing results in APA format.
Abnormal Psychology
PSY 4150
Survey of the causes, forms and methods of treating behavior abnormalities.
Senior Seminar: Historical and Current Perspectives
PSY 4600
A senior capstone course with a focus on key contributors to the field of psychology. Readings, discussions, reports in interest areas, and senior projects for Psychology majors. Senior classification required. May be taken by Behavioral Science majors concentrating in Psychology.
Human Growth and Development
PSY 2175
A survey of development from conception throughout the life span.
Learning and Cognition
PSY 3210
Survey of research and experiments in animal and human learning and the major theories of learning. Students also study the mental activities associated with thinking, knowing and remembering.
Theories of Personality
PSY 4110
The nature of personality and major theories of personality development with Christian emphasis in interpretation.
Physiological Psychology
PSY 4320
Acquaints students with the physiological structures and functions that are of interest to a behavioral scientist.
PROFESSIONAL ELECTIVES (CHOOSE ONE)
Social Psychology
PSY 3120
An examination of the psychological principles which function in the social behavior of the individual and group. The impact of social groups on individual behavior and the causes and motives of social behavior are emphasized.
Drugs and Behavior
PSY 3020
An introductory survey of the field of psychoactive drugs.
Principles of Counseling
PSY 4070
The nature of counseling and major theories of counseling with Christian emphasis in interpretation.
Techniques of Counseling
PSY 4120
Designed to develop competencies in using major counseling theories in assisting counselees to deal with a wide range of personal, interpersonal, and vocational problems. Emphasis is also given to assist prospective counselors develop self-understanding and to understand how this can influence success as a member of a helping profession.
Survey of Industrial and Organizational Psychology
PSY 3500
An introductory survey of readings and cases in industrial and organizational psychology with regard to the application of psychology to business and industry. Topics will include the interpersonal and organizational management systems, career and employee selection, work analysis, performance appraisal, psychological testing, training and job design, safety, work/life stress, and communication.
Introduction to Psychological Testing
PSY 4200
Exposure to various psychological testing instruments including personality, intelligence, interest, and ability. Students will participate in taking, administering, and scoring selected tests.
Introduction to Art Therapy
PSY 2000
An introduction to the field of art therapy. History of art therapy, theoretical approaches, developmental perspectives on art, assessment, art and pathology, and ethics will be addressed. Experience with various art therapy techniques will be included.
Therapeutic Applications with Children and Adolescents
PSY 3450
A study of functional and dysfunctional behaviors in children and adolescents. Introduction to interventions and strategies to reduce dysfunctional behaviors in children and adolescents, as well as preventative approaches that have been proven to be effective in enhancing functional behaviors.
Human Sexual Behavior
PSY 3300/SOC 3310
An examination of the nature and meaning of human sexuality as part of one's total personality structure and how this relates to intimate relationships. Consideration will be given to physiological, social, and cultural aspects of human sexual nature and behaviors. As such, particular attention will be given to identifying what constitutes healthy and successful sexuality within relationships.
Positive Psychology
PSY 3400
Designed to provide students an experience in connecting psychophysiological markers for happiness with those that can be established by engaging in corrective psychological principles. These would include the development of cheerfulness, humor, optimism, gratitude, faith and happiness.
Marriage and Intimate Relationships
PSY 3505/SOC 3500
Designed to assist the student in preparation for Christian marriage. The course suggests guidelines for mate selection, identifies common problem areas in marital adjustment, and provides general information to assist students in making appropriate choices with regard to marriage and family relationships within a context of Christian values.
General Education — 48-50 hours
General Electives — 19 - 21 hours
*For a complete list of courses, tracks and other relevant information, view the program's course catalog.
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