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Grand Canyon University‛s Bachelor of Science in Psychology program offers a broad array of courses that increase the understanding of past and present human actions. With this understanding comes the responsibility to improve relationships and help others achieve similar understanding of and insight into their own behaviors.
The psychology degree program prepares students for a broad array of careers. Some graduates pursue entry-level positions in agencies and organizations that seek to help those in need, while others choose to work in human or social services. Graduates would be suited for positions such as case manager, career counselor or rehabilitation specialist. Others Some individuals choose more business-related careers such as those in sales or marketing. Earning a bachelor‛s in psychology also provides the necessary foundation for students interested in pursuing their graduate degree in business or psychology.
In the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program, students will study the nature and causal determinants of human behavior, including the definition and scientific measure of personality. Students will also examine mental illness through a better awareness of the emotional, functional and physiological factors influencing mental health.
It should be understood that the requirements for employment in many positions in the helping professions include advanced education beyond the bachelor‛s in psychology degree. However, this degree prepares students to further their education by going to graduate school.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV 101. | CWV-101, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| PSY-102 | General Psychology | This foundation course in the science of behavior includes an overview of the history of psychology, the brain, motivation, emotion, sensory functions, perception, intelligence, gender and sexuality, social psychology, human development, learning psychopathology, and therapy. | 4 |
| PSY-225 | Human Sexuality | This course focuses on the topic of human sexuality from a Christian perspective. Themes center on the biological, contextual, and socio-emotional aspects of sexuality. Topics include biological development, sexual communication, sexual morality, sexual behavior, cultural differences in sexual expression, sexual problems, sexually transmitted infections, contraception, conception and childbirth, research on sexuality, dating and mate selection, sexual coercion, sexuality in childhood/adolescence, and sexuality in the later years. By the end of this course, students should be able to demonstrate knowledge about the major themes, theories, and influences in the study of sexuality, and be able to apply course theory to real-world situations. Also SOC 225. | 4 |
| PSY-255 | Personality Psychology | This course is a study of the nature and causal determinants of human behavior, including the definition and scientific measurement of personality. Theories studied include the psychodynamic, neo-Freudian, trait and factor, cognitive, and behavioral theories. The Christian perspective on the nature of human personality is also explored. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PHI-305 | Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts | This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. | 4 |
| PSY-357 | Lifespan Development | This is a course in developmental psychology with emphasis on the physical, social, cognitive, personality, and moral developments within an individual. The course is designed to provide an understanding of the transitions of life from conception to death. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PSY-369 | Social Psychology | This course provides a study of social and group factors affecting individual behavior. Attention is given to the development of attitudes, leadership roles, group thinking, sources of conflict, effects of competition and cooperation, analysis and evaluation of propaganda techniques, and the influence of mass communication on social awareness and control. Also SOC 369. Prerequisite: PSY 102 or SOC 102. | 4 |
| PSY-380 | Introduction to Probability and Statistics | This course is a study of elementary theories of probability, distribution, and testing of statistical hypotheses. Practical experience is provided in the application of statistical methods. Prerequisite: Any MAT course 120 level or above. | 4 |
| PSY-356 | Learning and Cognition | This course is designed to give students a basic understanding of thinking and learning, including problem solving, language and memory, intelligence and assessment, conditioning, motivation, and emotion. Practical applications in educational and other settings are discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PSY-352 | Health Psychology | This course reflects psychology‛s growing interest in health-related issues. Topics include physician adherence; stress and pain management; cardiovascular disease; cancer; chronic illnesses; using tobacco, alcohol and other drugs; proper nutrition; and exercise, among others. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PSY-452 | Experimental Psychology | This course is a laboratory course emphasizing both the theoretical and applied aspects of experimental design and research methodology. A variety of activities will be performed in such areas as learning, motivation, and perception. Prerequisite: PSY 380. | 4 |
| PSY-470 | Abnormal Psychology | This course is designed to help students recognize and understand mental illness through a better awareness of the emotional, functional, and physiological factors influencing mental health. This is a foundation course in the science of behavior and includes a study of the origin and development of abnormal behavior patterns and disorders. This course includes the symptoms, diagnoses, etiology, epidemiology, and treatment of various psychological disorders and syndromes. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| PSY-460 | Fundamentals of Counseling and Guidance | This course, which is designed for teachers, ministers, business personnel, and community agency workers, emphasizes the effective use of psychology as a tool for guidance by persons in various occupations. Prerequisite: PSY 102. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 48 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 48 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 32 - 38 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, over 6,500 students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
Program Disclosure
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* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
Grand Canyon University © 2012 - All Rights Reserved. GCU is an accredited university founded in 1949. We are a Christian university and offer online degree programs and campus based classes. As a private university in Arizona, GCU has six colleges offering business degree programs including an Executive MBA, health science degrees, liberal arts degrees, doctorate degrees, nursing programs, and teaching programs. Our Performing Arts College offers fine arts and production degree programs. GCU is a military friendly school and offers military tuition rates.
