Examples of courses in this major:
BHS240 Research Methods in Social Sciences
An introductory study of the principles and techniques of investigation and data collection in the social sciences. The course will deal with techniques of organizing, conducting, analyzing, and presenting such data.
PSY110 Introduction to Psychology
An introduction to psychology as the study of human behavior. Basic principles of psychology will be explored including the process of learning, memory, perception, sensation, motivation, and emotion. Personal and social aspects of human development will be emphasized.
PSY234 Adolescent Psychology
A psychological study covering the life span from early childhood to the adult stage with emphasis on the pre-adolescent and adolescent period. This course stresses practical applications for working with the adolescent in family, educational, and counseling settings.
PSY326 Biblical Psychology
This course will examine the relationship between the fields of psychology and theology. A theory of integration will be presented, along with discussions concerning specific psychological topics (i.e. self-esteem, etc.) from a biblical vantage point. Prerequisite: PSY110 or SOC110. Three hours.
PSY338 Theories of Personality
An introduction to the major theories of personality and how it develops, including psychoanalysis, humanistic, existential, and behavioristic approaches.
PSY210 Introduction to Counseling
An introduction to the major theories in counseling including secular and Christian approaches. The methodology of each approach will be analyzed based upon the respective theory of psychopathology. Special attention will be given to various skills, techniques, and applications of these approaches.
Some of the positions you can obtain:
College Counselor
Treatment and care of the emotional, psychological, and spiritual well-being of young adults within a college or university setting.
Private Counselor
In either small group setting or with clients individually, you will help people deal with their problems whether they be personal, social, vocational, physical, educational or spiritual in manner.
Human Services Assistant
Working under the direction of a social worker or psychologist, Human Services Assistants help clients obtain benefits or services, monitor case records of clients, and report progress of the clients to the supervisor.
Public Advocate
Manage client inquiries by gathering information and responding to questions. Work to research and resolve problems in a timely manner. Assist members in understanding and maximizing the benefits and use of their program.
Mental Health Service Worker
Provide support to ensure that both the psychiatric and physical care needs of patients are met. Promote and maintain a healthy, safe, and therapeutic treatment setting that allows the recovery process to occur within the individual. This may involve evaluating or intervening and providing therapeutic one to one interaction with patients.
Behavioral Youth Specialist
Be responsible for creating a safe, supportive, therapeutic environment for young people at-risk through positive role modeling, implementing behavioral management techniques, and teaching relational boundaries.
Art Therapist
Lead an art program within the health care community to fulfill the physical and psychological needs of clients and promote their well-being. Instructs individuals and groups in use of various art materials, such as paint and clay, assessing their progress and recovery.
Behavioral Clinical Psychologist
Evaluate, counsel, and advise individuals and groups with special behavioral needs. Psychologist are also trained to conduct research and teach.
Marriage and Family Therapist
Provide individual, marital, and family counseling services to adults and children, to assist clients in identifying and working through personal and interactive problems.
Pastoral Counselor
Typically as a member of the pastoral staff, provide counseling services within a church setting that integrates biblical values in the restoration process with clients.
Guidance Counselor
Coordinate the orientation and registration of students during the middle school and/or high school years. Assist students in thinking about and planning for their near future, whether that be work or college.
Addictions Counselor
Addictions Counselors help patients who have problems with addiction; in its classical definition, Addictions Counselors work with people who have problems with alcohol or drugs. Many now accept an expanded definition of addiction, and Addictions Counselors often treat people with gambling problems and eating disorders, as well as alcohol and legal and illegal drugs. Addictions Counselors assist patients through one-to-one, group, and family therapy and when needed, make referrals to psychiatrists, psychologist, and doctors.
Case Manager
Providing wellness coaching, education, support, and referrals to various health and wellness programs. Use techniques such as motivational interviewing, behavior change, and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help people achieve optimal health and well being.
School Psychologist
School Psychology is an excellent field for those who want to work with youth and feel a drive to make a positive difference in lives. It is a great field for those who want to work in education, but do not necessarily want to teach a classroom of students. School Psychologists are qualified to provide a broad range of skills to address student needs in a variety of areas. The School Psychologist will work with students, parents, and teachers to promote academic, emotional, and behavioral success. Their skills enable them to offer comprehensive psychological evaluations, as well as consult with school personnel in relation to students’ learning, behavior, and environments. They provide individual, group, and organizational interventions, including counseling.
What others are saying:
I am so grateful for my experience in Grace’s undergrad counseling program. Courses examine psychology in light of God’s Word about man and his condition with the ultimate goal of helping people. Students gain a firm foundation of Scripture and the ability to apply these truths to a broken world. Professors draw from years of experience, which adds depth of understanding to each classroom discussion. I was personally challenged and grew not only in my thinking, but also in my faith and relational world as well. I feel Grace’s counseling program equipped me with the skills and knowledge needed to function comfortably in the helping profession.
—Erin Slater, B.S., Counseling, 2009
I am a recent graduate of Grace, and looking back on my years at Grace makes me realize how blessed I am to have gone there. Grace has impacted my life in many ways, but it is the professors who made the greatest impact. The professors went above their job requirements to invest in my life. They encouraged me when I needed it most, they pushed me to achieve my goals, and they prepared me for life out of college. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am or who I am.
—Cassie Patterson, B.S., Counseling and Criminal Justice, 2010
