Schools and Departments

Department of Psychology

The Psychology Department offers a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Psychology, Addictions Counseling, and Gerontology. The Department also offers a Master’s of Science degree in Community Psychology.

Undergraduate Studies Mission

The mission of the undergraduate program in Psychology is to provide a contemporary curriculum in a healing, freedom-minded environment for students seeking (1) to increase their general knowledge about psychology, addictions counseling, and/or gerontology, (2) a professional concentration by majoring in the field of psychology, addictions counseling, and/or gerontology, and/or (3) academic and career preparation for graduate studies in psychology, addictions counseling, gerontology or related fields.

Educational Objectives for Undergraduate Psychology Majors

  1. To have students learn material regarding the foundation of psychology.

  2. To have students learn material regarding general human behavior and mental processes.

  3. To have students learn material regarding normal and abnormal human development and relationships.

  4. To have students learn material regarding scientific research, evaluation, and statistical methodology.

Educational Objectives for Undergraduate Addictions
Counseling Majors

  1. To have students learn material regarding social, psychological, and physiological processes associated with addiction.

  2. To have students learn material regarding models of addiction and addictive behavior.

  3. To have students learn material regarding the assessment and treatment of addiction issues in individual, family, and group settings.

  4. To have students learn material regarding scientific research, evaluation, and statistical methodology.

Educational Objectives for Undergraduate Gerontology Majors

  1. To have students gain knowledge and skills appropriate for initial employment in programs and services for the elderly.

  2. To have students develop a working knowledge of the psychological, sociological and political aspects that impacts the aging.

  3. To have students gain an understanding of the current services available to older persons, and to examine and evaluate the contemporary policy issues facing the field of gerontology.

  4. To have students synthesize gerontological knowledge gained in academic classes and apply the knowledge in a facility or program serving the elderly.

  5. To have students acquire knowledge and skills that will enable students to analyze and apply professional and ethical issues related to careers in the field of aging.

Graduate Studies Mission

The mission of the Community Psychology Graduate Program is to provide a contemporary curriculum in a healing and freedom-minded environment to students seeking advanced education in the mental health human services profession. The program curriculum is based on Indiana state guidelines and provides students with the academic component necessary for state licensure as a mental health counselor (i.e., LMHC).

Educational Objectives for Community Psychology Graduate Students

  1. To have students learn material regarding the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels including normal and abnormal development and personality processes.

  2. To have students learn material regarding issues and trends in a multicultural and diverse society.

  3. To have students learn material regarding an understanding of counseling and consultation processes.

  4. To have students learn material regarding group development, group dynamics, and group counseling methods and skills.

  5. To have students learn material regarding an understanding of career development and related life choices.

  6. To have students learn material regarding individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation.

  7. To have students learn material regarding the types of research methodology, statistical analysis of data, and ethical and legal considerations in research.

  8. To have students learn material regarding all aspects of professional functioning, including history, roles, organizational structure, ethics, standards, and credentialing.

  9. To have students learn material regarding the foundation of mental health counseling.

  10. To have students learn material regarding the contextual dimensions of mental health counseling that emphasizes a community-based level of intervention.

  11. To provide students with experiences that contribute to the development of knowledge and skills needed in the practice of mental health counseling.