Mar 29, 2024  
2016-2017 Van Loan Catalog 
    
2016-2017 Van Loan Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Homeland Security Studies


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Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology program is designed to offer small classes and balanced coursework. The curriculum provides a broad background in the liberal arts and sciences, research skills, and the understanding of human behavior.

Within the Psychology program, students will study how human behavior changes from infancy through old age. Students will learn how to critically evaluate research often reported in the popular media. Students will also be introduced to research techniques such as survey construction and systematic observation, which they will find useful in the workplace. Specific areas of human behavior such as behavior disorders, counseling techniques, and forensic psychology are examined through a choice of psychology electives.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will:

• Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
• Communicate effectively within the conventions of the discipline.
• Design, execute, and present a personal project, which synthesizes and applies selected knowledge, skills, and experiences appropriate to the students’ personal and professional goals and/or their chosen area of specialization.

Concentration in Homeland Security Studies

The Homeland Security Studies Concentration is a 6 course, 18 credit specialization that focuses on issues relevant to corporate, national and global security. This is an interdisciplinary specialization that focuses on student’s ability to assess risk and engage in critical thinking about conflict and security.  This concentration will give students writing, research and foundational skills in Homeland Security that they will need to work in the securities field, border patrol, emergency management or to pursue a graduate degree in Homeland Security.

The Concentration in Homeland Security will be open to all students enrolled in our BA Program in  Liberal Studies and our BS Programs in Psychology, Criminal Justice and Business Management. These concentration courses will replace corresponding open elective credit requirements.


Concentration in Homeland Security Studies Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will: 

• Comprehend the interdisciplinary field of Homeland Security and the complex political, cultural and legislative issues that are required to protect the homeland and respond to disasters
• Implement processes that strengthen project management, evaluation, and accountability within the homeland security directorate
• Identify and describe research issues relevant to existing and emerging homeland security challenges
• Assess current and future homeland security risks and opportunities
• Demonstrate the critical thinking, writing and research skills that are necessary to participate in the homeland security field

Program of Study


World Cultures Course - 3 cr.
Aesthetic Awareness & Creative Expression Course - 3 cr.
Literary Perspectives Course - 3 cr.
Values & Ethical Reasoning Course - 3 cr.
Science & Technology Courses - 3 cr.
Global Issues Course - 3 cr.
Core Electives - 6 cr. (must be 300 level or higher)
Psychology Major Electives - 6 cr. 
Open Electives - 36 cr. 

Total Number of Credits Required for Concentration- 18 credits


Total Degree Requirements - 126 credits


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