Psychology and Human Development

Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development Degree

Warner Pacific University’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human Development degree examines and analyzes the nature-versus-nurture argument and equips students with a versatile, research-based foundation for a range of career paths. 

Held on-ground one night per week or online and geared toward working professionals who have completed some college, this accelerated psychology degree opens up opportunities for positions in family, community, and human services and prepares students to pursue a graduate degree in the field.

Students in this major have the opportunity to study the development of the individual and their mental processes, emotions, and cognitions across their lifespan. Psychological development is studied within the context of the individual’s social systems (family, neighborhood/community, and larger cultural influences) and the impact of these systems on the individual’s personality and identity.

A minor in Psychology is also available.

Cohort Study Curriculum

Requirements for the cohort: 43 semester credits; 33 credits in residence; 40 credits upper-division
Requirements for the major: 34 semester credits; 28 credits in residence; 34 credits upper division
All courses are three credits and five weeks unless noted otherwise.
Major Requirements
PSY 420A | Learning Theory | 3 credits
PSY 330A | Lifespan Human Development | 3 credits
PSY/HD 300A | Foundations of Psychology & Human Development | 3 credits
PSY 314A | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits
PSY 441A | Stress, Crisis, Trauma and Self-Care | 3 credits
PSY 430A | Counseling Theory | 4 credits
SOC 320A | Human Sexualities | 3 credits
SOC 340A | Race and Ethnic Relations | 3 credits
SS 300A | Leadership & Diversity | 3 credits
SS 380A | Conflict Resolution | 3 credits
SS 391A | Research Design and Applied Statistics | 3 credits
Core Requirements
HUM 310A | Exploring the Human Condition (Prerequisite: EN 111A, 112A) | 3 credits
ILR 300A | Adv Information Literacy & Research (Prerequisite: EN 111A) | 3 credits
REL 320A | Spirituality, Character and Service (Prerequisite: EN 111A, 112A) | 3 credits

Upon successful completion of the major in Psychology with Human Development, graduates will be able to:

1. Articulate the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, research findings and trends in psychology and human development.
2. Apply basic social science research methods.
3. Discuss and analyze the complex influences of national origin, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disabilities, culture, etc. on the psychological and social development of individuals.
4. Communicate effectively in writing and orally through group discussion, debate, and presentations.
5. Locate and use relevant databases, research, and theory to plan, conduct, and interpret results of research studies to inform their own work and to influence others.
6. Integrate their faith and values into their study and understanding of issues of psychological and social development that honor and respect differences.

Student outcomes are also measured in light of the university’s core themes.

Minor in Psychology
16 credits
Courses are five weeks in length.

PSY 300A | Foundations of Psychology & Human Development | 3 credits
PSY 314A | Abnormal Psychology | 3 credits
PSY 420A | Learning Theory | 3 credits
PSY 430A | Counseling Theory | 4 credits
PSY 441A | Stress, Crisis, Trauma and Self-Care | 3 credits

Careers in Psychology and Human Development

The coursework for this accelerated psychology degree prepares students for careers in ministry, human services, and the social sciences and offers a foundation for beginning a graduate degree.

With a bachelor’s degree, students are equipped for positions as school counselors, behavioral therapists, caseworkers, human resources managers, or training and development staff or in educational research. After earning a graduate degree, students gain the educational and clinical qualifications to become a developmental psychologist.

Beyond the traditional path, industrial-organizational psychologists, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), are needed to apply the principles of developmental psychology to human resources, administrative, management, marketing, and sales strategies to improve training, development, and employee retention programs.

Specifically within the corporate sphere, human resource managers, who plan, coordinate, and direct an organization’s employee retention and administrative efforts, are expected to experience 7% greater demand between 2018 and 2028, according to the BLS. As well, training and development managers are predicted to see 8% more positions over the same period.

For individuals using this degree as a springboard to a graduate program, the BLS predicts that psychologists will experience 14% more demand within this timeframe. 

Learn More About WPU’s Accelerated Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Human Development

If your existing career involves helping others, expand your skill set with WPU’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Human development. To learn more about the program, contact PGS Admissions by email or by phone at 800-804-1510, or request additional information today.

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