DEPARTMENT OF PSYCHOLOGY AND COUNSELING

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Information

LaVonne Browne, Ph.D. | Chair
Department of Psychology
Wilkinson Hall, Room 441

Washington Adventist University
7600 Flower Avenue
Takoma Park, MD 20912-7796
Phone: 301-891-4140 | lvbrowne@wau.edu

Faculty

Angelisa Andrade, M.A.
LaVonne Browne, Ph.D.
Jason Wynter, Ph.D.

Faculty Emeritus

James M. Hammond
Grant Leitma

MISSION STATEMENT

The department’s mission is to provide students with an opportunity for scholarly pursuit that allows them to achieve their desired professional goals while experiencing their own holistic integration of physical, mental, social, and spiritual development.

INTRODUCTION

The Department of Psychology and Counseling offers traditional undergraduate degrees in psychology and counseling psychology. Graduate degrees are also provided by the department through the School of Graduate and Professional Studies (SGPS).

Courses are taught by masters and doctoral-level educators with significant clinical, teaching, and scholarly experience.

As part of a faith-based institution, the psychology department integrates biblical principles into all its courses and programs.

GOALS

The department’s goals are to assist students in mental and spiritual development through the application of these principles, and to enable them to evaluate emotional and spiritual phenomena through an understanding of Christian principles of mental health.

The Department of Psychology serves four separate but related purposes:

1. For the liberal arts major, it provides an opportunity for increased self-understanding and insight into the behavior of others and an adequate foundation for a large number of occupations requiring a baccalaureate degree.
2. For students preparing for other fields dealing with individuals such as medicine, nursing, religion, law, education, business, social work and personnel work it provides important basic knowledge designed to increase competence in these fields.
3. For those planning on graduate study in psychology, it provides an opportunity for a sound foundation for advanced training in industrial, clinical, experimental, educational or social psychology, or research and teaching.

DEPARTMENTAL OBJECTIVES

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Students graduating with BA degree in Psychology will be able to:

1. Describe key concepts, themes, principles and applications in psychology
2. Use critical thinking skills in the research context
3. Conduct basic psychological research and apply ethical principles in the process of the research
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills
5. Apply relevant psychological content and skills in planning their career goals
6. Demonstrate integration of faith and science using biblical principles
7. Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation in the professional context.

Bachelor of Science in Counseling Psychology

Students graduating with BS degree in Counselling Psychology will be able to:

1. Describe key concepts, themes, principles and applications in psychology.
2. Apply relevant psychological content and skills in planning their career goals.
3. Demonstrate ethical and social responsibility in the professional context.
4. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
5. Exhibit self-efficacy and self- regulation in the professional context.
6. Demonstrate evidence-based problem solving and integrative thinking skills
7. Articulate how spirituality plays a role in the wholistic approach to mental health.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Psychology is the study of human behavior and mental processes. It is therefore relevant to any area that involves human interactions. A degree in psychology provides the framework for a broad spectrum of professional endeavor. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 60 percent of those with an educational background in psychology are employed in the areas of management, community and social service, educational instruction and libraries, healthcare, and office or administrative support positions.

The bachelor’s degree in psychology prepares students for graduate or professional studies. Graduates may apply to law school, medical school, or other professional schools.

A bachelor’s degree can also be the foundation for obtaining certification in rapidly growing fields such as applied behavioral analysis (Behavior Analyst Certification Board), addictions counseling (The National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals), or certified Alzheimer caregiver (The National Certification Board for Alzheimer & Aging Care).

The master’s degree is considered the entry degree for practice as a professional counselor. To work as a licensed professional counselor, it is necessary to get a master’s degree. For independent, professional practice in counseling or psychology students will need to pursue graduate studies and sit a national exam to receive state licensure.

Programs

• COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY, B.S.
• PSYCHOLOGY, B.A.

• BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE MINOR
• FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY MINOR
• PSYCHOLOGY MINOR

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