B.A. in Psychology

Psychology

The Psychology program at Welch College focuses on counseling from a biblical worldview in order to help you see what God intended for proper function. Your studies will include a solid foundation in theological study and psychological theory from a Christian perspective.

Coursework focuses on human behavior and development, listening and assessment techniques, counseling theory, and skill building.

Whether you are looking to attend graduate school or go immediately into the workplace, a degree from the Welch College Psychology program will help you analyze human thought and behavior from business to ministry to social work.

Program Details

41 hours of Arts and Sciences Core 30 hours of Theological Studies Core 41 hours of Psychology Core 12 hours Electives 124 – Total credit hours

Sample Core Courses

PSY 2302. GROUP AND INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS – The class will focus on how individuals interact within a larger social context. Particular attention will be given to culture, subcultures, ethnicity, and their effect on the individual’s cognitions, emotions, and behavior. PSY 2401. LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT – A survey of the biological and environmental factors influencing physical, spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and language development from conception until death. Explores child, adolescent, and adult stages of life. Includes causes and results of interruption in or interference with the developmental and learning processes. PSY 3201. PHYSIOLOGY OF BEHAVIOR – This course is designed to take an in-depth view of how behavior occurs physiologically. Particular attention is given to anatomical and chemical causes of behavior. PSY/MIN 3601. CHRISTIAN COUNSELING – Acquaints the student with basic principles involved in Christian counseling, with attention to Biblical principles involved, the place of counseling in the local church, and problems facing the pastor and others as they attempt to help people through counseling. The student will develop an understanding of counseling philosophy, skills, and technique appropriate to a local church setting.

The National Association of Free Will Baptists founded the college as Free Will Baptist Bible College in 1942. The Board of Education of the National Association chose Nashville as an ideal site for the new college, centrally located among the major centers of the denominational population in the Southeast, Southwest, and Midwest.

In 2012 the college changed its name to Welch College to signify its development into a more comprehensive Christian college. The college is named for John L. Welch and his wife Mary. Welch was the leading figure in bringing together eastern and western Free Will Baptists to establish the National Association of Free Will Baptists in 1935, having served as the first moderator and secretary of education of that association. In addition to Dr. L. C. Johnson, Welch College has been led by four presidents: L. R. Ennis (1944-1947), Dr. Charles A. Thigpen (1979-1990), Dr. C. Thomas Malone (1990-2002), and Dr. J. Matthew Pinson (2002-present). Today the College enrolls over 400 students annually from approximately 25 states and several international countries.