Mar 29, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Department of Psychology, Counseling and Family Science


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Shanna D. Ray, Professor and Chair
J. Dale Alden, Assistant Professor
Holly Catterton Allen, Professor
Justin Briggs, Assistant Professor
Norma J. Bond Burgess, Professor
John D. Conger, Professor
Christopher J. Gonzalez, Associate Professor
Nancy Magnusson Durham, Professor
David M. Morgan, Assistant Professor
Daniel P. Morris, Professor
Melanie Morris, Assistant Professor
Douglas C. A. Riberio, Associate Professor
Frank H. Scott, Assistant Professor
Denis’ A. Thomas, Associate Professor
Paul E. Turner, Professor
DeAndrea Witherspoon Nash, Assistant Professor
 
The mission of the Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science is to aid the student in understanding self and others better in an appreciation of origin, nature, and process of individual difference; equipping students with the knowledge needed by graduates for participation in careers which serve individuals and families in a variety of settings; in preparing for graduate work in psychology, counseling, family therapy, family science, and other related disciplines; and in preparing for greater service in the home, congregation, community, nation and world. This faculty believes that knowledge about individuals and families has practical application in all areas and activities of life.

Distinctives of the Psychology, Counseling and Family Science Department

Family Science
The primary purpose of the family science program is to offer a strong, general bachelor’s degree in family science. The curriculum in family science follows the guidelines set forth by the National Council in Family Relations Certified Family Life Education program. It follows a life-span approach, with courses that include information from pre-natal development to later life and aging. However, the content is always taught from a family systems perspective, applying the information learned in specific courses to the larger family unit as well as families in society. Students then use this education to seek careers serving families in a variety of areas, from child development settings to families with aged members. Many graduates go on to pursue graduate training in some specific area, or seek careers in agencies, churches and other settings that serve families. Lipscomb is fortunate to be in a community with numerous opportunities for internships and further study outside the classroom. In addition, many of the courses have a service component that further enhances and reinforces information gleaned from formal study. Students are also encouraged to participate in professional organizations that offer opportunities for networking and leadership development.
 
Seniors choosing this program coordinate and present the annual Lipscomb Conference on Family Wellness, which brings national scholars, writers, practitioners and programs to campus for public audiences.
 
The Caroline J. Cross chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences was established in 1997 to provide enrichment opportunities to students in this field. It provides financial resources to support and attract noted and distinguished lecturers, scholars and special programs to the Lipscomb campus.
Psychology
The psychology curriculum focuses broadly on the scientific study of human behavior and experience, along with application of that knowledge to mental health and other applied settings. The undergraduate program in psychology strives to be a student-focused environment with faculty who are known for excellence in teaching and advising. We provide our students with a variety of opportunities to excel not only inside but also outside the classroom. For example, students are regularly engaged in internship experiences, work alongside faculty members to conduct psychological research, attend and present research at local conferences, and participate in the activities of the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology. Our department also offers graduate programs in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Clinical Mental Health Counseling, providing a setting for students to pursue professional training as a counselor or psychologist after the completion of their bachelor’s degree.

Career Opportunities

Family Science
  • Child life specialists
  • Early childhood and child development
  • Youth and adolescent development
  • Family service agencies
  • Advocacy and political action
  • Family life education
  • Religious settings
  • Government and international services to families
  • Agencies offering services to the aging
With graduate work, career opportunities include: careers in marriage and family therapy, law, agency leadership, higher education and business.
Psychology
  • Human service agencies
  • Teaching
  • Management and business
  • Human resources
Pursuing graduate training for careers in:
  • Individual and family counseling
  • School counseling
  • Clinical psychology
  • Psychological research
  • Speech-language pathology
  • Education

Program of Study Requirements

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