Department of Psychology, Counseling, and Family Science

Shanna D. Ray, Chair, 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.

Families are society’s most vital institution. The primary purpose of the family science program is to offer a degree program with specific tracks that can help aid students in their professional and career pursuits. These tracks include the following: Child and Family Services; Child and Family Spiritual Formation; Child Life Specialist; Family Life Education; and Mental Health Professions. The curriculum follows the guidelines set forth by the National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) for the Certified Family Life Education (CFLE) credential. The program follows a lifespan approach, with courses that include topics ranging from prenatal development to relationships in later life as well as a family systems perspective that applies course material to the larger family unit and families in society. Students can use these tracks to enter into careers serving families in a variety of areas such as child development centers, long-term care facilities, community agencies, churches and faith-based organizations, and other organizations that partner with families. Since Lipscomb is located in the Nashville area, there are numerous opportunities for students to complete internships and for learning experiences outside the classroom. Also, many of the courses have a service component that further enhances and reinforces information gleaned from course. 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.

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 International 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.  Students who wish to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in psychology can apply to the bridge program, allowing them to complete the B.S. and M.S. in Psychology in 4-5 years. 

With graduate work, career opportunities include marriage and family therapy, law, agency leadership, higher education, and business.

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