Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sociology
| Department Chair: |
John I. Bechtold |
| Assistant Chair: |
Malcolm Gold |
| Administrative Assistant: |
Bridgette Watkins |
| Professors: |
J. Bechtold, H. Danso, M. Gold, C. Jantzi, V. Lemmon, J. Paris |
| Associate Professors: |
C. Lane, J. Thomson |
| Senior Lecturer: |
D. Brockman |
Majors and Minors
The Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sociology offers the following majors:
Biopsychology (B.S.)
Criminal Justice (B.A.)
Psychology (B.A.) with optional concentration in Clinical Psychology (B.S.)
Psychology (B.S.)
Psychology (B.S.) with Pre-Occupational Therapy/Occupational Therapy (MOT)
Sociology and Anthropology (B.A.)
Sustainability Studies (B.A.) with a concentration in Community and Urban Development
The Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sociology offers the following minors:
Criminal Justice
Gender Studies
Pre-counseling and Therapy
Psychology
Sociology and Anthropology
The Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice, and Sociology provides a comprehensive examination of human behavior through various disciplinary lenses; from the human as an individual (Psychology), to the human as a social being (Sociology and Anthropology), to issues of criminality, deviance, and social control (Criminal Justice). Coursework and experiences in the department prepare the student for multiple means of engagement for service and reconciliation in church and society. While no one lens captures completely the complexity of human behavior, each lens contributes to a deeper and more sophisticated understanding than a mere surface observation of the ‘person’ in context.
Psychology
Each of the degrees in Psychology help students develop a more sophisticated understanding of the person. Psychology students will examine such mental phenomena as consciousness, perception, learning, memory, intelligence, interpersonal relations, motivation, and development in childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
Students who want more flexibility in their degree may choose to pursue a B.A. degree. Students who wish to earn a degree that is more directly related to science may choose to pursue a B.S. degree. Students who may wish to become counselors or seek an entry-level position in counseling-related field may choose to pursue the B.A. with a clinical concentration. Some graduate schools prefer applicants who have a B.S. degree while other schools do not have a preference between the B.A. or the B.S. Students are encouraged to talk with their advisor at Messiah so that he or she can help them make the best decision about which degree to choose.
The Department of Psychology, Criminal Justice and Sociology offers both clinically oriented courses such as personality, counseling theories, psychological testing, and counseling skills, and experimentally oriented courses such as biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, cognition, and social psychology. In addition, courses in statistics, research methods, and experimental psychology provide students with the experiences and knowledge necessary to either continue their study in graduate school or seek employment immediately following graduation.
Psychology Majors can choose from a variety of minors such as Bible, business, communication, early childhood education, Christian ministries, gerontology, human development and family science, sociology, criminal justice, or anthropology. Students in our majors are encouraged to spend a semester studying abroad and/or participate in a practicum or internship off campus. Opportunities are available for professionally supervised participation in community mental health centers, retirement facilities, hospitals, prisons, crisis intervention centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, and other service agencies in the area.
Sociology and Anthropology
Sociology and Anthropology students improve life for others, promote social justice, and bridge cultural divides in service of humanity. They are adaptive, lifelong learners who thrive in a fast-changing and diverse world. During their studies at Messiah University, students gain a greater understanding of society through study abroad programs, internships, and service-learning opportunities. The Sociology and Anthropology major is efficient and flexible, allowing students to pursue a minor and/or study abroad options.