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Biopsychology (B.S.)

Program Overview

The Biopsychology major is one of only two such programs within the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU).  Examining the biological basis of behavior and cognition, this hybrid major bridges the fields of biological and psychological sciences and is available with two advising tracks. The Bioscience advising track prepares students for medical or neurobiology graduate programs as well as immediate post-graduate employment in research-related fields. The Allied-Health track prepares students for post-graduate studies in occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and physician assistant programs or immediate post-graduate employment in healthcare-related fields.  Coursework within the major explores neuroscience, research methods and experimental psychology. Courses within the Biosciences track emphasize cellular and molecular biology while the Allied Health track concentrates on human anatomy and physiology. Students are encouraged to contact the Pre-Health Professions Advising Coordinator for guidance navigating graduate entrance requirements.  For example, in addition to two semesters of Organic Chemistry, students pursuing medical school should add Biochemistry, Calculus, Physics I and II, and Sociology in preparation for the MCAT.

Biopsychology majors can choose from a variety of minors such as bible, business, chemistry, communication, early childhood education, Christian ministries, gerontology, human development and family science, mathematics, 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 medical research labs, community mental health centers, retirement facilities, hospitals, prisons, crisis intervention centers, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, and other service agencies in the area.

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates from Messiah’s Biopsychology program can:

  1. Identify and explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology, developing a sophisticated understanding of individual human behavior.
  2. Input and analyze data using appropriate SPSS methods;
  3. Design, execute, analyze, and systematically report research results
  4. Integrate and interpret multiple test data.
  5. Reflect on experiences (academic/ volunteer/internship/employment) that shaped their current sense of vocation and articulate how those experiences impact future vocational goals.
  6. Articulate how faith connects to Psychology and to potential career options in the field of Psychology

Major Requirements

Complete the following for your major:

CHEM 105General Chemistry I

4
CHEM 106General Chemistry II

4
PSYC 101Introduction to Psychology

3
PSYC 209Life Span Development

3
PSYC 272Research Methods in Psychology

3
PSYC 350Biological Basis of Behavior

3
PSYC 351Sensation and Perception

3
PSYC 408Experimental Psychology

3
BIOL 470Neuroscience

3

1 The Bioscience track prepares students for medical or neurobiology graduate programs as well as immediate post-graduate employment in research-related fields. The Allied-Health track prepares students for post-graduate studies in occupational therapy, neuropsychology, and physician assistant programs or immediate post-graduate employment in healthcare-related fields.

Students are encouraged to contact the Pre-Health Professions Advising Coordinator for guidance navigating graduate entrance requirements.  For example, in addition to two semesters of Organic Chemistry, students pursuing medical school should add Biochemistry, Calculus, Physics I and II, and Sociology in preparation for the MCAT. 

2 Students in the Bioscience track are encouraged, but not required, to take PSYC 099 Writing for Psychology.  Students in theAllied-Health track are encouraged, but not required, to take BIOL 171 Biological Sciences Cornerstone.

3 PSYC 408 Writing in the major requirement.

⁴ Students in either track may choose one or two semesters of organic chemistry, opting for either CHEM 204, or CHEM 309 and CHEM 310.  If CHEM 204 is selected, students must complete two of the selected major electives available to their track; or one selected major elective if CHEM 309 and CHEM 310 are selected.

⁵ QuEST Mathematical Science requirement is met by major if students select STAT 269.

6 Philosophy PHIL 101 or PHIL 102 is a pre-requisite for SCIE 495 Natural Sciences Capstone.

Select one of the following vocational advising tracks:

A. Bioscience Track (24-25 credits)

BIOL 170Cell and Animal Physiology

4
BIOL 171Biological Sciences Cornerstone

1
BIOL 172Diversity of Life and Plant Science

4
BIOL 260Genetics

4
CHEM 309Organic Chemistry I

4
CHEM 310Organic Chemistry II

4

*Encouraged, but not required for BIOP majors: PSYC 099 Writing for Psychology.

Three to four credits of the following:
BIOL 265Microbiology

4
BIOL 348Animal Behavior

3
BIOL 375Developmental Biology

3
BIOL 380Genomics and Disease

4
BIOL 416Cancer and Cell Biology

4
BIOL 418Immunology

3
BIOL 460Physiology

4
BIOL 465Gross Anatomy

4
 

B. Allied Health Track (23-24 credits)

BIOL 185Human Anatomy and Physiology I

4
BIOL 186Human Anatomy and Physiology II

4
BIOL 189Genetics for Health Professions

3
PSYC 099Writing for Psychology

1
CHEM 204Organic Chemistry for the Life Sciences

4

Students in the Allied-Health track are encouraged, but not required, to take BIOL 171 Biological Sciences Cornerstone.

Seven to eight credits from the following:
BIOL 265Microbiology

4
BIOL 348Animal Behavior

3
BIOL 460Physiology

4
BIOL 465Gross Anatomy

4

Three credits from the following:

PSYC 271Statistical Methods in Psychology

3
STAT 269Introductory Statistics

3

Three credits from the following:

PSYC 319Abnormal Psychology

3
PSYC 345Cognition

3

Three credits from the following:

PSYC 494Psychology Seminar

3
SCIE 495Natural Sciences Capstone

3

QuEST Requirements

Experiential Learning requirement 0
QuEST requirements Credits
First Year Seminar 3
Oral Communication 3
Created and Called for Community (W) 3
Mathematical Sciences 3 or 4
Laboratory Science (BIOL 170, BIOL 172 or CHEM 105) met/major
Science, Technology & the World waived
Social Science (PSYC 101) met/major
European History or U.S. History 3
Literature 3
Philosophy and Religion 3
Arts 3
First Semester of Language 3
Second Semester of Language 3
Third Semester of Language or Cross Cultural 3
Non-Western Studies 2 or 3
Bible 3
Christian Beliefs 3
Wellness course 1
Ethics, World Views or Pluralism 3
QuEST requirements 45-47
Major requirements 61-63
Free electives 17-13
Total credits 123