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.
Major Requirements
Complete the following for your major:
Select one of the following vocational advising tracks:
A. Bioscience Track (24-25 credits)
*Encouraged, but not required for BIOP majors: PSYC 099 Writing for Psychology.
Three to four credits of the following:
B. Allied Health Track (23-24 credits)
| BIOL 185 | Human Anatomy and Physiology I | 4 |
| BIOL 186 | Human Anatomy and Physiology II | 4 |
| BIOL 189 | Genetics for Health Professions | 3 |
| PSYC 099 | Writing for Psychology | 1 |
| CHEM 204 | Organic 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:
Three credits from the following:
Three credits from the following:
Three credits from the following:
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.
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.
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.