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Department of Psychology and Family Studies
Mission Statement
The mission of the Department of Psychology and Family Studies is to educate students about the theories in the field of Psychology and Family Studies, and to encourage the use of this knowledge to improve their chosen professions, churches and communities. We especially emphasize the science of psychology and train our students to use an empirical approach, based on the use of the scientific method, for understanding human behavior, and the integration of that scientific approach with a Christian world-view.
Program Goals
- Broad exposure to the basic concepts, theories, findings, and ethical issues of psychology, and an increased understanding of how these issues can be understood and integrated with the Christian world-view based on faith.
- Education in the scientific method including hands-on research opportunities. All graduates in the pre-graduate school tracks will complete an original empirical research paper and will present the results at a state conference. This project is a year-long senior-level experience and is part of the academic sequence. Students are also encouraged to engage in research activities off campus as part of a senior-level Research Practicum course, as well as working independently with faculty on research projects.
- Strong critical thinking, written and verbal communication skills.
- Applied experience through internship and practicum opportunities at community organizations.
Psychology
The OC psychology program will put you in the center of the action. Whether doing original research projects, hosting conferences or working with fellow students in Psi Chi, the national honor society in psychology, you will be challenged and prepared for a career in the field of psychology. And most importantly, this program keeps Christ at the center of your preparation for the future.
Oklahoma Christian offers two major degree programs in psychology. The B.S. degree is a pre-professional degree that emphasizes the preparing of the student for graduate school. Those student who wish to pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees are encouraged to pursue the B.S. degree. The vast majority of students at OC are in the B.S. degree program. The B.A. degree has as its emphasis a strong general education in the field of psychology for those students who may not want to go on for graduate work. The department recognizes that graduate school is not for everyone and also understands the value of having a general liberal arts degree in today's world. Enough preparatory classes are required that if a student later decides to seek admission into a graduate program, only a small number of leveling courses will typically be required.
Please explore the information on this web page and feel free to email any questions you may have about Psychology at Oklahoma Christian to Chair of the Department, Dr Ryan Newell.
Family Studies
Family studies is one of the fastest growing programs at OC. Our academic programs equip students to serve in careers that support and nurture families. In addition, the Institute for Marriage and Family, located on campus, provides numerous opportunities to participate in the strengthening of families. Whether in family counseling, child care, or social services, a graduate of the Family Studies program is prepared to make a difference.
Oklahoma Christian offers two major programs in family studies. The B.S. Degree in Family Studies is a pre-professional degree that emphasizes the preparing of students for graduate school. Those students who wish to pursue advanced degrees, either the master’s or doctorate, are encouraged to pursue this degree rather than the B.S. degree in Family Studies/Child Development. With the growth of marriage and family graduate school programs and the increasing influence of systems theory in psychology, the need to prepare students for study as marriage and family counselors is increasing.
The B.S. degree in Family Studies/Child Development provides students with a broad, general approach to the study of the family. This degree is primarily intended for those students who do not wish to pursue graduate school.
Recent Activities of the Psychology and Family Studies Department
On March 26th-27th 2010, Dr. Ryan Newell took 10 students to the 30th Annual Great Plains Student Psychology Convention in St. Joseph, Missouri. 6 empirical studies that were completed this year were presented and won 4 awards competing against students from Universities from Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska. The following students received awards for their studies; Jennifer Rosenbalm won first place in her section with her study "The effects of gender and attire on perceived levels of expertness and recall", Tim Wills won second place for his research titled "The effects of winning and losing feedback on cognitive performance", Jillian Holley and Anastasia Marquez won second place for their paper "If you're happy and you know it: The effects of mood and gum on the recall of words", while Susan Hardin and Lacy Rosenbalm won third place for their project, "Presenter effects on test-taking and stress levels." With a total of 180 presenters, this is one of the largest undergraduate research conferences, and we are very proud of the accomplishments of our graduating Psychology and Family Studies majors.
Send email to ryan.newell@oc.edu with questions or comments about this web site.
Faculty Facts
Dr. Ryan Newell, Professor of Psychology and Family Studies, teaches courses in Research Methods, Statistics, Abnormal Psychology, Cybernetics, and Systems Theory. Newell is an active member of the American Psychological Society, serves as president for the Oklahoma Psychological Society, and maintains a private practice in marriage and family therapy.
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