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2024-25 Academic Catalog

PMHS Course Descriptions

Table of Contents

PMHS 104 Mental Health Studies

1 credit hour

This course will provide a brief overview and analysis of concepts in the field of mental health and psychology. An emphasis will be placed on a broad understanding of the field of mental health, career opportunities in the helping professions, and the basic tenets of the study of psychology and stress.

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PMHS 407 Worldview & Identity

3 credit hours

In this course, students will investigate concepts of worldview as it relates to personal identity, cultural assumptions, interpersonal communication, individual decision-making, and faith. Students will explore the roots of the Christian faith and the influence of Christianity on society, seeking to construct a personal worldview that informs their understanding of the meaning of life.

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PMHS 419 Child & Adolescent Development

3 credit hours

This course will introduce students to the theoretical and developmental approaches to child and adolescent development. Emphasis on a biosocial, psychosocial, and cognitive approach to development in childhood and adolescence is explored. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 420 Adult Development & Aging

3 credit hours

This course will introduce students to specific developmental issues and changes during early, middle, and later adulthood. Emphasis on a biosocial, psychosocial, and cognitive approach to development in adulthood and aging is explored. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

3 credit hours

The course introduces students to concepts in family relationships and dynamics. Historic and contemporary family theories are explored as a framework to better understand families. Presents family and group dynamics from a systems perspective.

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PMHS 424 Research Methods & Statistics

3 credit hours

This course is an introduction to the basic methods of qualitative and quantitative research. Focus is on the basic concepts of scientific inquiry as applied to social services. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.

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PMHS 427 Abnormal Psychology

3 credit hours

This course offers an introduction to the types, nature, and causes of major behavioral disorders. Provides insight into behaviors that can have an impact on relationships. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 428 Interpersonal Communications

3 credit hours

This course investigates the role communication plays in creating healthy group relationships. Emphasis is placed on intentional interviewing strategies, verbal and nonverbal communication, effective listening, constructive feedback, and assertiveness in communication. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.

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PMHS 432 Personal & Professional Ethics

3 credit hours

This course is an exploration of personal and professional ethics in the helping professions. Students will examine and develop systems for making ethical decisions. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics.

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PMHS 433 Addiction Disorders

3 credit hours

This course provides an overview of screening, intake, and assessment. It includes recognizing physical health problems, psychological effects, social effects, making recommendations about addiction education, outpatient and inpatient treatment. Topics include, but are not limited to, drug, gambling, and sexual addictions. Prerequisites: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics, PMHS 427 Abnormal Psychology

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PMHS 434 History, Culture, & Theories of Psychology

3 credit hours

This course will introduce students to the history and foundations of psychology with an emphasis on the cultural and global understanding of this discipline. Students will explore schools of thought in psychology including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, Gestalt, and psychoanalysis. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 436 Cognition, Memory, & Language

3 credit hours

This course will explore the vast fields of cognitive psychology, memory, and language. Emphasis will be on developing the student’s understanding of the historical and modern accomplishments of cognitive psychology, the many aspects of memory, and the development and application of the study of language. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 437 Trauma & Coping

3 credit hours

This course will provide an overview and analysis of the concepts of acute stress, trauma, and how to cope with stress and trauma. An emphasis will be placed on crisis management, self-care, building safe relationships, generational trauma, and cultural implications of stress and trauma. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 475 Field Experience

1-9 credit hour

(Optional - by arrangement with the School of Professional Studies) Active internship in the social services field in which the student is employed or seeks employment. Prerequisite: PMHS 421 Family & Group Dynamics

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PMHS 495 Individualized Study

1-4 credit hour

Individualized study or supervised research in an area of special interest to the student which is outside the regular offerings of the major.

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