Majors and Minors
We offer the bachelor of science and bachelor of arts degrees in psychology. The psychology major covers the breadth of modern psychology and requires you to study and master the literature and methods of the field. Courses emphasize fundamental knowledge, techniques of psychological science, practical applications and theory.
By studying psychology at Christopher Newport, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in field experiences, seminars, individual faculty-mentored research opportunities and team research projects.
Sample Courses
An examination of historical and contemporary psychological theories relating to the development, functioning, and modification of personality. A comparative approach is used focusing upon the different perspectives of psychoanalysis, behaviorism and humanistic psychology.
This course is designed to provide students with a foundation in the theories and principles of the science of developmental psychology. The course emphasizes developmental changes, the influence of contexts on development, theories that help us explain development and theoretical applications. In particular, the course focuses on ways in which biological and environmental factors interact to produce individuals’ outcomes.
Presents an overview of how psychology research in areas such as social, clinical, developmental, I/O and cognitive, is applied in areas of the legal system. Topics explored may include police psychology and interrogations and confessions, investigative psychology, consulting with the legal system for court cases and jury selection, eyewitness issues, issues of juvenile development and delinquency, violent crime and victim impact, domestic violence, correctional psychology, civil applications, and child and elder abuse.
A critical appraisal of the primary literature in behavioral medicine and health psychology. An analysis of health enhancing and health-compromising decisions. Topics include stress and coronary prone behaviors, psychoimmunology, obesity, eating disorders, exercise, smoking cessation, hypertension, diabetes and pain management.