Beginning in the fall of 2014, a new applied psychology completion program will be launched. The program is geared toward individuals who did not have the opportunity to finish college yet have at least 45 transferable units. To be eligible for admittance, the student must have been out of high school for at least five years.

Remaining congruent with Biola's biblically integrated education, each student in this 130-unit program will earn a minor in biblical studies, which is outlined on the program's website. This hybrid class will take place both online and in the classroom with a completion rate of about two years.

Psychology was chosen as the first major in this program because it is one of the fastest growing segments in the workplace, with a projected growth of about 53 percent in the next 10 years.

IN THE CLASSROOM AND ONLINE

Additionally, when psychology is integrated with the Bible, there are many careers available for anyone who is interested in ministry, social work or community service, according to Gary Kiker, the program’s academic success coach.

“We need to know what makes people tick, no matter where we are,” he said.

The seven-week-long hybrid course will primarily be online. However, two weeks of the session will be held directly at Biola. By having these on-campus meetings, Kevin Van Lant, associate professor of psychology, hopes to strengthen the sense of community that this group of individuals wants to have.

“This population, ages 25-45, really prefers a hybrid course because they have the opportunity to really be with each other,” Van Lant said.

ONE COACH

As this is a relatively new program, the faculty is still trying to figure out what works best for these students. One aspect that is unique from the traditional undergraduate approach to study is the use of an academic success coach. Kiker will serve the students in this position.

“I’m their coach, I’m their go-to guy. They obviously can’t come on campus and go to Metzger or to the library or go to financial aid whenever they want to. So they’re going to come to me,” he said.

Kiker will not only serve as the students’ academic coach, but also as their life coach to aid in keeping them on track and helping them in whatever way he can.

Despite the fact that there is essentially only one professor and one success coach, Biola's many departments are excited for the start of this new program.

“We’re working with the registrar’s office, financial aid, accounting, IT — all of the departments are coming together to support this,” Kiker said.

Kiker is encouraging traditional Biola undergraduates to ask themselves if there is anyone they know who may benefit from this unique style of learning, which allows those balancing a busy lifestyle to obtain not only a degree in psychology, but also the much-sought-after Bible minor the university offers.

“We’re really excited about the program and about where it’s going,” Van Lant said. “It’s been three years in the making. We’re looking forward to seeing what God has in store for us.”