At Southern Nazarene University (SNU), adult learners are encouraged to grow both personally and professionally as they prepare for meaningful careers. The new accelerated Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program is designed to help students better understand people, relationships, and human behavior while developing practical skills they can apply in a wide variety of settings.
Behind the development of this online psychology degree program is Kim Hawkins, MAMFT, LPC-S, and Registered Play Therapist. With extensive clinical experience and a passion for helping students connect psychology to everyday life, Hawkins has helped create a program centered on practical application, compassionate understanding, and academic excellence.
Outside the classroom, Hawkins enjoys staying informed through daily news podcasts and reading for both enjoyment and professional growth.
“Most mornings start with a daily news podcast that gives me a quick, unbiased rundown of what’s going on in the world,” she shared. “It’s always a bit of a struggle to decide whether to read for pleasure or for clinical growth, so I usually have two books going at once.”
Among her recent reads are The Women by Kristin Hannah and The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt.
Her curiosity about people and the world around her naturally carries over into her approach to psychology education and program development.
Hawkins believes one of the most valuable aspects of the program is its intentional balance of research, faculty experience, and hands-on learning.
“The program is grounded in APA recommendations, taught by faculty with real clinical experience, and built around assignments that emphasize application,” Hawkins shared. “That combination helps students not just learn psychology, but actually use it.”
Throughout her career, Hawkins has focused on helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, understanding, and practical support. Her work in both clinical practice and higher education has shaped her approach to teaching and program development.
“In higher education, I get to work with students as they grow in their understanding of the practical application of psychology,” Hawkins said. “I want them to see that psychology is not just about theories or diagnoses, but about people, each with a story that deserves care and respect.”
That people-centered approach, which also makes this program an excellent psychology degree for helping professions, is something Hawkins encourages students to embrace from the start.
“Pay attention to people, not just concepts,” she said. “The theories matter, but they only go so far if you lose sight of the person in front of you. Stay curious, listen more than you talk, and be willing to question your assumptions.”
Hawkins also encourages students to remain engaged throughout their coursework and to approach learning with curiosity.
“Success in this program comes from staying engaged with the material,” Hawkins explained. “Ask questions, think about how it connects to your own experience, and don’t settle for the first answer. Take the time to look a little deeper.”
One course Hawkins especially enjoys teaching is Developmental Psychology because it helps students recognize how people can experience and interpret the same events differently.
“It’s interesting to take one life event and examine it through the lens of different theorists,” Hawkins said. “From the beginning, students start to see that people can understand the same experience in different ways. That opens the door to valuing individual perspectives and respecting those differences.”
As Hawkins reflects on her work in psychology and education, she believes the field has a meaningful impact that extends far beyond the classroom.
“Psychology impacts the world for Christ in quiet ways,” Hawkins said. “It shows up in how we listen, how we understand behavior, and how we respond when someone is struggling. When this work is grounded in compassion and truth, it can strengthen relationships and bring more stability to families and communities.”
She hopes students who move through the program leave not only with knowledge, but with a deeper understanding of people and a greater sense of compassion.
“As students move through the program, this often begins to change how they relate to others,” Hawkins explained. “They may listen more, react less quickly, and take time to understand before making assumptions. Over time, this becomes part of who they are, not just how they work.”
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program offered through SNU’s College of Professional and Graduate Studies is designed for students who want to better understand human behavior and make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. The accelerated pace and online format mean that students can learn while continuing to focus on work, family, and other responsibilities.
Whether students are preparing for graduate study, careers in helping professions, or roles that require strong interpersonal understanding, the program equips them with practical knowledge and real-world perspective.
With experienced faculty, application-focused coursework, and a Christ-centered foundation, students are encouraged to grow academically, professionally, and personally through their educational journey.