Daniels Program
The Liberty University Psychology Daniels Program provides our top students with an opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a variety of research projects. Students are encouraged to solve “real-world” problems, while also investigating salient psychological constructs.
Faculty
- Dr. Jichan Kim
jjkim5@liberty.edu - Dr. Marilyn Peyton
mlgadoms@liberty.edu
- Dr. Brian Kelley
bkelley12@liberty.edu - Mr. Blake Fraser
bafraser@liberty.edu
Course Registration
Students accepted into the Daniels Program enroll in PSYC 495 (2 credits) for the fall and spring semesters (4 credits total).
Benefits
The Daniels Program prepares students for success in graduate school as well as employment in the professional field through on-going mentoring that allows for the application of theory, psychological principles, research methods, and statistics. Students receive advanced training in the research process, and the majority of teams present their findings at state, regional, or national research conferences.
Choosing the Teams
Faculty members form their teams each semester based upon matched interest, qualifications, and availability. A formal application process is used (see below).
Areas of Research
Research studies have addressed questions relating to attachment priming, parenting behaviors, spiritual development in children, social media use, links between exercise and depression, attachment to God, and a variety of other topics.
Student Influence on Projects
All students are part of a research study from conceptualization through dissemination. Student roles vary on Daniels teams. Initially, students help in finding relevant articles and synthesizing content. However, over time, many students assume leadership roles, influence research questions and designs, conduct analyses, and lead conference presentations.
Academic Requirements
One must have successfully completed Psyc 255 and be enrolled in Psyc 354 at the start of the program. In addition, students must have an overall GPA of a 3.5. It is also recommended that Psyc 440 is taken during one’s time on a Daniels team, though this course is not required.
Application
The Daniels Program accepts online applications each spring semester for the following academic year. Applications must be submitted by April 1 by both potential incoming and returning students.