Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Online Program Course List
Curriculum Requirements
- General Education: 42 Credit Hours
- Psychology Core Courses: 27 Credit Hours
- Psychology Electives: 18 Credit Hours
- Free Electives: 33 Credit Hours
All courses are 3 semester credits in length.
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Required Courses
Students are required to take 9 core courses (27 credit hours) as follows:
This course is designed to provide a broad, general overview of the field and introduce basic concepts and ideas central to contemporary psychology. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, human development, learning and cognition, motivation and emotion, intelligence, personality, psychological disorders, ethics and social thought.
This course will introduce you to statistical concepts and tests used in psychological research as well as analysis and computation.
Review of quantitative and qualitative scientific research methods
used to investigate psychological questions. Emphasis on gathering
and evaluating information from multiple sources, synthesizing findings
from available literature into specific research questions, and designing
effective methods to address those questions. Emphasis on critical
thinking, problem solving, and developing writing skills in a style
appropriate to the discipline of psychology.
Prerequisite: PSY101, PSY210
Application of the theories and research in psychology to industrial and
social organizations, including topics such as personnel, human factors,
organizational development, and welfare of the consumer. Examination
of the ethical and legal dimensions of conducting psychological
research and practice in the workplace.
Prerequisite: PSY101
The basic theory, principles, and techniques of counseling and its
application to professional counseling settings are explained. Also
considered are the various theories of counseling and issues in the
practice of professional counseling.
Prerequisite: PSY101
Interviewing Techniques is an applied course designed to develop
basic relationship building, interviewing, reporting, problem-solving
and decision-making skills with diverse clients. The focus is on fundamentals
and techniques that cut across multiple interviewing situations.
The fundamentals and techniques learned will prepare students for
current real-world applications. For those students planning to attend
graduate school, the fundamentals and techniques learned will serve
as a foundation for the development and refinement of clinical skills.
Prerequisite: PSY101
Survey of theory and research on cognitive, emotional, and social development during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
-or-
Survey of theory and research on human social behavior, including topics such as aggression, attitudes, attribution, group dynamics, interpersonal relations, and prejudice and stereotypes. Emphasis on the diversity of human experience and ethical conflicts in psychological research and practice.
Survey of relationships of physiological processes, especially nervous
system functioning, to behavior. Emphasis on current, interdisciplinary
research findings on brain and behavior and their applications.
Prerequisite: Natural science course
-or-
This course provides an introduction to theories and research on cognition and learning, especially topics such as knowledge acquisition, language, memory, thinking and the biological basis of learning and cognition. Applications to the assessment and treatment of human problems in a variety of organizational settings in education and mental health are also discussed.
Capstone Course. Advanced seminar on topics from the natural and social sciences knowledge bases of the discipline. A portfolio of papers and projects from prior coursework will be completed, including a literature review. This course ties together the theories and methods of psychology as a science and practice, and is a scholarly integration of ethics, diversity, and effective written and oral communication skills developed during the baccalaureate program.
General Education Requirements
Students are required to take 14 general education courses as follows:
Elective Requirements
Students are required to complete 6 elective courses (18 credit hours) in psychology and behavioral sciences. The following is a partial list of the available courses.
Students Choose At Least Six of the Following
This course enables students to gain an understanding of the issues resulting from children's exposure to violence. Topics examined include community violence, war and terrorism, peer victimization, media violence, and familial abuse and maltreatment. In addition, best practices in prevention and intervention programming are highlighted, as well as a dialogue encouraging students to examine their own beliefs about the nature and impact of violence our world.
Examination of human sexuality as expressed in attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors. Analysis of research methods and findings on social and developmental psychological aspects of sexuality, including dysfunction and its treatment.
In this course students discover how psychology helps us understand religious behavior and experience. We investigate the meaning and value of religious faith as interpreted through the major psychological schools. Students reflect upon their own past spiritual development and consider its future possibilities. They also probe into reasons why religion sometimes “gets sick” and what factors contribute to religious health.
Multidisciplinary perspectives on the biological, psychological, and social issues of aging, including affective, cognitive, and physiological changes and the social effects of increasingly older population demographics in a diverse and global society.
Examination of how an understanding and respect for the diversity of class, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual orientation differences contribute to the scientific study of human behavior. Cross-cultural research is also explored.
This course examines psychoanalytic, biological, behavioral, cognitive, trait, humanistic, and interactionist theoretical approaches to understanding personality. Strengths and weaknesses of the various approaches are noted. Where available, modern research is integrated with each theoretical approach. Thoughtful evaluation of the eight approaches is emphasized, as is integration of theories to create a rich and multi-faceted picture of human personality. Practical applications to gender and cultural/ethnic differences are noted. Assignments are designed to foster student awareness and reflection concerning personal assumptions about personality. The assignments also encourage students to practice critical thinking skills when evaluating the eight approaches and the related research.
This course provides the student with a body of knowledge concerning the recognition, classification, course, prognosis, and treatment of the range of human problems usually defined as psychological disorders. Human problems are examined within the framework of the DSM-IV TR classification system. In addition, students will be exposed to the various ethical issues and dilemmas associated with identifying, classifying and treating behavior as maladaptive or pathological. The role gender and culture play in identifying, classifying and treating behavior as maladaptive or pathological will also be explored.
In-depth examination of assessment processes and measurement
strategies for aptitudes, intelligence, interests, performance, and
personality of diverse populations. Ethical, legal, and social issues in
test theory, construction, and evaluation. Emphasis on psychometric
properties.
Prerequisite: PSY210.
In-depth examination of research findings and personal beliefs and attitudes about disabling conditions and their effects on families, communities, and the larger society. Ethical and legal issues in the assessment, evaluation, and treatment of disabled persons in educational, mental health, and organizational settings.
Students are asked to explore the legal, ethical and professional choices faced by social service workers and chemical dependency counselors. Topics include confidentiality, counselor values, client rights, the licensure process, complaint procedures, informed consent, and standards of care. A multicultural perspective is used throughout the course.
Development of the discipline of psychology from its philosophical roots to the present, with an emphasis on the last 100 years. In-depth examination of psychology as a science, practice, and sociocultural force in contemporary times. Emphasis on critical thinking, writing skills, and critical history research methods.
Concentrations
Criminal Justice Concentration
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Degree Completion Program may take an optional concentration in Criminal Justice. The Criminal Justice concentration offers coursework for students interested in the causes, treatment, and impact of crime on communities. Students examine psychological perspectives on the offender, including the history and theories of criminal justice. Policies and procedures of criminal justice, legal, and mental health settings will also be explored. Students also learn about effective treatment approaches that are effective with offenders, particularly substance abuse treatment.
In-depth examination of the theories and methods of forensic psychology and their applications to the policies and procedures of criminal justice, legal, and mental health settings.
This course aims to provide students with an understanding of psychology as it has been applied to crime and criminal justice. The course examines psychological perspectives on the offender, ranging from the examination of offenders' individual characteristics, such as intelligence, to integrated theories of offending behavior.
This course studies the sociological and social psychological foundations of crime and delinquency. Topics include the definition and meaning of crime and delinquency, the etiology of crime and delinquency, the history and development of criminal law, and criminal behavior.
This course will examine treatment and intervention approaches that are effective with the offenders in correctional settings. Such topics to be introduced are drug and alcohol treatment in correctional institutions, treatment modalities, principles of the therapeutic communities, characteristics and traits of the offender and issues related to the transition into the community.
Organizational Psychology Concentration
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Degree Completion Program may take an optional concentration in Organizational Psychology. The primary goal of the Organizational Psychology concentration is to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to qualify for entry-level management or leadership positions in a variety of organizations.
Students Choose Four of the Following
This course examines small-group interactions and the processes that groups experience as they make decisions and complete tasks. Individual member traits, leadership, and intergroup conflict are also examined.
This course examines the skills for understanding and leading individuals and groups in attaining both personal and organizational objectives. The basic concepts of motivation, control change, team building, and developing effective relationships in diverse work environments are examined. Proactive leadership devices such as organizational development, decision making, and influence techniques are presented.
Students explore the values and perceptions of the workforce through an analysis of policies and practices of recruitment, selection, training, development, and compensation of employees. Special attention is placed on problem solving, case studies, and simulations associated with human resource management.
This course examines concepts and strategies for managing change in the business environment. Emphasis is given to the recognition of human diversity and strategies associated with organizational change in the workplace. Processes, procedures, and skills for managing change are also discussed.
This course is designed to teach students how to manage the increasingly multicultural workforce in the United States. Students are exposed to the basic concepts and issues of intercultural communication and cross-cultural relations, and explore the challenge that managing cultural diversity presents to both organizations and individuals.
Substance Abuse Concentration
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Degree Completion Program may take an optional concentration in Substance Abuse. The primary goal of the Substance Abuse concentration is to help students acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies they need to qualify for entry-level substance abuse management or leadership positions in a variety of health-related organizations.
The biological, psychological, and social effects of mood-altering substances and behaviors, as well as their implications for the addiction process, are reviewed. Psychopharmacology of substances is emphasized, and effects on health are covered. Cultural norms and the disease concept/model are considered.
This course is an introduction to family systems, focusing on the effects of addiction pertaining to family roles and behavior patterns. The impact of mood-altering substances and behaviors as they relate to the family are discussed, along with multicultural and transgenerational issues. Students are introduced to family interventions and treatment.
This course covers all aspects of treatment with attention to readiness to change. Students are introduced to the core functions of individual and group chemical dependency counseling, including screening, orientation, intake, assessment, treatment planning, counseling, case management, crisis intervention, relapse prevention, client education, referral, reports and record-keeping, and consultation.
This course is a continuation of Substance Abuse Treatment I (PSY482).
It explores in greater depth the core functions of chemical dependency
counseling, as well as readiness to change. The course is designed
for students who plan to pursue licensure as substance abuse/chemical
dependency practitioners.
Prerequisite: PSY482
Capstone Seminar Requirements
Students will select a Capstone Seminar (3 credit hours) appropriate to their occupational goals. The options are an internship or volunteer experience with a portfolio assignment, or Advanced General Psychology (PSY492) and a portfolio assignment.
Capstone Course. Advanced seminar on topics from the natural and social sciences knowledge bases of the discipline. A portfolio of papers and projects from prior coursework will be completed, including a literature review. This course ties together the theories and methods of psychology as a science and practice, and is a scholarly integration of ethics, diversity, and effective written and oral communication skills developed during the baccalaureate program.
