General Education (42 Credits)
Students must complete the following General Education requirements:
- 6 credit hours in academic and interpersonal skills, PSY180 and ASP100. Courses must be taken in the first semester and no transfer of credit is accepted for either course.
- 6 credit hours in Communications including ENG101
- 6 credit hours in Humanities
- 6 credit hours in Social Sciences including PSY101
- 6 credit hours in Natural Science
- 6 credit hours in Mathematics
- 6 credit hours in elective courses (in any general education distribution area)
Core Requirements (33 Credits)
PSY210 Psychological Statistics
This course will introduce you to statistical concepts and tests used in psychological research as well as analysis and computation.
PSY260 Child and Adolescent Psychology
This course provides an introduction to development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Major theories and research methods in developmental psychology will be discussed. Topics include physical, socio-emotional, moral, and cognitive development. The course examines family, school, and community practices and experiences which contribute to the integrated personality of the individual.
PSY302 Research Methods
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
PSY362 Personality Theories
This course examines theoretical models of personality structure and development. Relevant research and psychometric methods are discussed. Students will explore the impact of culture on both theory and measurement.
PSY363 Cognitive Psychology
This course presents an overview of the major topics in cognitive psychology including perception, attention, memory, imagery, knowledge representation, categorization, problem solving, language, decision making, and reasoning. Theories dealing with these issues will be reviewed with an emphasis on current research findings and applications.
PSY405 Interviewing Techniques
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
PSY310 Social Psychology
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.
PSY350 Physiological Psychology
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
PSY381 Abnormal Psychology
This course focuses on biopsychosocial models of psychological disorders and maladaptive patterns of behavior. Human behaviors are examined within the framework of the DSM-IV TR classification system. Students explore multicultural views of human behavior and potential ethical dilemmas associated with classifying or describing behavior as pathological or maladaptive.
PSY430 Ethics in Psychology
This course explores legal, ethical, and professional choices in the human services field. Topics include confidentiality, professional values, client rights, scope of practice, complaint procedures, informed consent, and standards of care. A multicultural perspective is used throughout the course.
PSY492 Advanced General Psychology (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.
Concentration Requirements
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Program may take an optional concentration in Criminal Justice, Organizational Psychology, Substance Abuse, Advanced Studies, Human Services,
or Child and Adolescent Studies. There are 12 credit hours in each Concentration needed for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Program. Students may choose one:
Criminal Justice
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology 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.
Students with a concentration are required to take these 4 courses. The concentration courses not applied to a student’s concentration may also be taken as electives.
PSY422 Forensic Psychology
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.
PSY494 Substance Abuse Treatment in the Criminal Justice System
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.
PSY498 Psychology and the Criminal Mind
This course provides students with an understanding of psychology as it has been applied to criminal behavior. The course applies psychological perspectives to examine offenders’ individual characteristics, such as intelligence, personality, and psychopathology. Biopsychosocial theories of offending behavior are explored.
PSY303 Introduction to Crime and Causes
This course provides a historical overview of theories of crime and causes, as well as current approaches to understanding deviant behavior. Students study environmental, cultural, developmental, and biological influences on the manifestation of individual and group criminal behavior. The course explores criminal behavior at various stages of the life span.
Organizational Psychology
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology 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 with a concentration are only required to take 4 of these courses. The concentration courses not applied to a student’s concentration may also be taken as electives.
MGT411 Human Resource Management
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.
PSY320 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
This course surveys individual behavior and groups in organizations and the application of this knowledge for improving organizational effectiveness and the welfare of people who work in organizations. The course provides an overview of both applied individual differences, such as personnel selection, job design, and training, and organizational influences, such as emotions in the workplace, group behavior, motivation, and leadership. Ethical and legal dimensions of conducting psychological research and practice in the workplace are also explored.
BUS381 Solutions Focused Leadership
This course examines the process by which leaders and team members generate alternatives and select appropriate courses of action to meet organizational objectives. Competing principles of leadership are considered and the characteristics of effective leadership across multiple settings are considered.
PSY415 Psychological Assessment (3 credit hours)
In-depth examination of assessment processes and measurement strategies for aptitudes, intelligence, interests, performance, and personality of diverse population. Ethical, legal, and social issues in test theory, construction, and evaluation. Emphasis on psychometric properties.
Prerequisite: PSY210
Substance Abuse
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology 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.
Students with a concentration are only required to take 4 of these courses. The concentration courses not applied to a student’s concentration may also be taken as electives.
PSY481 Substance Abuse and the Family
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.
PSY370 Introduction to Addiction and Addictive Behavior
This introductory course provides an overview of addictions and substance abuse, including alcoholism and drug abuse. It introduces both the physiological and psychological characteristics of substance abuse and its effect in various life areas. Both individual and family dynamics are covered, as well as ideas for treatment options and recovery. Cross addiction and dual-diagnosis are discussed.
PSY496 Substance Abuse Assessment
This course covers substance abuse assessment, motivational interviewing, and the theory of change with an emphasis on screening, intake, orientation, assessment, and treatment planning. Topics include a broad overview of standardized screening and assessment instruments commonly used by substance abuse counselors. Implications of ethics and diversity are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY370
PSY497 Substance Abuse Treatment
This course covers substance abuse treatment and co-occurring disorders with an emphasis on counseling, case-management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and record-keeping, and consultation. Treatment will be examined from multiple theoretical perspectives. Individual and group counseling techniques are covered. Implications of ethics and diversity are discussed.
Prerequisite: PSY496
Advanced Studies
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Program may take an optional concentration in Advanced Studies.
Students with a concentration are required to take these 4 courses. The concentration courses not applied to a student’s concentration may also be taken as electives.
PSY383 Learning and Behavior
This course examines basic learning and motivation processes that allow organisms to acquire new knowledge and adapt to their environments. A special emphasis is placed on the social context of theories of learning and their implications of behavioral adjustment for applied practice. These learning processes include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, categorization, and others. Applications to behavioral analysis and modification are explored.
PSY384 Sensation and Perception
This course examines the relationship between physiological processes and factors such as experience and context in how the sensory and nervous systems construct our perception of the world. Topics include basic sensory physiology, psychophysics, visual perception, auditory perception, tactile perception, and the chemical senses. Theories dealing with these issues are reviewed with an emphasis on current research findings and applications. Students gain first-hand experience in carrying out perceptual experiments.
PSY415 Psychological Assessment
This course provides an in-depth examination of measurement strategies and psychometric properties, for the assessment of aptitudes, intelligence, interests, performance, and personality of diverse populations. Ethical, legal, and social issues in test theory, construction, and evaluation are examined.
Prerequisite: PSY210
PSY450 History and Systems
This course reviews the development of the discipline of psychology from its philosophical roots to the present, with an emphasis on the last 100 years. This course includes an in-depth examination of psychology as a science, practice, and sociocultural force in contemporary times. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking and writing skills.
Prerequisite: PSY210
Human Services
Students enrolled in the BA in Psychology Program may take an optional concentration in Human Services.
Students with a concentration are required to take these 4 courses. The concentration courses not applied to a student’s concentration may also be taken as electives.
PSY370 Introduction to Addictions and Addictive Behavior
This introductory course provides an overview of addictions and substance abuse, including alcoholism and drug abuse. It introduces both the physiological and psychological characteristics of substance abuse and its effect in various life areas. Both individual and family dynamics are covered, as well as ideas for treatment options and recovery. Cross addiction and dual-diagnosis are discussed.
PSY383 Learning and Behavior
This course examines basic learning and motivation processes that allow organisms to acquire new knowledge and adapt to their environments. A special emphasis is placed on the social context of theories of learning and their implications of behavioral adjustment for applied practice. These learning processes include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement, categorization, and others. Applications to behavioral analysis and modification are explored.
PSY400 Counseling Theories
This course provides an explanation of basic theories, principles, and techniques of professional mental health counseling, and their application to professional mental health settings . Also considered are the various issues involved in the practice of professional counseling, such as ethics and diversity.
PSY499 Psychology Field Experience and Seminar
This course provides a supervised field experience in a variety of community settings (such as counseling, industrial/organizational, criminal justice type settings), combined with an integrative, reflective class seminar. This course ties together the theories and methods of psychology in an applied setting and a practical grounding for ethics, diversity, and effective written and oral communication skills.
Child and Adolescent Studies
PSY301 Children and Violence
This course enables students to gain an understanding of the issues resulting from children's exposure to violence. Through a review of research, students learn about children as both victims and perpetrators of violence. Potential negative outcomes are addressed as well as protective factors, which help mitigate the effects. Best practices for designing prevention and intervention programs are discussed in the context of individual, community, psychological, and judicial realms. Students will also learn about ethical considerations when working with children involved in violence, as well as the importance of cultural sensitivity when intervening.
PSY308 Abnormal Child & Adolescent Psychology
This course provides an introduction to the most common psychological disorders affecting children and adolescents. Current issues, theories, and research related to the diagnosis and treatment of the disorders are examined. A developmental approach is used, analyzing the biopsychosocial factors that play a role in the disorders’ onset and expression. The following categories of disorders are studied: behavioral, emotional, developmental, learning, and eating.
PSY309 Psychology of Exceptional Children
This course examines atypical development of children and adolescents, including those with disabilities as well as those considered gifted and talented. Research on environmental, biological, and cognitive influences on development, as well as considerations for culturally and linguistically diverse children are explored. In addition to identifying the continuum of exceptional children, best practices for interventions and services for home, school, and transition to adulthood are included. Legal and ethical considerations are also considered.
PSY311 Child, Family, and Community Relationships
This course focuses on the factors related to family life that influence the development of children and adolescents, and the ways in which professionals and families work together for the benefit of children of all ages. Professional and informal communication strategies, family structures, family interactions, family education, advocacy for families, and the influence of the community and culture are explored. Special attention is given to supporting child and family resiliency despite the complexities of modern life.
General Electives (33 Credits)
Students complete a collection of elective courses selected from those in the undergraduate catalog subject to availability.
Concentration Electives
Students who choose not to select an optional Concentration, may fulfill their elective requirements by selecting from the list of concentration courses or electives listed below.
Students Choose 4 of the Following
PSY250 Writing in Psychology
This course will focus on the introduction of APA style, the use of PSYCLIT/ PSYCINFO, doing appropriate literature searches, writing in a professional style, selecting appropriate topics, and practice in writing.
PSY301 Children and Violence
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 in our world.
PSY304 Human Sexuality
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.
PSY312 Diversity
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.
PSY420 Disabilities
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.
PSY230 Psychology in the Community
This course examines the variety of services provided by psychology in the community. Types of services, types of agencies, and types of populations served are explored. A broad view of psychology’s role in the community is taken as students examine the multicultural context of the services, agencies, and populations in their local and global communities. Field trips will be an important part of this class.
PSY270 Careers in Psychology
This course provides students with an overview of the discipline of psychology, including expectations for the psychology major, career options for students completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and career options for students who pursue a graduate degree in psychology. It also emphasizes ethical and professional issues in the discipline of Psychology. Students are introduced to professional organizations in the field and techniques for planning their career development.
PSY313 Psychology of Gender
This course provides critical analysis of the issues and research related to masculinity, femininity, and gender difference. The course examines both biological and cultural determinants of sex roles and how these affect men and women personally, socially, and institutionally. Gender variation in areas such as cognitive abilities, personality and social behavior is considered from multiple perspectives including evolutionary theory, genetic theory, hormonal theories, social learning theory, cognitive -developmental theory, and social role theory.
PSY307 Adulthood & Aging
This course examines the cognitive, physical, social and emotional changes that occur throughout adulthood. Common patterns of development as well as variations in individual aging, by gender, social class and ethnicity are analyzed. Theory and research in adult development are examined.
PSY382 Positive Psychology
This course provides an introduction to “Positive Psychology,” the empirical study of what permits humans to flourish. Topics include discussion of a framework for studying virtues, and the comparison of philosophical, religious, and scientific approaches to the development of positive attributes. This course emphasizes the application of positive psychology to several important areas, such as health and youth development. Topics include altruism, gratitude, forgiveness, and happiness.
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Placement Policy
Math Requirement
- Students who transfer in one or more General Education Math course will not be required to take a placement test.
- Students with no college credit in General Education Math will be placed in a developmental course per the Registration Policy for Developmental Coursework. However, they can choose to place out of developmental coursework by passing a placement test.
Writing Requirement
- Students who transfer in one or more General Education Writing course will not be required to take a placement test.
- Students with no college credit in General Education English will be placed in a developmental course per the Registration Policy for Developmental Coursework. However, they can choose to place out of developmental coursework by passing a placement test.
Developmental Coursework
Students who do not have transfer of credit in General Education Math and/or English, or do not successfully complete a placement test in either Math or English, may only enroll in developmental coursework after the first session until at least one of the developmental courses is successfully completed.
If developmental coursework for both Math and English is successfully completed, students proceed into their given program of study.
If developmental coursework is successfully completed in only one area (Math or English), students proceed according to the policies that govern enrollment in Mathematics Review or English Review. Students whose placement test scores are below the established cutoff in only one area (Math or English) may register for other coursework per the following policies:
Mathematics Review Policies
Prior to successful completion of a developmental course Mathematics Review I, students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: PSY101 General Psychology, SCI110 The Rise of Modern Science, SCI115 The Ecological Perspective, POL110 American Experience, BIO120 Human Anatomy and Physiology.
Mathematics Review I may be retaken a second time, but students may not register for other courses until the developmental coursework has been completed with a grade of C- or higher . Students who fail their second attempt of a developmental course will be referred to the Student Professional Development Committee to address barriers to academic readiness.
English Review Policies
English Review I: Students not taking the placement test, or having placement scores below a certain threshold will be placed in English Review I. After the successful completion of English Review I they will bep laced in English Review II. Prior to successful completion of English Review I, students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: PSY101 General Psychology, SCI110 The Rise of Modern Science, SCI115 The Ecological Perspective, POL110 American Experience, ECO201 Macroeconomics, ECO202 Microeconomics, BIO120 Human Anatomy and Physiology.
English Review II Students with placement test scores above the threshold for English Review I but with scores below the cutoff for passing will be placed in English Review II. Prior to successful completion of English Review II, students are limited to registration in the following General Education electives: PSY101 General Psychology, SCI110 The Rise of Modern Science, SCI115 The Ecological Perspective, POL110 American Experience, ECO201Macroeconomics, ECO202 Microeconomics, BIO120 Human Anatomy and Physiology.
English Review I and English Review II may be retaken a second time, but students may not register for other courses until the developmental coursework has been completed with a grade of C- or higher. Students who fail their second attempt of a developmental course will be referred to the Student Professional Development Committee to address barriers to academic readiness.
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