Psychology
The study of psychology offers the opportunity to learn about the origins and development of human behavior and mental processes and the factors that influence change. Psychology provides a valuable foundation of knowledge important in a wide variety of fields, including human services, business, law, education, communications and health. The program in psychology may also lead to graduate preparation for professional psychology.
At least half of the credit toward a major or minor in psychology must be earned in courses numbered 300 or above.
Major in Psychology
|
Credits | ||
| PSY 190 | General Psychology | 3 |
| PSY/SOC 313 | Evaluating Behavioral Research |
3 |
| PSY 355 | Skills and Strategies in the Helping Professions |
3 |
| PSY/SOC 373 | Research Methods |
3 |
| PSY 432 |
Personality |
3 |
| PSY 454 |
Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions |
3 |
| PSY 499 OR PSY 403 |
Special Project OR |
3 |
| MATH 220 | MATH 220 Elementary Statistics | 3 |
| Electives to include at least 3 additional credits of 300-400 level courses | 12 | |
|
Total |
36 | |
|
Credits | ||
| PSY 190 |
General Psychology |
3 |
| At least two of the following: |
6 | |
|
PSY/EDU 142 PSY 201 PSY 270 PSY 335 PSY 444 |
Assessment | |
|
Electives in psychology |
9 | |
|
18 | ||
Note: 190 General Psychology is prerequisite to other courses in psychology with these exceptions: 201 Adjustment may be taken with no prerequisite; courses cross-listed with sociology may be taken without 190 if the student has completed SOC 110 Principles of Sociology; or by permission of the instructor.
PSY 142 Human Growth, Development and Guidance 3 credits
A study of the growth and development of humans from birth to senescence, with emphasis on language, physical, social, behavioral, cognitive, guidance and affective development emphasizing birth to young adulthood. Topics will include methods to offer guidance to parents, caregivers, community and staff on dealing with individual and group similarities and differences and exceptional development or abnormal development sequences with implications for physical, mental, psychosocial and moral development and assistance. Prerequisite: A general psychology course is recommended. Same as EDU 142.
PSY 190 General Psychology 3 credits
An introduction to the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, including major approaches and methodologies. The course samples a broad range of topics, including biological foundations, development, learning, cognition, personality, abnormal psychology and social behavior.
PSY 201 Adjustment 3 credits
A course designed to apply psychological approaches to normative events during life’s developmental stages with a focus on environmental factors and the psychology of stress in a changing world.
PSY 232 Group Dynamics 3 credits
An analysis of group behavior in small and large groups of various types. The focus is on social interaction in the formation and operation of groups, and on the social systems approach to understanding group behavior. Same as SOC 232. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 240 Conflict Resolution 3 credits
An overview of conflict resolution and the mediation process as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. Learning activities—conceptual and experiential in nature—are designed to promote an integration in the areas of problem solving behavior, skill development and personal awareness. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 250 Special Topics 3 credits
PSY 260 Gender Roles 3 credits
An analysis of the changing cultural notions and social realities regarding male/female roles and relationships. Topics may include cross-cultural research concerning gender differences; the role of various socializing agents in shaping sexual identities; and the effects of gender differences on political and economic processes. Note: Same as SOC 260. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 270 Human Sexuality 3 credits
An introduction to the biological, psychological and social aspects of human sexuality. The course includes a study of sexuality in relation to the life cycle. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 276 Methods in Human Services I 3 credits
PSY 299 Special Project 3 credits
This course includes supervised readings in selected content areas. Consent of the instructor is required. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 302 Substance Abuse 3 credits
The effects of psychoactive drugs are studied in this course, as well as the origins of substance abuse, characteristics of substance abusers, and consequences for the individual, family and society. Approaches to substance abuse treatment are discussed. Same as SOC 302. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 310 Social Psychology 3 credits
This course presents the social aspects of human behavior, including person perception, social cognition, attitude formation and change, attribution, pro-social behavior and interpersonal attraction. Same as SOC 310. Prerequisite: SOC 110 or PSY 190.
PSY 313 Evaluating Behavioral Research 3 credits
This course is intended to familiarize the student with the format, mechanisms of, and the presentation of research in the social sciences. Prerequisites: PSY 190 or SOC 110 and MATH 220. Same as SOC 313.
PSY 323 Cognition 3 credits
An analysis of cognitive processes, including attention, perception, concept formation, language, memory, problem solving and decision making. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 335 Biology and Behavior 3 credits
This course explores the relation of biological function and human behavior; the role of genetic, hormonal and neurological factors in intelligence, sex differences, biological rhythms and emotional disorders. Disturbances produced by agents such as drugs and disease are studied. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 338 Motivation 3 credits
A review of the major theories that attempt to explain motivated behavior from a physiological, cognitive, social, environmental and/or learning point of view. Application of motivation theories to organizations, education, sports and daily life. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 355 Skills and Strategies in the Helping Profession 3 credits
PSY 355 An overview of helping techniques, theory, and practice. Learning activities-conceptual and experiential in nature-are designed to promote growth in the areas of skill, development, and personal awareness. May not be taken by learners who have completed PSY 354. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 360 Abnormal Psychology 3 credits
A survey of the major classifications of psychopathology, including conceptual approaches to the understanding of psychopathology, etiology and treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 373 Research Methods 3 credits
This course reinforces the language of research, various methods for conducting research, APA format usage, and how to identify and synthesize research literature. In addition, designing and completing a research study including statistical analysis and formally reporting research findings are key components. Same as SOC 373. Prerequisite: PSY 190, PSY/SOC 313.
PSY 394 Psychology of Aging 3 credits
This course is designed to provide an analysis of the factors affecting adult development and aging. Emphasis is on the psychological, cognitive, sensory, physical, personality and interpersonal changes occurring with age. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 397 Social Gerontology 3 credits
This course focuses on personal, interpersonal and societal factors in the human aging process. Emphasis is on family, community and governmental responsibility in defining and resolving problems of the aged in a modern industrial society. Same as SOC 397. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 403 Internship 3 credits
PSY 432 Personality 3 credits
A survey of the major theories of the nature and development of personality. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 440 Industrial Psychology 3 credits
A study of the relationship between the individual worker and the work environment. Emphasis is on the exploration and application of the most influential theories. Topics include organizational dynamics, work motivation, job satisfaction, personnel selection and training, and work group influences. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 444 Assessment 3 credits
An introduction to the assumptions and techniques of psychological assessment. Prerequisite: PSY 190 and MATH 220.
PSY 450 Special Topics 3 credits
PSY 454 Issues and Ethics in the Helping Professions 3 credits
An analysis of issues and ethical problems involved in the helping professions and programs. Senior status or consent of the instructor. Prerequisite: PSY 190.
PSY 474 Organizational Behavior 3 credits
This course encourages students to describe and analyze the way that people behave in organizations by applying theories of organizational behavior. The course consists of a balance among theory and application. Same as BA 474. Prerequisite: PSY 190 or SOC 110
PSY 499 Special Project 1-3 credits
Individualized independent investigation with supervision. Consent of the instructor is required. Prerequisite: PSY 190
