Developmental Psychology PSY 301 TR 08/24/26 - 10/18/26 3 Human Growth and Development studies the life span of the individual, tracing the changes occurring from conception to death. Several basic themes of development are examined including the interaction of heredity and environment, physical growth and development, social factors, changes in personality, self concept and emotional growth. Prerequisite(s): SOC 161 or PSY 160
Psychology of Money PSY 303 MTWRFS* 05/10/27 - 05/15/27 3 Why do some people become misers and others gamblers, spendthrifts and tycoons, and why do some people gain more pleasure from giving away money than from retaining it? Comprehensive and cross-cultural, The Psychology of Money integrates fascinating and scattered perspectives from many disciplines to investigate the influences of money on our behavior and psyches. Including the most recent material to date, the course draws from sources as diverse as anthropology, history and psychology. The student will come away not only with a better understanding of how and why people think about, feel toward, accumulate and spend money, but why its discussion has so often been considered 鈥渢aboo鈥�.
Social Psychology PSY 311 TR 10/19/26 - 12/13/26 3 Social psychology is the scientific study of how people鈥檚 thoughts, feelings, and actions are affected by others. This course focuses on the consequences of social influences on individuals and the way that they understand the world; on social interaction between and among people; and on group processes. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Contemporary Applied Psychology PSY 312 W 08/24/26 - 10/18/26 3 This course will be a broad ranging exploration of modern psychology and its present day uses to the individual. Changing roles, rules, and choices as well as health and healing techniques and philosophies available today will be discussed as they apply to the individual functioning in modern industrial society. Eastern and western philosophies will be explained with no particular bias for either approach. There will be one topical area each session with flexibility guided by student input. Aspects of the growing and changing human organism through time and the effect upon mental condition will be shown as very important as to whom we are today. Prerequisite(s): SOC 161 or PSY 160.
Personality Theory PSY 340 TR 01/19/27 - 03/14/27 3 Personality is what makes us differ from one another鈥搚et makes us consistent and stable over time. This course will review the personality theories of noted psychologists such as Freud, Erikson, Jung, Skinner, Adler, Bandura, and Rogers. This course will also include historical views of personality. Assessment of measurement of personality will be discussed, and students will explore both objective and subjective personality tests. The role of personality in career choice will be included. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Abnormal Psychology PSY 341 TR 03/15/27 - 05/09/27 3 This course will deal with the biological, psychosocial, and sociocultural viewpoints, and abnormality and deviance. The historical views of mental illness and abnormality will also be covered. The full range of disorders will be analyzed including additions, personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, sexual variations and psychoses. The course will also provide an overview of the available therapies and interventions. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Organizational Psychology PSY 358 MW 01/19/27 - 05/09/27 3 This course will relate the basics of individual and group behavior to the industrial setting, allowing the student to apply basic psychology in personnel selection and evaluation, planning and organizing work and work conditions, and understanding consumer behavior. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Psychology & Popular Culture PSY 360 MTWRFS* 05/17/27 - 05/22/27 3 Psychology has often been a topic treated in popular film (movies and television). Mental illness, therapeutic practice, human experimentation, and client-practitioner relationships, have been and continue to be represented with varying degrees of accuracy and authenticity. Such film treatments have run the gamut from comedy to drama. At best, some films have arguably helped foster social change, while at worst others have portrayed Psychology and psychological issues in inaccurate and potentially damaging ways. While such representations, both positive and negative, can influence public impressions of the field, such popular art can also have consequences for the professional as well. Through a careful examination of selected films, students will develop a deeper appreciation of the role such art may play in influencing public perception of Science in general and Psychology in particular. By attaining greater understanding of how popular culture may impart problematic perceptions of the field, the student will be better versed and better able to anticipate and address biases and misconceptions of the public. Prerequisites: PSY-201 & PSY-341
Experimental Psychology PSY 380 TBA 08/24/26 - 12/13/26 3 This course provides the student with an in-depth understanding of the methods of psychological research, including research design, data collection and analysis, and utilization of findings. The course will also include an overview of human and animal learning and conditioning, including such concepts as classical conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, aversive conditioning, and potential areas of application for these concepts. Students will be required to prepare a research design project. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Tests and Measurements PSY 401 TBA 08/24/26 - 12/13/26 3 The course will focus on the construction and evaluation of a variety of standardized tests in the areas of aptitude, achievement, intelligence, and personality. Students will study test design, use of findings, and testing concepts such as norms, standardization, reliability, and validity. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160 and STA 326
Senior Seminar in Psychology PSY 492 W 03/15/27 - 05/09/27 3 This capstone course is required of all senior psychology majors and must be taken in the senior year. Students will have the opportunity to critically explore selected issues within the discipline of psychology and will be asked to integrate prior learning from various aspects of their program through presentations, discussion, and a senior paper that provides evidence they have synthesized and utilized prior learning. This course should be taken by senior psychology students only. ENG 465 is recommended as a prerequisite or co-requisite as strong writing skills are required. Prerequisite(s): PSY 160
Counseling Theories/techniques PSY 610 S 08/24/26 - 10/18/26 3 This course is designed to bridge theory with practice. This course links the theoretical foundations to their application in the practice of counseling. This course will explore, Psychodynamic, Person-Centered Theory, Existential Theory, Gestalt Theory, Constructivist Theories, Integrative Theory, Feminist Theory and other diverse theories. Each theory will be considered critically within a cultural context inclusive of gender, race, ethnicity, class, sexual orientation, ability, and age. This course is intended to be hands-on with role-play and practice therapy sessions serving as the vehicle for students to begin laying the foundation for their unique identity as counselors and therapists while considering the principles and history of these selected theories.
Human Development PSY 623 T 10/19/26 - 12/13/26 3 Human Development is designed as advanced study of fundamental assumptions, principles, theories, and constructs that are essential for an informed dialogue of development across the human life span. Using several stage theory models of psychosocial development students will be examine and discuss those tasks and challenges unique to each stage of human development from the cradle to the grave. Beginning with the prenatal state, students will become familiar with the biological, emotional, sociological, psychological, historical, and interpersonal factors contributing to human development across infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and advanced adulthood. In addition, students will become familiar with those issues ranging from interpersonal relations, gender socialization, friendships, family systems, race, culture, divorce, mate selection, death and dying that may foster or hinder growth and adaptation. The student鈥檚 journey will provide a foundation of understanding necessary to the greater comprehension and application of the discipline of human development, as well as provide him or her with an opportunity to become grounded in concepts key to appreciating the lifelong process of becoming a person.
Ethics PSY 631 T 01/19/27 - 03/14/27 3 This course is designed for graduate students pursuing careers in applied and/or experimental psychology. The purpose of this course is to provide a depth of understanding to relevant ethical issues, guidelines, and practices. In addition to exposure to fundamental ethical principles and historic foundations, students will also become aware of the range of ethical dilemmas confronting the modern practitioner. Through reading, discourse, and discussion of case studies, students will develop competence in utilizing a range of decision making models. Such models will be applied to salient issues such as but not limited to; group counseling, family therapy, child therapy, end-of-life issues, supervision, termination, mandated reporting, standards on human relations, sexual intimacy, confidentiality, assessment and testing, and the rights of clients. By engaging in an examination and discourse of such ethical issues the student will become better prepared to anticipate and address ethical dilemmas as a professional and develop practical problem-solving strategies necessary for maintaining professional ethical standards.
Research Methods/statistics PSY 632 M 01/19/27 - 03/14/27 3 This course is designed to expose students to the essential elements of scientific inquiry within psychological research through exploration of accepted practices for effective behavioral research. Students will incorporate methods of quantitative and qualitative design including but not limited to; methods of observation, correlational research, surveys, archival research, and quasi-experimental and ex post facto designs. This exploration of scientific research will lead to the ability to apply the basic concepts of probability, common distributions, statistical methods, and data analysis. Students will become knowledgeable on how to interpret and perform statistical tests, in order to design experiments and interpret their results.
Psychopathology PSY 635 S 08/24/26 - 10/18/26 3 This course is designed to deepen the students understanding of empirically grounded social, psychological, and biological factors that contribute to specific psychological disorders across the life-span. Students will examine supporting and scientific literature, consider salient theories, and incorporate the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in considering identification, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological disorders. The course design also invites students to engage in active exploration of practical applications for effective ethical treatment(s) of psychopathologies within clinical and non-clinical settings with an emphasis upon best-practices.
Children and Adolescents PSY 639 W 01/19/27 - 03/14/27 3 This course is designed to provide the student with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the unique challenges and opportunities present within the professional relationship with children and/or adolescents. The student will be expose to current theories, techniques and strategies for working with children and adolescents and their families. The student will also be given the opportunity to explore and discuss contemporary issues related to these populations as well as being exposed to recognized techniques and strategies related to promoting growth, development, and autonomy for individual clients.
Human Sexuality PSY 640 R 03/15/27 - 05/09/27 3 This course will provide students with a developmental model of sexuality and investigate the following topics: developmental impacts on sexuality, intimacy, sexual desire, sexual dysfunction, sexual trauma and sexual identity. Our course includes readings to challenge you, conversations to engage you, and assignments to help you develop as counselors and scholars. Engagement in the course with respect for different views and concern for others from all walks of life is integral to your learning process. Students will be able to demonstrate counseling skills appropriate to meet the needs of individuals and couples. Prerequisites: PSY-610, PSY-623, PSY-631
Group Processes PSY 641 M 10/19/26 - 12/13/26 3 This course is designed is to familiarize the student with those theories, practices, protocols, and techniques designed to work effectively and ethically within groups. The student will develop a thorough understanding of the unique and often difficult characteristics of group processes as well as those features of group dynamics that can foster individual growth and development. Student will learn current guidelines for group practice as well as develop practical skills in leading a group. In addition to examining salient research, students will also consider the various multicultural and developmental issues effecting groups and how they function to foster or hinder effective group work. Students will also develop functional understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of group counseling, become aware of ethical considerations unique to groups, and become cognizant of the characteristics of effective group leaders while becoming aware of how best to utilize their own personal and interpersonal assets with a group setting.
Family Counseling PSY 643 M 08/24/26 - 10/18/26 3 This course is designed to provide the student with depth of understanding of the historical development of family counseling, theoretical underpinnings, practical techniques, and current issues relevant to family counseling. Students will be exposed to theoretical foundations of and empirically grounded practices relevant to family counseling issues across the life-span. In attaining the desired level of expertise students will examine structural, communication, analytic, and behavioral approaches to family counseling with an emphasis upon ethics, legal issues, current research, and best practices.