Department Head: Dr. Paige McKerchar
211 Ayers Hall
The Mission of the Department of Psychology:
- Develop a thoroughgoing, science-based psychology curriculum for understanding behavior
- Establish student learning outcomes related to basic psychological principles, research methods, critical thinking, and professional skills
- Support student participation in research programs and community service projects
These experiences are designed to allow students the opportunity to practice discussing major psychological principles and research findings, to apply psychological principles and procedures to real-life settings, and to eventually pursue careers in an array of human-service industries or admission to various graduate programs.
PSY 201 Principles of Psychology (3)
An introduction to basic methodology, principles, and terms of contemporary psychology. Stresses a scientific analysis of behavior. Direct experience with research psychology or its equivalent may be required.
PSY 202 Honors Principles of Psychology (3)
An introduction to the methodology, principles and terms of contemporary psychology, with emphasis on the scientific investigation of behavior. Direct experience with research psychology or its equivalent may be required
PSY 205 Orientation to Psychology (1)
An introduction to what psychologists do, what jobs are available in psychology, and how students should proceed through a major in psychology. For students considering a psychology major or who have declared a psychology major. Grades: Pass/Fail.
PSY 220 Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)
PSY 221 Behavior Analysis Lab (1)
PSY 222 Human Development (3)
Study of mental, physical, social, and emotional life of the individual throughout the life span. Special attention given to the first two decades of life.
PSY 320 Psychological Research Methods I (3)
PSY 321 Psychological Research Methods II (WI) (4)
PSY 323 Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSY 325 Adolescent Psychology (3)
PSY 327 Child and Adolescent Development (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 201 or PSY 202.
The study of human development from prenatal development to adolescence. Topics include psychological theories of physical and motor development, cognitive development, social development, and emotional development, as well as the application of these theories to everyday life.
PSY 330 Abnormal Psychology (3)
PSY 331 Abnormal Child Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 201 or 202.
Integration of theory and empirical research on a wide range of child and adolescent disorders. The course provides a comprehensive coverage of the biological, psychological, and social-contextual determinants of childhood problems. Specific disorders will be presented, describing their characteristics, developmental course, and epidemiology; outlining current diagnostic and classification schemes; identifying risk and protective factors; and discussing implications for prevention and treatment. (Not open to students with credit for PSY 412.)
PSY 336 Personality and Individual Differences (3)
PSY 337 Psychology of Gender (3)
Studies of the origin of sex differences within three theoretical models: biological, psychological, and sociological. Examination of the nature of these differences emphasizing current research in areas such as androgyny, sex typing, sexuality, employment, tokenism, and marriage.
PSY 350 Social Psychology (3)
PSY 352 Human Sexuality (3)
Study of the psychological, physiological, social, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality. Topics include sexual orientation, sexual anatomy, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy/birth, and sexuality through the life cycle.
PSY 354 Introduction to Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
PSY 355 Positive Psychology (3)
PSY 364 Behavior-Change Procedures in Applied Behavior Analysis (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 354.
Discussion of fundamental elements of behavior change and an overview of behavioral approaches to intervention.
PSY 366 Cognitive Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 320.
This course reviews processes, such as memory, concept formation, reasoning, critical thinking, problem solving, and applications of cognitive science. (Not open to students with credit for PSY 415.)
PSY 383 Biological Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 320.
Study of the physiological structures and mechanisms that mediate between environmental events and behavior. (Not open to students with credit for PSY 400.)
PSY 399 Study Tour (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by department. May be duplicated for credit; however, only three (3) credits may be applied toward any major or minor. Infrequently scheduled and subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
PSY 401 Professional Development (3)
PSY 403 Psychological Testing (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 320.
An introduction to the basic concepts, principles, and methods of psychological assessment centered on historical foundations, test construction and evaluation (psychometrics), and ethical issues pertaining to the use of psychological tests. The application of commonly used types of intelligence, personality, scholastic, and vocational tests are considered.
PSY 411 Topics in Social Psychology (3)
PSY 414 Psychology of Emotion (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 201.
Current perspectives on the study of emotion, including interdisciplinary foundations, psychophysiological approaches, developmental changes, social perspectives, cognitive factors, personality issues, and research on select emotions.
PSY 416 Educational Psychology (3)
PSY 422 Sport Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 201.
Discusses professional and ethical issues relevant to the practice of sport psychology. Provides an introduction to (a) the interdisciplinary field of sport psychology, (b) the prevalent theories and concepts within the discipline, and (c) practical applications to the sport and health industries.
PSY 425 Health Psychology (3)
PSY 433 Cultural Psychology (3)
PSY 434 Introduction to Single-Subject Research Methods (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 354 with a "C" or better.
Overview of single-case design, measurement, data display and analysis, and intervention evaluation.
PSY 436 Drugs and Behavior (3)
PSY 438 Ethical and Professional Considerations in Behavior Analysis (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 354.
Overview of ethical principles and professionalism in behavior analysis with an emphasis on the Behavior Analyst Certification Board’s (BACB®) ethics code, requirements, and code enforcement mechanisms.
PSY 439 Organizational Behavior Management in Behavior Analysis (3)
PSY 444 Conditioning and Learning (3)
PSY 445 Environmental Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 201 or PSY 202 with a "C" or better.
The study of environmental factors that threaten and promote human well-being, including the role of architecture and design in a variety of contexts. Addresses questions of how environments affect humans and how humans can be encouraged to establish and maintain sustainable environments.
PSY 446 Introduction to Political Psychology (3)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 201 or 202.
This course is an overview of the interdisciplinary connection between political and psychological processes. The incorporation of political science and psychology may help in the understanding of why leaders behave as they do and why citizens support or oppose political leaders. The course will include social cognition and decision making, personality and identity, and environmental factors that affect individual political ideologies. (PSY 446 is crosslisted with PSC 455, but only one course may be taken for credit.)
PSY 447 Psychology Seminar (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Examines relevant research and conceptual issues related to varying topics in psychology, such as self-control, family violence, and evolutionary psychology. When offered, a more detailed description will be available on the department website.
PSY 448 Psychology Seminar (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
Examines relevant research and conceptual issues related to varying topics in psychology, such as self-control, family violence, and evolutionary psychology. When offered, a more detailed description will be available on the department website.
PSY 450 History and Systems of Psychology (WI) (4)
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 320 and senior standing.
Examines the historical evolution of modern psychology and the conceptual systems which have been developed. This course serves as the psychology capstone course and the Major Field Test in Psychology is required. (Writing Intensive Course)
PSY 460 Instructional Practicum I (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Practice of behavioral techniques in an instructional setting. Only students with exceptional performance in Psychology classes will be considered for this practicum.
PSY 461 Instructional Practicum II (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Practice of behavioral techniques in an instructional setting. Only students with exceptional performance in Psychology classes will be considered for this practicum.
PSY 480 Community Practicum I (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Practice of psychological techniques in a community organization such as mental health clinics, juvenile detention centers, etc. Grades: Pass/Fail.
PSY 481 Community Practicum II (3)
Prerequisite(s): Permission of the instructor.
Practice of psychological techniques in a community organization such as mental health clinics, juvenile detention centers, etc. Grades: Pass/Fail.
PSY 485 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I (3)
PSY 486 Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II (3)
PSY 490 Individual Research I (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320 and permission of instructor.
Students will conduct supervised research projects chosen in coordination with their supervisor.
PSY 491 Individual Research II (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320 and permission of instructor.
Students will conduct supervised research projects chosen in coordination with their supervisor.
PSY 498 Honors Thesis I (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320, permission of thesis supervisor, and senior standing.
Completion of an original research project developed in conjunction with a psychology faculty member.
PSY 499 Honors Thesis II (3)
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320, permission of thesis supervisor, and senior standing.
Completion of an original research project developed in conjunction with a psychology faculty member.