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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
Prerequisite(s): "C" or better in PSY 354.
Discussion of fundamental elements of behavior change and an overview of behavioral approaches to intervention.
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.)
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.)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 354 with a "C" or better.
Overview of single-case design, measurement, data display and analysis, and intervention evaluation.
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.
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.
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.)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320 and permission of instructor.
Students will conduct supervised research projects chosen in coordination with their supervisor.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 320 and permission of instructor.
Students will conduct supervised research projects chosen in coordination with their supervisor.
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.
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.