Course Descriptions

Psychology

UNDERGRADUATE COURSES

100 Careers in Psychology. 1 hr.
Prepares students to be successful undergraduate Psychology majors and introduces possible careers and educational requirements. Does not count toward hours in major required for graduation. (Graded CR/NC only)

201 General Psychology. 3 hrs.
Principles and methods in the scientific study of behavior.

201H General Psychology —Honors. 3 hrs.
For the superior student. (PR: ACT score of 26 or GPA of 3.2)

204 Psychology of Adjustment. 3 hrs.
Modes of personal and social adjustment; assessment and treatment techniques.

223 Elementary Behavioral Statistics. 3 hrs.
Orientation to the philosophy of science; survey of methods in behavior study; elementary statistics.  (PR: MTH 121 or higher)

280-283 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.

300 Paranormal Phenomena. 3 hrs.
Investigation of such putative paranormal events as ESP, clairvoyance, UFO’s , ghosts, astral projection, astrology, and related topics. Emphasis on evaluation of evidence using the scientific method and scientific criteria.

302 Social Psychology. 3 hrs.
Social determinants of individual behavior. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

311 Child Development. 3 hrs.
Psychological characteristics and personal and social problems of developmental periods. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

312 Adult Development. 3 hrs.
Study of the physiological, psychological, and social processes that occur with aging. (PR: PSY 201 or 311; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

323 Experimental Psychology. 3 hrs.
Methodology and research in psychology. (PR: PSY 223)

324 Sensation and Perception. 3 hrs.
Methodology and research in sensory and perceptual processes. (PR: PSY 223)

330 Human Sexual Behavior. 3 hrs.
A psychological approach to the functioning, attitudes, varieties and development of human sexual behavior. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

350 Animal Behavior. 3 hrs.
A comprehensive study of the behavior of non-human animals. (PR: Nine hours of Psychology)

360 Personality. 3 hrs.
Personality structure, dynamics and development. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

380 Introduction to Professional Psychology. 3 hrs.
This course surveys the application of psychology to human problems in clinics, schools, consumer patterns, environmental matters, the legal system, health psychology, clinical neuropsychology and others. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

391 Psychology of Aggression. 3 hrs.
A multifaceted study of aggressive behavior in humans and other animals. (PR: PSY 201, 302)

402 Advanced Social Psychology. 3 hrs
Advanced study of selected topics in social psychology. (PR: PSY 223, PSY 302 or consent of instructor)

403 Applied Social Psychology. 3 hrs.
Examination of the applications of social psychological methods, theories, principles and research findings to the understanding or solution of social problems. (PR: PSY 302)

406 Psychometrics. 3 hrs.
Mental test theory and applications. (PR: PSY 223)

408 Abnormal Psychology. 3 hrs.
An overview of the theories, assessment techniques, and treatment of maladaptive behavior. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

411 Advanced Topics in Developmental Psychology. 3 hrs.
This course will provide an advanced study of topics regarding change throughout the lifespan. Emphasis will be on understanding the interactions of biological, psychological, and social factors. (PR: PSY 311)

416 Psychology of Learning. 3 hrs.
Critical study of the major theories of learning and the related research. (PR: PSY 201, PSY 223)

417 Intermediate Behavioral Statistics. 3 hrs.
An intermediate level presentation of descriptive and inferential statistics as applied in behavioral research. (PR: PSY 201 and 223)

418 Psychology of Personnel. 3 hrs.
Psychological principles and methods applied to functions in personnel administration. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

420 Introduction to Industrial - Organizational Psychology. 3 hrs.
A systematic study of the application of psychological methods and principles in business and industry. Emphasis is on research methods, motivation, training, leadership, personnel selection,
employee safety, and job satisfaction. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

426 Cross Cultural Psychology. 3 hrs.
Emic and etic cultural concepts are considered from an American (subcultural) and international perspective. Cultural influences on healing, health and service are covered. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

427 Computer Applications in Psychology. 3 hrs.
An introduction to computer applications in psychology, emphasizing data collection, management, organization, analysis and reporting. (PR: PSY 201, 223; IT 101 or CT 101)

433 Current Models of Psychotherapy. 3 hrs.
Introduction of theoretical models and related therapeutic strategies which influence the practice of modern psychotherapy. (PR: PSY 201, either PSY 360 or 408; or permission)

440 Physiological Psychology. 3 hrs.
The relationships between physiological functions and biochemical processes and behavior. (PR: PSY 201; 12 college credits at 100 level or higher)

431 Health Psychology. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the contribution of psychology to the promotion and maintainance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness (PR: PSY 201, 323)

456-457 Research in Psychology. 3; 3 hrs.
Laboratory courses to give advanced students experience in conducting psychological research. Capstone experience. (PR: Permission of instructor)

460 History and Systems of Psychology. 3 hrs.
An examination of the historical and philosophical antecedents of contemporary psychology. Capstone experience (PR: Twelve hours of Psychology)

470 Practicum in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 3 hrs.
The course will offer students applied observational/research experience in Personnel/Human Resource Departments under the supervision of professionals within the fields of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resources. Capstone experience. (PR: Either PSY 418 or 420; Major in Psychology; permission of instructor; complete application form).

471 Practicum in Clinical Psychology. 3 hrs.
Students work 6 hours per week in a local clinical setting where they have the opportunity to observe individual and group therapy, psychological testing, staff meetings, etc. Capstone experience.  (PR: 12 hours of PSY including 408 and permission of instructor; complete application form)

480-483 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.

485-488 Independent Study. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hrs.
A course or seminar on some aspect of Psychology not otherwise treated in regular course offerings (PR: Permission of instructor and department chairperson)

495H-496H Readings for Honors. 2-4 hrs. each.
Open only to students of outstanding ability. See Honors Courses.

499 Psychology Capstone Seminar. 3 hrs.
A capstone course which integrates research methods, critical analysis, and problem solving applied to psychological questions and issues. (PR: PSY 223 and 323; 2.0 GPA in PSY and overall)
 

GRADUATE COURSES

 502 Advanced Social Psychology. 3 hrs.
Advanced study of selected topics in social psychology.

503 Applied Social Psychology. 3 hrs.
Examination of the applications of social psychological methods, theories, principles and research findings to the understanding of social problems.

506 Psychometrics. 3 hrs.
Mental test theory and applications.

508 Abnormal Psychology. 3 hrs.
Study of the nature, causes and treatment of maladaptive human behavior.

515 Child Psychology. 3 hrs.
Introduction to child development with major emphasis on normal growth and development. Specific topics include theories of child development and the biological, mental, emotional, social and cognitive growth and development of children.

516 Psychology of Learning. 3 hrs.
Critical study of the major theories of learning and related research.

517 Intermediate Behavioral Statistics. 3 hrs.
An intermediate level presentation of descriptive and inferential statistics as applied in behavioral research.

518 Psychology of Personnel. 3 hrs.
Psychological principles and methods applied to functions in personnel administration.

519 Theories of Personality. 3 hrs.
Discussion of theories of personality with attention given to major philosophies of science research and methodological problems in personality theory and research.

520 Introduction to Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 3 hrs.
A systematic study of the application of psychological methods and principles in business and industry.  Emphasis is on research methods, motivation, training, leadership, personnel selection, employee safety, and job satisfaction.

526 Cross Cultural Psychology. 3 hrs.
Emic and etic cultural concepts are considered from an American (subcultural) and international perspective.  Cultural influences on healing, health and service are covered.

527 Computer Applications in Psychology. 3 hrs.
An introduction to computer applications in psychology, emphasizing data collection, management, organization, analysis and reporting.

533 Current Models of Psychotherapy. 3 hrs.
Introduction to theoretical models and related therapeutic strategies which influence the practice of modern psychotherapy.

540 Physiological Psychology. 3 hrs.
The relationships between physiological functions and biochemical processes and behavior.

543 Health Psychology. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the contribution of psychology to the promotion and maintenance of health and the prevention and treatment of illness. (PR: PSY 201 & 323)

560 History and Systems of Psychology. 3 hrs.
Overview of Psychology from historical perspective. (REC: 12 hours of psychology or equivalent)

580-583 Special Topics. 1-4; 1-4; 1-4; 1-4 hours.

600 Teaching of Psychology. 3 hrs.
A course designed to train psychology graduate students to teach a course in introductory psychology.  (PR: Graduate status in Psychology and a minimum of 9 hours Psychology Graduate credit)

605 Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Psychology.
Introduction to ethical standards and issues, laws which influence psychological practice, and current challenges facing psychology as a profession.

608 Differential Diagnosis and Treatment Planning. 3 hrs.
A course using the instruments and techniques of psychological clinical assessment to explore psychopathology with an emphasis on differential diagnosis and treatment planning. Students will become competent in the use of the diagnostic and statistical manual for classification of mental disorders and will be able to translate linguistic data into the goals and objectives of a treatment plan.

610 Assessment of Adults. 3 hrs.
Principles and methods of psychological assessment for adults. Key issues in test construction, and training in report writing. (PR: Admission to Clinical Psychology area of emphasis or to Psy.D. program; CR: PSY 620)

611 Assessment of Children. 3 hrs.
Principles and methods of psychological assessment for children. Key issues in test construction, and training in report writing. (PR: PSY 610; CR: PSY 621)

615 Advanced Developmental Psychology. 3 hrs.
Psychological development from conception with a focus on major developmental principles, issues, and concepts. An introduction to conducting research with developmental topics and experience in applying basic developmental principles to work situations will be provided. (PR: PSY 515 or equivalent with permission of instructor)

616 Human Memory and Information Processing. 3 hrs.
Theory and research relating to human learning, memory and decision processes. (PR: PSY 323 or equivalent)

617 Applied Developmental Psychology. 3 hrs.
Application of research in developmental psychology to issues of causes of clinical problems, issues of parenting, and factors to be taken into account in interventions. (PR: Graduate status)

619 Psychotherapy with Children. 3 hrs.
Discussion and analysis of the major theories of psychotherapy with children including psychoanalytic, client-centered, existential, and behavioral theories. Students will be expected to participate in an experiential component. (PR: admission to Clinical Psychology area of Emphasis, School Psychology program, or Psy.D. program or permission)

620 Assessment of Adults Practicum. 1 hr.
Students will be expected to administer, score, interpret and write reports for a battery of tests used with adults. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 610.

621 Assessment of Children Practicum. 1 hr.
Students will be expected to administer, score, interpret and write reports for a battery of tests used with children. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 611.

623 Experimental Design. 3 hrs.
An introduction to the design and interpretation of behavioral research. Emphasis is upon tests of significance and assumptions governing their application. (PR: PSY 517 or equivalent)

624 Multivariate Analysis. 3 hrs.
Multivariate analysis in behavioral research including multiple regression, analysis of variance, canonical correlation, and principal components and factor analysis. (PR: either PSY 623 or PSY 652)

627 Social Psychological Bases of Groups. 3 hrs.
Examination of the dynamics of groups such as size, cohesion, leadership, norms and communication channels and their effects on the individual members; consideration of the impact of groups on the larger social structure.

630 Adult Diagnosis and Therapy. 3 hrs.
Current diagnostic criteria for adult psychopathology, including prevalence, epidemiology and sociocultural milieu; in-depth presentation of psychotherapy with adults, including psychodynamic, gestalt, crisis and other modalities. (PR: PSY 533 or equivalent, or permission; admission to clinical psychology area of emphasis)

633 Individual Psychotherapy and Interviewing. 3 hrs.
An introduction to the basic skills and techniques used in treating various forms of psychopathology.  (PR: Admission to Clinical Psychology area of emphasis or Psy.D. program)

634 Group Therapy. 3 hrs.
Different types of group psychotherapy as appropriate for various forms of psychopathology. (PR: Admission to Clinical Psychology area of emphasis or Psy.D. program)

635 Child and Family Diagnosis and Therapy. 3 hrs.
This course covers psychopathology, diagnosis and treatment of the major child and family disorders including childhood anxiety, depression, delinquency, parent-adolescent conflict, eating disorders, and others. (PR: Admission to clinical psychology area of emphasis, Psy.D. program, or permission)

650 Seminar in Performance Appraisal. 3 hrs.
The course will offer students a research-based investigation of the performance evaluation process within work organizations. Emphasis is given to human rater x ratee x appraisal system features interactions (PR: Graduate standing in Psychology; or permission of the instructor)

651 Advanced Nonparametric Statistics. 3 hrs.
An advanced survey of distribution-free statistical methods; dichotomous observations, one-sample tests, two sample tests for both independent and dependent observations, k-sample tests for both independent and dependent observations, ordinal correlational techniques, and relational measures. This course emphasizes both the theoretical constructs of distribution-free statistics and their application. Computer application of these techniques is stressed. (PR: PSY 517)

652 Advanced Regression Techniques. 3 hrs.
Survey course of the theoretical development and application of multiple regression, advanced univariate correlational techniques, covariant analysis, and an introductory factor analysis. The course emphasis is on the application of these techniques to research and data analysis within the student’s professional setting. Students will be expected to design and solve problems using computer-based models. (PR: PSY 517)

654 Single Subject Analysis. 3 hrs.
Statistical analysis of small group designs as might be found in clinical and field situations. Emphasis will be on time series analysis and computer simulation of single subject and small group behaviors.  (PR: PSY 517)

656-657 Research in Psychology. 1-3; 1-3 hrs.
A laboratory course designed to give advanced students experience in all aspects of conducting psychological research. (PR: Permission of instructor)

670-671 Clinical Practicum. 1-3; 1-3 hrs.
Supervised application of principles of therapy and evaluation in a clinical setting. CR/NR grading. (PR: PSY 611, 633 and consent of instructor)

672 Cognitive Psychology. 3 hrs.
Theory and research findings in the process of learning/memory, attention, problem solving, decision making, concept formation and perception. Emphasis will be on the perceptual aspects of cognitive processes as they apply to psychological practices.

674 Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 hrs.
A course designed to provide an understanding of the psychophysiological functions of the human organism as an operating entity in the environment. The areas to be covered include the basic characteristics of the nervous system and the internal physiological and biochemical environment; various models of genetic aberrations, stress, drugs and other physiological anatomical factors and their observed effects on behavior.  Data will be drawn from experimental work on both human and infrahuman organisms. Both theoretical and applied aspects will be considered. (PR: 6 credit hours in biology or psychology)

675-679 Practicum in Teaching of Psychology. 1-3 hrs. CR/NC.
Supervised teaching experience in introductory psychology, including development of lectures, classroom demonstrations, quizzes, tests, extra-credit activities and syllabi.

679 Testing in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. 3 hrs.
An in-depth study of psychological and educational test theory and application. Emphasis is on classical test theory, constructs, and validation, including sources of variance in test scores and prediction of individual performance. Students will be expected to design, construct, and establish reliability and validity on a test as a class project.

680 Clinical Internship. 1-6 hrs. CR/NC.
Placement in an approved mental health setting for minimum of 400 hours. Supervised by on-site personnel in addition to psychology faculty. CR/NC grading. (PR: completion of required clinical practicum sequence)

681 Thesis. 1-6 hrs. CR/NC.

683 Internship in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. 3 hrs. CR/NC.
This course will offer students applied observational/research experience in Personnel/Human Resource Departments under the supervision of professionals within the fields of Industrial-Organizational Psychology and Human Resources. CR/NC grading. (PR: Advanced standing and admission into the I/O degree program)

685-686 Independent Study. 3 hrs.

690-695 Seminar. 1-3; 1-3; 1-3; 1-3; 1-3; 1-3 hrs.
Reports on current problems and literature in psychology and related fields; professional ethics. (PR: consent of instructor)

710 Advanced Psychological Assessment. 3 hrs.
This course will offer coverage in advanced topics in psychological assessment. This topics will include geriatric assessment, assessment of addictions, neuropsychological screening, forensic assessment, and cross-cultural assessment issues. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

712 Geropsychology. 3 hrs.
An examination of normal and abnormal processes of aging, including common social, cognitive, health and psychopathological problems, will be studied. Issues of community resources, assessment, and therapy will be discussed. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

723 Clinical Research Methods in Psychology. 3 hrs.
This course will provide an overview in basic research methods and ethical issues prevalent in the field of clinical psychology. Use of research to document clinical outcomes will also be addressed.

731 Psychodynamic Therapy. 3 hrs.
This course presents an overview of the theory underlying psychodynamic and insight-oriented psychotherapies, with an emphasis on brief/short-term interventions. Current empirical evaluation of insight therapy is covered. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

732 Behavior Therapy. 3 hrs.
The course covers the methods of behavior therapy, including its use in treatment of common disorders such as depression, anxiety disorders, child conduct problems, and chronic illnesses such as schizophrenia.  (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

733 Cognitive Psychotherapy. 3 hrs.
Introduction to the literature on and profession applications of cognitive approaches to psychotherapy.  Readings, case discussions, demonstrations, and seminar interactions will be used throughout. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

750 Behavioral Health. 3 hrs.
This course will provide an overview of common medical problems, and their related psychological issues. Adjustment issues, health behavior, family impacts, and medical compliance will also be discussed.  (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

752 Community Psychology. 3 hrs.
This course presents an overview of the philosophy, issues, methods, and interventions of community  psychology practice. Students will complete field projects as part of the experience. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

753 Supervision in Clinical Psychology. 3 hrs.
Review of current supervision research and theory combined with opportunities for doctoral students to gain supervised experience in clinical supervision. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or consent of instructor)

755 Rural Psychology. 3 hrs.
This course prepares students to undertake supervised practice in rural areas, including employment of appropriate research techniques and the design of culturally and economically effective interventions.  (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

756 Independent Study. 1–4 hrs.
This is a doctorate level course that will permit students to explore topics in-depth that are not part of the regular curriculum. Faculty supervision is required. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program and permission)

764 Advanced Studies in Human Sexuality. 3 hrs.
An examination of the knowledge and theory which explain important areas of sexual behavior. Topics emphasize sexual orientation, sexual dysfunctions, gender identity, paraphilias, and compulsive  and coercive behaviors. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program or permission of instructor)

769 Practicum in Clinical Psychology. 3 hrs.
Supervised application of principles of therapy and evaluation in a clinical setting. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program)

770-71 Advanced Practicum in Clinical Psychology. 3 hrs.
Students provide supervised clinical services at an approved field site. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program) 

772-773 Rural Practicum I & II. 3 hrs.
Supervised two-semester sequence providing field experience in rural mental health settings. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program)

780-783 Pre-Doctoral Internship. 1-3 hrs.
This is the final, capstone clinical training experience completed by students in the doctoral program in clinical psychology (Psy.D.). Students must complete the equivalent of a full-time, full year clinical placement at a site that is APA/APPIC accredited or has been approved by the clinical faculty. (PR: Completion of all coursework in the PsyD program; successfully pass doctoral comprehensive; approval of faculty)

790-96 Seminar in Clinical Psychology. 1 hr.
Seminars on current topics and issues of interest to clinical psychologists. Topics will change for each semester. Psy.D. program students are required to enroll for six semesters of seminars; check with advisor for details. (PR: Admission to Psy.D. program)

799 Doctoral Research. 3-9 hrs.
Doctoral research project under the supervision of research committee and chair. (PR: Permission of program coordinator)