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Psychology (PSY)

Associate Professors: Beery, Drumm-Hewitt, Holstein (Chair)
Assistant Professors: Curtindale, Norton, Vargas

  • Major: Psychology
  • Courses required for major: 9 (B.A.), 13-14 (B.S.)
  • Capstone requirement: PSY 412
  • Minor: Psychology

The major provides training in both theoretical and applied psychology. It is designed to meet the needs of students seeking careers in psychology or other natural or social sciences. It also meets the needs of students seeking a better understanding of human behavior as a means of furthering individual and career goals in other areas. Psychology majors and others are urged to discuss course selections in psychology with members of the department to help ensure appropriate course selection.

Major Requirements

The B.A. Degree

To earn the B.A. degree in Psychology, students must complete nine courses, distributed as follows:

A. Required Core Courses

PSY 110 Introductory Psychology
PSY 212 Research Methods and Analysis
PSY 412 Advanced Psychology Research I

B. Biological and Cognitive Foundations (choose one)

NEURO/PSY 206 Brain and Behavior
PSY 237 Cognitive Psychology

C. Developmental and Social Foundations (choose one)

PSY 215 Child & Adolescent Development
PSY 217 Lifespan Development
PSY 244 Social Psychology

D. Clinical and Applied Foundations (choose one)

BUS 244 Management and Organizational Behavior
PSY 216 Abnormal Child Psychology
PSY 219 Abnormal Psychology
PSY 239 Applied Behavior Analysis

E. One additional 300-level PSY Course
F. Topical Electives (select two courses – at least one must have a PSY prefix)

BUS 228 Marketing Principles
BUS 244 Management and Organizational Behavior
BUS 331 Decision Making
EDUC 465 Professional Semester of Student Teaching
NEURO 206 Brain and Behavior
Any additional PSY courses, including PSY 249 (totaling 4 credits)

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PSY 412 Advanced Psychology Research I.

The B.S. Degree

It is strongly recommended that students have a math placement level of 3 or 4 if they plan to pursue the B.S. degree. Strong math skills are needed for many of the Natural Science and Computer Science courses required for this degree.

To complete the B.S. degree, students must complete the B.A. requirements as described above and the following additional requirements:

A. A statistics course of at least 3 credits

B. Natural Science Laboratory Courses (choose two):

BIO 110 Introduction to Biology I
BIO 111 Introduction to Biology II
BIO 323 Human Physiology
BIO 338 Human Anatomy
CHEM 122/123 General Chemistry I / General Chemistry Laboratory I
CHEM 124/125 General Chemistry II / General Chemistry Laboratory II
NEURO 210 Introduction to Neuroscience I
NEURO 211 Introduction to Neuroscience II
PHYS 225 Fundamentals of Physics I
PHYS 226 Fundamentals of Physics II

C. Quantitative Courses (choose one):

CPTR 124 Programming for Data Science
CPTR 125 Introduction to Computer Science
MATH 127 Precalculus
MATH 128 Calculus with Analytic Geometry I
MATH 214 Multivariable Statistics
MATH 332 Mathematical Statistics I

D. Advanced research or internship:

PSY 422 Advanced Psychology Research II
PSY 448 Practicum in Psychology I
PSY 449 Practicum in Psychology II
PSY N80-89 Independent Study (4 credits)
PSY N90-91 Honors Project in Psychology

Capstone Requirement

All majors must successfully complete PSY 412 Advanced Psychology Research I.

Minor Requirements

A minor in psychology consists of PSY 110, PSY 212, and three additional PSY courses. No more than one course can be from PSY 422, 448, 449, independent study, internship, or honors courses.

110
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the empirical study of human and other animal behavior. Areas considered may include learning, personality, social, physiology, sensory, cognition, and development.  Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week.

206
BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR
An introduction to the biological bases of behavior. Topics include the anatomy, organization, and function of the nervous system; the biological basis of sensation, perception, and movement; and the neural basis of behavior and cognition. Credit may not be earned for both PSY/NEURO 206 and PSY 433 or NEURO 211. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor. Cross-listed as NEURO 206.

211
LEARNING DISABILITIES
An examination of learning disabilities, emotional problems, and social problems of children. Topics include the legal and educational rights of children with disabilities, the categories of disability qualifying for Special Education services, assessment of children with learning disabilities, characteristics of and interventions to help children with learning disabilities and attention difficulties, available educational placements and support services, and Individualized Educational Programs (IEPs). Prerequisite: PSY 110. 

212
RESEARCH METHODS AND ANALYSIS
A study of the scientific method and the role of statistics in psychological research, with a strong focus on understanding and applying statistical concepts. Students compare qualitative methods (e.g. case studies, naturalistic observation) with quantitative approaches (e.g. correlational studies, surveys, experiments, and quasi-experiments) while learning the statistical concepts needed to analyze data and interpret results. This course provides students with the research and analytical skills needed for advanced psychology coursework, independent research, and data-driven careers in psychology and related fields. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and a math placement of level 2 or higher.

215
CHILD AND ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Examines how children and adolescents grow and develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively. An introduction to theoretical influences, fundamental concepts, and empirical research on development during the infancy, childhood, and adolescent years of life. Reviews the implications of development at different points in life for parenting and education. Recommended for students pursuing additional education and career paths in fields that focus on childhood and adolescent development. Credit may not be earned for both PSY 215 and 217. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

216
ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
Examines in detail the symptoms, assessment, causes, and treatments for psychological disorders primarily experienced by children and adolescents. These include separation anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s disorder, and mental retardation. Also explores the application of specific treatment approaches to children/adolescents for disorders that can be experienced by both children and adults (e.g., phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder). Also considers interventions for peer/social problems; physical conditions/illness; traumatic brain injury; and the effects of poverty, divorce, and abuse. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

217
LIFESPAN DEVELOPMENT
A general introduction to lifespan development. Provides a broad overview of several areas of development (e.g., physical, cognitive, emotional, social, moral) from prenatal development to death. Recommended for students who are interested in pursuing careers as physical therapists, occupational therapists, physicians’ assistants, and other health-related or human service fields.  Prerequisite: PSY 110.

216
ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
Examines in detail the symptoms, assessment, causes, and treatments for psychological disorders primarily experienced by children and adolescents. These include separation anxiety, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder, learning disabilities, autism, Asperger’s disorder, and mental retardation. Also explores the application of specific treatment approaches to children/adolescents for disorders that can be experienced by both children and adults (e.g., phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder, depression, bipolar disorder). Also considers interventions for peer/social problems; physical conditions/illness; traumatic brain injury; and the effects of poverty, divorce, and abuse. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

221
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Explores the relationship between the individual and the environment. Uses theory and research to explore issues concerning the relationship between the physical environment and human behavior. Environmental Psychology promotes a more socially conscious relationship between humans and our physical environment. Topics include population control, conservation, urbanization, and environmental design. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

223
FOUNDATIONS OF SPORT AND EXERCISE PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to sport and exercise psychology, from the history and development of the field to the theories and principles that are central to its study. Topics include the evolution of the field of sport psychology, theories surrounding sport participants and sport environments, the group processes that are an essential part of sport, the basic principles of performance enhancement within the field, issues related to enhancing health and well-being in sport and exercise, and issues related to the facilitation of psychological growth and development in sport and exercise. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

225
INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
The application of the principles and methods of psychology to selected industrial and organizational situations. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

237
COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the mental processes that underlie our everyday thinking. We examine how people perceive the world, represent knowledge, store and retrieve memories, use language, reason through complex problems, and make decisions. Emphasis is placed on understanding the scientific nature of the discipline. This course is especially relevant for students interested in psychology, education, communication, or any field where understanding how people think and learn is important. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

239
APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS
A detailed examination of the applied analysis of behavior. Focuses on the application of experimental method to the individual clinical case. Covers targeting behavior, base-rating, intervention strategies, and outcome evaluation. Examines learning-based modification techniques such as contingency management, counter-conditioning, extinction, discrimination training, aversive conditioning, and negative practice. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.   

242
DRUGS, BEHAVIOR, AND SOCIETY
Examines the effects of drugs on the brain, behavior, and society. Focuses on legal and illegal psychoactive drugs, including their origins, history of use, mechanisms of action, and physical and behavioral effects. Distinctions are made between drug use, abuse, and addiction, with special emphasis placed on the transition from recreational drug use to addiction. Various approaches to the prevention and treatment of addiction are discussed, and the societal impact of drug use and addiction, including their intersection with the criminal justice system, are explored. Students are encouraged to think critically about drug use and its impact on society. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

244
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the influence of social environments on our own and others’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Students learn to apply psychological principles to everyday social situations and develop a basic understanding of the research methodology and ethical principles used to study social behavior. Topics may include attitudes, social perception, interpersonal relationships, group processes, conformity, persuasion, prejudice, aggression, and prosocial behavior. Credit may not be earned for both PSY 244 and 424. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

245
CROSS-CULTURAL PSYCHOLOGY: SPECIAL TOPICS
An introduction to the field of cross-cultural psychology that examines how cultural factors influence various aspects of the human experience. Topical focus of the course will vary according to the instructor. May be repeated for credit when topics are different. Fulfills Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

249
SUPERVISED RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY
Students work with a faculty member to conduct research in the field of psychology. Research activities may include conducting literature reviews, assisting with data collection, data entry and analyses, or other activities detailed via contract with the instructor. Prerequisites: PSY 110, either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206, and consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit with consent of the instructor. 0.5-2 credits.

310
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
An examination of psychological theories and research on topics related to psychology and law. Areas covered include forensic pathology, psychological theories of criminal behavior, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making, expert witnesses, the insanity defense, and criminal profiling analysis. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

312
PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH PROSEMINAR
Students are led through the process of independent research from conception of research, development of design, conduction, analysis, and presentation of work. Students are supervised as they devise and conduct their own research projects. Prerequisites: PSY 110, a statistics course of at least 3 credits, and grade of C- or better in PSY 212, or consent of instructor.

313
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
An examination of cognitive development from infancy to adolescence through the analysis of primary scientific research. Emphasis is placed on both classic and current experimental findings, methodology, and theoretical influences. Topics may include development of perception, attention, learning, memory, language, problem solving, and social cognition. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

314
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILIES AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Explores the relations between a variety of types of family dysfunctions and child development and psychopathology. Topics include child abuse, neglect, sexual abuse, and children from violent homes and homes with mentally ill parents. The course focuses on empirical literature about dysfunctional families and child development, biographical, and political perspectives. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

315
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCE
An examination of the structure and function of the human nervous system through the exploration of neurological and psychiatric disorders. This course provides students with an in-depth analysis of the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of various neurological and psychiatric disorders through the analysis of case studies and primary scientific research. Prerequisite: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

317
ATTACHMENT ACROSS THE LIFESPAN
Attachment refers to the emotional bonds that we form with other individuals. These “bonds” are more than mere “ties” to others—according to attachment theory, our attachment to others influences our self-perceptions, social cognition, and social interaction. This class is an upper-level seminar where students engage in an in-depth exploration of the literature pertaining to attachment from infancy into adulthood. Students complete advanced readings, are actively engaged in in-class discussions, and make several in-class presentations. Prerequisite: PSY 110.

320
PSYCHOLOGY OF LANGUAGE 
A study of how people learn, understand, and use language. Students explore the mental and brain processes that make language possible, drawing on research from psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience. Topics may include how children acquire language; how people perceive and produce speech; and how we recognize words, build sentences, and interpret meaning. Students also explore ideas such as embodied cognition and brain-based approaches to language. This course is especially valuable for students interested in education, speech-language pathology, child development, or any field where language and learning matter. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

322
Sensation and Perception
A seminar exploring how our senses gather information from the world and how the brain processes that information into meaningful experiences. Drawing on research from psychology and neuroscience, the course offers insight into the strengths and limits of human perception. The course is valuable for students interested in psychology, neuroscience, communication, or fields where understanding how people experience the world can make a difference. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

325
COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE
An exploration of how the brain makes complex mental processes such as learning, memory, attention, and perception possible. Students gain an understanding of how neurons and neural networks support these functions and how psychologists and neuroscientists study them. By combining perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, and cognitive science, the course provides a more in-depth look at how the brain and mind work together. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

340
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
An in-depth study of a selected psychological subfield, problem, or topic. Possible topics include addiction, prejudice, and positive psychology. May be repeated for credit when topics are different. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

 

341
PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER AND GENDER IDENTITY
A review of contemporary theory and research on the psychology of gender differences. Special topics include sex differences in achievement, power, and communication; sex-role stereotypes; beliefs about masculinity and femininity; and gender influences on mental health. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206. Fulfills either Domestic or Global Cultural Diversity Requirement.

342
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
Serves as an introduction to the field of Health Psychology, which is concerned with the role of biological, social, and psychological factors in health and illness. Addresses the relevant research methodology and ethical considerations of four general topic areas: 1) attitudes, behaviors, and lifestyle factors affecting disease prevention and development; 2) stress and the related personality and social processes associated with disease development and progression; 3) social and psychological implications of chronic illness; and 4) social and psychological factors involved in the illness experience. Prerequisite: PSY 110 or consent of instructor.

344
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
An examination of the demographic, psychological, social, and behavioral factors that affect the development, maintenance, and dissolution of close relationships. Students explore the methodological and ethical considerations of research on interpersonal relationships. Topics may include attraction, love and attachment, communication, interdependency, and conflict. Prerequisites: PSY 110 and either a 200-level PSY course or NEURO 206.

412
ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH 1
An introduction to the process of independent research. Students are guided through the process of developing a research question and designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting their findings in oral and written forms. Students gain hands-on experience in each step of the research cycle. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, methodological rigor, and effective communication of results. Prerequisites: PSY 110, a grade of C- or better in PSY 212, and one 300-level PSY course, or consent of instructor.

422
ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH II
Provides additional experience with independent research. This course guides students through the process of developing a research question and designing a study, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting their findings. Students are supervised as they design and conduct their own research projects; however, students work more independently than in PSY 412. Prerequisites: PSY 412 and consent of instructor.

424
ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
The scientific exploration of interpersonal communication and behavior. Topics include attitudes and attitude change, attraction and communication, social perception and social influence, prosocial and antisocial behavior, and group processes. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in 312 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor.

433
BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the biological psychologist’s method of approach to the understanding of behavior as well as the set of principles that relate the function and organization of the nervous system to the phenomena of behavior. Three hours of lecture and one two-hour laboratory per week. Prerequisite: A grade of C- or better in 312 and a statistics course of at least 3 credits, or consent of instructor, 

448
PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY I
An off-campus experience in a community setting offering psychological services, supplemented with classroom instruction and discussion. Covers the basic counseling skills. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

449
PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOLOGY II
An off-campus experience in a community setting offering psychological services, supplemented with classroom instruction and discussion. Covers the major theoretical approaches to counseling. Prerequisite: PSY 448 or consent of instructor.

470-479
INTERNSHIP 
Internships give students an opportunity to relate on-campus academic experiences to society in general and to their post-baccalaureate objectives in particular. Students have, for example, worked in prisons, public and private schools, county government, and for the American Red Cross.

N80-N89
INDEPENDENT STUDY 
Independent study is an opportunity for students to pursue special interests in areas for which courses are not offered. In addition, students have an opportunity to study a topic in more depth than is possible in the regular classroom situation.

490-491
INDEPENDENT STUDY FOR DEPARTMENTAL HONORS
Honors in psychology requires original contributions to the literature of psychology through independent study.