B.S. in Psychology: Curriculum

This course introduces the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic and social-cultural perspectives are explored. Topics such as scientific method, statistical reasoning, neuroscience, learning, cognitive processes, development, psychological adjustment, therapy, social psychology, diversity and community are studied.

This course is a scientific study of human development from prenatal life through death, with emphasis on the interplay of psychological processes, heredity, and environment. This review addresses physical, cognitive, and socioemotional changes across the lifespan. (Corequisite: PSY 102; Bachelor of Science Nursing students no prerequisite)

This course gives students the opportunity to learn and apply statistical techniques to address social and behavioral science research questions. Students will establish a foundational understanding of the purpose and scope of descriptive and inferential statistical techniques and practice analyzing data within the context of social and behavioral science research.

Students examine how the individual’s personality, behavior and attitudes are shaped through interaction with others. The course deals with such issues as conformity, persuasion, aggression, altruism, and attraction. Individual behavior is understood in light of symbolic communication and the social construction of the self. (Prerequisite: SOC 151 or PSY 102; Strongly recommend junior standing or higher)

This course introduces students to important insights and theoretical principles of modern cognitive science. Students study human cognition, perception and attention, memory, knowledge representation, language, reasoning, problem solving, cognitive development, creativity, learning, and individual differences in cognition. (Prerequisite: PSY 102; Strongly recommended sophomore standing or higher)

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of brain and nervous system physiology. The focus will be on how the nervous system governs behavioral and cognitive processes. Functional and dysfunctional physiology and what this tells us about maladaptive behavior and cognition will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: PSY 102; Strongly recommended sophomore standing or higher)

Students are introduced to the field of counseling and other related helping professions. A variety of counseling theories, approaches, and processes are considered, along with their application. The roles, functions, responsibilities, challenges, and ethical issues involved in the provider-client relationship are explored throughout the course. Students will study and develop working knowledge of the foundational skills involved in becoming an effective helping professional. (Prerequisite(s): PSY 102; Strongly recommended sophomore standing or higher)

An introduction to the study of abnormal psychology. The course covers a wide range of behaviors that are distressing to a person or society or which are otherwise identified as abnormal. A comprehensive review of the etiologies of psychological disorders, discussion of available treatments and a focus on the effects that mental illness has on the individual, the family system, and society are included. Current controversies in the field are identified. (Prerequisite: PSY 102; Strongly recommended sophomore standing or higher)

This course introduces the student to a variety of classic and contemporary theories of personality. Issues in personality measurement and assessment techniques will also be presented and discussed. (Prerequisite: PSY 102; Strongly recommended sophomore standing or higher)

This course covers the comprehensive scope of best-practice research methods and statistical analysis techniques used in social and behavioral science research. Students will gain experience with different research methods and hypothesis testing as well as become proficient in writing within the realm of social and behavioral science research. (Prerequisites: PSY 102 or CJU 242 or SOC 151)

This internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides services that are psychological in nature. The student will learn to apply psychological theories and principles to the internship experience via coursework that is conducted in conjunction with the internship. The student will independently select an appropriate internship site that meets the needs and vocational interests of the student. (Prerequisite: PSY 102 and sophomore, junior, or senior standing).