Core Courses are designed to provide the student with a thorough grounding in the principles and methods of scientific psychology. Psych 0200 (Introduction to Psychology) is a survey that cuts across all areas of psychology to give the students a general familiarity with psychological terminology, methods, principles, and applications. Psych 0270 (Psychological Data Evaluation) exposes the student to the statistical principles involved in the scientific study of behavior. Psych 1031/1032 (Research Methods and its Lab) introduces techniques of experimental design and develops the writing style required by the American Psychological Association.
Theoretical Foundations courses are designed to provide exposure to some of the important substantive areas in Psychology. Psych 0210 (Social Psychology) provides an introduction to the study of behavior in the social environment. Psych 0230 (Child Development) reviews physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from conception through childhood. Psych 0240 (Theories of Personality) involves an introduction to the study of the personality characteristics used to describe complex human behavior. Psych 1141 (Psychopathology) involves the study of research and theory in the description and etiology of behavior disorders. Psych 0351 (Psychopharmacology) provides a look into the physiological and biological aspects of drugs. Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
Laboratory/Systems courses are upper-level courses that emphasize the scientific and methodological aspects of Psychology. Psych 1065/1066 (Cognitive Psychology and its lab) provides insight into the expanding area of human cognition and cognitive science. Psych 1121/1123 (Tests and Measurements and its lab) provides a background in measurement theory and in the tests used by experimental and clinical psychologists. Psych 1440 (Psychology of Learning) focuses on the cross-species principles which underlie learned (conditioned) behavior and gives the student a chance to apply his/her research methodology skills to the study of simple behavior. Psych 1500 (Physiological Psychology) involves methods and theories in physiological research along with associated laboratory work. Psych 1570 (History & Systems of Psychology) provides students with an overview of the History of Psychology and of the ways that the study of Psychology can be approached. Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Data Evaluation, and Research Methods + lab.
Applications courses are focused upon specific areas in Psychology where scientific and theoretical knowledge are applied to real-world problems. Psych 0384 (Adult Development and Aging) is concerned with the development of human beings in adulthood. Psych 1636 (Organizational Psychology) is concerned with issues surrounding the workplace, including industrial and organizational settings. Psych 0470 (Behavior Modification) concentrates on the modification of human behavior through various cognitive and behavior-based therapies. Psych 1216 (Health Psychology) is a multidisciplinary course that examines illness, health, and wellness. Psych 1251 (Models of Therapy) is designed to examine traditional and contemporary therapeutic methods of treating disorders. Psych 1178 (Human Sexuality) is concerned with the biological and psychological aspects of human sexuality. Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology and any other courses required by the instructor.
Advanced Seminar (Psych 1650) is an upper-level, specialized course that varies from semester to semester. This course is rotated across the faculty members in the Psychology department. Typically, the seminar is related to a faculty member's academic interest or research area. This seminar involves the intense study of methods, data, and theory in a specific sub-area of psychology. In keeping with the "hands on" policy of the program, these courses include laboratory or practical experiences wherever possible. Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Data Evaluation, Research Methods + lab, and any other courses required by the instructor.
Research/Internship is designed to give each student the opportunity to obtain experience in conducting research or experience in a real-world internship setting. Psychology majors interested in going on to graduate school are strongly encouraged to engage in Directed Research with a faculty member or to complete a two-term Senior Project and/or an Internship. Directed Research usually involves an apprenticeship of the student with a faculty supervisor, where the student becomes involved in an ongoing research project. Senior Projects tend to be more comprehensive and usually involve the design and completion of a small-scale laboratory or field research project that takes place over the course of 1 year. For Senior Project, each student designs his or her project in close consultation with his or her major advisor, a member of the Psychology faculty who is an expert in the project area. Internships involve closely supervised work with a community agency, and are recommended for students going to graduate school in clinical or counseling psychology, social work, or planning to work in the field with their B.S. degree. It should also be noted that if a student does not wish to participate in a research or internship experience, he or she may opt to take one additional course in Theoretical Foundations, Laboratory/Systems, Applications, or Advanced Seminar to fulfill the Research/Internship requirement. Permission of Research Advisor / Internship Director required.
*Note that students can take a maximum of 6 graded credits of Directed Research/Readings and a maximum of 6 graded credits of Internship. Credits above these limits can be taken on a pass/fail basis.