Introduction: The Psychology B.S. Program
The Psychology program at Pitt-Johnstown is designed to produce graduates with the skills and attitudes needed to become psychological professionals and to maximize the probability that graduates will be accepted for post-baccalaureate training. Professional attitudes and graduate training are particularly important for those who wish to work in the mental health and human services fields, and current trends indicate that they will become increasingly important over time. A growing number of states require that practicing psychologists be licensed and many state licenses require Masters or Ph.D.-level training in Psychology or a related field. A survey of current Federal and State Civil Service requirements for mental health, counseling, and rehabilitation positions indicates that advancement in these areas generally requires post-baccalaureate training. In addition, students interested in positions in industry, such as personnel work or human factors, or in education, such as special education, educational psychology, or school psychology, will also benefit from a program that equips them for further training, since advancement in these fields also depends on post-baccalaureate training.
The Psychology faculty is convinced that the most effective way to achieve these goals is to provide our students with a curriculum which meets the admission requirements of most graduate programs in Psychology, and provides advanced students with as much real time "hands on" practical experience as possible within the limits set by professional ethics and practical considerations. The program has been designed around the following goals: Majors who successfully complete the program should have a better than average chance of entering a graduate program in psychology or related areas; majors who do not wish to go on to a professional career will be highly trained and should have a better than average chance in competing for baccalaureate-level jobs in the human services fields; majors who wish specialized training in a psychological sub‑field not available at Pitt-Johnstown (e.g., artificial intelligence) and are in good academic standing may transfer to the University of Pittsburgh's main campus; finally, and perhaps most important in a human services field like Psychology, no student should be able to "drift" through the program without a thorough exposure to the professional and scientific nature of the field. Graduates of the program should also be motivated to continue to learn about psychological issues.
Program Specifics
Table 1 shows the outline of the program. Students majoring in Psychology are required to take a minimum of 10 psychology courses including 5 Core Courses (including 2 semesters of Junior Psychology Seminar), 1 Theoretical Foundations course, 2 Laboratory/Systems courses, 1 Applications course, 1 Advanced Seminar course, and 1 Research/Internship course. Juniors must attend 2 semesters of the Psychology Seminar. The seminar provides an opportunity for Psychology majors and faculty to exchange ideas about research projects, internships, graduate school, and critical issues in psychology. For those students who desire to continue their education in graduate school, Directed Research and/or Senior Project I/II is strongly recommended.
Psychology Course Requirements
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 (Introductory Statistics) exposes the student to the statistical principles involved in the scientific study of behavior. Psych 1031 (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 (Cognitive Psychology and its lab) provides insight into the expanding area of human cognition and cognitive science. Psych 1121 (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, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
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, and any other courses required by the instructor. Note: Although the Advanced Seminar Courses have the same number (PSY 1650) when listed in the course offerings, the course topic changes with each offering. Because the courses are organized as seminars, the assignments, tests, etc., change each time they are offered even when taught by the same instructor. Students may take more than one PSY 1650 course for additional credit, however, a grade earned in one 1650 course may not be replaced by a grade earned in another 1650 course even when taught by the same 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.
Related Discipline Requirement
Each student is required to develop an expertise in a related discipline. To make sure that this produces a real multidisciplinary approach, majors are required to take at least four courses totaling a minimum of twelve credits outside of the Psychology department in their chosen related field. A student interested in experimental psychology in the biological correlates of behavior disorders, for example, are advised to take courses in biological techniques, genetics, embryology, anatomy, and physiology offered by the Biology faculty. A student interested in psychological tests and their development are advised to take some of the mathematics curriculum statistical offerings, while students interested in public health applications are advised to study Political Science. Students interested in Education or Business applications in Psychology are encouraged to take courses in those areas. Students planning to continue in an area related to Clinical Psychology can maximize their chances of being accepted at a graduate school by choosing a related area in mathematics, biology, or chemistry. It is recommended that students who intend to apply to graduate school take additional statistics, computer science courses, or philosophy courses.
* Note that Biology 0080, 0081, 0083, 0085, 0950, 0960, 0970, 0980, and 1178 cannot be used to fulfill a related discipline requirement in Biology.
Students wanting a formal minor officially recognized on their transcript may extend the courses in their related discipline to include the requirements set out by the minor department. Minors include at least 18 credits, 6 of which must be upper-level courses as defined by the department offering the minor. Students must contact the department offering a minor to determine what courses are needed.
Diversity Requirement
Our society consists of individuals from many different cultures. In an attempt to recognize some of these different cultural perspectives, students must complete two courses from the list of diversity courses in Table 2. Courses may be taken from the same or different departments. In addition, these two courses may “double count” as general education knowledge area courses, thus incurring no additional credit requirements.
Biology Requirement
Because of the current emphasis on both nurture and nature in psychology, majors must complete General Biology I with its lab (Biology 110/111) and General Biology II with its lab (Biology 120/121).
Psychology Minor
A Psychology Minor program, consisting of Introduction to Psychology and an additional minimum of 15 credits from a list of selected psychology courses is available. For a fuller description of the Psychology Minor, please see Appendix A.
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY 0200 - INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY
A summary of the present knowledge in areas such as scientific research methods, learning, sensation and perception, the biological bases of behavior, developmental patterns, motivation, emotion, personality, social influences, psychopathology, and psychotherapies. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite to all other courses in Psychology.
PSY 0210 - SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
The study of behavior in the social environment. Social psychology concerns the manner in which the behavior, feelings, or thoughts of one individual are influenced or determined by the behavior of and/or characteristics of others. Primary emphasis is on current theories and research in social psychology with applications to problems of society also considered. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0230 - CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Provides an understanding of the basic principles of change as they apply to the development of infants and children. Topics include the relative influences of environmental, hormonal, and genetic factors on physical, socioemotional, and cognitive development. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0240 - THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
Study of the structure and organization of the normal personality through a survey of basic theoretical viewpoints ranging from psychoanalytic theory to modern social cognitive theories. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0260 - ADOLESCENT DEVELOPMENT
Provides an understanding of the basic principles of human development as applied to the adolescent. Theories and research findings are examined with regard to the areas of physical and sexual development, intelligence and cognitive functioning, and social and emotional development. This course does not count toward a Psychology degree. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0270 - INTRODUCTORY STATISTICS
Provides a basic understanding of statistical techniques. Includes introduction to experimental design, descriptive statistics, sampling, probability, and inferential statistics. Course involves the rationale, logic, statistical computation, parametric and nonparametric hypothesis testing, and interpretation of data. (04.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0351 - PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
Designed to give the student a basic knowledge of the psychological and biological aspects of drugs, emphasizing research findings wherever possible. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0384 - ADULT DEVELOPMENT & AGING
This class is intended to educate students about the biological, social and psychological changes that occur in people as they progress through the second half of life. In addition to these topics, the class will review the reasons for the increasing need to study and understand these changes, as well as research designs and research related problems commonly seen in this area. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 0470 - INTRO TO BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION
An introduction to the use of instrumental and classical training procedures in the modification of human behavior. The course covers the theoretical background (including ethical issues), the principles of instrumental and Pavlovian training, the principles of cognitive change, and applications to psychotherapy, education, and self modification. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 1000 - JUNIOR PSYCHOLOGY SEMINAR
One hour per week provides a forum for the discussion of Professional Issues in Psychology along with a dissemination of information related to the Department of Psychology and what happens after a student graduates. Required for all junior and senior Psychology majors; two terms, .5 credits per term, are needed for graduation. (.5 crs) Prerequisite: Junior Standing.
PSY 1031 - RESEARCH METHODS
The course introduces students to the fundamentals of psychological research, including the nature of psychology as a science, the selection of a research problem, research designs, the nature of research variables, and ethical considerations. Course includes a laboratory involving practical experiences in the design of experiments, conducting experiments, analyzing and interpreting data, and writing research papers. (04.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology and Introductory Statistics.
PSY 1065 - COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
An examination of the mental activities that constitute human cognition. Topics include perception, attention, memory, language, problem-solving and reasoning, artificial intelligence, and animal cognition. The course has an accompanying lab where computer, laboratory, and real-world techniques for studying cognitive processes are demonstrated and practiced. (04.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1121 - TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS
Review the rationale and use of many psychological tests. Ethical considerations, report writing, and current issues in testing are covered. Course includes a laboratory that focuses on the application of psychometric concepts, test development, evaluation of psychological tests currently used in the field, and development of skills in interpreting testing data and assessment reports. (04.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1141 - PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
An overview of the etiology and symptomological presentation of abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders, as well as a survey of current therapeutic modalities. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 1178 - HUMAN SEXUALITY
A survey of biological, psychological, and social aspects of human sexual activity. Cross listed as BIOL 1178. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology.
PSY 1216 - HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
A multi-disciplinary field concerned with the development and integration of behavioral and a bio-medical sciences, knowledge and techniques relevant to health and illness, and the application of this knowledge to diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation. (03.0 crs) Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1251 - MODELS OF PSYCHOTHERAPY
Examination of various traditional and contemporary modalities of psychotherapy used (clinically) to treat abnormal behaviors and psychological disorders. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Psychopathology.
PSY 1440 - PSYCHOLOGY OF LEARNING
Covers basic techniques in the study of human and animal conditioning. Emphasis is given to theory and principles concerning classical and instrumental conditioning. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1500 - PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Covers the neuroscience perspective of psychology; with emphasis on the structural and functional organization of the central and peripheral nervous systems and the relationship between brain structure and behavior. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1548 - SENIOR PROJECT 1
Part 1 of individual research supervised by a member of the psychology faculty. This course is restricted to students with Psychology as an area of concentration. Senior status and permission of supervisor required. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Senior status, permission of instructor; other prerequisites may be added depending on the nature of the project.
PSY 1549 - SENIOR PROJECT 2
Part 2 of individual research supervised by a member of the psychology faculty. This course is restricted to students with Psychology as an area of concentration. Senior status and permission of instructor required. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Senior status, permission of instructor; other prerequisites may be added depending on the nature of the project.
PSY 1555 - INTERNSHIP
Participation in supervised psychological activities at off-campus agencies. Particular sites selected to fit student career interests. Requires keeping a journal of daily activities, writing a final term paper relating the internship experience to the Psychology, and making a brief presentation about your internship to the Psychology Seminar class. (01.0 TO 05.0 crs). Prerequisites: Senior status, permission of Internship Director; other prerequisites may be added depending on the internship placement.
PSY 1560 - INTERNSHIP
Participation in supervised psychological activities at off-campus agencies. Particular sites selected to fit student career interests. Requires keeping a journal of daily activities, writing a final term paper relating the internship experience to the Psychology, and making a brief presentation about your internship to the Psychology Seminar class. (06.0 crs). Prerequisites: Senior status, permission of Internship Director; other prerequisites may be added depending on the internship placement.
PSY 1570 - HISTORY & SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY
An interdisciplinary examination of the chronological development of the field of Psychology. Some time is spent on studying the philosophical underpinnings of the discipline of Psychology before moving on to examine the evolution of the schools of thought in Psychology. The emphasis is on the relationship of Psychology to the fields of history and philosophy, as well as how the schools of thought in Psychology fit into the empiricist and rationalist traditions. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, and Research Methods.
PSY 1636 - ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
An examination of what psychologists have found out about people at work, the ways in which they have studied the workplace, and how psychology is practiced in human resources and other organizational settings. There is an emphasis on current perspectives and findings in this applied area of psychology. (03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology. Recommended: Social Psychology or Theories of Personality.
PSY 1650 - ADVANCED SEMINARS
Intensive study of a specialized area emphasizing current research and theory. Examples of recent seminars taught include Psychology of Language, Intelligence, Cross-cultural Psychology, Memory, Neuropsychological Testing, and Artificial Intelligence. Although the Advanced Seminar courses have the same title when listed in the course offerings, the course topic changes with each offering. Because the courses are organized as seminars, the assignments, tests, etc. change each time they are offered, even when taught by the same instructor. Permission of instructor required. Students may take the course more than once for additional credit; however a grade earned in one course may not be replaced by a grade earned in another course, even when taught by the same instructor. (03.0 crs). Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, Research Methods, plus any courses listed by the instructor, OR permission of the instructor.
PSY 1904 - DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL READING
Under special circumstances, psychology majors can design an individual reading course with a member of the department and in consultation with a faculty member. Permission of instructor required. (01.0 TO 03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor is required.
PSY 1906 - DIRECTED INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH
This course involves student participation in individual experimental research supervised by a member of the department faculty. (01.0 TO 03.0 crs). Prerequisite: Permission of instructor is required.
TABLE 1: OUTLINE OF PSYCHOLOGY PROGRAM
Credits
CORE COURSES (All courses required)
0200 Introduction to Psychology 3
0270 Introductory Statistics 4
1031 Research Methods and Lab 4
1000 Junior Psychology Seminar 0.5
1000 Junior Psychology Seminar 0.5
THEORETICAL FOUNDATIONS (Minimum 1 course; Prerequisite: Introduction to Psychology)
0210 Social Psychology 3
0230 Child Development 3
0240 Theories of Personality 3
1141 Psychopathology 3
0351 Psychopharmacology 3
LABORATORY/SYSTEMS (Minimum 2 courses; Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Psychological Data Evaluation, Research Methods)
1065 Cognitive Psychology and Lab 4
1121 Tests & Measurements and Lab 4
1440 Learning 3
1500 Physiological Psychology 3
1570 History and Systems 3
APPLICATIONS (Minimum 1 course; Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology as well as any other recommended courses listed by the instructor)
0384 Adult Development and Aging 3
1636 Organizational Psychology 3
0470 Behavior Modification 3
1216 Health Psychology 3
1251 Models of Psychotherapy 3
1178 Human Sexuality 3
ADVANCED SEMINAR (Minimum 1 course; Prerequisites: Introduction to Psychology, Introductory Statistics, Research Methods, and those recommended courses listed by instructor at time of offering. Each of the faculty members in Psychology will offer a seminar approximately every other year focusing on a specialty area. Courses may involve laboratory or practicum experience.
1650 Advanced Seminar 3
Although the Advanced Seminar Courses have the same number (PSY 1650) when listed in the course offerings, the course topic changes with each offering. Because the courses are organized as seminars, the assignments, tests, etc., change each time they are offered even when taught by the same instructor. Students may take more than one PSY 1650 course for additional credit, however, a grade earned in one 1650 course may not be replaced by a grade earned in another 1650 course even when taught by the same instructor.
RESEARCH/INTERNSHIP (Minimum 3 credits)
1548/1549 Senior Project (I, II) 6
1555 Internship 1-5
1560 Internship 6
1904 Directed Reading 1-3
1906 Directed Research 1-3
Or, any other course listed under Theoretical Foundations,
Laboratory/Systems, Applications, or Advanced Seminar. 3-4
*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.
RELATED DISCIPLINE (Minimum 4 courses totaling minimum of 12 credits)
To gain a perspective different from that of psychologists, majors must select at least four courses totaling a minimum of twelve credits in a discipline other than psychology. For example, if interested in working for a social service agency after graduation, an appropriate related area is Sociology. Before a related area is chosen, the student's faculty advisor must approve it.
DIVERSITY REQUIREMENT (Minimum 2 courses)
Two courses must be taken from the list of Diversity courses in Table 2. However, if the student encounters a course that he/she believes is a Diversity course but is not listed in Table 2, the course may be able to count, but only if formally approved by the student's academic advisor in Psychology. Courses may be taken from the same department or different departments. In addition, these two courses may be taken from the general distribution of studies knowledge area choices, thus incurring no additional credit requirements.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Biology
Because of the current emphasis on both nurture and nature in psychology, majors must complete the following:
Bio 0110/0111 General Biology I and Lab 3 + 1
Bio 0120/0121 General Biology II and Lab 3 + 1
TABLE 2: PSYCHOLOGY DIVERSITY COURSES