Undergraduate Catalog 2024-2025

College of Education and Behavioral Sciences

School of Psychological Sciences

PSY 120 Principles of Psychology

Surveys psychology as a science and applied discipline, including research methods, statistics, learning, motivation, sensation, perception, intelligence, personality and physiological, developmental, social and abnormal psychology.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

PSY 166 Skills and Careers in Psychological Sciences

This course will prepare students to be critical consumers of non-scientific and scientific information, and allow students to explore the many career and graduate opportunities with a degree in psychology.

3

Prerequisites

(Concurrent Prerequisite PSY 120 and Concurrent Prerequisite UNIV 101 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

PSY 200 Psychological Statistics

Covers basic statistical analysis procedures. Emphasizes descriptive and inferential statistics as well as computer applications for data analysis.

3

Prerequisites

(PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-) and (Completion of LC2-Mathematics course or Completion of LAX1-Mathematics course)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Psychology Major(s)

PSY 201 Research Methods in Psychology

This class affords all psychology majors the opportunity to learn the foundations of research methodology, design, and analysis.

3

Prerequisites

(PSY 120 and PSY 200 and UNIV 101 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

PSY 230 Lifespan Development

Introduction to the science of developmental psychology. Study basic concepts and issues related to cognitive, socioemotional and physical development from conception through senescence.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

PSY 247 Adolescent Learning and Motivation

Principles of adolescent learning, development, and motivation with applications for secondary classroom setting.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc

PSY 255 Introduction to Mental Health

Study abnormal behavior: causes, symptoms, characteristics, classification, prevention and treatment.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 265 Social Psychology

Survey major areas of social psychology, discussing nature of and factors involved in human social behavior, impression management, prosocial behavior, aggression, conformity, obedience to authority, attitude change and interpersonal attraction.
3

Course Attribute

LAB3Soc&BehSci-HumBeh,Cult,Soc and GT Human Behavior & Soc Sys

PSY 271 Psychological Testing and Measurements

Receive an introduction to psychological test theory, interpretation of results, group and individual tests (cognitive, affective and psychomotor), reliability, validity and standardization procedures.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 280 Psychology of Human Sexuality

The Psychology of Human Sexuality is a survey course in human reproductive behavior. Topics include pregnancy and contraception, behaviors associated with the spread of sexuality transmitted infections, romance and coupling behavior, sex trades, sexual orientation, gender identity, aberrant sexual behavior and sexual dysfunction. Psychology and behavior of sexuality will be stressed.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 323 Health Psychology

Explore psychological factors in maintenance of wellness, treatment of illnesses and recovery from or adjustment to ongoing health problems. Study theory, research methods and clinical applications in health psychology.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 330 Child and Adolescent Psychology

Focus on human development from conception through adolescence, particularly physical, cognitive and socioemotional development. Learn research methods for studying developmental processes.
3

PSY 331 Maturity and Aging

Explore physical, cognitive and socioemotional variables related to adult development encompassing an age range from 20 to over 100. Emphasis in learning various research methods.

3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

PSY 332 Psychology of Death and Dying

Explore the dying process, funeral rites/rituals, grief and bereavement of Western and other cultures. Topics include loss experiences, fear of death, reactions to death, euthanasia, suicide, and the care and treatment of the terminally ill.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 340 Psychology & Culture

Explore how sociocultural contexts impact psychological processes. Topics include cultural issues in research and testing, cultural differences in worldviews and communication, acculturation, stereotyping, cultural identity development, and culture and health.
3

PSY 341 Learning and Memory

Explore principles of classical and operant conditioning. Understand principles as the basis for concept learning, problem solving, information processing and memory. Emphasis on human behavior in everyday life.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 347 Educational Psychology for Elementary Teachers

Study the relationships between theory, research, and practice in learning, memory, child development, motivation, and educational assessment for elementary classroom settings.

3

Prerequisites

Completion of Applic for Initial Adm to PTEP

Offered

Generally offered Fall, Spring, and/or Summer Annually

PSY 349 Educational Psychology for Secondary Teachers

Study the application of principles derived from research on learning, memory, adolescent development, motivation, and educational assessment and measurement to secondary classroom settings.

3

Prerequisites

Completion of Applic for Initial Adm to PTEP

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

PSY 350 Theories of Personality

Study psychological theories and research methods used to explain personality development and functioning including psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, cognitive, behavioral, humanistic and type-trait theories.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 355 Positive Psychology

This course focuses on the scientific study of what is positive about people. It is an overview of theories and research on human strengths and explores the use of therapeutic clinical interventions as well as applications in everyday life, including school, work, family, and romantic relationships.

3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

PSY 365 Psychology and the Law

Examine social psychological theories and methods related to the legal system issues e.g., jury selection, eyewitness testimony, and death penalty cases.

3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

PSY 366 Industrial Psychology

Discover basic methods employed by psychologists in selection, placement, training and motivation of industrial personnel. Examine psychological factors influencing morale, production and job satisfaction.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 375 Sensation and Perception

Survey of how humans perceive the world through vision, hearing, touch, taste and smell. Examine physiological mechanisms, sensory processes, development, and theories of perception for each sensory modality.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 380 Behavioral Neuroscience

This class is designed to give students an introduction to neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and psychopharmacology while stressing the functional relationship between the nervous system and behavior.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 401 Advanced Research Methods in Psychology

This class will cover advanced topics in research methods and statistical techniques, including multi-factor designs and statistical analyses, post-hoc tests, qualitative research, and advanced topics in research ethics. Each student will conduct a literature review, design a research study, collect/analyze data, and report results consistent with A.P.A. style in written and oral form.

3

Prerequisites

(GPA-3.0) and (PSY 120 and PSY 201 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Check with department/school for next offering

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Psychology Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 407 Introduction to Counseling Theories

Survey current theoretical approaches with individuals and groups. Not intended as training in counseling approaches, but as basis for future study.

3

Prerequisites

(GPA-2.5) and (PSY 120 and UNIV 101 and PSY 255 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall - Check with department/school for next offering

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Psychology Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 422 Directed Studies

Individualized investigation under the direct supervision of a faculty member. (Minimum of 37.5 clock hours required per credit hour.)
1- 3

Special Notes

Maximum concurrent enrollment is two times.

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with no limitations

PSY 430 Developmental Disabilities and Psychopathology

This course will examine the major categories of developmental disability (e.g., Intellectual Disability) and psychopathology (e.g., Anxiety) that can be diagnosed during childhood and adolescence.

3

Prerequisites

(GPA-3.0) and (PSY 230 or PSY 330 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Check with department/school for next offering

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 440 Cognition

Explore human cognition by examining perception, attention, memory, intelligence, problem and cognitive development. Become familiar with neural bases of cognition, theoretical perspectives and research methods.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 443 Motivation

Investigate motivational concepts and related research: drive, goals, direction, incentive, reinforcement, external stimulation, emotion, homeostasis, biological aspects, instinct and self-actualization.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 460 Clinical Psychology

Examine roles and skills required of a clinical psychologist including ethics, multicultural issues, limitations, and skills.

3

Prerequisites

(GPA-3.0) and (PSY 120 and PSY 255 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall - Check with department/school for next offering

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 465 Forensic Psychology

Examine concepts, theories, and strategies for clinical psychology in legal settings. Explore assessments, interventions, and interactions with the legal system.

3

Prerequisites

(PSY 120 and PSY 255 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Spring Annually

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 467 Psychology of Prejudice

Understand basic causes of prejudice and how prejudicial behavior is learned and diminished. Experience increased understanding of others.
3

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

PSY 475 Evolutionary Psychology

This course surveys the field of evolutionary psychology, focusing on theories that attempt to explain human behavior in terms of evolution and natural selection.

3

Prerequisites

(GPA-3.0) and (PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Check with department/school for next offering

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 481 Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience

(2 lecture, 2 laboratory) This class and required zero credit lab investigates higher-order physiological processing of the nervous system through lecture and experiential learning activities. Topics may include the sensory systems, sleep, reproductive behavior, emotion, learning, memory, and/or human communication.
3

Prerequisites

(GPA-3.0) and (PSY 380 with a minimum grade of D-)

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Psychology Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Course Fee

Course Fee Required

PSY 484 Psychopharmacology

This class studies the effects of psychoactive drugs on the brain and behavior. It covers the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of recreational and psychotherapeutic drugs as well as their use in treatment of mental health disorders.

3

Prerequisites

(PSY 380 with a minimum grade of D-) or (equivalent course with permission from instructor)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

PSY 491 Psychology Field Experience

Get full or part-time experience working with professionals in psychology, for one or more semesters. Make arrangements with instructor and supervisor during semester before registration. S/U graded.

1-6

Prerequisites

(PSY 120 and UNIV 101 with a minimum grade of D-)

Offered

Generally offered Fall and/or Spring Annually

Major/Minor Restriction

Include Psychology Major(s)

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

PSY 492 Instructional Aide

Assist in instructional tasks under the direct supervision of a faculty member. S/U graded.
1- 3

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

PSY 493 Practicum in Psychology

Assist psychology faculty with research or laboratory; 38 clock hours per credit hour. Maximum of four (4) credits apply to psychology major. S/U graded.
1- 3

Repeatable Status

Course is repeatable with a maximum of 6 credit hours

PSY 495 Special Topics in Psychology

Scheduled on irregular basis.
1- 5

Prerequisites

PSY 120 with a minimum grade of D-

Class Restriction

Include Junior and Senior

Course Attribute

Variable Title Course

Repeatable Status

ST - Repeatable under different subtitles with no limits on the number of times it can be repeated