Psychology is desire to explain the behavior of individuals based on the workings of the mind. The discipline of psychology embraces all aspects of the human experience — from the functions of the brain to the environments in which humans and other animals develop; from child development to aging. Psychology is a science based on a large body of social science and behavioral science research and which is expanding its boundaries to overlap with neuroscience and health science. Psychologists study two critical relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and one between the environment and behavior. As scientists, psychologists follow scientific methods, using careful observation experimentation and analysis to learn more about the world in which we live and its inhabitants.

The major in psychology leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Requirements are 30 hours in psychology (apx 10 psychology courses) to include 201, 210, 306, 312, and 405 plus 3 hours (course) in sociology (choice of SO101 or SO303) . Red indicates the courses that are required.

NOTE: A minor in psychology consists of 15 hours in psychology beyond Psychology 201, and Sociology 101.

Psychology Courses (PY)

201. General Psychology (3 s.h.)
An introduction to the science of psychology. Selected topics from biological bases; developmental, personality, and psychometric concepts; learning, sensation, perception, thinking, motivation, emotion; frustration; mental health; and social factors.

208. Psychology of Adjustment (3 s.h.)
A study of the nature, determinants and development of personality structure, stressing interpersonal relationships and competencies.

210. Introduction to Psychological Statistics (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: 201, math 107 or consent of instructor. Introduction to statistics with application to experimental design in the behavioral sciences. Designed to provide introduction and background for the course in experimental psychology.

304. Group Processes (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: Consent of the instructor. A study of the factors operating in small group interactions. The emphasis is on awareness and sharing of immediate personal and interpersonal experience in a climate that encourages experimentation, learning, understanding, and insight. A human relations laboratory approach will be used along with readings and projects.

305. Biological Bases of Behavior (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. An investigation of the biological foundations of behavior with particular emphasis on the role of the nervous system. Topics included are sensation, motivation, and emotion.

306. Abnormal Psychology (3 s.h.)
A study of the description, causation, and treatment of a wide range of abnormal behaviors according to different theoretical approaches.

307. Industrial-Organizational Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. The examination of the principles of psychology significant and basic to a coverage of personnel and industrial psychology.

309. Tests and Measurements (4 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. A study of the essentials of psychological testing and educational measurement pertinent to the appraisal of the individual, including practical exposure to more frequently used individual and standardized tests in the schools, colleges, and helping agencies. Three lecture periods and one laboratory session.

311. Behavior Modification (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. An examination of learning principles as applied to specific human behavior change. Includes a survey of intervention strategies for both clinical and non-clinical settings. Prominent research and ethics are considered.

312. Experimental Methodology (4 s.h.)
Prerequisites: 201, 210. An introduction to the traditional content of experimental psychology with accent on the experimental approach and methodology and with supporting laboratory work. Designed for psychology majors. Three hours lecture; one laboratory session.

313. Developmental Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. A study of the descriptions and explanations of developmental changes in behavior as a result of the interaction between heredity and experience. The development of behaviors such as sensory, motor, intellectual, and emotional are examined in a variety of species with particular emphasis on humans.

314. Learning Theory (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. Early and contemporary theories of learning are examined with respect to various topics and issues relevant to the learning process. Data from a variety of species are considered.

315. Sport Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PY 201. An introduction to the field of sport psychology, with a focus on psychological interventions in sport.

316. Professional Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisites: PY 201 and permission of instructor. An introduction to the professional practice of psychology. Students will learn to recognize the characteristics of individuals with select mental disorders, investigate some of the biopsychosocial etiology of these disorders, and become familiar with the various treatment modalities that are currently employed with such individuals. The course will require a minimum of 100 clock hours of supervisied observation/participation at a community mental health agency. Pass/Fail.

317. Forensic Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: PY 201. An introduction to the relationship between psychology and the law. An examination of the potential roles for psychologists on many levels of the legal process, including jury selection, determining competency for trial, not guilty by reason of insanity, and malingering. Seminar format.

405. History and Systems of Psychology (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201 and a minimum of nine semester hours in psychology. A consideration of historical backgrounds and trends in the development of modern psychology together with contemporary systems and schools arising therefrom. Primarily designed for advanced students to gain more mature perspective and review of whole field of psychology.

407. Senior Seminar (2 s.h.)
Prerequisites: 312, senior standing, psychology major. Senior seminar designed to consider in-depth the major issues and controversies in psychology.

410. Independent Study (Credit to be determined)
Prerequisites: junior or senior status, psychology major, and consent of instructor. Guided independent research project. Literature review, submission of a proposal, execution of experiment, and written report are required.

416. Counseling (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. Corequisite: 417. A study of the process, theories, and practical applications of psychological principles to counseling in a variety of professional settings.

417. Counseling Skills and Interventions (3 s.h.)
Prerequisite: 201. Corequisite: 416. A practical course focusing on specific counseling skills such as active listening, discrimination of cognition and affect, therapeutic responding and interview management using role playing, audio and video taping and interpersonal feedback. Students will learn case conceptualization, treatment planning, goal setting, use of specific intervention strategies, and clinical writing.

101. General Sociology (3 s.h.) or 303 Social Psychology

General Sociology (101) is an overview of the basic (concepts of sociology~ culture, socialization, self-concept, groups, social stratification, collective behavior, social institutions and social change. Emphasis is placed oil the relevance of sociology to the students’ daily lives. Social Psychology (303) is an examination of how individuals interact with other individuals and groups. The course covers such topics as affiliation, personal attraction, attitudes and attitude change, person perception, group behavior, conformity, and altruism.