Program of Study for the B.A. Degree Program

Required Major Courses, Elective Courses, and Prerequisites

PSYC 1101 General Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Students learn to apply basic psychological concepts to everyday life.  As they achieve familiarity with psychological research methods, child development, principles of learning, cross-cultural psychology, and psychological disorders, students improve their abilities to make informed personal and career choices.

PSYC 2902 Careers and Issues in Psychology 2 Credits (2-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students improve their abilities to make informed career choices as a result of becoming familiar with the various areas of professional psychology.  Students plan their course selections based upon a stronger understanding of the ways in which psychologists conduct research, study and contribute to the work environment, promote physical and mental health, and serve their communities.  Personal and educational needs and preferences relative to pursuing a career in psychology are assessed.

PSYC 3003 Psychological Research I 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisites: PSYC 1101 and BHSC 2300

Students differentiate among various types of psychological inquiry, to choose appropriate research methods relative to the questions being asked, to design and implement research strategies, to evaluate the resulting data, and to interpret those data with respect to the history of research in the area.

PSYC 3013 Psychological Research II 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 3003

Students are able to design and implement an original research project.  Students collect data, analyze those data, and communicate the results via a report written using the American Psychological Association (APA) style.

PSYC 3023 Abnormal Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students identify the characteristics of mental disorders as described by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition (DSM-IV).  Students discuss in detail the various theories of causation relative to mental disorder, as well as the primary methods of treatment.

PSYC 3033 Developmental Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students study the major theories of developmental psychology and develop the ability to critique, select, and apply various methods used in the study of psychological development.  Students become knowledgeable of the developmental psychology research in relevant throughout one’s lifespan.

PSYC 3043 Psychology of Learning 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students are acquainted with the elementary principles of behavior change.  Students discuss the complexity of relationships between the neural and the behavioral, to critique recent data in the area of brain and behavior, and learn to place those data in perspective by relating them to major theoretical approaches.

PSYC 3063 Personality 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students become familiar with the major theories of personality.  Students discuss the integration of constitutional, social, and cultural factors taking place in the development of individual behavior patterns.  Students become familiar with methods of personality assessment.

PSYC 4013 History of Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students trace the development of the science of psychology from its early nonscientific, philosophical roots to its current methodologies.  Students become familiar with major schools, systems, and individuals within the discipline.  A distinction is made among current psychological approaches with respect to their historical antecedents.

PSYC 4023 Psychological Testing 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students discuss general measurement theory as applied to psychology.  Psychological tests are critiqued with respect to validity and reliability.  Students demonstrate the ability to administer and interpret selected psychological tests.

PSYC 4033 Psychopharmacology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students demonstrate an understanding of the neurochemical systems of the brain and the means by which psychoactive agents produce behavioral and experiential alterations.  Students critique drug classifications systems.  Students analyze recent data concerning the neurochemical bases of drug-related behavioral and experiential change.

PSYC 4043 Psychology of Religion 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students become familiar with the characteristics of the psychology of religion as an area of inquiry within the discipline.  They learn to trace the historical development of the field and to discuss its main theoretical approaches.  Students demonstrate an understanding of research trends regarding: the development of religious attitudes, the relationship of personality to religion, varieties of expressive behavior in religious practice, neurology and religious experience, the social and cultural psychology of religion, and the relation of religious belief and practice to behavior.

PSYC 4053 Behavior Modification 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students demonstrate familiarity with techniques of changing behavior via environmental manipulation.  Students learn to apply cognitive-behavioral techniques to effect behavior alteration.  Students become familiar with the major research designs and procedures used in the field of behavior therapy.

PSYC 4063 Child Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students learn the major theories of child development, make observations of child behaviors, and relate these to theoretical perspectives and current research in the area.  Students trace the development of the child in the physical, affective, and cognitive domains.

PSYC 4073 Cross-Cultural Psychology 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 1101

Students learn to recognize cultural and societal differences and similarities as they manifest themselves behaviorally.  Students analyze the factors of gender, race, and class as they relate to behavior.  In addition the student develops an awareness and understanding of individual and group variation in terms of development, individual relationships, and social functioning.

PSYC 4096 Senior Seminar I 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisites: PSYC 3003 and PSYC 3013

Students complete a comprehensive review of a current topic in psychology and conduct an in-depth case study or an original research project.  The history of the relevant research in discussed and current findings and discussions of directions for future work are made.

PSYC 4097 Senior Seminar II 3 Credits (3-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 4096

Students continue their senior projects and make a formal presentation which utilizes multimedia technology.  Outstanding projects are presented at undergraduate research conferences.

PSYC 4912 Internship 12 Credits (12-0)

Prerequisite: PSYC 3003

Students work in a setting appropriate for the application of psychological skills acquired through previous coursework.  Students learn to function in a professional environment.  Students are placed under supervision while completing 600 hours of service.