Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology Requirements

Prerequisites: None

This course is a general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. The basic concepts, principles, methods, and research findings of psychology are studied. Emphasis is on those topics and research areas that are important to the understanding of human behavior and thought. These include biological and environmental influences, sensation, perception, development, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, mental health, and social interaction. Introduction to Psychology is also designed to give students a solid foundation for reading and understanding materials in more advanced psychology courses.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course provides a solid foundation for writing in the APA style. Students will learn how to present research findings while improving their writing skills. Students will communicate information from scientific literature in the behavioral sciences and will learn to write in a 610 variety of formats including abstract, poster presentations and journal-style writing.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course provides an introduction to statistical concepts and methods used in the field of psychology, including probability and hypothesis testing. Specific topics covered include central tendency, variability, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and non-parametric tests. This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of statistics applied in the context of psychological research.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology, PSY 1005 Scientific Writing for the Behavioral Sciences, PSY 2001 Statistical Methods for Behavioral Sciences

This course aims to provide students with an understanding of and hands-on experience in the quantitative methods necessary to do research in psychology. This includes understanding and applying basic experimental methodologies, statistical analysis, and graphing data in a meaningful and appropriate way. Through real-life and hypothetical examples students will gain an understanding of which basic statistical analyses are appropriate for different types of data and different research questions. Topics include the ethical and practical limitations of experimental design, issues of validity and reliability, sample selection and assignment, and variations of experimental design. Students will read and interpret literature in psychology and practice their skills in the APA style of report writing. Students will analyze data with a commonly used statistical analysis program. This course also aims to help students see research in Psychology as an exciting and interesting aspect of the field that has many applications in the real world.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: None

This course explores current research findings and significant theoretical perspectives related to the cognitive, socioemotional, and physical domains of human development and growth across the lifespan. A major theme of the course is the interaction between nature and nurture in human development.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course examines the principle forms of psychological disorders as described in the DSM-V, with emphasis on causes, symptoms and treatment. An analysis of adaptive versus maladaptive thinking and behaviors is included. Treatment approaches are considered from a variety of modalities and hands-on strategies and techniques are shown in class. Case studies are used as models for diagnosis and treatment.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course examines the major theorists who represent the psychoanalytic, identity, needs-hierarchy, behavioral, and humanistic approaches to the study of personality. Also considered will be the influence of events in theorists’ personal and professional lives on the development of these theories. How race, cultural issues, and gender play a part in the study of personality and personality assessment will also be explored.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: Taken in the last semester of major & PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course is an integration of previous core coursework through the exploration of current issues in the field of psychology. Student-led presentations and discussions will be informed by readings and analysis of contemporary theories and research.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course specifically examines psychology in the workplace. Students use psychological principles to deal with problems associated with employment and the work environment. Consideration of employee selection and training, behavior modification in leadership styles and motivational techniques are included.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course explores the varied facets of the field of Forensic Psychology. Students will study landmark cases relevant to psychology and the law. Topics will include police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment and homeland security. Ethics within forensic psychology will also be discussed, as well as correctional psychology and juvenile justice.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course studies human behavior within a social context. It addresses the reciprocal influences between everyday social experiences and the individual. Topics include relationships, person perception, attitudes, conformity and obedience, persuasion, prejudice, group processes and attraction.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course examines ways psychology is used to enhance the well-being of athletes, coaches and teams. Psychological and social theories as well as research related to performance, fitness and athletic programs will be explored.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course closely examines central topics of interest within social psychology such as specifically the inherent social, dynamic, and multi-faceted nature of the self and identities. Topics to be covered include self-esteem, self-concept, self-schemas, malleability of social identities, self-illusions, and the role culture and social group membership play in defining the self. Also to be covered is the topic of the centrality of the self in processes such as memory, impression formation, and attitude formation. How children develop the concept of self as separate from other people will also be examined.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to historic and contemporary terrorist groups and their motives and strategies. Students will study the psychological impact of terrorism on individuals, communities and the larger world. Recruitment efforts, terrorist goals, influences on group members and the dissolution of a terrorist group is examined.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to general theories and methods related to culture and diversity. Emphasis will be on psychological research that links culture to mental processes. In addition, the focus will be on diverse aspects of humans’ day-to-day lives— including social relationships, cognitive processes, basic visual perception, art, judgments of morality, and mental illness. Topics that bridge cultural psychology and identity, including group and identity formation, stereotyping, prejudice, stigma, intergroup contact, and multiculturalism are integral. Special emphasis will be placed on critically examining research methods and analyzing real-world treatments of culture based on topics covered in the course.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology, and PSY 2015 Forensic Psychology

Students examine the development of the individual from conception through adolescence. The influences of heredity as well as developmental processes such as physical maturation, cognitive changes, personality and social and emotional development are studied. Students will explore various psychological theories and perspectives related to child and adolescent development.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology, and PSY 2015 Forensic Psychology

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of adulthood, with special emphasis on gerontology. Students examine theories, principles, and research related to cognitive change and social development, particularly in the context of intergenerational relationships. Students 613 will critically review research that focuses on how social partners affect physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being throughout adulthood.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisites: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology, and PSY 3035 Psychology of Terrorism

This course explores theoretical and practical issues of international psychology as they relate to human behavior. Course material and discussion focus on the state of psychology outside of North America. Specific emphasis is on issues regarding the interrelatedness of local, global, international issues, intercultural issues, trends and systems from psychological perspectives.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 Introduction to Psychology

This course is an introduction to the study of gender from a psychological perspective. Research examining social roles, status, and gender-related traits, particularly in regard to relationships and health will be discussed. This course was designed to provide the student with a richer understanding of gender and relationships, both personal and professional.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Course description coming soon,

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Course description coming soon,

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)