Psychology
Majors:
Minor:
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior, and as such is a diverse field that touches all aspects of human endeavor.
The objectives of the Department of Psychology are to provide students with learning experiences in and out of the classroom which will increase their critical thinking skills, facilitate their acquisition of the body of knowledge inherent in the study of human behavior, equip them with its research methodology, and prepare them for employment or graduate school.
The Department of Psychology offers both the Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Science degrees. Each student, in consultation with an advisor, selects a program leading to either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science with appropriate elective credits according to individual interests and goals. The availability of both degrees allows the student to plan a double major or a major in psychology with a strong concentration of study in a related or complementary discipline. It also allows for easy transfer into psychology from prior majors. The department encourages students who are interested in preparation for graduate school or a career in a particular area of psychology to consult the Psychology Undergraduate Student Handbook, available on the World Wide Web, for a listing of courses that are recommended for preparation in that area. Some examples of such areas include clinical psychology, developmental psychology, human factors/ergonomics, and social psychology.
Each psychology major must complete: PSY 101, PSY 216, and PSY 217 early in his or her academic career. The remaining requirements are stated in the two outlines below. Exceptions to these requirements must be approved by the chairperson.
Psychology majors are required to attain grades of C- or better in the following courses:
| PSY 101 | Introductory Psych | 3 |
| PSY 216 | Elementary Statistic | 3 |
| PSY 217 | Expermntl Psychology | 3 |
and any two courses from each of the two core groupings:
| PSY 321 | Cognitive Processes | 3 |
| PSY 322 | Learning | 3 |
| PSY 323 | Psy of Perception | 3 |
| PSY 422 | Physiological Psy | 3 |
| PSY 341 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 351 | Child Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 361 | Personality | 3 |
| PSY 363 | Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
If a C- or better is not attained, courses will have to be retaken if they are used to satisfy the psychology major.
A minor in psychology consists of eighteen semester hours.
Faculty
Carolyn Roecker Phelps, Chairperson
Professors Emeriti: Allik, Biers, Butter, DaPolito, Korte, Kuntz, Moroney
Professors: Eggemeier, Polzella, Reeb
Associate Professors: Bauer, Crutcher, Elvers, Katsuyama, Kirschman, Roecker Phelps, Zois
Assistant Professors: Davis, Dixon, Goodnight, Kunz, Montoya, O'Mara
Visiting Assistant Professor: Berry
Lecturers: Engle, Farnsworth, Layman-Guadalupe, Rodriguez
Bachelor of Arts with a major in Psychology (psy)
| Psychology | ||
| PSY 101 | Introductory Psych | 3 |
| PSY 216 | Elementary Statistic | 3 |
| PSY 217 | Expermntl Psychology | 3 |
| Select two courses from: | 6 | |
| Cognitive Processes | ||
| Learning | ||
| Psy of Perception | ||
| Physiological Psy | ||
| Select two courses from: | 6 | |
| Social Psychology | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| Personality | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| PSY electives 1 | 12-24 | |
| Liberal Studies Curriculum | ||
| ASI 150 | Intr to the Univ Exp | 1 |
| Mathematics | 3-4 | |
| Intro to Statistics 2 | ||
or MTH 137 | Calc I with Review | |
or MTH 148 | Introductory Calc I | |
or MTH 168 | Anly Geom & Calc I | |
| Communication Competencies | 3-9 | |
| Creative and Performing Arts | 3 | |
| History | 6 | |
| L2 Proficiency (Proficiency in a language other than English) | 0-11 | |
| Literature | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | 11 | |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 12 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (excludes PSY courses) | 12 | |
| Total Hours - general education courses/academic electives to total at least | 124 | |
| 1 | No more than a total of six hours of PSY 352, PSY 477, PSY 478, PSY 490, PSY 493, PSY 494 and/or PSY 497 may count toward the thirty-three semester hours required in PSY for the major. |
| 2 | Selection of MTH 207 is strongly encouraged. |
Bachelor of Science with a major in Psychology (psy)
| Psychology | ||
| PSY 101 | Introductory Psych | 3 |
| PSY 216 | Elementary Statistic | 3 |
| PSY 217 | Expermntl Psychology | 3 |
| Select two courses from: | 6 | |
| Cognitive Processes | ||
| Learning | ||
| Psy of Perception | ||
| Physiological Psy | ||
| Select two courses from: | 6 | |
| Social Psychology | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| Personality | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| PSY electives 1 | 12-24 | |
| Breadth Requirements | ||
| ASI 150 | Intr to the Univ Exp | 1 |
| Mathematics 2 | 6-8 | |
| Intro to Statistics | ||
| Calc I with Review | ||
or MTH 148 | Introductory Calc I | |
or MTH 168 | Anly Geom & Calc I | |
| Communication Competencies | 3-9 | |
| Humanities | 9 | |
| Natural Sciences 3 | 24 | |
| Philosophy and Religious Studies | 12 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (excludes PSY courses) | 6 | |
| Total Hours - general education courses/academic electives to total at least | 120 | |
| 1 | No more than a total of six hours of PSY 352, PSY 477, PSY 478, PSY 490, PSY 493, PSY 494 and/or PSY 497 may count toward the thirty-three semester hours required in PSY for the major. |
| 2 | The Mathematics requirement may also be satisfied by taking MTH 137 MTH 138, or MTH 148 MTH 149, or MTH 168 MTH 169. |
| 3 | Two three-semester hour natural science courses (BIO, CHM, GEO, PHY) with accompanying laboratories are required. The remaining sixteen semester hours may be fulfilled by courses in BIO, CHM, GEO, PHY, and CPS courses as well as by MTH courses beyond the departmental MTH requirement. |
Minor in Psychology (psy)
| Psychology | ||
| PSY 101 | Introductory Psych | 3 |
| Select one course from: | 3 | |
| Cognitive Processes | ||
| Learning | ||
| Psy of Perception | ||
| Physiological Psy | ||
| Select one course from: | 3 | |
| Social Psychology | ||
| Child Psychology | ||
| Personality | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Select three PSY courses (300/400 level) 1 | 9 | |
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| 1 | Only three semester hours of PSY 352, PSY 490, PSY 493, PSY 494, and/or PSY 497 may count toward the minor. |
Courses
PSY 101. Introductory Psych. 3 Hours
INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY
- Study of human behavior including development, motivation, emotion, personality, learning, perception; general application of psychological principles to personal, social, and industrial problems. Students must participate in departmental research.
PSY 216. Elementary Statistic. 3 Hours
ELEMENTARY STATISTICS
- Basic probability and applied statistics: measures of central tendency and dispersion, sampling, estimation, hypothesis testing, tests between means, linear regression, correlation, and ANOVA.
Prerequisite(s): MTH 102 or higher; PSY 101.
PSY 217. Expermntl Psychology. 3 Hours
EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Basic concepts of scientific methods as applied to psychological problems. Experiments to familiarize students with application of scientific methodology to study of human psychological processes. Required of all psychology majors. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101, PSY 216.
PSY 251. Hum Growth & Develop. 3 Hours
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
- Focuses on stages of human development from infancy through the aging adult. Emphasis is on various theoretical approaches and the development associated with each stage. Psychology majors may not take for credit toward major. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 321. Cognitive Processes. 3 Hours
COGNITIVE PROCESSES
- Information-processing approach to attention, perception, memory, imagery, and thought. Theoretical structures including neuron modeling of higher cognitive and experimental processes.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 321L. Cognitv Process Lab. 1 Hour
COGNITIVE PROCESSES LABORATORY
- In-depth discussion of seminal research in cognition. Collection, analysis, and interpretation of data.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 101, PSY 216, PSY 217, PSY 321) or permission of instructor.
PSY 322. Learning. 3 Hours
LEARNING
- Foundations of the learning process. Classical and instrumental paradigms and variants of each considered in preparation for investigations of complex learning. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 323. Psy of Perception. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGY OF PERCEPTION
- Introduction to major theoretical and experimental work in perception, including visual, auditory, proprioceptive, and other sensory systems.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 333. PSY Tests&Measurmnts. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTS AND MEASUREMENTS
- Survey of major tests of intelligence, aptitude, interest, and personality presently used in clinics, schools, personnel offices, and research settings. Emphasis on evaluation and comparison, rationale of construction, ethical considerations. Prerequisite(s): (PSY 101, PSY 216) or equivalent.
PSY 334. Industrial Psycholgy. 3 Hours
INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Introduction to modern efforts to improve human performance in industrial organizations and society; selection and placement of employees, morale, training, and incentives.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 341. Social Psychology. 3 Hours
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Survey of major theoretical and experimental work in the field; attitudes, conformity, emotions, group dynamics.
PSY 344. Interprsnl Relations. 3 Hours
INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
- Social psychological research in nonverbal behavior, social exchange, self-disclosure, and interpersonal attraction and how these are related to developing relationships.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 351. Child Psychology. 3 Hours
CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
- Study of psychological processes from the developmental point of view; changes in perception, cognition, emotion, and social behavior from infancy to adolescence. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 352. Fld Exper-Chld Psy. 1 Hour
FIELD EXPERIENCE IN CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
- Practical experience with a community agency providing instructional, recreational, or therapeutic services. Volunteer four to five hours weekly.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101; PSY 351 (may be taken as a corequisite).
PSY 353. PSY Adult Dev/Aging. 3 Hours
THE PSYCHOLOGY OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT AND AGING
- Provides a general introduction to the multi-disciplinary field of adulthood and aging with a specific focus on aspects of interest to psychologists: cognitive, intellectual, personality, and biological changes across adult development. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 355. Devlp Psychpath. 3 Hours
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
- Survey of developmental theory and research related to the psychopathology of infants, children, and adolescents. Focus is on etiology, identification, and intervention.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 101, PSY 351) or permission of instructor.
PSY 361. Personality. 3 Hours
PERSONALITY
- Introduction to the study of personality through analysis of such major theories as those of Freud, Skinner, Maslow, and Rogers. The development of personality and the stability of personality characteristics over time. Review of clinical and experimental findings.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 363. Abnormal Psychology. 3 Hours
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Patterns of disordered behavior; social, psychological, and physiological factors; theoretical explanations of abnormal behavior.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 364. Psychotherapy. 3 Hours
PSYCHOTHERAPY
- Survey of current types of psychotherapy. Emphasis on similarities and differences in underlying theories of behavioral change and associated techniques.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 366. Health Psychology. 3 Hours
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY
- Explores psychological research, theory, and techniques in health-related areas, such as health promotion, the identification of contributors to illness, illness prevention, stress and coping, stress management, changing health beliefs and behavior, pain and its management, and the management of chronic and terminal illnesses.
PSY 368. Community Psycholgy. 3 Hours
COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY
- The application of psychological principles to the understanding and prevention of prevalent community problems including teen pregnancy, school violence, mental illness, substance abuse, homelessness and poverty.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 375. Psychlgy of the Arts. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGY OF THE ARTS
- Explores the psychological experiences associated with the creation and appreciation of music, art, and literature. Course content is presented in terms of the theories, methods, and research findings in the fields of perception, cognition, and development.
PSY 410. Questionnaire Design. 3 Hours
QUESTIONNAIRE DESIGN
- Students will learn about critical issues in questionnaire design and use, the advantages/disadvantages of questionnaires, types of questionnaires, questionnaire development strategies, scale selection, and how to evaluate questionnaires. Students will develop, test and evaluate a questionnaire in a domain of interest to them. Depending on the size of the effort, students may work in teams.
PSY 422. Physiological Psy. 3 Hours
PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Neurophysiological analysis of attention, sensation, perception, emotion, motivation, and learning. Electrophysiological methods are discussed. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 431. Intervwng & Counslng. 3 Hours
INTERVIEWING AND COUNSELING
- Integrated approach to the theory, techniques, skills, and values of interviewing and counseling. Practice through written assignments, self study, classroom exercises, and role-playing.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 435. Human Factors. 3 Hours
HUMAN FACTORS
- Students learn methods to improve the interface between humans and their environment. Human characteristics are studied to determine the best way to design the task, product, workstation, or other environmental features to accommodate the human. Students in the School of Engineering must have junior or senior status.
PSY 443. Psychology of Women. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN
- Survey of topics related to the psychology of women, such as gender identity and roles, theories of female development, relationships, achievement, language, health issues, spirituality, sexuality, and violence.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 444. Environmtl Psychlgy. 3 Hours
ENVIRONMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
- Study of the effects of the physical and social environment on human behaviors, attitudes, and affective responses.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 101, PSY 341) or permission of instructor.
PSY 445. Tech,Envrmnt,Behavr. 3 Hours
TECHNOLOGY, ENVIRONMENT, AND BEHAVIOR
- Examines the cultural bases for the individual and societal choices which humans make about their use of technology. Technology is broadly defined to include human-machine systems.
PSY 450. Psych for Ministry. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGY FOR MINISTRY
- Human development and adjustment, interpersonal communication, and the psychology of religion.
Prerequisite(s): Acceptance into the Lay Ministry Program or permission of instructor.
PSY 451. PSY of Religion. 3 Hours
PSYCHOLOGY OF RELIGION
- Addresses the psychological study of the nature of religion and religious experience; explores the development of internalized beliefs, attitudes, and values and the effect they have on individual functioning. An introductory course in psychology is highly recommended.
Prerequisite(s): Junior or senior standing.
PSY 452. Cognitive Dev-Chldrn. 3 Hours
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN
- Major approaches to the study of cognitive development; attentional and mediational development in children's learning, memory, and problem solving; language development and Piaget's theory.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 101, PSY 351) or permission of instructor.
PSY 457. Tv/Effects on Chldrn. 3 Hours
TELEVISION AND ITS EFFECTS ON CHILDREN
- Readings in psychological research on the broad effects of television on children. Emphasis on analyzing and evaluating the research.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 461. Curr Impl-Drug Depnd. 3 Hours
CURRENT IMPLICATIONS OF DRUG DEPENDENCY
- Survey of effects, symptoms, treatment, causalities, and myths associated with drug use and abuse. Emphasis on existing treatment methods and psychological implications of drug dependency.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101.
PSY 462. Human Sexuality. 3 Hours
HUMAN SEXUALITY
- Psychological factors in human sexuality including developmental, biological, and social perspectives. Such topics as sexual orientation, gender identity and roles, sexual relationships, sexual dysfunction, power and violence, and commercialization.
PSY 471. Hst of Psychology. 3 Hours
HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY
- The evolution of psychology from its origins in philosophy, science, clinical, and applied settings. Emphasis on integrating these systems and schools of thought with modern psychology.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 or permission of instructor.
PSY 477. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours
HONORS THESIS PROJECT
- First of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approval of University Honors Program.
PSY 478. Honors Thesis. 3 Hours
HONORS THESIS PROJECT
- Second of two courses leading to the selection, design, investigation, and completion of an independent, original Honors Thesis project under the guidance of a faculty research advisor. Restricted to students in the University Honors Program with permission of the program director and department chairperson. Students pursuing an interdisciplinary thesis topic may register for three semester hours each in two separate disciplines in consultation with the department chairpersons. Prerequisite(s): Approved 477; approval of University Honors Program.
PSY 490. Internshp-Psychology. 1-6 Hours
INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY
- Supervised experience arranged on an individual basis in appropriate settings. For junior or senior psychology majors who have completed prescribed course work only. Consult internship director for details. May be repeated up to six semester hours. Grade Option Two only.
PSY 493. Independent Study. 1-6 Hours
INDEPENDENT STUDY
- Problems of special interest investigated under faculty direction. Area and criteria for evaluation to be specified prior to registration. May be repeated up to six semester hours.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
PSY 494. Readings. 1-6 Hours
READINGS IN PSYCHOLOGY
- Directed reading in a specific area of interest, under faculty supervision. Topic and criteria for evaluation to be specified prior to registration. May be repeated up to six semester hours.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
PSY 495. Special Top-Psych. 1-3 Hours
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
- Topics of special interest to faculty and students; intensive critical evaluation of appropriate literature.
Prerequisite(s): Permission of instructor.
PSY 497. Service Learning Exp. 1 Hour
SERVICE LEARNING EXPERIENCE
- Supervised community research or service experience that complements a specific upper division course in Psychology. Repeatable up to three semester hours. Corequisite(s): A 300-400 level Psychology course.
