This is the preliminary (or launch) version of the 2023-2024 VCU Bulletin. This edition includes all programs
and courses approved by the publication deadline; however we may receive notification of additional program
approvals after the launch. The final edition and full PDF version will include these updates and will be available
in August prior to the beginning of the fall semester.
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum reflects the discipline’s major functions — scientific research, teaching, acting as a healing profession and raising philosophical questions about the assumptions, values and ideals of human beings and their societies, which reflects psychology’s origin in philosophy. Through a core set of requirements the student systematically develops understanding and skill in scientific methods of inquiry, focusing on the human mind and behavior. To fulfill the degree requirements, students may pursue the standard curriculum by selecting courses from four content areas that introduce students to the healing and philosophical sides of psychology and provide a broad understanding of the field as a whole; or the student may apply to one of several more focused concentrations that draw upon the special strengths of the VCU Department of Psychology.
Program outcomes
Upon completing this program, students will know and know how to do the following:
- Understanding of content domain
The curriculum of the B.S. in Psychology is designed to provide students with an accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date understanding of psychological concepts, principles and findings in the key domains of the field, including developmental processes, social processes, physiological and behavioral processes, and mental health and well-being. - Development of intellectual domain
The curriculum of the B.S. in Psychology fosters the development of the intellectual skills required to generate theories, do research, communicate ideas and information to others, evaluate conclusions statistically and locate the information needed for these intellectual pursuits. Students will learn to think scientifically, understand the relationships between theories, observations and conclusions, and skillfully evaluate the empirical support for various theories and findings. - Development of affective and interpersonal domain
Students seeking the B.S. in Psychology learn a number of practical, applied life skills pertaining to personal adjustment, relations with others and cross-cultural awareness.
Student learning outcomes
I. Communication and professional development
-
Effective communication skills: Students will be able to communicate psychological theory and research to a range of audiences in oral and written formats in the capstone course.
II. Development of intellectual domain
-
Critical evaluation skills: Students will be proficient in evaluating psychological theory and research methods; thinking scientifically about behavior and mental processes; and basing judgments on psychological theory and research.
-
Empirical research skills: Students will demonstrate proficiency in applying methodological knowledge in measurement, experimental design and analysis of psychological data.
III. Ethical responsibility in a diverse world
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Ethical practices: Students will demonstrate an understanding of ethical issues in psychological research and practice.
Special requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology curriculum requires a minimum of 120 credits, with at least 30 credits in psychology courses. A maximum of 40 credits in psychology (this limit does not apply to PSYC courses numbered 490 and above) can be presented for the degree. At least 15 of the 30 minimum-required credits must be completed at VCU. All students must complete the following:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Psychology standard requirements | ||
PSYC 101  Play course video for Introduction to Psychology | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 214 | Applications of Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 317 | Experimental Methods | 3 |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| BIOL 101 & BIOZ 101 | Biological Concepts and Biological Concepts Laboratory | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| Global Environmental Biology | ||
| Human Biology | ||
Or an approved biology course | ||
| STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics | 3 |
For the standard curriculum, students must complete the psychology standard requirements, PSYC 451, at least one course from each of the following four domains or content areas, and at least three psychology electives.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Developmental | ||
| PSYC 301 | Child Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 302 | Psychology of Adolescence | 3 |
| PSYC 304 | Life Span Developmental Psychology (cannot take both for credit toward a degree) | 3 |
| PSYC 306 | Psychology of Adult Development | 3 |
| PSYC 307 | Community Solutions: Multiple Perspectives | 3 |
| GRTY 510 | Aging | 3 |
| Social/personality | ||
| PSYC 309 | Personality | 3 |
| PSYC 321 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC/AFAM 322 | Personality and Behavior of the African American | 3 |
| PSYC 323 | Interpersonal Relations | 3 |
| PSYC/RELS 333 | Psychology and Religious Experience | 3 |
| PSYC/GSWS 335 | Psychology of Women | 3 |
| PSYC/SOCY 341 | Group Dynamics | 3 |
| Physiological/learning | ||
| PSYC 401 | Physiological Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 406 | Perception | 3 |
| PSYC 410 | Principles of Learning and Cognition | 3 |
| Self-development/applied psychology | ||
| PSYC 303 | Personal Adjustment | 3 |
| PSYC 308 | Stress and its Management | 3 |
| PSYC 310 | Industrial Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 318 | Principles of Psychological Tests and Measurements | 3 |
| PSYC 340 | Introduction to the Helping Relationship | 3 |
| PSYC 407 | Psychology of the Abnormal | 3 |
| PSYC 412 | Health Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC 415 | Psychological Theories of Addiction | 3 |
| PSYC 416 | Psychological Treatment of Addiction | 3 |
| PSYC 426 | Child Psychopathology | 3 |
Standard psychology courses must be taken sequentially and ideally should be completed by the end of the junior year. These courses are PSYC 101 with a minimum grade of C; PSYC 214 with a minimum grade of C (PSYC 214 also has the prerequisite requirement of STAT 210 or its equivalent with a minimum grade of C); and PSYC 317 with a minimum grade of C (PSYC 317 also has the prerequisite requirement of PSYC 214 or its equivalent with a minimum grade of C).
PSYC 451 is the capstone course and must be taken in the senior year.
Students must achieve a minimum cumulative VCU GPA of 2.0 and also achieve a minimum GPA of 2.0 in the major in order to graduate.
Degree requirements for Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General education | ||
| Select 30 credits of general education courses in consultation with an adviser. | 30 | |
| Major requirements | ||
| • Major core requirements | ||
| PSYC 214 | Applications of Statistics | 3 |
| PSYC 317 | Experimental Methods | 3 |
| PSYC 451 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| • Additional major requirements | ||
| Select at least one course from each of the domains listed above. | 12 | |
| • Major electives | ||
| PSYC electives (upper-level) | 9 | |
| Ancillary requirements | ||
| BIOL 101 | Biological Concepts (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| BIOL 103 | Global Environmental Biology 1 | 3 |
| or BIOL 201 | Human Biology | |
| BIOZ 101 | Biological Concepts Laboratory | 1 |
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| PSYC 101 Play course video for Introduction to Psychology | Introduction to Psychology (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for diversities in the human ) | 4 |
| STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 3 |
| Electives (upper level) | 21 | |
| Experiential fine arts 2 | 1-3 | |
| Foreign language through the 102 level (by course or placement) | 0-6 | |
| Open electives | ||
| Select any course. | 23-32 | |
| Total Hours | 120 | |
BIOL 103 satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning. Students who chose this course will take additional electives to fulfill degree requirements.
Course offered by the School of the Arts
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
What follows is a sample plan that meets the prescribed requirements within a four-year course of study at VCU. Please contact your adviser before beginning course work toward a degree.
| Freshman year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall semester | Hours | |
| BIOL 101 | Biological Concepts (satisfies general education BOK for natural sciences and AOI for scientific and logical reasoning) | 3 |
| BIOZ 101 | Biological Concepts Laboratory | 1 |
| PSYC 101 Play course video for Introduction to Psychology | Introduction to Psychology (satisfies general education BOK for social/behavioral sciences and AOI for diversities in the human experience) | 4 |
| STAT 210 | Basic Practice of Statistics (satisfies general education quantitative foundations) | 3 |
| UNIV 101 | Introduction to the University | 1 |
| UNIV 111 Play course video for Focused Inquiry I | Focused Inquiry I (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| HUMS 202 | Choices in a Consumer Society | 1 |
| UNIV 112 Play course video for Focused Inquiry II | Focused Inquiry II (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| General education course (select AOI) | 3 | |
| General education course | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 16 | |
| Sophomore year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| BIOL 103 or BIOL 201 | Global Environmental Biology 1 or Human Biology 1 | 3 |
| HUMS 291 | Special Topics in the Humanities and Sciences | 1 |
| PSYC 214 | Applications of Statistics | 3 |
| UNIV 200 | Advanced Focused Inquiry: Literacies, Research and Communication (satisfies general education UNIV foundations) | 3 |
| Experiential fine arts | 1-3 | |
| Foreign language 101 | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 14-16 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| PSYC 317 | Experimental Methods | 3 |
| PSYC elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Foreign language 102 | 3 | |
| General education course (select BOK to complete breadth of knowledge requirement) | 3 | |
| Open elective (or select general education course that satisfies AOI for scientific and logical reasoning if BIOL 103 was not selected above) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Course in developmental domain | 3 | |
| Course in social/personality domain | 3 | |
| Elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Course in physiological/learning domain | 3 | |
| Course in self-development/applied psychology domain | 3 | |
| PSYC elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| PSYC 451 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| PSYC or other electives (upper-level) | 6 | |
| Open elective | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| PSYC or other elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Electives (upper-level) | 6 | |
| Open electives | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Total Hours: | 120-122 | |
BIOL 103 satisfies general education AOI for scientific and logical reasoning. Students who chose this course will take additional electives to fulfill degree requirements.
The minimum number of credit hours required for this degree is 120.
Accelerated B.S. and M.Ed.
The accelerated B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Counselor Education program allows qualified students to earn both the B.S. in Psychology and M.Ed. in Counselor Education in six years by completing approved graduate courses during the senior year of their undergraduate program. Students in the program may count up to 12 hours of graduate courses toward both the B.S and M.Ed. degrees. Thus, the two degrees may be earned with a minimum of 168 credits rather than the 180 credits necessary if the two degrees are pursued separately.
Students holding the undergraduate degree in psychology will have knowledge in human behavior, learning and cognition that provides a foundation for graduate study in counselor education. The counselor education program will provide students with research-based professional and clinical experiences necessary for effective counseling, supervision, teaching, advocacy and leadership in diverse settings. Program faculty will prepare students to become licensed school counselors, couples and family counselors, or counselors and student affairs professionals in higher education institutions.
Entrance to the accelerated program
Interested undergraduate students should consult with their adviser as early as possible to receive specific information about the accelerated program, determine academic eligibility and submit (no later than two semesters prior to graduating with a baccalaureate degree, that is, before the end of the spring semester of their junior year) an Accelerated Program Declaration Form to be approved by the graduate program director. Limited spaces may be available in the accelerated program. Academically qualified students may not receive approval if capacity has been reached.
Minimum qualifications for entrance to this accelerated program include completion of 75 undergraduate credit hours, including at least one undergraduate CLED course; minimum undergraduate GPA of 3.0 or minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on the most recent 60 credits of course work. Additionally, students must submit three letters of recommendation addressing their potential for graduate study in education (including at least one from a psychology faculty member); a current resume; a statement of intent (consult with counselor education faculty); transcripts of all previous college work; and must complete a personal interview (to be scheduled after application is received). Note: All of the material components will need to be submitted for the official graduate school application if accelerated program students elect to continue in the VCU counselor education program (see Admission to the graduate program directions below). Students who are interested in the accelerated program should consult with both a psychology academic adviser and a graduate counselor education adviser before they have completed 75 credits. Successful applicants would enter the program in the fall semester of their senior year.
Undergraduate students must have psychology department approval (e.g., academic adviser, department chair) to participate in this accelerated program and also meet admission criteria of the M.Ed. in Counselor Education program prior to beginning their final year of full-time undergraduate study.
Once enrolled in the accelerated program, students must meet the standards of performance applicable to graduate students as described in the “Satisfactory academic progress” section of the Graduate Bulletin, including maintaining a 3.0 GPA. Both the undergraduate psychology adviser and the graduate counselor education faculty adviser provide guidance to students admitted to the accelerated program.
Admission to the graduate program
Entrance to the accelerated program enables the student to take the approved shared courses that will apply to the undergraduate and graduate degrees. However, entry into an accelerated program via an approved Accelerated Program Declaration Form does not constitute application or admission into the graduate program. Admission to the graduate program requires a separate step that occurs through a formal application. In order to continue pursuing the master’s degree after the baccalaureate degree is conferred, accelerated students must follow the admission to graduate study requirements outlined in the VCU Bulletin. Students may resubmit the same three letters of recommendation addressing their potential for graduate study in education (including at least one from a psychology faculty member and statement of intent (consult with counselor education faculty); a current resume; and updated transcripts of all previous college work.
Degree requirements
The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree will be awarded upon completion of a minimum of 120 credits and the satisfactory completion of all undergraduate degree requirements as stated in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
A maximum of 12 graduate credits may be taken prior to completion of the baccalaureate degree. These graduate credits may be used to satisfy major elective or open elective credits for the undergraduate degree. These courses are shared credits with the graduate program, meaning that they will be applied to both undergraduate and graduate degree requirements.
The graduate counselor education (CLED) courses that may be taken as an undergraduate, once a student is admitted to the program, are:
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CLED 600 | Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 601 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 605 | Career Information and Exploration | 3 |
| CLED 612 | Wellness Counseling | 3 |
Recommended course sequence/plan of study
What follows is the recommended plan of study for students interested in the accelerated program beginning in the fall of the junior year prior to admission to the accelerated program in the senior year.
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Junior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| Course in developmental domain | 3 | |
| Course in social/personality domain | 3 | |
| Elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Electives (upper- or lower-level) | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| Course in physiological/learning domain | 3 | |
| Course in self-development/applied psychology domain | 3 | |
| Elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Electives (upper- or lower-level) | 6 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Senior year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 600 | Professional Orientation and Ethical Practice in Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 601 | Theories of Counseling | 3 |
| PSYC 451 | History of Psychology | 3 |
| Psychology elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Psychology or other elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 15 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 605 | Career Information and Exploration | 3 |
| CLED 612 | Wellness Counseling | 3 |
| Psychology or other elective (upper-level) | 3 | |
| Electives (upper- or lower-level) | 5 | |
| Term Hours: | 14 | |
| See requirements for fifth and sixth years by concentration below. | ||
School counseling concentration
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 613 | Data-driven Comprehensive School Counseling Programs | 3 |
| CLED 615 | Lifespan Development: A Gender Perspective | 3 |
| EDUS 660 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Term hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 602 | Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 603 | Group Procedures in Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 607 | Multicultural Counseling in Educational Settings | 3 |
| CLED 622 | School Counseling Services | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CLED 640 | Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 650 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 660 | Mental Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| Elective (chosen with approval of adviser) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Sixth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 604 | Practicum: School Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 606 | Assessment Techniques for Counselors | 3 |
| EDUS 673 | Democracy, Equity and Ethics in Education | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 672 | Internship | 6 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
College counseling and student affairs concentration
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 615 | Lifespan Development: A Gender Perspective | 3 |
| CLED 620 | Student Development Services in Higher Education | 3 |
| EDUS 660 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Term hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 602 | Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 603 | Group Procedures in Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 607 | Multicultural Counseling in Educational Settings | 3 |
| CLED 631 | American College and University | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CLED 640 | Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 650 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 660 | Mental Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| Elective (chosen with approval of adviser) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Sixth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 606 | Assessment Techniques for Counselors | 3 |
| CLED 608 | Practicum: College Student Development and Counseling | 3 |
| Elective (chosen with approval of adviser) | 3 | |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 672 | Internship | 6 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
Couples and family counseling concentration
| Course | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Fifth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 615 | Lifespan Development: A Gender Perspective | 3 |
| EDUS 660 | Research Methods in Education | 3 |
| Elective (chosen with approval of adviser) | 3 | |
| Term hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 602 | Techniques of Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 603 | Group Procedures in Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 607 | Multicultural Counseling in Educational Settings | 3 |
| CLED 645 | Couples Counseling | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Summer semester | ||
| CLED 640 | Marriage, Couples and Family Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 644 | Sexuality Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 650 | Addiction Counseling | 3 |
| CLED 660 | Mental Disorders, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 12 | |
| Sixth year | ||
| Fall semester | ||
| CLED 606 | Assessment Techniques for Counselors | 3 |
| CLED 609 | Couples and Family Counseling Practicum | 3 |
| CLED 641 | Advanced Family Counseling | 3 |
| Term Hours: | 9 | |
| Spring semester | ||
| CLED 672 | Internship | 6 |
| Term Hours: | 6 | |
PSYC 101. Introduction to Psychology. 4 Hours.Play course video for Introduction to Psychology
Semester course; 3 lecture and 1 computer-assisted laboratory hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 4 credits. A survey of the basic principles, methods of investigation and fields of study and application. Includes individualized application of principles and methods in computerized learning activities. This course is a prerequisite for upper-level work in the field of psychology.
PSYC 201. Career Development in Psychology. 2 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture hours. 2 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Introduction to the discipline of psychology and the career alternatives available in various specialties. Self-assessment, career decision-making skills, educational program planning methods will be covered. Special topics will include graduate/professional school options, opportunities for minority students and job search strategies for the B.A. or B.S. psychology major.
PSYC 214. Applications of Statistics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and STAT 210 both with a minimum grade of C. Frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and variability; sampling, probability, correlation and significance tests as applied in psychological data.
PSYC 301. Child Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. A study is made of the growth and development of the child until puberty. Childlike is viewed in terms of physical, mental, social, emotional and educational factors. PSYC 304 Life Span Developmental Psychology also may not be taken for credit.
PSYC 302. Psychology of Adolescence. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101. A study of mental, moral, social and physical development from puberty to maturity viewed as in child psychology. Designed for secondary school teachers, youth leaders and professional psychologists.
PSYC 303. Personal Adjustment. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Surveys major theories of personality as a basis for studying theory, research and intervention into areas that require personal adjustment. Such areas include sense of self, stress and coping, work and career and several varieties of interpersonal relationships. Positive adjustment and growth as well as problems are discussed.
PSYC 304. Life Span Developmental Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Reviews the basic concepts and principles of physical, cognitive and social development at each major stage of life-prenatal, infancy, toddlerhood, preschool, middle childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. Consideration is given to the study of development at each stage of life and to different theoretical explanations for development. PSYC 301 Child Psychology may not also be taken for credit.
PSYC 305. Educational Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours (delivered online, face-to-face or hybrid). 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. The application of psychological principles to the teaching-learning process, with special emphasis on theories of learning and development. Crosslisted as: EDUS 305.
PSYC 306. Psychology of Adult Development. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. The life stages and transitions of the young adult, middle age and young-old phases of the life cycle are considered, following a review of methods of research within life-span development psychology. Topics include the impact of events such as birth of the first child, job relocation, mid-life re-evaluation and anticipated retirement.
PSYC 307. Community Solutions: Multiple Perspectives. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Explores possibilities for addressing social concerns of the Richmond community by understanding the complex nature of social issues as essential to their successful amelioration via perspectives of life and social sciences. Toward this end, expertise from the social sciences, the life sciences and the community are integrated. Includes a service-learning experience (a 20-hour volunteer requirement). Crosslisted as: LFSC 307.
PSYC 308. Stress and its Management. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Physiological and psychological aspects of stressors and the stress response. Review of principles, research and methods of stress management, such as relaxation, self-suggestions, meditation and biofeedback.
PSYC 309. Personality. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. The study of the various approaches to understanding human behavior in terms of personality theory. Various theories will be examined for commonality and uniqueness in assumptions, dynamics and development of personality.
PSYC 310. Industrial Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Application of psychological principles and techniques to problems in personnel management and human engineering; recruitment, selection, training and placement in industry; criteria in testing and test development; morale evaluation and improvement, employee counseling; work-management communications; human engineering in equipment design, quality control, working conditions and safety.
PSYC 317. Experimental Methods. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 2 lecture and 2 laboratory hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 214 with a minimum grade of C. Introduction to experimental procedures and laboratory techniques in psychology. Demonstrations and experiments in sensation, perception, learning, emotion and motivation.
PSYC 318. Principles of Psychological Tests and Measurements. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: minimum grade of C in PSYC 101 and minimum grade of C in STAT 210. Concepts in psychological measurement and a survey of commonly used tests; testing procedures and rationale underlying these tests; tests of intelligence, aptitude, achievement, interest and personality critically examined, procedures described for selecting and evaluating specific group tests in these areas.
PSYC 321. Social Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Survey theory and research in social psychology. Topics include interpersonal and social influence processes, attitudes and social cognition, the impact of personality on social behavior, conformity, leadership and small group behavior.
PSYC 322. Personality and Behavior of the African American. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. A study of personality factors such as motivation, ego-functioning and the socialization processes, with special emphasis on living conditions of African-Americans. Crosslisted as: AFAM 322.
PSYC 323. Interpersonal Relations. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Analyzes human relations from various theoretical perspectives. Typical topics include the effects of attraction, friendship, love and dependency on relationships; the evolution of relationships from initiation through termination. Strategies for increasing effectiveness of communication between individuals also are addressed.
PSYC 333. Psychology and Religious Experience. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Religious belief and experience as viewed by major psychological theorists. How psychological methodology has been used to study religious experience. Topics include personality factors and development, conversion experiences, religious experiences and mental health and human values. Crosslisted as: RELS 333.
PSYC 335. Psychology of Women. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Overview of issues in psychology relevant to women. Topics include: research methods of women's issues; sex-role socialization; women and hormones; psychological androgyny; personality theory and counseling strategies for women; women and language; women and violence; and rape and abuse. Crosslisted as: GSWS 335.
PSYC 340. Introduction to the Helping Relationship. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Overview to the dynamics of communication in a helping relationship. Didactic material includes the principles of empathy, nonverbal behavior, problem-solving, crisis intervention and interview techniques. Basic paraprofessional counselor skills will be demonstrated and practiced through structured exercises.
PSYC 341. Group Dynamics. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Social and psychological principles and research related to the individual in groups. Specific topics include motivation for individuals forming and joining groups, performance and productivity of group members, group leadership and majority and minority influence. The group will be examined in relation to the larger society and as a subculture in itself. Crosslisted as: SOCY 341.
PSYC 401. Physiological Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Data from the fields of anatomy and physiology are presented, and their implications for psychology are discussed. The central nervous system, internal environment, vision, audition, reflexes, emotion, learning behavior disorders and their physiological components. Behavior of the human organisms is studied from the biopsychological point of view.
PSYC 404. Social Psychology of Emotions. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101, SOCY 101. An examination of the social shaping of emotion as well as its function in maintaining the social process. Cross-cultural uniformities and diversity in basic emotions and their expression are addressed as well as selected social psychological theories of emotions.
PSYC 406. Perception. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Perception of information from sensory systems with concentration on vision and hearing. Research and theories on how we learn and judge color, form, movement, depth and how individuals integrate these in object identification.
PSYC 407. Psychology of the Abnormal. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Development of personality is discussed, with emphasis on factors leading to maladjustment. Lectures and reading cover the symptom groups of emotional disorders of both psychological and organic origin. Methods of assessing and treating these disorders are surveyed.
PSYC 410. Principles of Learning and Cognition. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Comprehensive treatment of learning and cognition with emphasis on humans, from behavioral, cognitive, biological and developmental viewpoints. Topics include conditioning, information processing, memory, sociobiology and cognitive and moral development.
PSYC 412. Health Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Application of the principles and techniques of psychology to the field of medicine, to health maintenance and to illness. The integration of theoretical, research and applied issues is emphasized in the analysis of such topics as psychological/behavioral factors contributing to and protecting against physical illness (stress, smoking, exercise), factors relating to treatment and recovery (coping, treatment compliance), psychological problems resulting from illness and injury, and specific techniques and problem areas in health psychology (such as biofeedback, pain management, pediatric psychology, geropsychology, rehabilitation psychology and lifestyle change.).
PSYC 414. Psychology of Women's Health. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Overviews the psychological research on women's health. Topics include health behavior change, personality and individual differences, cognitive factors, disease-specific behaviors and interventions. Crosslisted as: GSWS 414.
PSYC 415. Psychological Theories of Addiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101; and PSYC 407 or PSYC 410. Enrollment is restricted to psychology majors (standard curriculum/all concentrations) and minors in psychology. An overview of current and historical theories related to the causes of and risk factors for problematic drug use and other addictive behaviors. Describes specific effects of different drugs of abuse and explores various behaviors (gambling, gaming, internet use) that have been identified as addictive in nature. Provides an understanding of the harms and costs associated with drug use and abuse, major approaches to understanding drug addiction (e.g., epidemiological, biological, genetic, behavioral, cognitive, transtheoretical/motivational, sociocultural, developmental), and the human experience of addiction. Introduces research methods used to generate knowledge about the causes of drug use and abuse.
PSYC 416. Psychological Treatment of Addiction. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 415. Enrollment restricted to psychology majors (standard curriculum/all concentrations). A review of evidence-based practices in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of substance use, abuse and dependence, and comorbid conditions. Discusses psychosocial and psychological approaches as well as medication-assisted therapies for substance use disorders. Examines societal views of addiction and their influences on treatment capacity and services, as well as treatment needs and services for special populations (e.g., pregnant women, adolescents).
PSYC 426. Child Psychopathology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101. Principal childhood behavioral abnormalities. A review of causes, assessment and diagnostic methods, and treatment, intervention and prevention approaches.
PSYC 451. History of Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and senior standing. Traces the history of ideas about mind and behavior as they relate to the theory and practice of psychology.
PSYC 491. Topics in Psychology. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 lecture hours. 3 credits. Maximum total of 6 credits in topics courses. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. An in-depth study of selected topics and issues in psychology. See the Schedule of Classes for specific topics to be offered.
PSYC 492. Independent Study. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester. Maximum of 6 credits for all independent study courses. PSYC 492, PSYC 493 or PSYC 494 may be repeated for a total of 6 credits but a maximum of 12 credits total for all three courses. Prerequisite: PSYC 101. Open only to students of junior or senior standing who have acquired at least 12 credits in the departmental discipline. Determination of the amount of credit and permission of instructor and department chair must be procured prior to registration of the course. Independent study is defined as student-conceived and initiated readings or research project which is supervised by a psychology faculty member. An oral examination or written, comprehensive paper is required at the end of the semester.
PSYC 493. Fieldwork: Human Services. 3 Hours.
Semester course; 3 credits. PSYC 492, PSYC 493 and PSYC 494 may be repeated for a total of 6 credits but a maximum of 12 credits total for all three courses is allowed. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Students are placed in an agency, which will provide supervised work experience in various aspects of helping other people. The setting might be a government or private community agency, or a corporation, depending on the student's goals. The student works eight hours per week at the placement site, attends several group discussion sessions during the semester and completes written assignments. This course is designed to enhance the psychology major's career pursuits for either graduate-level training or post-baccalaureate employment.
PSYC 494. Research Internship in Psychology. 1-3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 1, 2 or 3 credits per semester. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits with adviser's approval. PSYC 492, PSYC 493 or PSYC 494 may be repeated for a total of 6 credits but a maximum of 12 credits total for all three courses. Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and permission of faculty research supervisor must be obtained prior to registration. PSYC 214 and PSYC 317, or permission of supervisor. Students will work on various phases of a research project (design, data collection, data analysis, manuscript writing) under a psychology faculty member's close supervision. This course is designed to enhance the psychology major's career pursuits for either graduate-level training or post-baccalaureate employment.
PSYC 497. Honors in Psychology I. 3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 3 credits. Prerequisites: PSYC 317 (co-requisite with permission) and admission to the honors in psychology program. First in a three course sequence to develop, execute and defend an empirically based thesis in psychology. Students will work with a mentor to develop ideas into a tangible research project, working toward a proposal.
PSYC 498. Honors in Psychology II. 3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 497 with a grade of A. Students will refine research ideas developed in PSYC 497 into a formal proposal document with introduction, method and proposed results. Students are expected to propose the thesis to their committee members no later than the second week of this course and begin data collection thereafter.
PSYC 499. Honors in Psychology III. 3 Hours.
Semester course; variable hours. 3 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 498 with a grade of A. Students will complete the research project developed in PSYC 497 and 498 and generate the final thesis, including introduction, method, results and discussion. Students must orally defend the thesis to their committee members by the end of this course with time for revisions to be submitted within the semester’s defined grading period.