Psychology (BS) (127 credit hours)

College of Arts & Sciences

Major Requirements (34 credit hours)

(Click a course name below to view course details). Unless noted, all courses are 3 credit hours.

Foundation Courses:

• PY 101 Introduction to Psychology

  Introduction to the scientific foundations of the study of behavior and a survey of basic topics of psychology such as sensation and perception, the brain and nervous system, learning and memory, language and thinking, intelligence, motivation, emotions, personality, development, stress, and abnormal behavior. This course is a prerequisite for all other courses in Psychology except PY 200, PY 211, PY 222 and PY 250.

• PY 200 Careers in Psychology

  This course is an introduction to the wide variety of careers available to students majoring in psychology. Topics will include, but not be limited to: writing resumes and cover letters, applying to graduate/professional programs, and issues important in deciding upon an area of specialization. Students will learn about the various careers in psychology through presentations with professionals in the field and exploring information available on Internet sites, such as that of the American Psychological Association (1 credit hr)

• PY 250 Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

  This course is an introduction to and application of statistics and research designs used in experimental psychological research. Statistical software will be used to analyze psychological data collected by the students using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Specific types of statistical tests include: measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, multiple regression, z-tests, t-tests for both independent and correlated samples, analysis of variance/covariance, and various non-parametric tests. Prerequisite: MA 101 (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

• PY 340 Culture and Psychology

  Covers major concepts and research of cross-cultural psychology, including cross-cultural aspects of ethnocentrism, developmental processes, gender differences, emotion, language, personality, and other topics. Applications of cross-cultural knowledge to understanding one’s own culture and the effects of culture on individual lives are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 353 Introduction to Psychological Research

  Examination of research design issues in psychology and related disciplines with emphasis on accurate reading of published articles. Students will write a research proposal including a literature review, an operationally stated hypothesis, and data gathering procedures. Students continuing on to PY 354 Experimental Psychology carry out their research proposal. Enhancements for PY 353 provide instruction in American Psychological Association manuscript style. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 (PY 250 may be taken concurrently) (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

• PY 354 Experimental Psychology

  Study and application of experimental techniques for investigating psychological issues. Students replicate experiments or design their own investigations, write experimental reports, and use computerized statistical analysis. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250, and PY 353. (3 credit hrs lecture; 1 credit hr lab)

• PY 400 Advanced Studies in Psychology

  Capstone course for psychology majors focusing on the discussion and analysis of significant issues, methods, and bodies of knowledge in psychology. Students will be responsible for the content and direction of the course under the guidance of the instructor. Prerequisites: PY 101, PY 250, PY 353, and six additional hours of upper-level psychology, or permission of instructor.

Selected Courses:

Group A - Select one course from the following:

• PY 211 Human Development

  Study of the principles of human growth and development from conception to death. Includes methods of child study, consideration of individual differences, and analysis of patterns and sequences of development.

• PY 222 Human Sexuality

  Consideration of biological, cultural, developmental, and psychological aspects of human sexuality, emphasizing class discussion of relevant issues. Among topics covered are AIDS, romantic love, sexual practices, and sexual orientation.

• PY 235 Fundamentals of Counseling

  Introduction to concepts and theories of counseling with special attention to multi-cultural, gender, and developmental issues. Emphasis on improving listening and attending skills. Prerequisite: PY 101

Group B - Select one course from the following:

• PY 311 Abnormal Psychology

  Consideration of the major theoretical and therapeutic approaches to psychological disorder. The classification, origin, description, and treatment of the chief psychiatric problems are included. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 322 Psychological Assessment

  This course introduces concepts of testing and measurement. Students will examine a variety of psychological tests, learn basics of measurement statistics, and consider assessment approaches such as rating scales and behavior observation. Prerequisites: PY 101 and PY 250 (PY 250 may be taken concurrently).

• SO 345 Social Psychology

  Psychological and sociological principles that affect the behavior of individuals as members of groups. Representative topics include the biological foundations of behavior, prejudice, culture and personality, leadership, small group interaction, crowd behavior, mass media, childhood, adolescence and old age. Offered once a year, but alternates between day and evening programs. Prerequisites: SO 101 and PY 101, or permission of instructor.

• PY 382 Psychology of Women

  Investigation of differences and similarities in psychological functioning between women and men, including the influence of major life events occurring only in women (e.g. menstruation, pregnancy) on psychological functioning. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 444 Psychology and Religion

  Presents psychological theories and research on religious belief and practices in a seminar format. Insights of Freud, Jung, James, Allport, and others are discussed in a format respectful of both Western and Eastern spirituality. Not offered every year. Prerequisite: PY 101

Group C - Select two courses from the following:

• PY 301 Personality Theory

  Covers major psychodynamic, behavioristic, trait, humanistic, and cognitive theories of personality. Recent research on situational and biological influences, traits and cognition, sex differences, and other contemporary controversies are discussed. Application of personality theory to the understanding of individual lives is encouraged. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 320 Human Memory and Cognition

  Addresses the ways in which people gain knowledge about their world and about self. Topics covered include: memory and forgetting, language, thought processes, and creativity. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 368 Learning Theory

  Emphasizes applications of behavioral learning principles in applied contexts. Among the topics are child management, interpersonal communication, self control and self-management, phobias and depression, addictions, educational achievement, and attention to and persistence with tasks. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 371 Biological Psychology

  Study of biological influences on human behavior and mental processes. Includes a survey of brain and nervous system anatomy and how researchers learn about functions of these systems in relation to behavior. Emphasis on normal development, adaptation, and learning but a variety of syndromes and problems also are included. Study of Biology or Anatomy and Physiology are helpful but not required. Prerequisite: PY 101

• PY 375 History of Psychology

  This course presents the development of psychology in the history of the Western world. Among the topics it includes are the philosophical basis of modern psychology, the founders of psychology, and development of major theories and content areas. Prerequisite: PY 101

Students choosing to complete a BS in Psychology must also complete the following courses (can be completed as part of the CORE requirements):

• MA 102 College Algebra

  Expansion and follow-up of intermediate algebra including higher order polynomials and nonlinear inequalities, and use of matrices and determinants to solve systems of equations. Introduction to function, inverse function, theory of equations and exponential and logarithmic functions. Prerequisite: MA 101 or satisfy score on mathematics placement exam (MPE)

• One laboratory science course in Biology or Chemistry

Suggested electives for both the BA and BS degrees in Psychology:

If you desire to organize your general elective credits in a cohesive way, you are encouraged to either double major or minor in one of the following disciplines (depending on future career goals): biology, communications, and/or sociology. Additional language courses are highly recommended if you plan on becoming a counselor or therapist. If you are interested in attending a research intensive graduate program as part of your career goals, you are encouraged to take additional math and science courses, as well as taking PY 450 Psychology Research.