Department of Psychology

PSY 1300. Introduction to Psychology.

This course surveys the major psychological principles derived from research on human and animal behavior. Topics studied include research methods that are used in different areas of psychology, psychological development across the lifespan, the biological bases of behavior and mental processes including brain structures and their functions, and the principles of learning and memory. Students also explore the psychology of social interactions and their effects on both individuals and groups in different contexts. PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better is required for most other Psychology courses.

PSY 2100. Professional Seminar.

This course introduces psychology as a discipline and profession. Students explore major subfields of psychology, current trends, degree options, and related career pathways and options. Emphasis is placed on evaluating discipline specific information, understanding professional issues across psychology careers, and developing career planning materials relevant to employment or graduate study. Students generate personalized materials that reflect their current interests in the field and their goals for the future. The course supports informed decision making about academic and professional goals within psychology. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 2101. Introduction to Statistics Laboratory.

This course provides an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics used in psychological research with an emphasis on data analysis techniques using computer applications (ex., SPSS, R, etc.). Students explore various methodologies for data management, including the organization and transformation of variables. Topics also include procedures for generating descriptive statistics and executing a variety of inferential statistical tests to evaluate datasets. This instruction facilitates the acquisition of technical proficiency in handling and interpreting behavioral sciences data. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better. Corequisite: PSY 2301 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 2301. Introduction to Statistics.

This course provides an introduction to the statistical methods that are commonly used in the behavioral sciences, with an emphasis on the application of statistical techniques to psychological research. Topics include descriptive statistics, statistical inference, and common hypothesis testing techniques such as z-tests, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and selected tests that are appropriate for use with nonparametric data. Students examine how statistical tools are used to analyze data, interpret research findings, and evaluate empirical claims in psychological contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and [MATH 1312 or MATH 1315 or MATH 1317 or MATH 1319 or MATH 2321 or MATH 2328 or MATH 2417 or MATH 2471] both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 2311. Psychology of Human Sexuality.

This course examines major theories, methods, and empirical findings in the psychology of human sexuality. Topics include sexual development across the lifespan, sexual anatomy and physiology, sexual response, gender identity, sexual orientation, attraction and relationships, sexual behavior, and sexual health. The course introduces research methods used to study sexuality and examines how biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence sexual attitudes, behaviors, and experiences. Students review classic and contemporary findings and consider applications of psychological concepts to everyday relationships and social contexts.

PSY 3300. Lifespan Development.

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of the psychology of human development from the pre-natal period through adulthood. Students in this course examine the systematic changes that occur in physical, mental, and socio-emotional functioning throughout the different stages of human growth. Through the study of major developmental theories and empirical research, the course explores how biological and environmental factors interact to shape human development. Students use developmental science to critically consider the world. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3312. Adolescent Psychology.

This course introduces students to the various developmental tasks and challenges that adolescents often encounter during the transition from childhood to adulthood. Students will learn about major theoretical frameworks and empirical research across the biological, cognitive, emotional, and social domains of adolescent development. The influence of family, peers, schools, and cultural contexts on adolescent behavior and development also will be explored. Discussions will include contemporary issues, such as adolescent mental health, risk-taking behaviors, technology, and media influences. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3313. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging.

This course introduces the dynamic development of individuals from emerging adulthood through older adulthood and examines key characteristics for each developmental period. A multidimensional approach to the aging process including psychosocial, emotional, cognitive and physical changes is addressed, along with lifestyle factors contributing to secondary aging. This course examines theories of primary aging, and contextual, age-related changes to physical health, mental health, social relationships, and work/ retirement. Aspects of death and dying are addressed from a psychological perspective. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3314. Psychology of Consciousness.

This course is an introduction to the study of consciousness, awareness, and subjective experience, focusing on perspectives from psychology, neuroscience, cognitive science, philosophy, and the natural sciences. Topics addressed include the philosophical foundations of consciousness, cognitive and neuroscientific approaches, neurophysiological correlates, perception and memory, attention and awareness, executive control, introspection, artificial consciousness, evolutionary approaches to consciousness, sleep and dreaming, altered states of consciousness, meditative and exceptional human experiences. Ethical and conceptual challenges in this area of psychology are also considered. Through readings, discussion, and writing assignments, students will develop a critical understanding of psychological approaches to defining, studying, and understanding consciousness. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3315. Psychopathology.

This course provides students with a comprehensive overview of psychopathology, a subfield of psychology. Topics include classification, etiology, symptom presentation, and evidence-based treatments of various mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, and personality disorders. The course integrates cognitive, behavioral, sociocultural, and biological perspectives on psychopathology. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation and application of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and ethical issues relevant to diagnosis, treatment, and research in psychopathology. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3316. Personality Psychology.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to how individual differences in tendencies toward attitudes, behavior, and cognition cohere into personality. Major areas of personality psychology will be examined, including trait, biological, cognitive, sociocultural, and humanistic domains. Students are given the opportunity to try multiple forms of personality self-assessment to gain knowledge of themselves. Emphasis is placed on understanding the most important issues, methods, theories, research, and applications that comprise Personality Psychology as an academic discipline. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3321. Sensation and Perception.

This course introduces students to the psychological and physiological processes responsible for sensation and perception. Basic mechanisms of perceiving the external world using our senses and the research that led to our current understanding of how these processes function are discussed. Topics include perceptual measurement, basic visual, auditory, haptic, olfactory, and gustatory processes. The relevance of these processes for real-world behavior and disorders that affect sensory processing are also covered. This is a writing intensive course and includes written assignments and exams. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3402 both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 3322. Brain and Behavior.

This course introduces the structure and function of the human nervous system in a way that bridges the gap between biological mechanisms and observable actions. Students will explore the ways in which the nervous system generates and influences cognition, emotion, and behavior, as well as how injury or dysfunction in specific neural systems can alter the way humans think, feel, and act. Topics will include an overview of the techniques that are used in psychophysiological research. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3323. Evolution and Behavior.

This course provides a contemporary understanding of human behavior and cognition through an examination of Darwin’s theories of evolution, including natural selection, sexual selection, and mental evolution. Students assess both historical and contemporary research related to intersections between evolutionary theory and human behavior and cognition. Course discussions focus on the application of interdisciplinary approaches to evaluating and studying human behavior and cognition. Relevant interdisciplinary perspectives from philosophy, history, anthropology, archaeology, biology, ethology, and genetics are incorporated. Prerequisites: PSY 1300 and PSY 3300 both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 3331. Social Psychology.

This course examines major theories, methods, and empirical findings in social psychology. Topics include social cognition and perception, attitudes and attitude change, social influence, group processes, interpersonal attraction and relationships, prejudice, aggression, prosocial behavior, and other forms of social behavior. The course introduces research methods used to study social behavior and examines how social situations influence thoughts, emotions, judgments, and actions. Students review classic and contemporary findings and consider applications of social psychological concepts to everyday interactions and social contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3332. Psychology of Gender.

This course introduces psychological theories and empirical research examining biological, cognitive, social, and cultural dimensions of gender. Topics include historical and contemporary approaches to gender in psychological science, methodological issues in the study of gender, and the role of gender in relation to other personal and social characteristics. Students review research findings, evaluate theoretical perspectives, and analyze how gender-related constructs are defined and measured in psychological literature. Emphasis is placed on interpreting scientific evidence and understanding how gender is examined across multiple psychological subfields. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3333. Industrial Psychology.

This course examines the application of psychological principles to work settings and organizational contexts. Content includes employee attitudes and behavior, personnel selection and assessment, work motivation, job satisfaction, occupational stress, and the design of work environments. Students are introduced to various research methods and theoretical models that are used to study behavior in organizations, with attention to ethical and practical considerations. Emphasis is placed on understanding how psychological processes influence individual and group performance in contemporary workplaces. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3334. Cross-Cultural Psychology.

This course examines research and theories on how cultural contexts influence human development, psychological processes, and behavior in domestic and international settings. Students analyze how cultural norms, values, and social roles are learned through social interaction and how these processes shape identity and behavior. Topics include cultural experiences in the United States and globally, cultural dynamics in organizational settings, cultural change over time, and cross-cultural perspectives on mental and physical health. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3335. Forensic Psychology.

This course explores the various ways in which the field of psychology interfaces with the criminal justice system. Topics will include the relationships between psychology and jury decision-making, the accuracy/impact of eyewitness testimony, and the ways in which the characteristics of defendants may influence juries. Students will also learn about various theories of criminal behavior. Emphasis is placed on how understanding general psychological concepts such as memory can impact the functioning of the forensic system. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3336. Sport Psychology.

This course applies psychological theory and research to understand and enhance exercise and sport participation and performance. Students examine cognitive, emotional, physiological, relational, and developmental factors shaping participation across the lifespan, emphasizing life skills and health benefits for young people, and the role of adult leadership in fostering healthy environments in youth sports. Students apply evidence-informed practices to enhance the well-being and performance of athletes and coaches. Case studies develop skills in motivation, imagery, self-talk, training habits, and team building. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3337. Psychology of Prejudice, Discrimination, and Hate.

This course explores psychological theories about the factors associated with stereotypes (biased beliefs about people based on their identity), prejudice (biased identity-based feelings toward people, which may be unconscious/implicit or conscious/explicit, including extreme feelings of hate), and discrimination (biased identity-based behaviors against people, including microaggressions, blatant discrimination, and hate crimes). Although the course will focus primarily on these issues as they have developed and influence realities in the United States, global issues will also be explored. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3341. Cognitive Processes.

This course introduces students to the scientific study of cognition. Theories, methods, and empirical findings related to mental processes underlying human thought and behavior are examined. Topics include perception, attention, memory, language, problem solving, reasoning, and decision-making. Emphasis is placed on experimental approaches, interpretation of research findings, and application of concepts to everyday contexts and atypical populations. As a writing-intensive course, students will engage in structured writing activities that support the analysis, synthesis, and clear communication of psychological information. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3402 both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 3350. Cognitive Behavioral Therapies.

This course provides students with a foundational overview of behavior modification and cognitive-behavioral therapy frameworks in the field of psychology. Students in this course will learn how psychological theories and empirically supported therapeutic techniques are used to assess, evaluate, and modify behavior and cognition. A variety of evidence-based strategies for behavioral management will be explored and discussed. Emphasis will be placed on understanding observable behavior, cognitive processes, and the interaction between thoughts, emotions, and actions. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3361. Health Psychology.

This course surveys contemporary theory and research on body/mind interaction in physical and mental health. Emphasis is placed on applying a multidisciplinary perspective to examining the interplay of biological, social, psychological, and behavioral factors in health and illness. Topics include stress and coping, psychological management of pain, health-promoting and health-risk behaviors, theories of behavior change, and psychosocial aspects of chronic and terminal illness. Diseases including cancer and cardiovascular disease are considered through a biopsychosocial lens. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 3402. Experimental and Research Methods.

This course introduces students to experimental and research methods in psychology, emphasizing ethical research design, measurement, and data analysis. Students examine quantitative and qualitative approaches, including experimental, correlational, survey, and observational methods. Topics include reliability and validity, sampling techniques, control procedures, hypothesis testing, and research ethics. Students develop skills in literature review and evaluation, critical thinking, data collection, interpretation of statistical analyses, and APA style reporting, culminating in the design and/or presentation of a psychological research project. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 2101 and PSY 2301 all with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 3404. Advanced Research Methods.

This course provides hands-on training in the research process used in psychological science and related fields. Students learn to formulate testable research questions, select appropriate study designs, and develop surveys and experiments. The course emphasizes ethical research practices, including responsible data collection, management, and human subjects protections. Students gain experience analyzing data using appropriate statistical techniques and interpreting results. The course culminates in preparing findings for dissemination through written reports and oral presentations modeled on professional conference standards. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better and PSY 3402 with a grade of "B" or better and instructor approval.

PSY 4342. Learning and Memory.

This course examines the psychological and physiological mechanisms underlying how animals and humans learn and remember information. Contemporary scientific study of learning and memory, including habituation, classical and operant conditioning, skill acquisition, working memory, long-term memory, and memory disorders, will be covered. Key memory processes such as encoding, storage, and retrieval, in addition to factors that influence learning and memory, will also be discussed. This is a writing intensive course and will include written assessments and exams. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3402 both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 4352. Introduction to Clinical Psychology.

This course introduces the science and practice of clinical psychology, including an integration of historical foundations, major theories, ethical considerations, and contemporary professional roles. Topics will include an overview of diagnosis and assessment, intervention and prevention, research methods in clinical psychology, and specialty areas within clinical psychology and associated training required for these specializations. An emphasis is placed on integrating empirical evidence with applied decision-making, understanding specialty areas, and cultural and contextual factors shaping clinical practice and everyday psychological experiences. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 4353. Psychopharmacology.

This course introduces students to the field of psychopharmacology. Students will learn how legal and illegal drugs alter brain chemistry and affect human cognition, emotion, and behavior. The fundamental principles of pharmacology (pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics), neuroanatomy, and neurotransmitter systems will be explored. Topics will include the neurobiology of addiction and the clinical use of psychopharmacological agents to treat mental health conditions. The historical origins of psychoactive substances and the social and ethical implications of psychotropic drugs also will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 4354. Human Factors and Ergonomics.

This course examines human characteristics that are applicable to the design of technological systems to understand and optimize human interaction with machines and devices. Topics covered include human-machine systems, user-centered design of technological displays and controls, the assessment of usability and user experience in technological design. Through readings, writing assignments, analytical assignments, and active in-class exercises students will develop a critical understanding of how human factors and ergonomic principles and methods enhance the safety and performance of human-machine systems. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 4355. Latino/a Psychology.

This course examines psychological perspectives of the Latino/a experience. It explores the role of culture in relation to mental health, educational attainment, sexuality, gender expression, and overall well-being among Latino/a populations. The course addresses the impact of prejudice, discrimination, and acculturation on individual and group experiences. Emphasis is placed on analyzing cultural influences on behavior and evaluating psychological theories, research methods, and empirical findings related to Latino/a populations within diverse social and institutional contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "D" or better or Instructor Approval.

PSY 4358. Intermediate Statistics.

This course examines statistical tools used to analyze quantitative data in the social sciences, with emphasis on psychological research designs involving multiple independent variables. Topics include factorial analysis of variance and multiple regression, with attention to the interpretation of interaction effects. The course integrates underlying theoretical concepts with applied computer-based procedures. Students analyze data using statistical software and interpret and communicate research findings. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 2101 and PSY 2301 all with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 4390T. Architectural Psychopathology.

This course provides an overview of how interior design features can mitigate or exacerbate the symptoms of mental disorders, and how these features can be modified to support individuals suffering from mental disorders. Cutting edge topics will include the application of artificial intelligence and sustainability to the design of buildings for individuals with mental disorders, as well as how to engage people with mental disorders in the environmental design process. Throughout the course, we will discuss case studies supporting our current understanding of the linkage between interior design features and mental disorders.

PSY 4390U. Neuroscience of Creativity.

This course explores how the human brain produces creative breakthroughs in art, literature, and science, as well as how neural processes drive less eminent types of everyday creativity, innovation, and problem-solving. Through interactive, experiential learning activities, students will explore the neural and cognitive processes associated with creative thought and learn how to apply this knowledge to their own creative endeavors. Research on the impact of creative engagement on health and well-being throughout the lifespan also will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3322 both with grades of "C" or better.

PSY 4391. History and Theory.

This course provides students with an overview of the principal scientific and philosophic antecedents of modern psychology, and analysis of the major contemporary theoretical schools. The origins and development of psychology as a scientific discipline will be emphasized, tracing its roots from philosophical, physiological, and sociological foundations to modern theory. Students will examine major schools of thought—including structuralism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and cognitive psychology—while analyzing influential figures, cultural contexts, and research methods that shaped the field. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3402 both with grades of "C" or better and instructor approval.

PSY 4393. International Psychology.

This course provides students with an overview of the history, status, and future directions of scientific and professional psychology across different regions of the world. Students explore how psychological theories and practices vary across cultural, social, and political contexts. Topics include the international development of psychology, global mental health systems, and the role of psychology in addressing worldwide challenges. Through readings, discussion, and written work, students analyze psychology’s applications in a variety of international and cross-cultural settings. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 with a grade of "C" or better.

PSY 4395. Individual Study.

This course allows undergraduates to pursue intensive study or skill development that cannot be achieved through traditional coursework. Students will work with a faculty mentor to develop a personalized learning contract, which will include their goals for the semester, a schedule of activities, a description of their final product, and detailed grading criteria. Final products may include, but are not limited to, a scholarly poster presentation, a manuscript that includes the student's research results, or a comprehensive literature review. Prerequisite: PSY 1300 and PSY 3402 both with grades of "C" or better and instructor approval.

PSY 4396. Internship in Psychology.

This course is an internship, which provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised, applied experience in a variety of environments where baccalaureate-level psychologists are commonly employed. Possible settings include social service agencies, schools, and other community-based environments. Students apply knowledge and skills gained in coursework while developing professional competencies and assessing readiness for graduate-level practice or employment. Supervision is provided by both on-site and faculty supervisors. Students may repeat this course for credit one time. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.