These classes will be offered in the upcoming semesters. Check MavLINK for enrollment appointments and to enroll.
Psychology Undergraduate Upper-Level Courses offered Spring 2025 Semester
PSYC 3130
STATS FOR BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
An introduction to statistics with particular emphasis on models and hypothesis testing covering analysis of variance, chi- square, F and t-tests, first-order regression and correlation.
Prereq: One from this list: MATH 1120, MATH 1300, MATH 1320, STAT 1530, MATH 1310 or MATH 1220. Psychology Majors Only: PSYC 2024 (prior to, or concurrent with).
PSYC 3140
RESEARCH METHODS IN PSYCHOLOGY
An introduction to the methods by which psychologists attempt to create, disseminate and integrate knowledge about behavior. PSYC 3140 fulfills the Writing in the Discipline Requirement for Psychology and Neuroscience majors.
Prereq: Psychology majors require PSYC 2000, PSYC 3130 and ENGL 1160. Neuroscience majors require PSYC 3130 and ENGL 1160
PSYC 3150
SMALL-N RESEARCH METHODS
This course provides an introduction to small-n research methods including design, implementation, analysis, dissemination, and integration knowledge about behavior. Students also learn to use of small-n designs to identify evidence-based practices to address clinical problems experienced by individuals across a variety of settings and how to critically evaluate research in psychology. The course differs from other research methods courses (e.g., those involving qualitative methods or group designs) with its focus on objective, repeated measurement and analysis of performance at the level of the individual. This course fulfills the Writing in the Discipline Requirement for Psychology.
Prereq: PSYC 3130 or Junior Status. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 3250
RACE, PSYCHOLOGY & DIFFERENCE
Race, Psychology & Cultural Difference is an introductory course that teaches students the psychology behind prejudice, stereotyping, and implicit bias when encountering racial and cultural difference, with particular focus on African Americans. In this course, students will explore concepts of racial and cultural difference, examine fundamental psychological concepts relative to racial and cultural prejudice and stigmas, and discuss cognitive processes of categorization and stereotyping that shape perceptions of racial and cultural difference. Overall, students will explore a conceptual framework for understanding race, psychology, and cultural difference and will learn psychological well-being strategies and approaches for mindfulness, self-regulation, and self-affirmation as challenges to racial and cultural prejudice, stereotyping, and implicit bias. (Cross-listed with BLST 3250).
Prereq: Sophomore standing or permission of instructor
PSYC 3410
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
A broad survey of problems and practices in the diagnosis and treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders.
Prereq: PSYC 1010.
PSYC 3430
PERSONALITY AND ADJUSTMENT
The study of persons in a social context and their resultant effective and ineffective behavior, with emphasis on types of adjustment.
Prereq: PSYC 1010.
PSYC 3450
SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Social interaction studied in situations of (1) social influences on individuals, (2) dyads or face-to-face groups, and (3) larger social systems. The concepts, theories, data, research methods and applications of varied substantive topics are examined. (Cross-listed with SOC 3450)
Prereq: SOC 1010 or PSYC 1010
PSYC 3510
EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the capacities and interests of children and their individual differences. Factors that influence learning and an evaluation of learning and classroom procedures are included.
Prereq: PSYC 1010.
PSYC 3520
CHILD PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the biological, social, emotional and cognitive development of the child emphasizing infancy and childhood.
Prereq: PSYC 1010.
PSYC 3540
ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY
A review of theory and available evidence useful in understanding changes and problems in the physical, intellectual, social and emotional adjustment of individuals in adolescence.
Prereq: PSYC 1010.
PSYC 4010
HISTORY OF PSYCHOLOGY
A study of the origins, development and nature of psychology and its relation to external events; emphasis on the period since 1875. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8016)
Prereq: at least 15 hours of Psychology credits including PSYC 1010 or approval of instructor. Not open to non-degree students or students in other departments or programs.
PSYC 4020
LEARNING
A comprehensive coverage of the experimental literature and theories on human and animal learning.
Prereq: PSYC 1020
PSYC 4074
LAB: COG, SENS, PERCEP
Laboratory work coordinated with PSYC 4070, emphasizing a presentation of methods of research assessing human attention, memory and problem-solving processes. Research design, data analysis and research report writing are also emphasized.
Prereq: PSYC 3140 and PSYC 4070 or PSYC 4090 or PSYC 4210.
PSYC 4150
AFRICAN AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGY
African American Psychology traces the psychological history of Africans and African Americans from self-attributes and identity, through race and racism, to cognition, learning, and language. This course will review concepts relevant to understanding the psychology of African Americans, methodological and research issues, and best practices. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8156, BLST 4150, BLST 8156).
Prereq: PSYC 1010 and Junior standing or Instructor permission
PSYC 4160
NEUROPHARMACOLOGY
Neuropharmacology will introduce students to ligand-receptor interactions and their effects on behavior, cognition, and development. This course will characterize the molecular structure of ligands and how these small molecules or biologics affect central nervous system receptors and transporters. Students will learn about structure-activity relationships and principles of pharmacology: distribution, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, and elimination) and explore the historical milestones in drug development. We'll also discuss the dynamic actions of drugs of abused drugs and the mechanisms of action. For undergraduate Neuroscience Majors, the course counts as a Neuroscience Block 1. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8166, NEUR 4160, NEUR 8166).
Prereq: Need at least one: NEUR 1520 or NEUR 1540 or PSYC 1020 or BIOL 1450. And need NEUR 3600 or PSYC 3140. PSYC 4230 recommended for students who have not taken NEUR 1520 or BIOL 1450.
PSYC 4270
ANIMAL BEHAVIOR
Behavior of diverse animals for the understanding of the relationships between nervous integration and the behavior manifested by the organism, as well as the evolution and adaptive significance of behavior as a functional unit. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8276, BIOL 4270, BIOL 8276)
Prereq: BIOL 1750 and PSYC 1010 or permission of instructor, junior-senior.
PSYC 4414
LAB IN ABA
Laboratory and field experience emphasizing practice and research used in behavior analysis. Emphasis will be placed on application of behavioral principles and tactics in community settings (e.g., clinic, home, school).
Prereq: PSYC 3140 or PSYC 3150; PSYC 4020; PSYC 4570 or instructor approval. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4440
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
A course designed to examine the aberrant behavior of individuals. Symptoms, dynamics, therapy and prognosis of syndromes are considered. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8446)
Prereq: PSYC 1010. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4450
PERSONALITY THEORIES
A comparative approach to the understanding and appreciation of personality theories considering history, assertions, applications, validations and prospects. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8456)
Prereq: PSYC 1010. Not open to non-degree graduate students students.
PSYC 4460
PSYCH OF ADULT DEVELOPMENT
The focus of this course is on the major social and psychological changes that occur as a function of aging. Both normal and abnormal patterns of developmental change are examined, along with their implications for behavior. (Cross-listed with GERO 4460, GERO 8466).
Prereq: Junior or Senior.
PSYC 4470
MENTAL HEALTH AND AGING
The goal of this courses is to survey the mental health needs of older adults. Consideration is given to identifying both positive mental health and pathological conditions. Treatment interventions effective with older adults and their families are also discussed. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8476, GERO 4470, GERO 8476)
Prereq: Junior or Senior
PSYC 4544
LAB - DEVELOPMNTAL PSYCHOLOGY
Laboratory work coordinated with PSYC 3520 and PSYC 3540 emphasizing the methods of research and statistical analyses used in the study of human development. Emphasis will be placed on the development of skills involved in the design of experiments, data collection, data analysis, reasoning about results, and scientific report writing.
Prereq: PSYC 3140, PSYC 3520, and PSYC 3540 or permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4560
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY
The roles and functions of forensic psychologists, as participants in the legal system, are studied, with special emphasis on the relevance of theories and principles from social psychology. Psychological concepts, theories, data, research methods and applications to varied substantive topics are examined (e.g., forensic careers, police psychology, violence, criminal profiling, sociopathy and psychopathy, risk assessment, expert testimony, and corrections).
Prereq: PSYC 1010 or SOC 1010 and PSYC 3450 or SOC 3450.
PSYC 4570
BEHAVIOR ANLYS & INTERVENTIONS
Introduction to experimental methodology, rationale and research literature of changing behavior through behavior modification techniques. Particular attention will be paid to methodological concerns regarding single subject design, ethical considerations and ramifications of behavior intervention with children and youth. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8576)
Prereq: PSYC 1010 and permission of instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4590
PSYCH OF EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN
A study of exceptional children and adolescents with sensory or motor impairments, intellectual retardations or superiorities, talented or gifted abilities, language or speech discrepancies, emotional or behavioral maladjustments, social or cultural differences, or major specific learning disabilities.
Prereq: PSYC 1010 and junior/senior.
PSYC 4630
ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY
This is a survey course which will cover the major concepts, theories and empirical research related to organizational psychology. Specific topics will include: work motivation, leadership, decision making and job satisfaction as well as more recent trends such as cultural diversity, work teams, work-family and quality issues. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8636)
Prereq: PSYC 1010. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4640
PERSONNEL PSYCHOLOGY
A survey of psychological principles, theories and research related to personnel issues. Course includes discussion of personnel selection, performance appraisal, recruitment, training and health and safety. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8646)
Prereq: PSYC 1010. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4644
LABORATORY IN PSYC: SOCIAL/I-O
Laboratory work coordinated with PSYC 3450 and PSYC 4630 or PSYC 4640, emphasizing a presentation of methods of research assessing human social behavior and applied psychological processes. Research design, data analysis and research report writing are also emphasized.
Prereq: PSYC 3140, PSYC 3450 and PSYC 4630 or PSYC 4640.
PSYC 4680
POSITIVE PSYC
Positive psychology is the scientific study of the "good life", or the positive aspects of the human experience that make life worth living. The discipline of positive psychology focuses on both individual and societal well-being. Students will learn the tenets of positive psychology and well-being research findings, including the various definitions and operationalizations of happiness and well-being.
Prereq: PSYC 1010
PSYC 4800
LAW & PSYCHOLOGY
This course presents legal principles relevant to all psychological specialties, with special reference to mental health services. Ethical reasoning and the APA ethics code are considered. (Cross-listed with PSYC 8806)
Prereq: 15 hours of Psychology credits including PSYC 1010 or approval of the instructor. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4810
PRACTICE, ETHICS ABA
This course presents ethical and legal issues relevant to research and practice in behavior analysis. This class will provide undergraduate students with knowledge of ethic codes and legal statues that guide the field of applied behavior analysis and psychology more broadly. The primary emphasis will be the practical application of ethics to clinic, school, and community settings where children and adolescents are the recipients of services. Class topics related to ethics will be: principles, decision making, assessment and practice, supervision, research, responsibilities to the field of applied behavior analysis, and responsibility in public statements.
Prereq: PSYC 1010. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4890
SENIOR ASSESSMENT
This assessment tool is part of the Department's Student Outcomes effort. It is designed to monitor the Department's performance and to identify changes needed. Graduating seniors must register for and complete this course in the term in which they plan to graduate.
Prereq: Students must register for PSYC 4890 in the term in which they plan to graduate. Not open to non-degree graduate students.
PSYC 4930
SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Three credit hour Special Topics courses allow for in-depth study of psychology topics not offered in our regular curriculum. When enrolling, see notes section on course listing for specific topic. May be repeated as topics change, but six hours of Special Topics courses (PSYC 4910, PSYC 4920, and PSYC 4930) is the maximum that may be applied toward a psychology major.
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PSYC 4960
INDEPENDENT STUDY IN PSYCH
A faculty-supervised special research project and or directed readings involving empirical research and appropriate oral and written reports arranged individually with students on topics not explored in other offerings. If students do not complete the work during the semester they enroll in the course, they must complete all the work within an academic year of their enrollment.
Prereq: A minimum of 10 hours of Psychology including PSYC 1010 & PSYC 1020 and 1 additional course. Completion of the Independent Study Form and permission from the Undergraduate Program Committee (UPC).
PSYC 4980
FIELDWORK PRACTICUM IN ABA
This course provides an opportunity for practical application and further development of knowledge and skills acquired in the Applied Behavior Analysis concentration within the undergraduate psychology major. The practicum will provide a practical and career-building placement in a work setting. Students will develop knowledge and skills important for new steps in careers within behavior analysis and graduate programs. The experience will be consistent with the supervised fieldwork requirements for individuals pursuing certification as a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst.
Prereq: PSYC 1020; PSYC 4570; GPA requirement: 2.8; OR Permission of instructor
PSYC 4990
SENIOR THESIS
The course is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to initiate, design, analyze, and write-up an original experimental study in an area of interest to the student. Although the course is intended primarily for students who need to satisfy the requirement of a second experimental/laboratory course in the Bachelor of Science degree program, all students interested in this course will be considered on an individual basis.
Prereq: PSYC 3140 ('B' or better), 'B' average in major; signed statement from faculty member of Psychology Department who is willing to serve as adviser; written approval from chair of undergraduate program committee. Must be a 2nd semester junior or later.
For more information on any of the Psychology courses or to view course listings and course descriptions, please see the Undergraduate Catalog.