Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 111. Introduction to Psychology. 3 Credits.

An overview of the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, emphasizing the relevance of psychological research and principles to real-world issues and the role of psychology as both a science and a profession. F,S,SS.

PSYC 210. Human Sexuality. 3 Credits.

An exploration of human sexuality from a psychological perspective. Students will examine the biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors that influence sexual behaviors, attitudes, and identities across the lifespan. Topics will include sexual development, sexual orientation, gender identity, sexual health, intimate relationships, sexual dysfunctions, variability in sexual behavior, and the impact of societal and media influences on sexual norms. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. S.

PSYC 241. Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. 4 Credits.

An introduction to statistics commonly used in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics, measures of central tendency and variability, z-scores and the normal distribution, probability and hypothesis testing, t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and non-parametric tests. Students will apply these statistical concepts to research scenarios in the behavioral sciences. Students will also learn about software used to compute statistics. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and MATH 103 or higher. F,S,SS.

PSYC 250. Developmental Psychology. 4 Credits.

A broad survey of human life span development including intellectual, psychological, social, emotional, cognitive, behavior and cultural aspects of typical and non-typical individuals, ranging from the prenatal period to old age. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,S,SS.

PSYC 270. Psychological Disorders and Treatment. 3 Credits.

This course offers a comprehensive overview of the field of psychopathology, focusing on the study of psychological disorders and the underlying psychological, biological, and social factors that contribute to their development and manifestation. Students will explore a wide range of psychological disorders, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, psychotic disorders, and more, examining their symptoms, diagnostic criteria, and treatment approaches. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,S,SS.

PSYC 294. Individual Research. 1-4 Credits.

Introductory experience as a research assistant in a research laboratory. A total of 45 hours is typically required over the course of the semester per credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable to 4.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

PSYC 299. Special Topics in Psychology. 1-3 Credits.

Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Repeatable. On demand.

PSYC 301. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. 3 Credits.

Selection, training, motivation, leadership, job satisfaction, human engineering and working environments as applied to business and industry. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and any basic statistics course. On demand.

PSYC 303. Research Methods in Psychology. 4 Credits.

An exploration of principles of scientific reasoning, with special emphasis on descriptive and inferential research methods common in psychology. Students will learn to evaluate claims in psychology research and in media, assess advantages and disadvantages of a variety of research methods, and interpret statistical analysis. Includes an introduction to formal writing using APA Style. Prerequisite: MATH 103 or higher and PSYC 111. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PSYC 241. F,S,SS.

PSYC 304. Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. 3 Credits.

Building on foundational research methods, this course facilitates deeper understanding of research techniques, emphasizing the design, execution, and interpretation of studies in psychological science. Students will gain practical experience in formulating hypotheses, designing studies, collecting and analyzing data, and presenting findings in APA style through the development and implementation of an independent or small-group research project. Students will also engage with contemporary discussions on reproducibility, transparency, and ethical considerations in experimental research. Prerequisite: PSYC 241 and PSYC 303. F,S.

PSYC 313. Educational Psychology. 3 Credits.

The study of educational psychology involves both theory and practice. Focusing upon applying the principles of psychology and research to the practice of teaching, the ultimate goal is the understanding and improvement of instruction. Prospective teachers and other professionals in training who will interact with students need to understand how students learn and how that learning varies and is affected by each student's context, culture, and development. This course focuses on the effective application of psychological concepts and principles in the learning and instructional processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 or permission of the instructor. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PSYC 250 or permission of the instructor. On demand.

PSYC 320. Professional Development & Ethics. 2 Credits.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the types of career and advanced degree opportunities available upon earning their baccalaureate degree. Students will practice drafting professional documents, explore graduate and professional school options, learn about the graduate school admissions process, and develop networking and professional communication skills. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and sophomore status. F,S.

PSYC 330. Biological Bases of Behavior. 4 Credits.

This course will examine the biological systems, the relationship between behavior and biology, and the importance of individual differences in biological responses. The goal of the course is to familiarize students with biological roots of psychology as they pertain to human behavior, including an introduction to the principles of genetics and evolution, nervous system organization, and biologically-driven research methodology. Theoretical material will be accompanied by supplemental readings and associated reaction papers, which will constitute the lab component of this course. Prerequisite: Psychology major and BIOL 111 or BIOL 150 or BIOL 151 or ANAT 204. S,SS.

PSYC 331. Behavior Modification and Therapy. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the principles and applications of behavior modification and therapy. The course explores how behavior is acquired, maintained, and changed, with a focus on the application of operant and classical conditioning procedures to humans in applied settings. Students will learn how these methods are applied in clinical, educational, and everyday settings to promote adaptive behavior and reduce maladaptive patterns. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,S,SS.

PSYC 335. Health Psychology. 3 Credits.

A biopsychosocial approach is used to examine basic concepts, theories, and research in health psychology from the perspectives of the patient, health care provider, and researcher. Topics include stress and coping, health behavior change, chronic illness, pain management, and the patient-provider relationship. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,SS.

PSYC 355. Adulthood and Aging. 3 Credits.

Basic findings and theoretical issues in the study of human aging from biopsychological and socio-psychological perspectives with an emphasis on the individual. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 plus 3 credits of psychology. F,SS.

PSYC 360. Introduction to Personality. 3 Credits.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of theories and research in personality psychology. Assumptions about human nature, along with theories regarding the driving forces and directionality of personality development, will be discussed. Key concepts and frameworks will be explored to gain insight into the factors that influence individual differences in behavior, thoughts, and emotions. Students will also be introduced to methods used to assess personality. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F,S.

PSYC 361. Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to research on individual behavior in its social context. Topics include environmental influences on behavior, group behavior, and social influence. Students will apply prominent theories in the field of social psychology to research and everyday experiences. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PSYC 111. F,S.

PSYC 362. Psychology and Law. 3 Credits.

Psychological examination of the legal system, including what psychologists have learned about the law, the many different legal topics psychologists study, and the great promise that psychology holds for improving the legal system. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. F.

PSYC 365. Psychology of Women and Gender. 3 Credits.

This course explores psychological theory and research on the experiences of women and gender-diverse individuals across cultures and contexts. Students will examine how gender roles, stereotypes, and power dynamics influence identity development, relationships, mental health, and social behavior. Topics include gender socialization, media representation, body image, work and family roles, violence and harassment, and gender-based disparities in health and well-being. Emphasis is placed on applying psychological science to real-world issues and promoting gender equity. Prerequisite: PSYC 111. SS.

PSYC 366. Conflict Management. 3 Credits.

This course provides students with an understanding of conflict, its dynamics, major theoretical explanations, and methods of resolution. Students will also learn some basic conflict resolution skills and processes. Prerequisite: PSYC 111.

PSYC 370. Cyber Security, Big Data, & Human Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course will discuss the connections between human behavior, cyber security and big data. Big data tools and techniques allow the integration of diverse data streams from multiple sources providing the potential for better understanding and prediction of human behavior. Improved predictive modeling emerging from big data has several implications including possibly strengthening the security of critical cyber systems. On demand.

PSYC 372. Behavioral Design & Digital Products. 3 Credits.

Understanding how people learn, think, feel, and behave can help you design technology/machines that are intuitive, appealing, and reduce human operating error! Digital technologies, including autonomous machines such as unmanned/autonomous aerial devices and driverless cars, are a fast developing area of technological design and manufacturing. Effective use of these ever-increasingly complex products demands that designers understand and design for how people interact with digital technology. On demand.

PSYC 393. Psychology UGTA Seminar. 1 Credit.

This seminar is a pre-requisite or co-requisite for Instructional Experiences in Psychology and to serve as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) in the Department of Psychology. In this seminar, students will learn about data privacy, effective communication, pedagogical strategies, ethical responsibilities, course management, and fostering a welcoming learning environment. The course also encourages reflection on teaching practices, professional development, and the application of psychological knowledge to educational contexts. Prerequisite: Minimum overall GPA of 3.2, Junior status (60+ credits). F,S,SS.

PSYC 395. Practical Experiences in Psychology. 1-4 Credits.

This course is designed to be paired with a work or volunteer experience related to the field of psychology or other long-term career goals, arranged by mutual agreement among student, department, and placement site. A total of 60-75 hours per credit is typically required over the course of the semester. Repeatable up to 6 credits. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, junior or senior status, and a minimum overall or major GPA of 3.0. Prerequisite or Corequisite: PSYC 320. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

PSYC 405. History and Systems of Psychology. 3 Credits.

An examination of the historical development and foundational systems that have shaped modern psychology. Students will explore the key figures, movements, theoretical paradigms, and cultural zeitgeists that have contributed to the evolution of psychological thought, from early philosophical roots to the emergence of psychology as a distinct scientific discipline. A wide range of systems will be explored, including structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, humanistic psychology, cognitive psychology, and contemporary trends. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 and senior status. F,S.

PSYC 421. Diversity Psychology. 3 Credits.

Origins and consequences of psychological differences among individuals and groups with special emphasis on differences related to gender, race, and culture. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 241, and PSYC 250 or consent of instructor. S, odd years.

PSYC 433. Psychology of Learning. 4 Credits.

This course examines the fundamental theories, principles, and research underlying how humans and animals acquire, retain, and apply new behaviors and knowledge. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, observational learning, and cognitive influences on learning. Includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and PSYC 303. F,S.

PSYC 436. Perception. 4 Credits.

This course is intended to be a survey of the basic theoretical, methodological, and applied issues in the field of perception and sensation covering 4 primary senses (Vision, Audition, Touch and Taste) with a particular emphasis placed on vision and audition. The two primary objectives of this course are: (1) to become acquainted with the basic sensory physiology and psychophysics, and (2) to apply this knowledge to your own interests in sensation and perception via online activities and assigned labs. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 and BIOL 111 or BIOL 150 or BIOL 151 or ANAT 204 or PSYC 330. F.

PSYC 437. Physiology of Behavior and Psychophysiological Measurement. 4 Credits.

An advanced course covering major topics of physiological psychology while also introducing students to psychophysiological recording techniques used in research. While physiology and anatomy of the central and peripheral nervous systems will be briefly reviewed, students are expected to have basic knowledge of neuroscience, behavioral science, and research methodology. Laboratory time will focus on demonstration and practice of psychophysiological recording techniques and data analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 and BIOL 111 or BIOL 150 or BIOL 151 or BIMD 220 or BIMD 221 or PSYC 330. F, odd years.

PSYC 439. Cognitive Psychology. 4 Credits.

An exploration of theory and research on cognitive processes, including perception, attention, memory, language, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Includes a laboratory component. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and PSYC 303. S, even years.

PSYC 441. Case-Based Applied Statistics. 3 Credits.

Emphasis on the hands-on application and interpretation of a variety of descriptive and inferential statistical procedures using computer software. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 241 and PSYC 303. On demand.

PSYC 460. Advanced Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

This course offers an in-depth exploration of contemporary theories, methods, and research in social psychology. Building on foundational principles, students will examine how individuals think about, influence, and relate to one another in complex social contexts. Topics may include attitude formation and change, social cognition, group dynamics, prejudice and discrimination, prosocial behavior, aggression, social identity, and/or the psychological underpinnings of power and inequality. Emphasis is placed on the application of social psychological principles to real-world issues and practicing written communication skills. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 303, and PSYC 361 or SOC 361. F,S.

PSYC 470. Intro Clinical Psychology. 3 Credits.

A systematic survey of the field of clinical psychology; basic concepts in diagnosis, psychotherapy, research and professional problems. Prerequisite: PSYC 111, PSYC 241, and PSYC 270 or consent of instructor. On demand.

PSYC 475. Psychological Helping Skills. 2 Credits.

This course introduces students to basic helping skills used by mental health professionals and reviews empirically supported models of the helping and change process. This course is designed to support students considering careers in clinical or counseling psychology, social work, nursing, or other related helping professions. Prerequisite: Prerequisites: PSYC 111 and PSYC 270. F.

PSYC 489. Senior Thesis. 1-6 Credits.

An opportunity for advanced undergraduate students to design, complete, and present an original research project under faculty supervision. In addition to producing a written thesis in APA format, students are expected to disseminate their work through a modality suited to their project goals and audience-such as an oral presentation, poster presentation, digital exhibit, or other mode of dissemination approved by supervising faculty. Prerequisite: PSYC 304, PSYC 494 (2 credits), GPA of 3.21 or higher, Junior status, and department permission. Repeatable to 6.00 credits. F,S,SS.

PSYC 492. Individual Projects in Psychology. 1-4 Credits.

This course is intended to provide students with in-depth experiences not covered adequately in usual course offerings. These experiences may include independent research projects or extensive readings on topics of interest. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S,SS.

PSYC 493. Instructional Experiences in Psychology. 2 Credits.

This course provides students with structured experience serving as undergraduate teaching assistants (UGTAs) in psychology courses. Students will gain practical experience in instructional support, which may include facilitating discussions, assisting with laboratory or classroom activities, providing feedback to peers, tutoring, and/or supporting instructors in course management. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status, "A" in course they are assigned to, minimum overall GPA of 3.2 or higher, and permission of instructor. Corequisite: PSYC 320 and PSYC 393. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

PSYC 494. Advanced Individual Research. 1-4 Credits.

Advanced experience as a research assistant in a research laboratory. A total of 45 hours is typically required over the course of the semester per credit. Prerequisite: PSYC 303 and consent of instructor. Repeatable to 8.00 credits. F,S,SS.

PSYC 499. Advanced Special Topics in Psychology. 1-4 Credits.

Repeatable when topics vary. Prerequisite: PSYC 111 and consent of instructor. Repeatable. On demand.