Psychology Courses (PSY)

PSY 5501 - Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)

The selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation and use of tests of intelligence, proficiency, interests, personality, aptitude and social adjustment.

PSY 5556 - Gerontology (3)

The study of aging. Emphasis on biomedical, psychological, and social aspects of middle and late adulthood.

PSY 5559 - Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

This course is an advanced study of the characteristics, research methods, concepts, and applications of applied behavior analysis. Students will design, implement, and present a behavior-change project and read articles in the field of applied behavior analysis.

PSY 6606 - Interventions for Children and Adolescents (3)

This course examines the behavioral characteristics of children and adolescents including their emotional, social, and cognitive behaviors. Emphasizes intervention, assessment, diagnoses, teaching, and prevention.

PSY 6607 - Introduction to Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health (3)

This is a graduate level course and will provide an overview of the trajectory of early human development for infants and their families. Influences that lead to mental health wellbeing and influences that can push development off track will be examined through the lens of attachment, neurobiology, ethics, and biopsychosocial factors. A clinical mental health and reflective perspective will be employed to inform understanding, case conceptualization, assessment and treatment of infants and their families. Student taking this course will conduct a series of three observations modified version of the “Tavistock method of Infant Observation” and receive a minimum of two hours of reflective supervision/ consultation via an online platform every week during this course. Course readings and recordings are pulled from clinical and nonclinical infant/early childhood mental health and parent mental health sources. Prerequisite: Advisor's approval

PSY 6609 - Infant/Early Childhood Testing and Evaluation (3)

This is a graduate level course and is intended to pro-vide an understanding of various models of assessment by examining biopsychosocial development and cultural formation of infants and their families through a reflective lens of attachment, neurobiology, ethics, case conceptualization, and other factors using clinical observations of infants, families, and relationships; informal and formal assessments. Stu-dent taking this course will conduct a series of three observations modified version of the “Tavistock method of Infant Observation” and receive a mini-mum of two hours of reflective supervision/consultation via an online platform every week during this course. Course readings and recordings are pulled from clinical and nonclinical infant/early childhood mental health and parent mental health sources. Prerequisite: PYS 6607.

PSY 6610 - Physiological Dynamics of Alcohol & Other Drugs (3)

A study of physiological and psychological dynamics and resultant behavioral implications in use of alcohol and other drugs. Based on assessment of dynamics and behavior and application of diagnostic procedures using appropriate manuals and materials.

PSY 6612 - Infant/Early Childhood Neuroscience, Diagnosis & Treatment Planning (3)

This is a graduate level course and will examine current theory, research and clinical practice regarding Neuroscience and Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Infants and Early age children in the context of their family system. A specific area of examination will be the use of the Diagnostic Classification of Mental Health and Developmental Disorders of Infancy and Early Childhood (DC:0-5). Neuroscience and interpersonal neurobiology will be discussed and considered together with ethics, cultural and other specific influences when diagnosing and designing appropriate treatment plans for this population. Student taking this course will conduct a series of three observations modified version of the “Tavistock method of Infant Observation” and receive a minimum of two hours of reflective supervision/consultation via an online platform every week during this course. Course readings and recordings are pulled from clinical and nonclinical infant/early childhood mental health and parent mental health sources. Prerequisite: PYS 6607, PYS 6609

PSY 6613 - Objective Personality Assessment (3)

An introduction to objective personality assessment. The student will learn basic administration, scoring procedures, and utilization of assessment results in clinical practice for various objective personality and temperament measures. Application of objective personality instruments and computer scoring will be explored. Prerequisites: PSY 6645 or similar graduate course and PSY 6669 or similar graduate course.

PSY 6614 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

An advanced study of theories, research, etiology, assessment, and diagnosis of psychological disorders as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.

PSY 6615 - Reflective Supervision (3)

This is a graduate level course and will focus on understanding and engaging in Reflective Supervision exploring historical formation and current use of Reflective Supervision. The Reflective Interaction Observation Scale (RIOS™) will be used to understand and to practice Reflective supervision/ consultation. Attention will be given to establishing, maintaining and improving the reflective alliance. Additionally, course work will include understanding Reflective supervision models, which will include but not be limited to fields of mental health counseling, early child care, psychology, social work, nursing, K-12 education, and any persons involved in working with infants/early aged children and their families. Student taking this course will conduct a series of three observations modified version of the “Tavistock method of Infant Observation” and receive a minimum of two hours of reflective supervision/consultation via an online platform every week during this course. Course readings and recordings are pulled from clinical and nonclinical infant/early childhood mental health and parent mental health sources. Prerequisite: PSY 6607, PSY 6609, PSY 6612.

PSY 6616 - Psychology of Leadership (3)

This course examines the psychological aspects of leader theories and effective leadership. Topics include leadership styles and behaviors, adaptive and situational leadership, decision making, and empowerment for leading change. The course includes leadership training, team work, diversity, and organizational strategy for global, cross-cultural leadership.

PSY 6617 - Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues (3)

Ethical and Legal Principles of Psychologists, Code of Conduct, and the values and ideas that guide practice and research in the field of psychology. Topics include confidentiality, informed consent, competence, integrity, respect, and using the ethical code to make decisions in a variety of settings. This course will also cover professional conduct in terms of interacting with people within a multi-cultural world.

PSY 6620 - Introduction to Play Therapy (3)

This course is designed to promote the development of a historical, theoretical and ethical basis for the practice of play therapy. This course must be taught by a registered play therapist.

PSY 6621 - Social Psychology (3)

An advanced study of social behaviors with a focus on social theories and empirical findings related to social perception, social influence, social interaction, and applied social psychology.

PSY 6625, 6626, 6627 - Specialized Study in Psychology (1-3)

A study of a problem or topic using research techniques or a guided program of readings. Preparation of a scholarly paper is required and may involve an oral defense. A specialized study may be substituted for only one required course or elective in a student's program. Approval by the student's adviser, the course instructor, and department chair is required. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.

PSY 6628 - Principles of Behavior Analysis (3)

Students will develop competence in the use of technical terminology pertaining to the concepts and principles of behavior analysis.

PSY 6629 - Psychology of Learning (3)

This course is an advanced study of the experimental methods, concepts, and theories of learning. Basic research as well as applications to the everyday world will be covered.

PSY 6630 - Ethics and Professionalism in Behavior Analysis (3)

Students will develop an understanding of legal constraints and ethical guidelines pertinent to behavioral research and practice. They will also develop an understanding of the Behavior Analysis Certification Board Compliance Code and Disciplinary Systems.

PSY 6631 - Psychological Foundations of Education (3)

An overview of educational psychology, including research findings and philosophical concepts related to nature of learner and learning process; principles of motivation and educational evaluation; and educational concepts representing different schools of psychological theory.

PSY 6632 - Research Methods in Behavior Analysis (3)

Students will develop competence in measurement of behavior, data collection and analysis, graphic representation, and experimental design with particular emphasis on single-subject design.

PSY 6633 - Advanced Psychology of Learning (3)

A study of the historical roots and contemporary principles and theories of human learning and their applications to educational practices. Emphasis of this course is on contemporary perspectives and developments; field and cultural influences on learning; and the relation of individual and group adjustment to school learning.

PSY 6635 - Vocational Psychology and Career Development (3)

This course covers the procedures used in obtaining, organizing, integrating, and utilizing educational and occupational information including electronic media. Career development theories, scope of the world of work, decision making strategies and counseling for career development including information on the relationship between career choice and life style. Attention is given to the appraisal of interest, aptitude and personality measurements.

PSY 6636 - Wechsler Scales (3)

An exploration of the theory, nature, and measurement of human intelligence. Techniques of administering the Wechsler scales are taught include but are not limited to the following: WAIS-III, WISC-III, WPPSI-R, WIAT, and WMS. The student administers, scores, and interprets test batteries and writes satisfactory reports. Prerequisites: PSY 6645 and adviser approval.

PSY 6637 - Stanford Binet and Others (3)

This course requires the administration, scoring, interpretation and reporting of psycho-educational batteries, including Binet IV, Woodcock Johnson, PIAT, and Kaufman. This course will include measures of intelligence, academic achievement, adaptive behavior, behavior rating, and perceptual-motor skills. The primary focus will be upon those instruments commonly used in schools excluding the Wechsler scales. Prerequisites: PSY 6645, PSY 6636, and adviser approval.

PSY 6638 - Philosophy of Cognitive Development (3)

An investigation of educational philosophies and human development as they relate to cognitive development and teaching of thinking skills.

PSY 6641 - Behavior Assessment (3)

Students will develop competence in a broad range of common behavioral assessments, including preference assessments, skill-based assessments, and functional behavior assessment and analysis.

PSY 6643 - Behavior Change Procedures (3)

Students will develop competence in a broad range of common behavioral interventions, including differential reinforcement procedures, token economies, and behavioral contracts.

PSY 6644 - Bio-Psychology (3)

A study of the physiological correlates of behavior focusing on the cells of the nervous system, the structure and functions of the nervous system, psychopharmacology, drug abuse, and research techniques.

PSY 6645 - Evaluation and Assessment of the Individual (3)

The study of knowledge and skills necessary to obtain records, appraise information, and write reports regarding individuals. Involves integration and use of data from interviews, standardized tests, scales, inventories, other procedures, including individual and group methods of assessment.

PSY 6646 - Survey of Industrial Organizational Psychology (3)

This course covers applied psychology in the work-place. Topics include personnel selection, organizational learning and training, performance management, organizational change, teamwork, job satisfaction, work behavior and attitudes, motivation, union/management relations, and leadership styles.

PSY 6647 - Organizational Behavior Management (3)

Students will develop competence in personnel supervision and management. They will also develop competency in selecting and implementing interventions designed to improve personnel performance and safety.

PSY 6648 - Theories of Personality (3)

A critical analysis of major theories and systems of personality.

PSY 6649 - Experimental Analysis of Behavior (3)

Students will develop competence in understanding how principles of behavior are discovered and described in the context of basic research.

PSY 6650 - Practicum: Psychometry (3)

This course provides field supervised experiences preparatory to the Internship in School Psychometry/ School Psychology. At least 100 hours of prescribed experiences in school psychometry/psychology must be completed at approved schools (K-12) and must be supervised by an approved school psychometrist or school psychologist. Prerequisites: PSY 6636 and PSY 6637

PSY 6653 - Measurement and Evaluation (3)

A study of basic statistical processes and measures used in education, counseling, and psychology. Analysis of a variety of standardized tests and measurement procedures including construction, use, and interpretation. Construction of teacher/counselor-made tests and measuring devices.

PSY 6654 - Behavioral Theory and Philosophy (3)

Students will develop competence in the history and philosophy of behaviorism, theoretical approaches to understanding behavior, and interpretation of behavior in terms of the concepts and principles of behavior analysis.

PSY 6655 - Internship: Psychology Assessment (6)

This course will provide a clinical internship appropriate to the specialty and practice of psychological technician. Training will be six months in duration and consist of at least 500 hours, 250 of which hours must be in direct contact with patients/clients. The student will be supervised for at least one hour per each five hours of client contact. At least 60% of supervision will be provided by a licensed psychologist. Grading system is Pass/Fail.

PSY 6656 - Special Topics in Behavior Analysis I (3)

An examination of selected topics or issues in behavior analysis.

PSY 6657 - Special Topics in Behavior Analysis II (3)

An examination of selected topics or issues in behavior analysis.

PSY 6659 - Cognitive and Behavioral Interventions (3)

This is a study of the basic principles and techniques of cognitive and behavioral systems of intervention. Applications of these techniques are applied to the problems of children and adults in school, home, and clinic settings are presented.

PSY 6660 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

This course covers the properties of human cognition and the principles that govern how it works. Course content includes classic and recent findings in core topics in cognitive psychology such as attention, perception, memory, language comprehension, and problem-solving.

PSY 6661 - Developmental Psychology (3)

An advanced study of human development with emphasis on major developmental theories and the psychosocial, physical, emotional, and cognitive changes that occur across the lifespan.

PSY 6662 - Internship: Psychometry (3)

This course includes at least 300 hours of prescribed experiences in school psychometry, completed at approved schools (K-12), and supervised by an approved school psychometrist or school psychologist. Grading system is Pass/Fail. Prerequisites: PSY 6650 and approval of instructor.

PSY 6664 - Assessment of Disabling Conditions (3)

This course covers client assessment in the rehabilitation process and knowledge and skills required by the counselor in order to provide quality services to the individual. Prerequisite: PSY 6653 or permission of instructor.

PSY 6668 - Human Lifespan and Development (3)

A study of the nature and needs of individuals at all developmental levels. Problems of human adjustment faced at all stages of development from conception through retirement, including adjustment issues in the home, school, work place, social groups, and retirement. An understanding of developmental crises in human behavior is also a goal of this course.

PSY 6669 - Behavior Pathology (3)

A study of psychopathological disorders with emphasis on the psychological, social, and biological origins. The current classification system used by the American Psychiatric Association is used as a foundation. Diagnosis and treatment planning are emphasized.

PSY 6670 - Diagnosis and Treatment Planning (3)

A course designed to assist mental health professionals in the understanding and application of a multi-axial system (current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual). Also included is a comprehensive treatment planning strategy for development statements of behavioral symptoms, short-term objective, long term goals and therapeutic interventions. Psychopharmacology treatment interventions are covered. Prerequisite: PSY 6669.

PSY 6671 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork I (3)

Students will develop skills in professional practice and research. Students will develop competence in behavior-analytic skills and defining a research problem, designing a method to address the problem, and conducting and reporting an investigation that carries out the method to conclusion.

PSY 6672 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork II (3)

PSY 6673 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork III (3)

PSY 6674 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork IV (3)

PSY 6676 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork V (3)

PSY 6677 - Concentrated Supervised Fieldwork VI (3)

PSY 6679 - Infant/Early Childhood Internship

This is a graduate level course and the purpose of the Infant/Early Childhood Internship is to promote the student's understanding and integration of knowledge and skills developed through courses and field placement experiences focused on infant and early childhood mental health. Through direct observation of infant/early age child and family development, assigned readings, group discussion, and class presentations, the developmental and relationship needs of infants/early aged children, parents, families, ethics, and standard of care will be deeply explored. Students will be encouraged to explore their own response to being with infants and families and will be required to write about these experiences. Student taking this course will conduct a series of three observations modified version of the “Tavistock method of Infant Observation” and receive a minimum of two hours of reflective supervision/consultation via an online platform every week during this course. Course readings and recordings are pulled from clinical and nonclinical infant/early childhood mental health and parent mental health sources. Prerequisite: PSY 6607, PSY 6609, PSY 6612, PSY 6615.

PSY 6680 - Thesis I (1-3)

Independent research under the supervision of the student's advisory committee. A thesis proposal must be approved by the student's advisory committee. Grading is Pass/Fail.

PSY 6681 - Thesis II (1-3)

Independent research under the supervision of the student's advisory committee. A thesis defense must be approved by the student's advisory committee. Grading is Pass/Fail.

PSY 6682 - Capstone (3)

This capstone course synthesizes the knowledge and research skills acquired throughout this graduate program into a non-empirical research project. The capstone project will consist of a comprehensive theoretical paper, integrative research review, or position paper on an emerging topic or contemporary issue relevant to psychology.

PSY 6688 - Medical/Psychosocial Aspects of Disability (3)

A study of medical and psychological information related to the disabled persons and to their families. Aspects of personal and social adjustment will be emphasized.

PSY 6689 - Research Methods/Statistics I (3)

This course covers introductory research theory, design, and analysis as well as applicable descriptive and inferential statistics.

PSY 6690 - Research Methods/Statistics II (3)

This course covers advanced research theory, design, and analysis as well as applicable descriptive and inferential statistics.

PSY 6693 - Psychological and Educational Statistics (3)

A study of variety of descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in psychology and education. Emphasizes application of statistical methods to research design. A grade of “B” or better is required. Prerequisite: ADE/CP/EDU 6691.

PSY 7700 - Professional School Psychology (3)

This course provides a knowledge base specific to the professional practice of school psychology and includes legal and ethical issues, professional standards, models of service delivery, roles of the school psychologist, modern technology, and assessment. Enrollment limited to Ed.S. students.

PSY 7725, 7726, 7727 - Specialized Study in Psychology (1-6)

Under supervision of faculty member selected by student and approved by adviser and faculty supervisor, student may pursue extensive study of particular area which fits his/her academic needs but is not available in regular curriculum. Department will establish guidelines for supervision and pursuance of study. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.

PSY 7753 - Internship: School Psychology (3-6)

At least 300 hours per three-semester-hour course of prescribed experiences in school psychology, completed at approved schools (K-12), and supervised by an approved school psychologist. The student is advised to check national and multi-state requirements for internship experiences. Prerequisites: PSY 6650 and approval of instructor.

PSY 7754 - Internship: School Psychology (3)

PSY 7755 - Internship: School Psychology (3)

PSY 7794 - Field Project (3)

An independent study of a problem of a practical nature that is encountered in a field setting. A proposal for the study and a written report of findings must be approved by the student's advisory committee. The advisory committee may administer an oral examination covering the research findings.

PSY 7795 - Thesis (3)

Independent research for and preparation of a scholarly paper related to a school psychology problem under the supervision of the student's advisory committee. A research proposal and the written paper must be approved by the student's advisory committee. The advisory committee will administer an oral examination covering the research findings. Grading system is Pass/Fail.