Psychology (PSYC)
The purpose of this course is to provide beginners knowledge on topics related to Psychological methodology and statistics. Specifically, the course will cover a range of topics related to standard normal curve, t-scores, z-scores, transformation of scales, reliability, validity, confidence intervals, effect size, item analysis and factor analysis. The course will cover these topics within the context of t-tests, correlation and regression analyses. It will also cover the research methods in which these tests are most commonly used: non-experimental methods such as survey and longitudinal studies.
The purpose of this course is to provide advanced knowledge on topics related to psychological methodology and statistics. Specifically, the course will cover the following statistical tests: ANOVA, non-parametric statistics, between, within/repeated and mixed studies design. Furthermore, it will also cover the research designs in which these tests are commonly used. Specifically, the course will focus primarily on quantitative and qualitative experiments.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5311.
The study of the anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system including neural transmission, motor systems, speech and higher cortical functions with special emphasis on the physiological changes associated with pathological conditions and their impact on human behavior. Core course.
A survey of the major approaches to the study of personality. Psychoanalytic, trait, behavioral and humanistic paradigms will be studied with respect to theory, research, and therapeutic application.
A survey of social psychological theory and research. Topics include attitudes, cognition, interpersonal relationships, social influence, prejudice, and group behavior.
A review of research and theories on normal physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development across the lifespan.
The study of psychological disorders including diagnosis, etiology, and treatment.
This course is designed to introduce graduate students to the ethical standards and contemporary issues affecting professional conduct in the field of psychology. The topics covered revolve around ethical conduct in practice and research, as well as the decision-making foundations for resolving ethical issues. In addition to ethical standards, legal issues affecting professional practice will be covered in detail.
Instruction in the theoretical, ethical and practical application of intellectual assessment in a clinical setting using standardized instruments, such as the WAIS-IV and WISC-IV. Also reviews the current development and use of other instruments that assess cognitive function.
Personality assessment and interpretation using standard instruments such as MMPI, CPI, TAT, and Rorschach.
Provides an introductory survey of the major theories and theorists in the area of the psychological formulation of family theory. This course will cover various theories of family therapy as well as assessment of family dynamics, and the implications for the application of family theory in practice. A review of the research done in the area and the applicability of the research findings in practice.
An in-depth study of projective techniques for personality assessment. The main instrument studied is the Rorschach Inkblot Test using the Beck system. Also covered are the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), House-Tree-Person Projective Technique, and Draw-a-Person Techniques.
This purpose of this course is to build foundation on multicultural competencies and skills to provide culturally relevant, sensitive, and effective psychotherapy services and assessments to diverse populations. Students will obtain a thorough review on multicultural awareness, skills and knowledge which will improve competencies related to the practice of psychology. Evaluation of culture from the standpoint of both the therapist and client in the delivery of therapeutic services is the key feature of this course. Thus, the course will provide a sociopolitical perspective as well as identify how specific forms of oppression operate and impact clinical practice and psychology research.
The course includes a review of numerous theoretical approaches to psychotherapy, with a reliance on information from research-supported psychotherapeutic approaches. Students will learn the similarities and differences between these approaches at both the theoretical and technical level. Various stages of treatment and a range of important issues in conducting psychotherapy are considered. Students will develop a general understanding of the process of therapy, an ability to conceptualize client problems in a way that suggests potential interventions, and knowledge of techniques that can facilitate improvement.
The course will take a developmental approach in explaining child psychopathology. The course will include a consideration of diagnostic, epidemiological, developmental, and psychophysiological determinants of behavior.
This course will engage graduate-level students in the study of the principal theories of group therapy and family therapy. The class will focus on the theoretical, ethical, and practical and culturally-informed application of both group process and family therapy.
This course is designed to introduce the graduate student to the theoretical and applied issues related to the practice of group psychotherapy. Examines a variety of therapeutic groups as well as the issues related to the practice of group psychotherapy with special populations.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5350.
The focus of this course will be on key cognitive and affective bases of behavior and the manner in which these interact with environmental influences. The course will cover how essential concepts within these areas are linked to theoretical conceptualizations of behavior and psychopathology. Theoretical principles will be linked to applications within clinical psychology and to evidence-based interventions for psychological disorders.
This course is designed to introduce the graduate student to the basic classes of psychotropic drugs and their effects on human behavior. The course will begin with a basic review of how drugs are processed and used by the body including pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and neural transmission. A discussion of the chemical properties of both therapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse by drug class will follow, including a discussion of the most common drugs used to treat psychological disorders. A previous course in graduate Physiological Psychology (PSYC 5321) is a prerequisite for this course.
Prerequisite: PSYC 5321.
In depth study of various topics within psychology such as those related to history, clinical, social, and experimental psychology. May be repeated when topics vary.
Independent research under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated to a total of six semester hours.
Individual study, reading or research with faculty direction and evaluation. Offered on application to and approval of the program coordinator. No more than 6 hours will be counted towards the degree.
Supervised experience in a placement such as a community mental health/mental retardation agency. May be repeated. (Limited to degree students in the Psychology program or graduates of the psychology program working on the LSSP [Licensed Specialist in School Psychology]). Liability insurance required. Enrollment is dependent on the number of suitable practicum sites available.