Curriculum

Reviews professions within psychology and application of psychology to other professions. Examines the major historical events and figures relevant to the development of psychology. Students will work to refine and develop their APA writing skills, as well as build on their understanding of research methods and ethics critical to the advancement of psychology. Career options for undergraduate psychology majors will be explored. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
ENG 1010, PSY 1010

Examines changes that occur across the human lifespan, from conception to end of life. Topics include physical, perceptual, cognitive, personality, social, and emotional changes.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Explores the psychology of thought, including reception of information, short- and long-term storage, perception, memory, concept formation, language acquisition, problem solving, imagination, and creativity. How people acquire, process, store, and use information will also be explored. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150, PSY 2210

Examines the symptomatology, diagnosis, and causes of various forms of psychopathology. Topics include current theory and research; ethical and social issues; and historical and current approaches to treatment of mental illness.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Surveys major studies of personality and theories related to personality development. Discusses how interpersonal behavior is influenced by individual differences and various personality characteristics. Students will be provided opportunities to analyze the results of personality indicators. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150, PSY 2210

Provides a foundation for understanding research in the field of psychology. Significant focus on understanding the use and application of quantitative research methods, with a brief introduction to qualitative methods. Students will implement strategies to critically read and evaluate research. Students will explore common research designs, methods, quantitative data analysis, APA standards, and ethical considerations relevant to psychological research. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
ENG 1010, MTH 2750, PSY 2150

Equips students to continue to gain knowledge and demonstrate appropriate use of research tools, research planning and design, methodologies, and communication of the results using APA standards. Focuses on common qualitative methods, an introduction of mixed methodology, and writing a research proposal. Basic qualitative data analysis methods are explored and practiced. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 3660

Examines how cultural and social structures influence thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. Some topics include cultural identity development, group values, social and cultural aspects of various groups, and barriers to effective communication and collaboration. Different ethnic groups within Eastern and Western cultures will be explored. Recent psychological research relevant to cultural psychology will be explored. Strategies for improved understanding and productivity in our increasingly diverse world will be discussed. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2210, PSY 3670

Studies of human brain structure and activity, biochemical and electrical processes, neural patterns, and hormones that underlie human thoughts and behavior. Development of the nervous system, sensory processing of touch and pain, as well as motor control and plasticity will be explored. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2210, PSY 3670

Presents a study of individuals in the social context in which they live. Topics such as attitudes and attitude change, altruism, effects of being in a group, conformity, obedience, persuasion, and interpersonal attraction are studied.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Studies how brain function and physiological processes influence thoughts and behavior. Primary topics include sensation and perception, regulation processes, emotions, psychopathology, learning and memory, attention, and language. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 3910

Explores biological, physiological, and psychological processes related to emotion and motivation. Students will examine various types of motivation as well as theories of emotion and motivation. Some additional topics include autonomy, goal setting, beliefs, needs, and social regulation. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 4310

Surveys the basic concepts of learning and memory. Topics include brain function and structures related to learning and memory, types of memory, executive control, classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and social learning theory. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2510, PSY 4310

Represents the capstone experience for senior psychology majors. The course integrates knowledge, foundational concepts, and skills used in psychological research. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate the competencies gained from courses taken throughout the undergraduate program, as well as explore their post-graduation goals. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 3670, PSY 3810, PSY 4310, PSY 4610

Corequisite(s):
PSY 4450

Provides a psychological foundation for understanding human relations with applications to both personal and professional settings. Focus is on examining the basic dynamics of human relations, how social influences shape thought and behavior, effective strategies to improve human relations, and the importance of multicultural competency within human relations.

Examines the background, theory, and process of cognitive behavioral therapy. Topics include maladaptive thought patterns and cognitive behavioral therapy solutions, several expressions of cognitive behavior therapy, and cognitive behavior therapy applications to common problems such as fear, anger, addiction, anxiety, and depression.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Equips students with a psychological foundation of theories related to death, dying, and bereavement. Prepares students who are entering a helping profession to work with others to understand and cope with death, dying, and bereavement.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1010 OR PSY 1110

Reviews primary categories of legal and illegal drugs and substances. Examines the behavior and mental processes associated with drug use and addiction. Explores environmental, biological, and psychological factors that influence drug use, addiction, and recovery. Various treatment options are discussed. Careers related to substance abuse treatment will be discussed. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150, PSY 2210

Explores psychological foundations, theories, models, and applications related to selection, placement, and evaluation of personnel, work motivation, leadership, worker well-being, group organization, organizational culture, and processes in the workplace.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1010 OR PSY 1110

Provides a foundation for understanding the field of counseling. This course examines what counselors do; the qualities of effective counseling; and basic concepts of the most influential theories of modern counseling, considering the strengths and weaknesses of each. It also examines legal, ethical, and cross-cultural issues.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Explores the application of psychology to legal issues and the justice system. Examines major areas of forensic psychology research with focus on police, court, and community settings. Some topics include interrogation, criminal investigation, eyewitness testimony, jury selection, determining competency in court settings, custody and guardianship issues, and risk assessment. Careers related to forensic psychology will be explored. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150

Explores human health and illness from a biopsychosocial framework. Applies psychological concepts, models, and theories to examine illness prevention and recovery, as well as explore perceptions of illness. Some topics include stress, coping, pain, and behaviors that contribute to wellbeing or illness. Students will discuss strategies to improve healthy habits and wellness. Careers related to health psychology will be explored. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150

Examines the historical background, research basis, and guiding principles related to the practice of community psychology. Topics include social change and justice, stress and resilience, professional judgment, and ethics. Addresses systems issues and professional applications to social services, mental health, healthcare, schools, and law enforcement. Future implications for the practice of community psychology are considered. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150

Explores types of disabilities from the individual, family, and caregiver perspectives. Topics include stereotypes and myths, legal issues/laws, coping with disability, and models of practice. Common challenges and solutions associated with disability across various social contexts are discussed.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Analyzes the anatomical, psychological, cultural, and social aspects of a wide range of topics in the area of human sexuality. Course emphasis is on developing understanding and awareness of variations of sexual expression and the role of sexuality throughout the various phases of the life cycle.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1010 OR PSY 1110

Explores human development from conception through late childhood, with an emphasis on physical, mental, social, and emotional growth. Developmental processes of socialization, cognition, emotional growth, and personality development are examined. Theories about child development are assessed. Research findings on issues and disorders common to children are considered.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2210

Studies the nature of adolescent behavior and its underlying dynamics. The emphasis is on establishing skills necessary to work with this group. Areas of focus include physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of adolescents. Research findings on issues and disorders common to adolescents are considered.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110, EDU 3120

Explores the bio/psycho/social influences that contribute to gender similarities and differences. Historical and current theories, myths, and stereotypes will be reviewed. Additional gender related topics include stereotypical roles, identity, cultural influences, attitudes, communication, education, emotions, friendships/relationships, health, sexuality, and work. This course is exclusive to the Bachelor of Science in Psychology Program (Online only).

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2150, PSY 2210

Studies the history and development of psychopharmacological agents, their effects on the biochemistry of the human being, the legitimate use of medications, and their importance for treatment. Topics include a review of the classes of psychotropic drugs, drug overdose, the side effects and interactions of psychotropic drugs, and drug tolerance.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 3110

Examines the multiple careers and settings associated with mental health treatment. Topics include assessment, interviewing, types of counseling, treatment of different populations, legal issues, and ethical considerations within the mental health treatment setting. Treatment interventions, least restrictive options, and prevention will also be discussed.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2410, PSY 3110

Explores aging from the individual, family, and caregiver perspectives. Focuses on physical, cognitive, personality, and social development in late adulthood. Topics include stereotypes and myths, legal issues/laws, common psychological and physical disorders, end of life decisions, relationships, and careers, as well as the dying process, and bereavement.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 2210

Provides a 160-hour bachelor's level, learning experience in a technical environment structured to allow students to further develop skills and gain training in their major field. Students must achieve 70% or better in all coursework and 70% or better on all evaluations to receive credit for this course.

Emphasizes academic writing by reading and thinking critically to strengthen essential communication skills through the use of the writing process. Various assignments focus on summary and response, analysis, and informative writing. Research practices and research writing in APA style are essential to the course.

Continues developing students' critical thinking and writing skills through reading and argumentative writing. Emphasizes academic writing to articulate the relationships among language, knowledge, and power. Various assignments focus on position, argument analysis, and argumentative proposal. Research practices and research writing in APA style are essential to the course.

Prerequisite(s):
ENG 1010

Identifies and analyzes ethical situations in modern society. Examines the philosophical foundations for personal and professional ethics.

Prerequisite(s):
ENG 1020

Focuses on data interpretation and practical application of introductory level statistics. Emphasizes a conceptual understanding of the use of statistics in various fields, including the ability to interpret results. Topics include development and analysis of descriptive statistics, inferential statistics (bivariate), and regression analysis. Students determine appropriate statistical methods, calculate basic statistical values, and analyze/interpret data sets including statistical software study results. The combination of MTH 1050 Quantitative Reasoning I or MTH 1110 College Algebra I with MTH 2750 Statistical Methods satisfies the Statistics Pathway.

Prerequisite(s):
MTH 1050 OR MTH 1110

Provides a foundation of knowledge in psychology examining key topics related to understanding human thoughts and behavior. Topics include an exploration of factors that influence thoughts and behavior, psychology as a science, sensation/perception, motivation, emotion, memory, cognition, personality, as well as key figures, research, and theories within psychology. Applying concepts to real-life settings is a focus throughout the course.

Examines the social construction of groups based on race, ethnicity and national origin, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, and able-bodiedness. Sociological (as well as psychological, historical, economic, and anthropological) perspectives are applied to concepts such as prejudice, stereotyping, discrimination, racial and ethnic identity, racial formation, power and privilege, assimilation and pluralism, and tolerance. Emphasis is on increasing knowledge, personal awareness, and sensitivity.

Develops confidence and skill in many facets of oral communication. Students explore diverse topics and formats, using organization, research, and technology to deliver effective oral presentation.

Prepares students to work effectively in groups. Students will collaborate to complete a group project and multiple presentations. Course content covers key concepts of group dynamics such as diversity, group roles, ethical issues, and conflict resolution. Students will hone group communication skills and effectively use technology to communicate with group members.

Prerequisite(s):
SPK 2010

Solves contemporary, real-world problems by mathematical reasoning utilizing concepts from algebra, finance, and statistics. Key topics include personal finance, mathematical models, functions and relations, dimensional analysis, statistical reasoning, and Euclidean geometry. This class focuses on quantitative literacy and the application of the above concepts in a variety of professional disciplines. The combination of MTH 1050 and MTH 1060 satisfy the Quantitative Reasoning Pathway. The combination of MTH 1050 Quantitative Reasoning I or MTH 1110 College Algebra I with MTH 2750 Statistical Methods satisfies the Statistics Pathway.

Introduces elements of algebra including graphing, variable expressions, linear equations, polynomial operations and factoring, systems of equations, quadratic equations, rational equations, and functions. The combination of MTH 1110 and MTH 1120 satisfy the MTA College Algebra Pathway. The combination of MTH 1050 Quantitative Reasoning I or MTH 1110 College Algebra I with MTH 2750 Statistical Methods satisfies the Statistics Pathway.