COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

All courses are three credit hours unless otherwise noted.
View pop-up of course rotation.

PY 720 HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOLOGY
Studies the founding and development of the discipline and profession of psychology through the exploration of philosophical and physiological roots and the contributions of major exemplars. Attention is paid to the importance of the scientific method and the influence of social and cultural factors in the progression of the discipline over time. The diversification of the field into counseling and clinical psychology as well as other specialty areas is also addressed.

PY 721 ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Investigates scientific explanation of human interaction and behavior.  The following topics are addressed:  attitudes, persuasion, group influence, prejudice, aggression, attraction, altruism and others. Recommended: Previous coursework in research methods.

PY 723 ADVANCED PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
Studies the range and variety of psychopathological disorders with reference to DSM IV. The etiology, symptoms,  treatment, and prognosis of major disorders are addressed.   

PY 724 LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT
This course is designed to examine major theories of human growth and development throughout the lifespan. Critical incidents of human development and implications for each theory will be discussed.  

PY 730 METHODS OF RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT
Examines principles and approaches to research design in the behavioral sciences.  Models and methods of hypothesis testing, research analysis and assessment will be reviewed.  Students will develop the skills to evaluate empirical research and design a research proposal. 

PY 731 STATISTICAL ANALYSES IN PSYCHOLOGY
Statistical logic and procedures, properties of statistical analyses, and application to data collected in a psychological context are emphasized. Descriptive and inferential statistical tests constitute the major portion of statistical analyses and reasoning. Also stressed is the interplay between statistical questions and answers and research questions and answers. Recommended:  An undergraduate course in statistics. 

PY 741 ISSUES IN ETHICS AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Reviews ethical guidelines related to the practice of helping relationships with attention to abuse assessment and reporting, privileged communication, client rights, confidentiality, and legal issues. Professional development issues are also explored. PY 750 should be taken prior to or concurrently. 

PY 744 CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND COUNSELING
Theories of career development and various approaches to career counseling are studied. The use of career assessment instruments and career exploration resources is also a focus. In addition, issues affecting special populations and effective adjustment in the workplace are topics explored.

PY 750 COUNSELING THEORIES
Explores theories and approaches (such as psychodynamic, behavioral, humanistic, cognitive and systems) that examine how people develop and function at an optimal level. The integration of various theoretical approaches and the application of theory to practice is a focus. In addition, outcome research as it applies to clinical practice is addressed.

PY 751 GROUP PROCESS
Addresses theories of group process. Group types, leadership styles and strategies, stages of group development, member behavior and other factors related to group functioning are explored. The course is didactic and experiential in nature. Ethical issues specific to the group process are also reviewed.

PY 733 DEVELOPMENTAL AND COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT
Developmental and cognitive assessment instruments are surveyed with an emphasis on intellectual assessment. Principles of measurement are reviewed and students administer, score, interpret and write reports communicating results of selected instruments. Diagnostics, diversity and ethical issues surrounding the measurement of intelligence are also addressed. Lab fee may apply. Limited enrollment. Students pursuing the Masters of Arts Counseling Psychology Degree or approval of the psychology coordinator is required.

PY 734 PERSONALITY ASSESSMENT
Major personality instruments are surveyed with both objective and projective approaches addressed. Test construction and principles of measurement are reviewed and students administer, score, interpret and write reports communicating results of selected instruments. Issues related to diagnosis and treatment planning are addressed and cultural and ethical issues relevant to assessment are topics also explored. Lab fee may apply. Students pursuing the Masters of Arts Counseling Psychology Degree or approval of the psychology coordinator is required. Prior completion of PY 723 is recommended and it is also recommended that PY 749 be taken prior to this course or concurrently.

PY 745 COGNITIVE PROCESSES
Major theoretical approaches in the area of cognitive processes are explored and integrated with research findings. Perception, memory, problem solving and language development are among the topics addressed.

PY 746 PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY FOR PSYCHOTHERAPISTS
Focuses on major groups of psychoactive drugs.  Those typically prescribed in psychiatric medicine are emphasized and commonly abused drugs are reviewed. The pharmacology (including mechanisms of action, administration and absorption as well as side effects) of these drugs is studied. Issues related to collaboration, referral and the role of psychologist in the treatment of patients taking medication are discussed.

PY 748 MULTICULTURAL COUNSELING
Through a process of cultural self-assessment, this course seeks to increase the student's understanding of the impact of cultural variables in individual identity development. Students also develop an understanding of general characteristics, which distinguish cultural groups, primarily emphasizing ethnic groups within the U.S. this knowledge is applied to the development of multicultural competencies.

PY 749 HELPING RELATIONSHIP SKILLS
Explores the nature of the helping relationship. Attention is given to the potential impact of helper characteristics on the counseling interaction. The course is experiential. The following counseling skills are addressed: listening, reflection and clarification, interviewing, effective confrontation, goal setting, and implementing basic change strategies. Issues related to working with other professionals to meet client needs are also discussed. 

PY 761 PRACTICUM
Fieldwork which involves the supervised implementation of assessment and counseling skills in a placement approved by the department. Graded on a pass/fail basis. Fifty hours of participation is required for each credit hour. Prior to practicum, the student must have completed at least 24 credit hours in the graduate psychology program including completing PY 723, PY 733 or PY 734, PY 741,  PY 749, PY 750 and PY 751. In PY 749 the student must receive a grade of "B" or better. Additionally, the student must be in good academic standing. Other courses may be required for particular placements. Other screening procedures may apply and consent of the psychology coordinator is required. Arrangements for the practicum experience must be made in advance of the semester in which the student wishes to enroll. Practicum credits vary. View pop-up of students' reflections about their practicum experience.

PY 780 SUMMARY PORTFOLIO (1 credit)
The summary portfolio serves as the culminating experience for students in the Master of Arts in Psychology program (general track). Its purpose is for students to demonstrate both what they have learned and to reflect on how they have changed as a result of participating in the program. The portfolio is pursued within the last two semesters of the student's involvement in the graduate school and it is graded pass/fail.

Required courses are offered once a year and follow a rotation. Nine classes are common across both degrees.

You can request to transfer up to six credit hours of applicable coursework from another graduate program toward the Master of Arts degree.