Courses

Courses - PSY

PSY401 - Group Testing (3)

This course focuses on developing an understanding of the nature and function of group assessments. This includes, but is not limited to, such areas as achievement, aptitude, interest, and vocation. The nature and purpose of tests such as the Massa-chusetts Comprehensive Assessment System as a requirement for high school graduation is also explored. Students will understand the issues of assessment norms, validity, and reliability, as well as general principles of test construction. Emphasis will be on the ability to interpret and integrate information obtained from assessment tools for the purpose of addressing student needs, and on communicating assessment results to students, parents, and teachers. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY402 - Behavioral Statistics (3)

Coverage includes descriptive statistics: central tendency, variability, transformed scores, graphing, skewness and kurtosis. Also included will be probability and inferential statistics, including z test, t tests (one and two sample), ANOVA, Chi square and the Pearson r. Basic preparation in mathematics is needed. PREREQUISITES: Preparation in math

PSY407 - Applied Research Methodology (3)

This course links statistical analysis and research methodology in order that the student may become a sophisticated research consumer as well as research producer. The student must learn to understand the logic of the research enterprise and have a basic grasp of the conceptual base on which the statistical tests of significance rest. Understanding research strategy and the logic behind the statistical tests is the underlying theme of the course. Students are also required to learn the SPSS computer program. PREREQUISITES: PSY302 or PSY402 or its equivalent

PSY408 - Adolescent Psychology (3)

This course is a study of adolescent behavior, including current theories concerning the nature of adolescence. Emphasis is placed on physical, emotional, and cognitive forces, and how they interact to shape the adolescent personality. Students write a topical paper on some aspect of adolescence to gain a better understanding of the issues. PREREQUISITES: PSY101

PSY409 - Diagnostic Psychoeducational Assessment (3)

The purpose of this course is to learn to carry out a psychoeducational assessment using appropriate assessment instruments and to write an effective report of the assessment. To achieve this, the class will become familiar with the particulars of testing and test administration, and will critique and study formal and informal tests and testing procedures in the areas of reading, math, language, attention deficit, and behavior. This course will deal with the techniques of synthesizing and integrating psychological and practical information into an effective report and educational plan. Emphasis will be placed on assessment techniques, an overview of presenting problems, the development of appropriate intervention strategies, the presentation of psychological reports, and consultation and collaboration with both parents and professionals. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY412 - Psychology of Behavior Management for Special Needs Children (3)

Basic behavioral measures and techniques involved in working with special needs children, including theory, assessment, materials, and problem remediation. Special attention is given to communication, observation, and group management skills. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY425 - Counseling Theory and Practice (3)

This course will examine in some detail the influence of psychoanalytic, interpersonal/social, cognitive, and behavioristic theories on present therapeutic techniques. Classroom discussion will be used in conjunction with film and audio tape presentations to translate theoretical understanding into effective counseling behavior. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY470 - Applied Research in Criminal Behavior (3)

This course involves doing original research in the area of criminal psychology. Students will be involved in gathering data, statistically analyzing the data, and writing the results of the research project. Students in this course will work as a research team investigating the correlates, theories, personality characteristics, and possible explanations of criminal behavior. PREREQUISITES: PSY407

PSY488 - Occupational Information (3)

This course is designed to acquaint the student with vocational counseling practices. Sources of career information, lifestyle development, advantages and disadvantages of each source, and methods of storing and disseminating information will be explored. An understanding of career development assessment and career counseling techniques will be explored. Current issues in college planning and school-towork transition programming will be explored. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY500 - Theory and Practicum - Diagnostic Assessment I: WISC and WAIS (3)

Provides a thorough understanding of the administration, scoring, and interpretation of both the WISC and WAIS. Subject analysis stresses an understanding of cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Scoring analysis covers comprehensive personality descriptions. Differential diagnosis is also integrated in the course from a treatment-planning perspective. A major emphasis will be placed on the proper administration, scoring, interpretation, and preparation of a written report based on the Wechsler Scales. In addition, direct and indirect assessment techniques will be covered. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY501 - Theory and Practicum - Diagnostic Assessment II: Personality and Projectives (3)

A continuation of PSY500. In this course, the student will be encouraged to develop a personal frame of reference around personality assessment. Specifics include an examination of several traditional and non-traditional diagnostic instruments such as the TAT and Rorschach. Problems involved in assessing dysfunction will be included, as well as the application of assessment and diagnoses to the selection of treatment modalities. PREREQUISITES: PSY500

PSY505 - Group Counseling (3)

The emphasis in this course will be on human growth and the counseling process within the group setting. Among the concepts included are curative factors, interpersonal learning, group composition, and tasks and techniques for change. The class itself will experience these concepts by both participating in a personal growth group and reviewing appropriate literature. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY512 - Systems and Theories in Psychology (3)

This course traces the history of the major theoretical positions in psychology (structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, gestalt, and psychoanalysis) from their epistemological, both rationalistic and empirical, and philosophical roots, dating from ancient Greece to the present time. Coverage will include discussions of the scientific method and the philosophy of science. Finally, contemporary positions, especially those involved in the cognitive revolution, will be covered from both the psychological and physiological points of view. Throughout these latter discussions, emphasis will be placed on the developmental aspects of human growth. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY514 - Psychology of Learning (3)

Intensive coverage of the major learning theories in psychology, and their epistemological roots in philosophy, both from the point of view of rationalism and empiricism. Emphasis, however, will be on the twentieth century and will include Pavlov, Thorndike, Watson, Guthrie, Hull and Skinner as behaviorist-associationists, and Wertheimer, Kohler, Lewin, and Bruner on the cognitive gestalt side. Bandura's social modeling theory will be stressed, including discussions of racial prejudice and attitude change. Piagets cognitive model will be stressed, including discussion of qualitative differences in learning according to developmental stage. Coverage will also include processing models, cognitive acquisition theories, and the basic models concerning the physiology of learning and memory. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY515 - Advanced Abnormal Psychology (3)

This course examines disorders in adulthood, adolescence, and childhood with consideration of the relationship between biological, social, psychological, and environmental factors, as well as problems in classification and potential behavior systems. The symptomatological disorders, including borderline personalities, and various phobic and obsessive-compulsive syndromes will be studied. Also covered will be dis-compensation, stress, anxiety, and defense. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY516 - Issues and Ethics in Psychology (3)

The purpose of this course is to acquaint the student with the major issues in the practice of psychology. The course will involve an intense analysis of the philosophical, technical, and consultative issues contributing to the professional identity and function of the psychologist in a public school or clinical setting. Emphasis will be placed on the setting, the practical application of theory, and the demands placed on the practicing school psychologist. This course stresses professional ethics and general standards of conduct. The guide for this section of the course is the American Psychological Associations Code of Ethics. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY517 - Theories of Learning Disabilities (3)

This course is designed to familiarize the student with the field of learning disabilities and acquaint students with the various concepts of learning disability and the changing and developing perspectives during the past 20 years. Included will be a review and evaluation of the evidence for the existence of a social learning disability and nonverbal learning disabilities. The evidence for a neurological basis of learning disabilities is explored. Definitions and terms are introduced and discussed. Particular emphasis is placed on the concept that a learning disability is not a single entity that will respond to a single remedial strategy, but exists rather as a multi-dimensional phenomenon basically occurring in the context of school-related tasks. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY521 - Family Counseling (3)

This course will provide students with a solid basis in General Systems Theory. Coverage will include theories and techniques that could be used by the psychologist in dealing with the family. Topics will include initial interview skills, therapeutic intervention techniques, and the application of systems theory to the family setting. Included will be usefulness and application of theory to culturally diverse groups. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY531A - Pre-Internship Clinical Practicum I (3)

This course provides students with a yearlong opportunity (100 hours) to put their acquired academic knowledge of psychology and counseling into clinical practice prior to their final years internship, when they actually work with clients. This course is normally undertaken in the second year of the program and after PSY425. The practicum is utilized, in part, to meet the requirements for certification as a mental health counselor. In addition to developing counseling skills through the readings and exercises in the textbook, students also role-play counseling in the classroom and on audio and videotapes. Students explore their specific career interests and search for sites for the following year's internship experiences. PREREQUISITES: PSY425 and second year status

PSY531B - Pre-Internship Clinical Practicum II (3)

This course provides students with a yearlong opportunity (100 hours) to put their acquired academic knowledge of psychology and counseling into clinical practice prior to their final years internship when they actually work with clients. This course is normally undertaken in the second year of the program and after PSY425. The practicum is utilized, in part, to meet the requirements for certification as a mental health counselor. In addition to developing counseling skills through the readings and exercises in the textbook, students also role-play counseling in the classroom and on audio and videotapes. Students explore their specific career interests and search for sites for the following years internship experiences. PREREQUISITES: PSY425, PSY531A, and second year status

PSY532 - Psychopharmacology and Substance Abuse (3)

Fundamental principles of pharmacology, drug actions, tolerance, addiction, clinical use of psychotic medications, substance abuse, and addiction treatment. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY540 - Clinical Internship (9)

This course is primarily an off-campus, supervised work experience, extending from September to May and involving 16-20 hours per week. Practica are undertaken in the final year of the program, with approval of the clinical faculty. On-campus weekly meetings are required and are an integral part of the necessary supervision. All aspects of clinical experience from intake to discharge are acceptable with primary emphasis on face-to-face counseling interaction. May be repeated for up to nine credits. PREREQUISITES: Permission of program director

PSY550 - Practicum in Psychology - School Psychology (3)

The purpose of the practicum is to provide experience for the student in a school and/or clinical setting. The student is offered an opportunity to apply skills gained from course work in actual practice of psychology. The student works under the direct supervision of a certified or licensed psychologist with the assistance of a college advisor. The advisor helps the student to develop appropriate goals, to effectively use interpersonal skills, and to determine the areas to be further developed. Periodic group meetings are held with the college supervisor in order to provide additional academic information and to discuss practical experiences. PREREQUISITES: Completion of all course requirements

PSY551 - Practicum in Psychology - Mental Health (3)

The purpose of the practicum is to provide experience for the student in a clinical setting. The student is offered an opportunity to apply skills gained from course work to clinical practice. The student works under the direct supervision of a certified or licensed psychologist with the assistance of a college supervisor. The student is encouraged to develop goals, interpersonal skills, and to determine any individual framework. Periodic campus meetings are held with the college supervisor. PREREQUISITES: Completion of all course requirements

PSY558 - Therapeutic Techniques and Consultation (3)

This course will provide students with techniques to integrate the theories of treatment into specific situations that the psychologist will confront in actual practice. Topics will range from working with clients in multiple system membership to consultation around behavioral issues. The consultation model will be considered as it relates to psychologists. PREREQUISITES: PSY515

PSY560 - Practicum in School Adjustment Counseling (6)

The purpose of the practicum is to provide a culminating experience for the student in a school and/or clinical setting. The student is offered an opportunity to apply skills gained from course work in actual practice of school adjustment counseling. The student works under the direct supervision of a certified or licensed school adjustment counselor with the assistance of a college advisor. The advisor helps the student to develop appropriate goals, to effectively use interpersonal skills, and to determine the areas to be further developed. Periodic group meetings are held with the college supervisor in order to provide additional academic information and to discuss practical experiences. Practicum is 600 clock hours (six credits). The clinical experience is a continuation of the practicum and builds upon the experience. At this point, the student is employable as a school adjustment counselor, and works independently with mentorship and college supervision. 600 clock hours are required for the clinical experience (six credits). PREREQUISITES: Completion of all course requirements

PSY580 - Introduction to Forensic Psychology (3)

This course will provide students with information about the various forensic activities in which psychologists and other related professionals currently participate. Activities may include competency evaluations, assessment of violent behavior and dangerousness, child abuse/neglect, treatment issues, court testimony, police psychology, and consultation to judges, attorneys, and other law enforcement personnel. Students will obtain information about the numerous roles of professionals in the field of forensic psychology and will develop the skills and knowledge base that will prepare them to continue with specialized training in this area. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY581 - Independent Study in Forensic Psychology (3)

In this course, a student pursues, in-depth, an individualized program of reading and/or research with a specific faculty member. PREREQUISITES: Permission of department chair

PSY585 - Assessment Techniques in Forensic Psychology (3)

This course will familiarize students with the particulars of forensic assessment and test administration and will deal with techniques of synthesizing and integrating psychological and practical information into an effective forensic report. Emphasis will be placed on formal and informal assessment techniques, presenting problems, presentation of reports, and collaboration with other professionals. Students will develop skills in the assessment and diagnosis of disorders commonly found in forensic settings. PREREQUISITES: PSY580

PSY590 - Externship in Forensic Psychology (3)

This course is primarily an off-campus supervised work experience in a forensic setting involving approximately 15 hours per week for an academic semester. All externships are usually undertaken during the final year of the program with approval of the program director. One hour of direct on-site supervision is required and will optimally be provided by a licensed/certified mental health professional. On-campus meetings are also required and are an integral part of the supervision process. All forensic experiences, broadly defined, will be considered as acceptable placements. PREREQUISITES: Permission of department chair

PSY604A - Clinical Experience in School Adjustment (6)

The purpose of the clinical experience is to provide a culminating experience for the student under the direct mentorship of a licensed school adjustment counselor or licensed guidance counselor with assistance from a college supervisor. The student is provided an opportunity to develop and to apply skills gained from course work to actual practice as a school counselor. The advisor and mentor help the student to develop appropriate goals, to effectively use interpersonal skills, counseling skills, consultation skills, and to determine areas to be further developed. The student is expected to take significant responsibility in developing independence in the application of skills and must demonstrate competence by meeting performance goals. At least one-half of the clinical experience must be completed in a school setting. PREREQUISITES: Permission of the program director

PSY604B - Clinical Experience in Guidance (6)

The purpose of the clinical experience is to provide a culminating experience for the student under the direct mentorship of a licensed school adjustment counselor or licensed guidance counselor with assistance from a college supervisor. The student is provided an opportunity to develop and to apply skills gained from course work to actual practice as a school counselor. The advisor and mentor help the student to develop appropriate goals, to effectively use interpersonal skills, counseling skills, and consultation skills, and to determine areas to be further developed. The student is expected to take significant responsibility in developing independence in the application of skills, and must demonstrate competence by meeting performance goals. At least one-half of the clinical experience must be completed in a school setting. PREREQUISITES: Permission of the program director

PSY614 - Psychology of Development (3)

This course addresses the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly, including a description of behaviors that are present at the various stages, and explanations for those behaviors in terms of relative contributions of heredity and environment, including the sociocultural context. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY615 - Social Bases of Behavior (3)

This course covers a number of advanced topics in the general area of social psychology, including cultural, ethnic, and group processes, sex roles, organizational behavior, group dynamics, status and role, attribution theory, and leadership. Special emphasis will also be placed on cultural diversity, including those issues related to racial and ethnic bases of behavior, with a focus on people of color. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY620 - Racial and Ethnic Bases of Behavior (3)

This course emphasizes cultural diversity, especially regarding persons of color. The focus is on the impact of cultural diversity on psychological health and growth. The students will be involved in becoming familiar with the challenges and opportunities presented by a diverse culture. Although the emphasis will be on persons of color, coverage will also include diversity in other areas, such as gender, socioeconomic class, and cultural background. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY630 - Pre-doctoral Internship - School Psychology (6) (two semesters)

Supervised experience in psychotherapeutic and assessment procedures in an approved clinical facility. Includes seminars and case conferences and must be supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist. The internship may be selected after the student has completed 60 credit hours of doctoral work and involves 16 to 20 hours a week. On campus meetings are also required as a key part of the supervision. Additional requirements may apply. PREREQUISITES: Advanced standing and permission of department chair

PSY631 - Pre-doctoral Internship - Mental Health (6) (two semesters)

Supervised experience in psychotherapeutic and assessment procedures in an approved clinical facility. Includes seminars and case conferences and must be supervised by a licensed clinical psychologist. The internship may be selected after the student has completed 60 credit hours of doctoral work and involves 16 to 20 hours a week. On-campus meetings are also required as a key part of the supervision. Additional requirements may apply. PREREQUISITES: Advanced standing and permission of department chair

PSY657 - Psychology of Exceptional Children (3)

Exceptional children are those for whom special educational programming is considered necessary. In this course, we consider the characteristics, prevalence, etiology, neurological correlates (if applicable), developmental course, assessment, and treatment for the categories of learning disabilities (including reading disability and nonverbal LD), ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, children with limited English proficiency, children from culturally diverse backgrounds, and the gifted and talented. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY900 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

This course will provide students with an intensive analysis of cognitive functioning. Different paradigms of information processing, especially those that are developmentally related, will be reviewed with emphasis on cognitive development and assessment. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY911 - Multivariate Research Methods (3)

The focus in this course is on the practical problems involved in real-world research. Topics covered include the nature of causal inference, validity of instruments and design, experimental and quasi-experimental field-based research approaches, design development, and problems involved in the statistical analysis of data obtained from complex design.

PSY920 - The Physiological Basis of Behavior (3)

Introduction to the gross and microscopic anatomy of the central nervous system and to the physiology of the nerve impulse and synaptic transmission. The course reviews the relationship of behavior to the nervous system on such chemical factors as hormones and neural transmitters. A term project is assigned for which the student prepares a paper, lecture, videotape, audio tape, or any combination of these dealing with the physiological correlates of any behavior. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY998 - Directed Study in Learning Disabilities (3)

This course is designed to allow doctoral students the opportunity to explore a single topic in greater detail than might be possible in other courses. This course is only open to doctoral students with advanced standing, who, because of past experience, can demonstrate competence in up to two non-comprehensive exam courses. Under such circumstances, these courses would be waived, and the directed study used in their place. Lab fee is at the discretion of the instructor. PREREQUISITES: None

PSY999 - Dissertation in Educational Psychology (12)

Limited to candidates for the Doctor of Educational Psychology degree who have successfully completed the comprehensive examination. PREREQUISITES: Completion of all course requirements