PS115: Psychology Program and Profession

This course introduces you to the discipline of psychology and the Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree programs. The field of study, skill sets, and issues related to various psychological fields will be discussed. You will research the psychology degree and course offerings along with your professional goals in order to map out your specific degree plan and career goals.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

PS124: 🌐 Introduction to Psychology

This course provides a broad introduction to the field of psychology, one of the social sciences. You will be introduced to a range of topics that offer insight into human thought and actions including what motivates us to study human behavior, ethical decisions, problem-solving, and theories on memory, learning, intelligence, and personality. This course will highlight the use of critical thinking and the application of the concepts through the use of credible research.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

PS124M1: Methods and Research in Psychology

Explain basic research and scientific methods used in psychology.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

PS124M2: Biology in Psychology of Daily Living

Relate the role of biology in psychology to activities of daily living.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

PS124M3: Theories of Personality Development

Discuss theories of personality development.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

PS124M4: Behavioral, Developmental, and Cognitive Psychology

Describe how the study of psychology is relevant to career interests.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

PS124M5: Psychological Disorders

Describe signs and symptoms of psychological disorders.

Quarter Credit Hours: 1 | Prerequisite: None

PS200: Introduction to Cognitive Psychology

The purpose of this course is to introduce you to the basic principles and theories of cognition. You will explore topics such as problem-solving, decision-making, perception, attention, language, working memory, long-term memory, memory strategies, and metacognition. You will also examine the brain regions involved in specific cognitive processes. You will learn why an understanding of cognitive processes is essential for psychology professionals and will apply the principles learned to a variety of settings.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

PS210: History of Psychology

This course explores the historical origins of psychological study and the influences that have shaped contemporary views of the field. You will learn about the origins of the study of the mind, the social and cultural factors that shaped the scientific approach to psychology, and how the history has impacted modern psychology. You will also be introduced to the major theories and theorists that contributed and provided the foundation for theories that continue to influence psychology in our modern times.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

PS215: Neuroscience

This course will provide you with a foundational understanding of the basic concepts of neuroscience as it applies to the practice of psychology. The aim of cognitive neuroscience is to explore the biological factors that influence behavior. This course provides an introductory study of brain development, imaging, neural framework, mental processes, and more.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: PS124

PS220: Child and Adolescent Psychology

This course will explore the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional development of human beings from conception through the end of adolescence. You will develop an understanding of developmental theories and research methods used to investigate developmental change, the theoretical bases of how human beings change, and the genetic, environmental, and cultural factors that impact development.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: None

PS225: Ethics in Applied Behavior Analysis

This course provides an in-depth study of the Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts. You will use the ethical model of decision-making in a real-world scenario and explain the processes involved with reporting ethical violations to the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This course focuses on the following sections of the Code: Responsibility as a Professional, Responsibility in Practice, Responsibility to Clients and Stakeholders, Responsibility to Supervisees and Trainees, Responsibility in Public Statements, and Responsibility in Research.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: PS360; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS230: Practical Applications of Ethics and Program Management

This course provides an overview of ethical considerations in the applied behavior analysis (ABA) field. You will explore the Behavior Analyst Certification Board's (BACB) code of ethics, and relate the codes to diverse scenarios. Additional topics include functional behavior assessment and goal preparation to enhance supervisee performance.

Quarter Credit Hours: 5 | Prerequisite: Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS300: Research Methods I

This course addresses the research methods used in psychology and the strengths and weaknesses of each approach. You will learn when it is appropriate to use one method over the other and how to evaluate the accuracy of the conclusions of a study. You will also gain direct experience with finding and using information in academic research articles, conducting a naturalistic observation, and administering and analyzing surveys. Finally, the course also addresses ethical considerations related to conducting research in psychology.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS311: Ethical Practice in a Diverse World

This course provides an in-depth study of the laws, ethics, confidentiality requirements, and best practices that guide clinical work in professional settings. The course provides you with a foundation in basic ethical theory as well as an understanding of diverse populations and knowledge of confidentiality laws. You will practice making ethical treatment decisions in real-world scenarios.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS330: Personality Development

Personality is defined as a consistent pattern of thinking and behaving; it is the basis of "who we are." The theories regarding the development of personality are numerous, and each contributes to the understanding of the factors that define one's personality. This course examines the major psychological theories of personality. You will also examine abnormal personality development.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS340: Exceptional Needs Children

This course examines the use of applied behavior analysis in the school setting. The roles of teachers, parents, and other relevant "others" will be investigated in relation to current ABA practices, which include mainstreaming, inclusion, least-restrictive environment, behavior intervention plans, functional behavior assessments, and individual education programs.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS345: Language and Speech Development and Disorders

This course examines the processes of language development in children, while integrating psychological theories and perspectives to explain this human phenomenon. You will be able to examine the progress of children with normal language development as well as those showing signs of problems. The course will provide case studies and clinical applications to prepare you for the clinical challenges you will face in your professional careers.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS220

PS350: Working With Children in a Diverse World

This course provides an analysis of the cultural factors that impact human development in childhood. Topics include development of cultural identity, the process of acculturation, and the impact of cultural background on social and educational experiences. Students will also explore strategies for working with diverse populations of children and techniques for creating an environment that is respectful and responsive to the needs of this population.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS220

PS360: Applied Behavior Analysis I

This course examines the behavior theory, principles, and procedures related to modifying existing behaviors and acquiring new behaviors. You will begin to understand behavior modification techniques, such as reinforcement, punishment, extinction, discrimination training, generalization, shaping, classical conditioning, conditioned reinforcement, and schedules of reinforcement, by applying these behavior principles to real-world scenarios.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS340; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS365: Applied Behavior Analysis II

This course builds on Applied Behavior Analysis I to further examine the dynamics of behavior principles. In this course, you will explore advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) theories and apply them to case studies. You will be able to explain how behavior-environment relationships play instrumental roles in behavior deficits or excesses. This course also will provide you with information on obtaining certification and licensing in the ABA field. Although certain programs at the University are designed to prepare you to take various certification or licensing exams, the University cannot guarantee you will be eligible to sit for or pass those exams.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS360; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS370: Health Psychology

You will explore various models and theories of health psychology, examine current research, understand the psychosocial factors involved in the onset and treatment of physical disease and illness, and study the impact of stress on mental and physical health. The interaction of mental health and physiology will be highlighted through the study of chronic problems such as heart disease, cancer, and eating disorders. You will examine the relationship between health psychology and the study of substance use disorders, including the impact of substance use on physical and psychological well-being. Special concerns of substance users will be addressed through examination of diverse topics such as tobacco use and HIV and hepatitis risk factors and treatment. You also will learn to develop and implement educational health psychology programming and to explain how health psychology principles will apply in therapy.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS375: Psychology of Addiction

This course examines the prevention, development, diagnosis, and treatment of substance use disorders among youth and adults. Material is presented from a clinical perspective, including practical application of diagnostic techniques, especially pertinent for students intending to pursue a career in prevention or treatment of substance use disorders. Topics include the role of the brain in addiction; diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders; psychosocial factors involved in the development and maintenance of addiction; and models of education and treatment programs. You will explore substance use disorders among diverse populations.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS124

PS377: Models of Peer Recovery

This course will provide the standardized knowledge required to develop competency of peer support needed to serve as experiential-based professionals. The course will include Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC), crisis management, identification of indicators of substance use and/or co-occurring disorders for referral, service planning and coordination, community/family education, HIV/AIDS, ethics, and documentation including screening and intake.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS124

PS380: Clinical Psychology

This course explores the foundations of clinical psychology, including the evolution, practice, and application of psychology in clinical settings. You will examine ethical and legal considerations in counseling, the roles and responsibilities of therapist and client, clinical skills, diversity issues, and professional development opportunities. Current topics related to clinical practice will also be covered.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS385: Targeted Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis

This course provides an overview of the fundamental principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA) and the strategies derived from those principles. This course will cover diverse scenarios to apply basic concepts and theories of ABA, including ethical considerations regarding supervisees and trainees. Topics to be covered include behavior measurement considerations, experimental design, reinforcement and punishment, extinction, behavior change systems, intervention considerations, maintenance and generalization of skills, supervisee and trainee goals and performance expectations, and ethics. The course content is based on the basic behavior-analytic skills, client-centered responsibilities, and supervision areas of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) Task List.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS365; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS390: Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology

You will explore industrial and organizational psychology in the workplace by examining the historical influences, theories, and current perspectives of the field. You will discuss the ethical standards for employees and research in the field as well as some practical applications for work organizations. You will acquire foundational knowledge of industrial psychology, such as personnel selection, training and development, and performance appraisal. You will also explore the theories of organizational psychology, including work motivation, job satisfaction, and stress.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS391: Psychology of Leadership

This course provides an overview of leadership theories and approaches in traditional and virtual workplaces. You will learn how to critically think about the leadership process. You will examine effective leadership competencies related to leading self, developing and leading others, and leading performance and change including ethics in leadership. Best approaches to develop impactful leaders will be discussed.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS392: Attitudes and Motivation in the Workplace

This course provides an overview of the major theories and findings in research on motivation and attitudes. You will explore individual differences, employee attitudes, and motivation. Additionally, you will be introduced to motivational strategies and models of performance to understand the effects on personal and professional behaviors and success in the workplace.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS410: Screening and Assessment

This course provides an overview of the strategies and tools that are used for the screening and assessment of various age groups. Topics include the history and purpose of assessment, ethical considerations, interviewing, and an intensive overview of functional behavioral assessment. You will learn how to apply screening and assessment information to your work with children, adolescents, and adults.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS365; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS420: Social Relationships in Childhood

Current issues in theory and research in developmental psychology will be examined specific to the importance of social relationships in childhood. Topics include emotional development and attachment, cognitive development and social understanding, the importance of peers, how the influence of the family changes as children mature, and the social landscape of adolescence.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS124

PS430: Program Design and Evaluation

This course focuses on the process for designing programs that meet the needs of multiple populations using basic principles of applied behavior analysis (ABA). It builds on fundamental concepts of designing individual behavior management programs, and research methods using concepts in organizational behavior management.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: PS410; Open to Applied Behavior Analysis students only

PS440: Abnormal Psychology

This course presents an integrative and multidimensional perspective to the fascinating field of abnormal psychology. You will acquire basic knowledge of various psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and psychotic and mood disorders. You will be introduced to how abnormal behavior is defined, assessed, and diagnosed using the current classification system, as well as the limitations of assessment. The course will provide an overview of the various models used to understand psychological disorders and the therapeutic approaches used to treat them. Additionally, you will be given an overview of the legal, economic, and sociocultural influences on abnormal behavior and the mental health system to gain a greater understanding of how mental illness affects all in our society.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS450: Case Management in Clinical Settings

This course provides an overview of case management in clinical settings, including analyzing client needs. You will be introduced to the systems theory and models of case management, which will be used as a context to discuss the evaluation and assessment of client strengths and needs, treatment planning, administration of services, working within a treatment team, and discharge planning.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS451: Selection and Assessment in Organizations

This course will introduce you to employee selection, assessment, classification, and placement in organizations. The course explores the ethical, legal, and professional contexts of assessment and selection along with measurement of individual differences, performance appraisal and feedback, and program design and evaluation. Finally, you will cover ways psychology is applied in organizations to improve employee and team performance.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS452: Psychopharmacology of Alcohol and Drugs

This course provides an in-depth study of the properties of alcohol and illicit drugs and their neurochemical effects on the brain. You will gain knowledge of each of the specific drug classes, basic pharmacology of psychoactive drugs, science of addiction, and the therapeutic use of medically managed prescription drugs in treatment.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: None

PS496: Bachelor's Capstone in Industrial Organizational Psychology

The capstone course for undergraduate industrial organizational psychology provides you with the opportunity to integrate and apply learning from your industrial organizational psychology program of study in a comprehensive manner. You will assess the impact of educational experiences on personal and professional growth, ethical perspectives as well as critical thinking skills. You will reflect on and evaluate the benefits of lifelong learning and the impact of these elements on your future.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term of study or approval of the Dean

PS497: Bachelor's Capstone in Addiction

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Addictions. You will apply and synthesize concepts learned in each of the major courses. The capstone course provides the opportunity to integrate and evaluate concepts/theories learned throughout coursework in several original and personalized assignments and to assess your level of mastery of the stated program.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term of study or approval of the Dean

PS498: Bachelor's Capstone in Applied Behavior Analysis

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology in Applied Behavior Analysis. This course serves as a final evaluation of competencies learned from coursework completed within the program. The capstone course provides you with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your program and to assess your level of mastery of the stated outcomes of your degree.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term of study or approval of the Dean

PS499: Bachelor's Capstone in Psychology

This capstone course is the culminating experience for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This course builds on the concepts of all the courses you have taken within the program of study. The capstone course provides you with the opportunity to integrate and synthesize the knowledge and skills acquired throughout your coursework in several original and personalized assignments and to assess your level of mastery of the stated outcomes of the degree program.

Quarter Credit Hours: 6 | Prerequisite: Last term of study or approval of the Dean