Psychology

Graduate Faculty

Michael Axelrod, Ph.D.
Lori Bica, Ph.D.
April Bleske-Rechek, Ph.D.
Christine Calderon, Ph.D.
Melissa Coolong-Chaffin, Ph.D.
Mickey Crothers, Ph.D.
Jeffrey Goodman, Ph.D. (Chair)
Jarrod Hines, Ph.D.
Stacey Jackson, Ph.D.
David Jewett, Ph.D.
Kevin Klatt, Ph.D.
Carla Lagorio, Ph.D.
Mary Beth Leibham, Ph.D.
David Leland, Ph.D.
Douglas Matthews, Ph.D.
Jennifer Muehlenkamp, Ph.D.
Mary Beth Tusing, Ph.D. (Program Director)
Alexandria Viegut, Ph.D.

All 500- and 600-level graduate courses include requirements or assignments which differentiate them from their companionate 300- and 400-level undergraduate offerings. Students who have taken courses required in the school psychology program at the 300- or 400-level may not use them to meet requirements in the graduate program.

PSYC 525 Theories of Counseling (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 325. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Established and developing perspectives on counseling theory and practice. Trait-factor, Psychoanalytic, Adlerian, Existential, Person-centered, Gestalt, Transactional Analysis, Behavioral, Rational-Emotive, Reality and Psychophysical approaches are presented and considered in depth.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 533 Psychology of Adulthood and Aging (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100 or PSYC 260 or PSYC 261.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 333. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Intellectual, personality and social development from young adulthood through old age. Influence of biological factors and social context on psychological processes. Discussion of adult role demands: work, marriage, family, retirement, etc.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 534 Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 334. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

A study of the psychological, sociological, historical, and educational factors influencing the development and adjustment of children with significant emotional, behavioral, social, or cognitive differences from the general population.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 536 Psychology of Women (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC/WGSS 336/536. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses.

Advanced undergraduate/graduate seminar designed to examine how both traditional and feminist psychological theories and research apply to women's lives. Topics include sexuality, violence, gender roles, work, relationships, body image, reproduction, motherhood, and sexual orientation.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 540 Personality Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 340. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

An overview of various perspectives on the structure and development of personality, including biological, trait, psychoanalytic, phenomenological, and social-learning. Theory and major lines of research are discussed within each perspective.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 546 Positive Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 346. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

The study of positive aspects of well-being, health, and strength rather than negative aspects of disease, distress, and weakness. Individual qualities, activities/experiences, and institutions/communities that contribute to happiness and satisfaction.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 548 Black Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 100

• Dual-listed with WGSS/PSYC 348/548. Credit may only be earned in one of these courses. No credit if taken after PSYC 491 when offered as Black Psychology.

An in-depth study of theories and research concerning the Black lived experience in modern American society from a culturally relevant and appropriate perspective. A range of topics that pertain to the psychological experiences of African Americans such as racism and discrimination, achievement and schooling, kinship and family, racial identity, religion and spirituality, and African American mental health will be discussed.

Attributes: Undergraduate/Graduate Offering

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 549 Psychology of Stigma, Prejudice and Intergroup Relations (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 349. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Individual, interpersonal and intergroup aspects of prejudice, discrimination and stigma. Research based strategies for identifying and reducing bias.

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 557 Ethics in Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 357. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Students will learn about ethical dilemmas of helping professionals and social scientists and how to apply ethical principles and standards when making ethical decisions in practice, research, and educational settings.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 560 Foundations of Psychological Measurement (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 360. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Basic concepts and principles of measurement, including reliability and validity of intelligence, special aptitudes, achievement, psychological traits and characteristics.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 566 Statistical Methods in Psychology II (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 366. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Frequently used inferential statistical techniques for the analysis of data in psychology.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 572 Individual Differences and Behavior Genetics (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 372. Credit may not be earned in both courses. No credit if taken after PSYC 491 with the same topic.

Course introduces students to the structure of various individual differences attributes (abilities, personality, interests). Introduces behavioral genetic research designs that unravel the causal structure of individual differences and reviews exemplary findings from this research.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 573 Evolutionary Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 373. Credit may not be earned in both courses. No credit if taken after PSYC 491 with the same topic.

Fundamentals of evolutionary psychology, grounded in natural and sexual selection. Review research and theory on human mating, friendship, parental investment, infants' knowledge of the physical world, aggression and warfare, status and dominance, emotion, rape, and jealousy.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 574 Cognitive Neuroscience (3 crs)

Prerequisite: IDIS 125 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 374. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Explores mind and behavior from a brain-based, information-processing perspective. Examines how neuroimaging (e.g., EEG and functional MRI) and lesion studies reveal mechanisms underlying perception, attention, movement, language, memory, decision-making, emotion, motivation, and social cognition.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 576 Psychology of Perception (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 376. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Basic perceptual phenomena in the visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory, tactile and proprioceptive senses, and related research methodology and physiology.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 577 Psychopharmacology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271

• Dual-listed with PSYC 377. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Examines drug and behavior relations from biological (e.g., pharmacological and physiological effects of drugs), behavioral, social, and historical perspectives. Topics include drug classification and scheduling, therapeutic effects of drugs, substance abuse prevention and treatment programs.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 579 Cognitive Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 379. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Human perception, attention, memory, knowledge, reasoning, and decision-making are examined. Major theories and research methods of the field are presented, and a critical understanding of both established and emerging elements of the discipline is promoted.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 580 Introduction to Behavior Modification (3 crs)

Prerequisite: Enrollment in School Psychology Graduate Program.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 380. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Provides a thorough knowledge of the principles of behavior analysis as applied to human problems, the ethics of their use, and methods for evaluating their effectiveness.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 590 Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 271 and PSYC 281, with a grade of B or above in PSYC 281, or consent of instructor.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 390. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Students will learn skills needed to plan, implement, and evaluate behavioral interventions in a variety of human services settings. Content will focus on functional assessment, ethics, and primary research in applied behavior analysis.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 612 Experimental Analysis of Behavior (4 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 480/680 or concurrent enrollment. Grade of B or above in PSYC 390/590.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 412. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Methods, assumptions, basic principles, and recent developments in the psychology of learning primarily from a behavioral perspective. Survey of laboratory research with humans and animals providing a theoretical framework for describing these behavior-change concepts.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 1

PSYC 625 Applications of Psychology in Educational Settings (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 425. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Examination of psychological theories and research related to education, with specific emphasis on the application of learning theories in education.

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 632 Advanced Developmental Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 432. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Introduction to developmental psychopathology for childhood and adolescence. Emphasis is on typical and atypical child development and applied practice in psychology.

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 635 Theories and Research in Developmental Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 230, PSYC 271, and one of the following: PSYC 331, PSYC 332, or PSYC 333.

• Dual-listed with PSYC 435. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Developmental psychology is the study of human cognitive, social, emotional, and physical change across time. Developmental theories and research will be reviewed, analyzed, and discussed.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 680 Internship in Behavior Analysis (3-6 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 281 or consent of instructor

Consent: Instructor Consent Required

• Dual-listed with PSYC 480. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

Students gain experience implementing interventions based on the methods and principles of behavior analysis to facilitate their preparation for national certification.

Attributes: Internship

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 9 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 681 Internship in Applied Behavior Analysis II (3-6 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 480/PSYC 680

Consent: Instructor Consent Required

• Dual-listed with PSYC 481.

The internship is designed to provide experience for students in Applied Behavior Analysis and to prepare them for national certification. Students work in applied settings implementing interventions based on the principles of behavior.

Attributes: Internship

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 691 Special Topics (1-4 crs)

• Dual-listed with PSYC 491. Graduate standing required.

Intensive study of a topic selected because of a special interest on the part of students or faculty.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 692 The Professional Practice of School Psychology: Role, Function, Ethics, and Legal Issues (3 crs)

Consent: Instructor Consent Required

• Dual-listed with PSYC 492. Credit may not be earned in both courses.

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the practice of school psychology. Topical areas of coverage include the role and function of a psychologist, ethical and legal practice, and critical issues in the field.

Grading Basis: A-F Grades Only

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Seminar Hours: 3

PSYC 725 Counseling I (3 crs)

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Introduction to fundamental counseling and consultation techniques.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 726 Counseling II (2 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 725

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Advanced counseling and consultation techniques with emphasis on supervised practice. A continuation of Counseling I to provide training experiences related to individual and group counseling of children with specific problems/crises.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 2

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 727 Education Specialist Capstone (1-4 crs)

Prerequisite: Student in School Psychology graduate program. Completion of the MSE degree.

• A maximum of three credits of PSYC 727 may count toward degree requirements. Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

A description of acceptable topics and the precise nature of the Education Specialist Capstone requirement is provided in the departmental program descriptions.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: PR Only Grade Basis

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Independent Study Hours: 1-4

PSYC 760 Psychoeducational Assessment I and II (4 crs)

• Students must enroll for two semesters. Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

School psychology assessment procedures are studied using theoretical readings and applied practice. Test administration and interpretation, psychometric theory, and oral and written reporting are covered. Emphasis on cognitive, academic, and social/emotional areas.

Attributes: Special Course Fee Required

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 8 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 2

PSYC 761 Practicum in Assessment (2 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 760 or enrollment in the school psychology program

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Practicum that focuses on building assessment skills through practice assessment experiences and participation in supervised clinical evaluations as a clinical team member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Practicum Hours: 2

PSYC 781 School Based Consultation (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 380/PSYC 580

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Approaches to school consultation are studied through practice and theoretical readings. Students complete a case project emphasizing functional assessment and problem solving consultation.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 784 Equitable, Diverse and Inclusive Practices in Schools (1 cr)

Prerequisite: Limited to students in the Education Specialist School Psychology program

Consent: Department Consent Required

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Students complete part of their Practicum in a diverse school setting under the supervision of a school psychologist. Students observe and participate in community orientation, professional development in culturally responsive practices, assessment, intervention, and classroom consultation activities. Students engage in readings and discussions.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 2 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 785 Practicum: School Psychology (3 crs)

• Student must enroll for two semesters. Six credits required. Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Supervised experiences within school settings. Students develop skills required for delivery of school psychological services. Four professional skill domains are emphasized: (1) assessment; (2) intervention; (3) consultation; and (4) collaboration with educational professionals.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 786 Practicum: Clinical Settings (1-3 crs)

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Practicum involving supervised casework in a clinical setting. Students perform assessment, consultation, and intervention with clients of the Human Development Center or Psychological Services Center.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 787 Internship in School Psychology (3 crs)

• Full-time equivalent. Student must enroll for two semesters. Recommendation for Initial License in School Psychology. Six credits required. Phase 3, Internship Phase of training requires a minimum of 1,200 hours of supervised professional experience in an approved placement setting(s), 600 hours must be completed in the public schools. Application and approval procedures and internship requirements are detailed in the Internship Handbook.

Full school year of supervised internship within the public school setting for the student preparing for School Psychologist certification. Includes full-scale involvement in school psychological services and accompanying seminar.

Attributes: Internship

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 792 Research and Program Evaluation in School Psychology (3 crs)

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

Identification of research problems, analysis and synthesis of literature, research methodology, and program evaluation. Students complete research project or thesis proposal.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

Seminar Hours: 3

PSYC 793 Special Topics (1-3 crs)

Content determined by the needs of students and interests of psychology faculty. Presents emerging concepts and methods in psychology.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 795 Research Paper (1-2 crs)

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: PR Only Grade Basis

PSYC 796 Evidence-based Intervention in School Psychology (3 crs)

Prerequisite: PSYC 791

• Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

This course will expose students to individual and systems-level academic, behavioral, emotional, and social interventions used in school-based settings. All interventions will be discussed within the context of evidence-based practice as well as direct and indirect service delivery.

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

Lecture/Discussion Hours: 3

Lab/Studio Hours: 0

PSYC 797 Independent Study (1-3 crs)

Consent: Department Consent Required

Individual project under the direction of a faculty member.

Repeat: Course may be repeated

Grading Basis: No S/U Grade Option

PSYC 799 Thesis (1-3 crs)

• A maximum of three credits of PSYC 799 may count toward degree requirements. Full-time equivalent. Limited to graduate students in the school psychology program.

A description of acceptable topics and the precise nature of the thesis requirement is provided in the departmental program descriptions.

Repeat: Course may be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits

Grading Basis: PR Only Grade Basis