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Graduate Psychology Courses

PSY 200 - Research Methods (3)
Introduction to the scientific method and its use in answering questions about psychological phenomena. Provides instruction in critical reading of research articles. Explores basic issues and techniques in conducting research studies, analyzing data, and interpreting their significance. Class projects culminate in a written thesis proposal.

PSY 202 - Psychological Foundations of Growth, Development and Learning (3)
Contemporary psychological theory as applied to the life-long process of learning, behavioral change, education, and counseling. Advanced reading and exploration of life span developmental theories, including those of Freud, Piaget, Erikson, Kohlberg, Kagan, Kubler-Ross, and others.

PSY 203 - Multicultural Counseling (2)
A systematic study of the cross-cultural mores, values, and behaviors that are active in the process of counseling. Both theoretical aspects as well as practical considerations of counseling with various cultural groups will be explored. Prerequisite: PSY 225.

*PSY 210 - Gender Issues in Psychology (3)
Exploration of the psychological theories and research findings related to gender issues. Topics to be covered include gender role development, gender differences in personality, and the analysis of social issues of gender and sexuality in the realms of society, politics, ethics, and culture.

*PSY 218 - Intervention of Children with Disabilities (3)
This course will survey a variety of physical disabilities, as well as different levels of general cognitive functioning that identify children as qualifying for Special Education programming. THe course will go on to investigate the current "best Practices" strategies and interventions for the effective development of psycho-social, behavioral, and instructional integration of "exceptional children"  into the least restrictive environment offered within the public education system.

*PSY 225 - Counseling Theory and Procedures (3)
Detailed exploration into the theory and methodology involved in the process of marriage, family, and child counseling. Includes a survey of the Psychoanalytic, Client-centered, Gestalt, Behavioral, Rational Emotive, Phenomenological, and Humanistic approaches.

*PSY 226 - Brief Therapies (2)
Course provides an overview of various methods of brief therapies, including cognitive-behavioral, brief dynamic, and single-session. The special tasks, goals, and clinical guidelines with each phase of treatment will be described. Prerequisite: PSY 225 or consent of instructor.

*PSY 228 - Adulthood and Aging (3)
Exploration of psychological factors in the process of aging. Focus will be on attitudes, values, motivations and behavior as they are influenced by environmental and biological changes associated with aging. This course is conducted as a seminar and includes a fieldwork component; visiting and evaluating various care facilities for the senior population. Prerequisite: PSY 202.

*PSY 229 - Motivation (3)
Comparison of the range, strengths, and limitations of the prominent theories explaining high and low motivation. Explores common motivation problems and their effect on the individual and society. Motivation treatments are applied to a variety of contexts, including education, work, love and others. A critical analysis of the current applied motivation literature is emphasized.

PSY 230 - Psychological Testing: Theory and Procedure (2)
Advanced study of the theory, administration, and interpretation of individual and group psychological tests of intelligence, personality, interest, and achievement. Students will administer and interpret selected instruments used in counseling and psychology practice. Prerequisite: PSY 268. 

PSY 231 - Organiational Dynamics (3)
Examines the inter-relationships between management and communication theories.  The systems within an organization are emphasized in terms of intra-personal, small group and organizational communication theories.  This course will help students develop an understanding of behavior in organizations.  This understanding will enable the student to predict and influence organizational events.

PSY 235 - Group Dynamics: Theory and Procedures (3)
Investigation of group processes.  Emphasizes the concepts of group facilitation, productivity, evaluation and the application of group methods in teaching, counseling, and administrative work. Prerequisite: PSY 225.

PSY 236 - Family Therapy (3)
Systematic study of family therapy and family systems theory. This course will allow students the opportunity to explore both normal and dysfunctional lifestyles in family environments, and will provide a survey of the treatment modes which focus on the entire family system.

PSY 237 - Human Sexuality (1)
This course will approach the topic of human sexuality as a comprehensive and integrated topic, by viewing sexual behavior in an evolutionary, historical, and cross-cultural perspective. 

PSY 238 - Alcohol and Substance Abuse (1)
Exploration of the causes, nature, impact, and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse. Focuses on methods of intervention and remediation used in counseling agencies. Prerequisite: PSY 225 or consent of instructor.

PSY 240 - Spousal Abuse (1) 
This course will be an overview of the research exploring the fundamental dynamics of spousal abuse/domestic violence.  The historical nature and causes of battering relationships, social and cultural variables, and the myths about battering are explored.  The physical and psychological impact violence has on victims, children, family and society will be examined.  Prerequisites:  PSY 225, PSY 268

PSY 241 - Marriage and Relationships (3)
This course provides a systematic examination of the different theoretical approaches to the treatment of couples and a critical analysis of the corresponding empirical data that supports and refutes these theories.

PSY 244 - Psychology of Prejudice (3)
Exploration of psychological factors involved in the development and maintenance of racism, sexism, ageism, and other manifestations of prejudice. Focuses on research of both individual and group behavior and includes consideration of techniques for combating prejudice in individuals, organizations, and society as a whole.

*PSY 248 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
Introduction to the psychological relationship between individuals and their workplaces, particularly business settings. Focuses on the psychology of work and practical techniques in personnel selection, placement training, job appraisal, enhancing productivity, and assessing consumer behavior.

*PSY 251 - Divorce and Remarriage (3)
Examination of the short and long term consequences of divorce on family members, focusing on exacerbating factors. Emphasis is on the role of psychologists and mediators in minimizing these effects.

PSY 260 - A,B Counseling Practicum/Fieldwork (6)
Practicum relates counseling principles to a variety of settings.  For each course 120 hours of fieldwork are required.  Fieldwork must take place in a site approved by the instructor and department.  Students may initiate the 260A,B series only in the fall semester.  Students must successfully complete coursework for PSY 260A before being admitted to PSY 260B.  THis requirement may be waived with instructor consent.  Prequisites:  PSY 227, PSY 231, PSY 264, PSY 268.

PSY 263 - Laws and Ethics in Counseling (2)
Review of the current legal considerations and ethical issues regarding the delivery of counseling services.

PSY 265 - Behavioral Psychopharmacology (2)
The course is designed to introduce students to the psychopharmacological treatment of mental disorders.  The course will emphasize integrating counseling and the use of medications with different populations.  Additionally, socio-political issues associated with psychotropic medications will be explored.  Prerequisite:  PSY 268.

*PSY 267 - Special Topics in Psychology (3)
Seminar on any one of many topics in the field of psychology. Format varies with topic and instructor(s). Prerequisite: consent of instructor.

PSY 268 - Psychopathology (3)
Systematic study of the nature and classification of mental disorders using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV-TR).

PSY 269 - A,B Field Experiences in Counseling (3 units each)
Practicum relating counseling principles to a variety of clinical settings.  for each course 120 hours of fieldwork are required, and 90 of those hours must be face-to-face with clients.  Field work must take place in a site approved by the instructor and department.  Students may initiate the 269A,B series only in the fall semester.  Students must successfully complete the coursework for PSY 269A before being admitted to PSY 269B.  This requirement may be waived with instructor consent. Prerequisites: PSY 225, PSY 263, PSY 268.

*PSY 272 - Developmental Psychopathology (3)
Examination of childhood psychological disorders, including disturbances in sleep, eating, toileting, speech, mood, and cognitive functions, drug use, conduct disorders, autism, and pervasive developmental disorders. Addresses issues in diagnosis and treatment. Prerequisite: PSY 268.

PSY 274 - Psychological Treatment of Children (3)
This course will examine the efficacy of therapeutic techniques commonly used in the assessment and treatment of children, including art, play and expressive therapies. The theoretical foundations and practical applications of each technique will be explored. Prerequisites: PSY 202, PSY 225.

PSY 275 - Professional Spanish for Counselors (3)                              
Taught in Spanish.  This course covers psychological terminology, concepts, theories, and methodologies from a variety of theoretical perspectives, with an emphasis on the Spanish-language psychological literature.

*PSY 282 - History and Systems of Psychology (3)
THis course illuminates the history of psychological ideas, as well as the lives and cultural contexts of prominent theorists.  Emphasizes historical development of ideas leading to modern psychology. 

*PSY 284 - Object Relations: Theory and Practice (1-3)
An overview of psychological development as seen through the human need for connectedness to others. From an infant's first experiences with others through adulthood, the class will explore the development of the separate and unique individual, with special focus on clinical application of theoretical concepts. Explores the application of object relations theories to marital and family therapy. Prerequisite: PSY 202.

*PSY 288 - Crisis Intervention (3)
Survey of crisis intervention theories, assessment, treatment and research. Includes legal and ethical issues, suicide, degrees of danger, victims of abuse, grief reactions and the family in crisis. Clinical case presentation will be used for illustration.

PSY 290 - Workshop (1-3)
Experiential class focusing on particular area of interest. May be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

PSY 291 - Written Examination (0)                                          
Comprehensive written examination based on the student's completed coursework.  The written examination is completed during the last semester of the student's coursework.  Students may take the Written Examination a maximum of two times.  The examination must be successfully completed by the 12th week of the semester the student intends to graduate.

PSY 295 - Masters Thesis (3)
Individual work on masters thesis. Prerequisite: PSY 200 and approval of Graduate Program Director.

PSY 296 - Masters Thesis Project (3)
Individual work on masters project. Prerequisite: PSY 200 and approval of Graduate Program Director.

PSY 297 - A, B, C Thesis/Project Continuation (1, 1, 1)
Students who have not completed the Master's Project or Thesis at the end of the PSY 295 or PSY 296 course must enroll in the Continuation of the Master's Project of Thesis for the subsequent semesters, until the thesis/project is completed.  Students must complete the Project or Thesis within three semesters.

PSY 299 - Special Topics (1-3)
Individual study of problem of interest. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. May be repeated for credit.

*Course is open to both undergraduate and graduate students. Undergraduate students must obtain instructor's consent before taking this course. See appropriate listing of course description for prerequisites.