Degree Completion Programs

Psychology Degree Completion

Course Descriptions

LOWER DIVISION CORE IN PSYCHOLOGY:

PSY 201 General Psychology
4 credits
Offers a general survey of the field of psychology covering a range of scientific and applied areas, including methodology, biological basis of behavior, perception, learning, sensation, memory, motivation, thinking, and emotion. Approved for University Studies (Explorations).

PSY 202 General Psychology
4 credits
Offers a general survey of the field of psychology covering a range of scientific and applied areas within the field, including human development, personality assessment, intelligence, maladaptive behavior patterns, treatment approaches, health and well-being, social and cultural groups, and social psychology. Approved for University Studies (Explorations).

PSY 211 The Psychology Major
1 credit
Required course for all students considering the psychology major. Offers advice about the necessary steps for becoming a psychology major. Covers career options, preparation for graduate school, research opportunities, and other topics related to becoming a successful undergraduate psychology major.

PSY 228 Methods, Statistics, and Applications I
4 credits
Combines the study of survey and correlational research designs with appropriate statistical techniques (e.g., various descriptive statistics, correlations, chi-square). Through an integrated laboratory experience, students apply their studies and gain practice in planning research methodology, collecting and analyzing data, and writing APA research reports. Prerequisite: MTH 243.

PSY 229 Methods, Statistics, and Applications II
4 credits
Examines experimental and quasi-experimental designs, along with appropriate statistical tests (e.g., t-tests, One-Way ANOVA, and Factorial ANOVA). Through a laboratory component involving data collection studies and research proposals, students practice using and designing experimental studies, collecting data, and writing APA research reports. Prerequisite: PSY 228.

UPPER DIVISION CORE IN PSYCHOLOGY:

PSY 334 Social Psychology I
4 credits
Examines the influence of social and cultural environments on the behavior of the individual. Covers theories, methods, attitude formation and change, prejudice and discrimination, and social attraction. PSY 228 and 229 recommended

PSY 341 Learning and Memory
4 credits
Surveys theories and empirical research about learning, memory, and cognitive phenomena.

PSY 351 Physiological Psychology
4 credits
Studies the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, especially as they relate to human behavior. Topics include motivation, sexual behavior, the physiological bases of emotion, sleep, learning, memory, depression, and psychopathology. Prerequisite: BI 101; PSY 201 recommended.

PSY 370 Lifespan Development
4 credits
Surveys human growth and development from birth to death. Examines individual differences in physical and physiological development and evaluates perception, cognition, learning, personality, and social factors as they influence behavior through the human lifespan. Prerequisite: PSY 202.

PSY 498, 499 Psychology Capstone Project
2 credits each
Students integrate and synthesize the skills and knowledge specified in the nine goals of the psychology major in a project involving a psychological, investigative process. Several options are available for the project, which is conducted during the two terms of the required senior capstone. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: PSY 201, 202, and 229; psychology major or interdisciplinary psychology emphasis; and senior standing.

OPTIONS FOR THE MULTI-CULTURAL/DIVERSITY COURSE IN PSYCHOLOGY:

PSY 369 Human Sexuality
4 credits
Surveys factual and practical knowledge about human sexuality. Provides learning experiences in a variety of areas, including the physiological and psychological aspects of sexuality, the meaning of relationships, value systems related to love and sex, and communication skills in intimate relationships. PSY 201 and 202 recommended. Approved for University Studies (Integration).

PSY 465/565 Adult Development and Aging
4 credits
Studies the principles and methods of developmental psychology as they are seen in individuals from early adulthood to death. These include physical functioning, changes in cognitive and behavioral processes, personality changes and development, intimacy and family development, career development, and cultural factors in the aging process. Prerequisite: PSY 370.

PSY 479 Abnormal Psychology
4 credits
Surveys the major categories of behavioral and mental disorders, including schizophrenia; anxiety; and childhood, dissociative, mood, personality, sexual, and substance disorders. Explores etiology, general characteristics of the disorders, and current treatments. Emphasizes the sociocultural factors affecting diagnosis and prognosis. Approved for University Studies (Integration).

PSY 487/587 Multicultural Psychology
4 credits
Considers theory, research, and multicultural perspectives as they relate to applied psychology and special populations. Students explore their own ethnic and cultural heritages, challenging biases and confronting stereotypes. Emphasizes issues related to the role of the professional psychologist.

PSY 489/589 Native American Psychology
4 credits
Surveys selected health issues, such as psychosocial problems-in-living, depression, suicide, and substance abuse. Also addresses the traumatizing impact of the American Dream.

PSY 492/592 Psychology of Women
4 credits
Surveys women's issues from the perspective of feminist psychology, including lifecycles, theories, and contemporary social problems. Critiques traditional psychological assumptions, data, philosophies, and policies in light of new trends. Students actively explore empirical and experiential aspects of such issues as psychological sex differences, socialization of gender, identity development, androgyny, power, language, violence, and therapy.

PSY 495/595 Lesbian and Gay Studies
4 credits
Provides students with in-depth exposure to a select set of lesbian and gay issues in relation to the field of psychology. From a psychological perspective, students examine the assumptions, definitions, supporting research, personality theorists' perspectives, and counseling concerns as they relate to lesbians and gay men.

See the SOU catalog for other courses offered in psychology:

Psychology Program Catalog

If you'd like more information about the Psychology Degree Completion Program please contact an advisor for more details.