Psychology
Degrees and Certificates
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Psychology Major -
Psychology Minor
Courses
PY 100: Principles of Psychology
Class Program
The study of human behavior from a scientific point of view, including research and theory relative to all the major specialty areas within psychology.
Semester Offered
Fall
Spring
Online - Fall
Online - Spring
Online - Summer
PY 149: Special Topics in Psychology
This course may include (1) topics of special interest offered by the faculty, (2) special readings or laboratory investigations under the supervision of the faculty.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
PY 215: Careers in Psychology
Class Program
This colloquial course will introduce students to the career opportunities that exist for individuals with a degree in psychology, including work that is attainable with a bachelor’s degree as well as occupations that are associated with graduate education (i.e., master’s/doctoral degrees) in the field.
Prerequisites
Psychology major.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 220: Research in Psychology
Class Program
This course will introduce students to research methods in psychology through the in-depth analysis of prominent psychological studies and theories. Students will examine the methods, results, conclusions as well as criticisms of the studies. Upon completion of the course, students will have a greater understanding of the influential studies that shaped contemporary psychology, how research is conducted, and the ethical and methodological challenges faced by researchers.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 225: Developmental Psychology
Class Program
An overview of human growth and development from conception to death. Theoretical explanations and research examining physical, biological, cognitive, and social changes.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 230: History of Psychology
Class Program
Antecedents of psychology in philosophy and science prior to 1860; emergence and development as a distinct discipline since that date.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 235: Adult Psychology
Class Program
Human growth and development as it pertains to the lifespan of the young adult through the older adult: physical traits, learning, intelligence, social and emotional growth, personality and adjustment.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 245: Theories of Personality
Class Program
A wide variety of classical and modern theories of personality and the pertinent empirical research are presented and compared. Consideration given to the components of a good theory of personality and to the application of various personality theories.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall even
Online - Spring
PY 249: Special Topics in Psychology
This course may include (1) topics of special interest offered by the faculty, (2) special readings or laboratory investigations under the supervision of the faculty.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
PY 250: Multi-Cultural Psychology
Class Program
This course will introduce students to the theory and applications of multiculturalism. Students will acquire knowledge and awareness to aid in their ability to relate, connect, and work with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Topics will include race, ethnicity, nationality, age, gender, ability, sex, sexual orientation, religion, spirituality, socio-economic status, and other expressions of worldwide diversity of individuals.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Fall
PY 270: Child and Adolescent Psychology
Class Program
Human growth and development from conception through young adult. Students will study traits, learning, intelligence, and social and emotional growth, personality and adjustment.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall
Spring
Online - Summer
PY 310: Experimental Psychology
Class Program
Course will consist of a 3-hour lecture and 1-hour lab per week. Lecture sessions will include behavioral science methodology, research design, measurement, and data collection in psychological studies. Laboratory experience in designing and conducting psychological experiments.
Prerequisites
C or better in MA 200 and PY 220.
Semester Offered
Fall
Online - Spring
PY 322: Physiological Psychology
Biological basis of behavior including: the anatomy and physiology of brains and neurons, motor systems, sensation and perception across multiple sensory systems, hormone systems and sexual behavior, sleep and other regulatory behaviors (hunger/thirst), cognitive functions (learning, memory, attention, executive function), and the biological basis of psychological disorders (including drug based therapies).
Prerequisites
PY100 and BI104.
Semester Offered
Spring even years
PY 331: Social Psychology
Class Program
Social behavior of the individual and the group; culture and personality; social interaction, dynamics of social groups; social phenomena. This course will count as a sociology major elective.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Summer
PY 336: Learning and Motivation
Class Program
This course examines a variety of issues that drive our changing behaviors. Traditional topics of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, social learning theory, and Theories of Motivation will be examined in detail with a particular focus on how these relate to everyday behaviors, applications in therapy context (e.g Applied Behavioral Analysis), and applications to studies of substance abuse and addiction.
Prerequisites
Semester Offered
Fall even years
PY 337: Cognitive Science
Class Program
This course examines a variety of issues in traditional cognitive psychology as it intersects with the emerging dynamic fields of cognitive neuroscience and artificial intelligence. Subtopics include attention, perception, memory, concept formation, knowledge representation, problem solving, creativity, decision making, language (human and in animals), and intelligence (human, animal, and artificial).
Prerequisites
Semester Offered
Fall odd years
PY 341: Human Sexuality
Class Program
The course will deal primarily with the psycho-social aspects of sexuality, and to a lesser degree, with the physiological aspects. Topics include: varieties of sexual behavior, procreation and contraception, creating healthy relationships, sexual health and gender roles.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall
Online - Summer
PY 342: Health Psychology
Class Program
The course presents the influences of behavior, culture, lifestyle, stress and coping, and psychosocial factors on health, illness, and chronic disease. Topics include health disparities and health promotion. Students will learn to apply biopsychosocial research to promote health equality, modify health behaviors, and prevent diseases.
Prerequisites
PY 100, PY 225 or PE 333.
Semester Offered
Fall
Online - Spring
PY 345: Abnormal Psychology
Class Program
Begins with a systematic study of positive mental health. Survey of mental disorders of childhood and adulthood with a focus on the diathesis-stress paradigm, treatment and prevention issues. The topical questions of genetic vulnerability, resilience, treatment, medications and prevention are discussed.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall
Online - Spring
PY 349: Special Topics in Psychology
This course may include (1) topics of special interest offered by the faculty, (2) special readings or laboratory investigations under the supervision of the faculty.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
PY 350: Forensic Psychology
Class Program
This course introduces the students to the field of forensic psychology and the ways psychology and the law interacts; the psychology of police and policing, corrections, probation and parole, victim services, addiction services, family services and the full range of activities related to law enforcement and the evaluation and treatment of offenders.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Spring even
PY 376: Independent Study
Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.
Prerequisites
Permission of the instructor, division dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
PY 385: Ethics in Psychology
Class Program
This course provides general and specific guidance for ethical conduct in the science and practice of psychology. Topics covered include legal issues, clinical welfare, professional competencies, supervision, personal wellness, and issues in practicing psychological research with human and animal subjects.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Spring odd years
Online - Fall
PY 401: Internship in Psychology
Practical experience under supervision of psychology faculty and cooperating facility; student will establish a contractual agreement with the facility, the facility supervisor and the college stating academic goals which will enable application of psychological theories in order to synthesize and integrate academic knowledge.
Prerequisites
Senior standing and permission of division dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
PY 449: Special Topics in Psychology
This course may include (1) topics of special interest offered by the faculty, (2) special readings or laboratory investigations under the supervision of the faculty.
Prerequisites
Permission of instructor.
PY 460: Theory and Practice of Counseling
Class Program
Basic concepts, client/therapist relationship, and introduction to the therapeutic process, techniques and procedure of the major approaches to individual and group counseling.
Prerequisites
PY 100.
Semester Offered
Fall odd
PY 476: Independent Study
Reading or research at a greater depth than is permitted in a normal class.
Prerequisites
Permission of the instructor, division dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs.
PY 485: Senior Thesis in Psychology
Student completion of research project. The student's final thesis will reflect in-depth investigation of a topic of interest in current psychological research.
Prerequisites
SC 316, MA 200, Psychology major, Senior standing.
Semester Offered
Spring
Online - Spring