BA in Applied Psych Degree Requirements

Designed to provide a solid foundation, PSY 1001: Introduction to Psychology prepares students for reading and understanding materials in more advanced psychology courses. Study the science of behavior and mental processes; this course covers the basic concepts, principles, methods, and research findings of psychology.

Emphasis is placed on important topics and research areas to the understanding of human thought. These include biological and environmental influences, sensation, perception, development, learning, cognition, emotion, motivation, personality, mental health, and social interaction.

This course provides a solid foundation for writing in the APA style. Learn how to present research findings while improving your writing skills. Communicate information from behavioral sciences literature. Learn to write in a variety of formats including abstract, poster presentations, and journal-style writing.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

This course provides an introduction to statistical concepts and methods used in the field of psychology, including probability and hypothesis-testing. Specific topics covered include central tendency, variability, correlation, t-tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and non-parametric tests. This course emphasizes a conceptual understanding of statistics applied in the context of psychological research.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

Gain an understanding and hands-on experience in the quantitative methods necessary to do research in psychology. This includes understanding and applying basic experimental methodologies, statistical analysis, and graphing data in a meaningful and appropriate way. Through real-life and hypothetical examples, gain an understanding of which basic statistical analyses are appropriate for different types of data and different research questions.

Topics include the ethical and practical limitations of experimental design, issues of validity and reliability, sample selection and assignment, and variations of experimental design.

Read and interpret literature in psychology and practice skills in the APA style of report writing. Analyze data with a commonly used statistical analysis program. Explore how research in psychology is an exciting aspect of the field, with many real-world applications.

Prerequisites: PSY 1001, PSY 1005, PSY 2001 

An introduction to basic descriptive statistics used to evaluate data, this course explains the fundamentals of qualitative research in the behavioral sciences.

It aims to enhance a student’s capacity to conceptualize, design and conduct qualitative research and the scientific method as it applies to answering questions about human behavior through non-experimental research methods such as survey and observation.

Topics include the ethical and practical limitations of collecting data in applied settings via surveys, interviews, and observation.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001, PSY 1005, PSY 2001

This course explores current research findings and significant theoretical perspectives related to the cognitive, socioemotional, and physical domains of human development and growth across the lifespan. A major theme of the course is the interaction between nature and nurture in human development.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 

Examine the principle forms of psychological disorders as described in the DSM-V, with emphasis on causes, symptoms, and treatment.  An analysis of adaptive versus maladaptive thinking and behaviors is included. Treatment approaches are considered from a variety of modalities; hands-on strategies and techniques are shown in class. Case studies are used as models for diagnosis and treatment.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

The last course of the BA in Applied Psychology major, this course is an integration of previous core coursework through the exploration of current issues in the field of psychology. Student-led presentations and discussions are informed by readings and analysis of contemporary theories and research. 

Examines the major theorists who represent the psychoanalytic, identity, needs-hierarchy, behavioral, and humanistic approaches to the study of personality. Also considered, learn about the influence of events in theorists’ personal and professional lives on the development of these theories. The ways in which race, cultural issues, and gender play a part in the study of personality and personality assessment are also explored.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

Examine psychology in the workplace. Use psychological principles to deal with problems associated with employment and the work environment. Consideration of employee selection and training, behavior modification in leadership styles, and motivational techniques are included.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

Explore the varied facets of the field of Forensic Psychology;  study landmark cases relevant to psychology and the law. Topics include police psychology, expert testimony, forensic psychological assessment, and homeland security. Ethics within forensic psychology are also discussed, as well as correctional psychology and juvenile justice.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

This course studies human behavior within a social context. It addresses the reciprocal influences between everyday social experiences and the individual. Topics include relationships, person perception, attitudes, conformity and obedience, persuasion, prejudice, group processes, and attraction.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

This course examines ways psychology is used to enhance the well-being of athletes, coaches and teams. Psychological and social theories as well as research related to performance, fitness and athletic programs will be explored.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

This course closely examines central topics of interest within social psychology such as specifically inherent social, dynamic, and the multi-faceted nature of self and identities. 

Topics covered in the course include self- esteem, self-concept, self-schemas, malleability of social identities, self-illusions, and the role culture and social group membership play in defining the self. In addition, the topic of the centrality of the self in processes such as memory, impression formation ,and attitude formation is covered. How children develop the concept of self as separate from other people is also studied.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001

An introduction to historic and contemporary terrorist groups and their motives and strategies, study the psychological impact of terrorism on individuals, communities, and the larger world. Recruitment efforts, terrorist goals, influences on group members, and the dissolution of a terrorist group is examined.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to general theories and methods related to culture and diversity. Emphasis is placed on psychological research that links culture to mental processes. In addition, a focus is placed on diverse aspects of humans’ day-to-day lives—including social relationships, cognitive processes, basic visual perception, art, judgments of morality, and mental illness. 

Topics that bridge cultural psychology and identity, including group and identity formation, stereotyping, prejudice, stigma, intergroup contact, and multiculturalism are integral.  Special emphasis is placed on critically examining research methods and analyzing real-world treatments of culture based on topics covered in the course.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 

Students examine the development of the individual from conception through adolescence. The influences of heredity, as well as developmental processes such as physical maturation, cognitive changes, personality and social and emotional development are studied. Explore various psychological theories and perspectives related to child and adolescent development. 

Prerequisite: PSY 1001, PSY 2010 

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of adulthood, with special emphasis on gerontology.  Students examine theories, principles, and research related to cognitive change and social development, particularly in the context of intergenerational relationships.  Critically review research that focuses on how social partners affect physical, cognitive and emotional well-being throughout adulthood.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001, PSY 1001, PSY 2010 

This course explores theoretical and practical issues of international psychology, as they relate to human behavior. Course material and discussion focus on the state of psychology outside of North America.  Specific emphasis is on issues regarding the interrelatedness of local, global, international issues, intercultural issues, trends and systems from psychological perspectives.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 

This course explores sexual behavior and attitudes of individuals throughout the lifespan. Topics include biological, social, and psychological foundations of sexuality, human reproduction, cross-cultural perspectives, gender roles, stereotypes, and ethnicity as it relates to human sexuality, religious aspects, and socioeconomic implications. Students learn to critically analyze, reflect upon, and evaluate different theoretical perspectives. Appropriate content from related sciences is also included.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001 

An introduction to the study of gender from a psychological perspective. Examine social roles, status, and gender-related traits, particularly in regard to relationships and health. This course is designed to provide the student with a richer understanding of gender and relationships, both personal and professional.

Prerequisite: PSY 1001