Psychology Course Requirements
- Core Requirements
- General Psychology/Introductory Psychology
- Statistics
- Research Methods/Experimental Psychology/Experimental Desgn
- History and Systems/History of Psychology/Psychological Foundations
- Intermediate and Upper-Level
- Minimum of one course in each area:
- Biological and Physiological Foundations
- Developmental Perspectives
- Social Influences
- Abnormal Psychology
- Cognitive Bases
- Electives
- Psychology Capstone Course
Core Psychology Courses
Introduction to Psychology
This course provides a broad overview of the field of psychology and lays a foundation for further study. Topics include the historical roots of psychology, psychological research methods, biological mechanisms, influencing psychological processes, human development, cognition and learning, memory, intelligence and intelligence testing, basic theories of personality, psychological disorders, therapeutic approaches, and the role of psychology in everyday life and society.
Research Methods
During this course you will investigate how research is conducted in the social sciences. You will learn research methods and techniques that you are likely to come across in your professional and personal lives. Throughout the course, you will have opportunities to apply the different research methods and techniques that you have learned. Lastly, you will leave the course with an understanding of research methods that will give you the knowledge and skills needed to gather, evaluate, and apply information and research findings.
History and Systems
This course provides an overview of historical perspectives and theoretical developments that have contributed to the modern discipline of psychology throughout the world. Students learn about the major perspectives, including Gestalt psychology, structuralism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, and cognitive psychology. Students also learn about the psychology of social change and the development of modern psychological branches and applications.
Research and Writing
Students develop a literature review and subsequent research paper in their discipline. The course is intended to demonstrate your ability to understand professional research and the style of writing expected in your discipline.
Intermediate and Upper-Level Psychology Courses
Biological and Physiological Foundations
Biopsychology
This course examines how neurons work individually and together to enable behavior, feelings, and thoughts. Students learn about the structures and functions of the nervous system and how they contribute to the biological bases of behavioral development, perception, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, language, sleep, and psychological disorders.
Developmental Perspectives
Lifespan Developmental Psychology
This course introduces human development as a product of the interactions between individuals and their environment. It examines the development of learning, emotion, personality, and cognition across the lifespan. Students explore, analyze, and present theories and evidence associated with developmental science from conception through death.
Social Influences
Mind, Body, and Health
Students learn the psychology of behavior related to health and fitness, including the influence of stress and lifestyle, physical activity, and diet. Students examine health and fitness across the life-span, as well as how behavior affects health and behavioral changes to improve health outcomes. Students develop a holistic plan for diet and physical fitness for various target populations.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Industrial/Organizational psychology is the scientific study of workplace behavior. Learn about the principles of psychology that are critical for the effective functioning of organizations, including recruitment and selection of employees, training and development, motivating employees, performance appraisals, working in teams, healthy work-life balance, leadership, and organizational change.
Abnormal Psychology
Explore the history and models of abnormal behavior, analyze and present theories and empirical research associated with abnormal psychology, and discuss contemporary clinical assessment and treatment. Learn the characteristics of mental health diagnoses and use case studies to demonstrate synthesis of course material, including the effect of mental disorders on family, friends, coworkers, and the community.
Cognitive Bases
Educational Psychology
An overview of educational psychology, you’ll examine how people of all ages learn. Topics include social context and socioemotional development, cognitive and language development, sociocultural diversity, approaches to learning, managing the classroom, planning instruction, use of technology in teaching, assessment, and motivation.
Psychology Capstone Course
This is a competency-based, senior-level course designed for advanced students and working professionals to complete their bachelor’s degree in psychology. Course content focuses on demonstrating the competencies associated with the psychology student learning outcomes. The capstone requires students to research and connect psychological theory to real-world problems.