500

This class offers an introduction to the art and science of psychological assessment. Students will be introduced to the concepts of personality, intellectual and industrial/organizational assessment and to the statistical concepts which underlie them. Tests of various kinds will be examined and discussed. There will be an emphasis on report reading rather than conducting the assessments. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MA in Psychology program. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This class uses a hands-on model in which each student learns to administer standardized intellectual assessments including the Wechsler scales for intelligence and memory and several educational instruments. This class is focused on the development of the skills necessary to work as a psychological assistant or a psychometrician. Prerequisite(s): LAP501. 3 semester hours

This class uses a hands-on model in which each student learns to administer objective and projective personality assessment instruments including the MMPI, Rorschach and TAT. This class is focused on the development of the skills necessary to work as a psychological assistant or psychometrician. Prerequisite(s): LAP501, LAP502 or consent of the instructor. 3 semester hours

This course is designed to help students synthesize knowledge of abnormal psychology into a coherent model of mental illness and treatment. Upon completion of the course students will be familiar with theories of diagnosis, assessment and treatment of mental disorders. Also discussed will be the social and political contexts in which these disorders occur and the influence these contexts have on the professional and on the mental health consumer. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MA in Psychology program. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

An in-depth study of the biological, physical, cognitive, emotional, social, and personality development of humans from birth to death. Emphasis will be placed on the systematic changes and continuities that occur in individuals throughout development. Emphasis, also, will be given to the multicultural, normal, atypical and pathological aspects of human development. Additional topics will include research methodology, behavior observation and human assessment as it pertains to applied settings. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or department approval. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Cognitive psychology relates to aspects of human experience such as language, memory, attention, perception, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, logico-mathematical reasoning, moral and ethical judgment, and socio-cognitive aspects of human interaction. This course will compare current views of cognitive psychology. It will examine theoretical models explaining the development of cognition. Topics to be covered are the genetic approach of the construction of knowledge (Piaget), the relationship between social interaction, language acquisition and cognitive activity (Vygotsky), the development of moral and ethical principles (Kohlberg); the information processing approach, and different approaches explaining the development of intelligence (Sternberg, Gardner). Practical applications of these theories will be explored. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course is an advanced study of individual behavior in a variety of group settings. The major theories of Self, Cognition, Perception, Biases, Attitudes, Social Influence, Relationships, Group Processes, Violence and Aggression, and Helping Behaviors are examined. Emphasis is placed on the integration of information to support hypotheses and writing the introduction section of a research paper. Considerable time is devoted to understanding how culture affects social interaction. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or approval of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course offers an advanced analysis of the numerous viewpoints on the nature and development of personality. This will include research and issues in current theories such as psychoanalytic, behaviorist, existential, interpersonal, humanistic, cognitive, biological/genetic and social. The techniques of personality assessment and psychotherapy will also be addressed. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MA in Psychology program. 3 semester hours

Course content will involve a survey, at an advanced level, of the major theories of personality where the construct of the self is an essential feature. The development of these theories in the context of the Western culture and the impact of that context on people from other cultures will be considered. Basic principles of human development will be reviewed in a cross-cultural context and students will be assisted in comparing biographical with empirical-objective approaches to the study of personality/self. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or approval of department. 3 semester hours

This course offers an in-depth study of research design and methods from topic identification through data collection with a focus on application. An analysis of how to read, interpret and critique published research is included. Both qualitative and quantitative designs will be discussed. Ethical considerations will be explored. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides an introduction to the concepts and applications of statistics. Emphasis is placed on analysis and interpretation of data as it relates to psychological research in both academic and applied settings. Prerequisite(s): None. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

This course involves an in-depth study of cognitive, emotional, social, and biological development of children from birth through adolescence. Both literature emphasizing multicultural and traditional aspects of development will be covered. (Human Development) Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing 3 semester hours

This course examines basic biological systems and their relationship to behavior. Particular emphasis will be given to the central nervous system, autonomic nervous system, neuroanatomy, and the endocrine system. Changes throughout the lifespan and the effects of various kinds of impairment will be stressed. (Health Psychology) Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course provides graduate students in psychology with an understanding of how to apply their skills and knowledge to the job market. Students will have an opportunity to advance their professional skills. Social networking, vita and resume writing and determining the need for further education are some of the topics to be covered. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Co-requisite(s): none. 2 semester hours

This course is an in-depth study of the Psychological Theories behind Organizational Leadership. The course will emphasize traditional theories such as Trait, Behavior, and Contingency, as well as more contemporary theories such as Exchange, Implicit, Transformational, and Transactional. The importance of Gender, Culture and Morality will be examined also. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or department approval. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

Emphasis on the shift from the biomedical model to the biopsychosocial model to understand the various influences on health and illness. The mind-body relationship will be explored via current research. The minimization of risk and promotion of health, including health lifestyle, prevention, maintaining compliance with appropriate regimens such as medication or exercise and diet will be explored. Lifespan considerations will be included. (Health) 3 semester hours

This course will examine the basic mechanisms of drug transport within the body, neuroanatomy and the autonomic and central nervous systems. Major classifications of psychoactive drugs are covered as well as over-the-counter drugs and non-controlled substances. Lifespan considerations for indications/ contraindications and use/abuse at various ages will be discussed. Prerequisite(s): LAP520 or graduate standing and consent of advisor. 3 semester hours

This course will provide a foundation for the study of adulthood and aging. Students will learn about the various theories in life span psychology that attempt to explain the psychological changes occurring in the latter third of life. This course will cover aging as a reflection of the normal life span and explore some of the determinants which affect aging, especially those that promote healthy positive aging. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. 3 semester hours

This course emphasizes small organizational groups outside of the family. Social, occupational, and leisure groups are studied with the goal of developing more effective relationships within the group. Small group theories are studied and applied. The psychological focus of the course is the development of each individual within the small group to maximize each person's development as he/she relates to others in groups. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing, 2 previous undergraduate psychology courses, or consent of the instructor. 3 semester hours

The biological mechanisms of pain will be presented. The interaction with the brain and higher cortical functions with emphasis on personal differences in pain response will be stressed. Medical and psychosocial treatment of pain will be emphasized with exploration of biofeedback, autogenic training, progressive relaxation training. Development of treatment plans for pain management. (Health) 3 semester hours/ 5 quarter hours

This course will examine the concepts and techniques related to the assessment of individuals to determine their level of skills, abilities, and personal characteristics as an evaluation of that individual's suitability for an organization, readiness for promotion, predicted job performance and other employee issues. The student will learn about the variety of assessment techniques available to evaluate work-related characteristics. Additionally, the student will be introduced to the effects of multiculturalism in the workplace and how assessment impacts company policies, productivity, and the cultural climate. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or approval of the department. Co-requisite(s): None. 3 semester hours

This course offers an overview of substance abuse and dependence. Students will be introduced to definitions of abuse and dependence, classes of drugs and their effects on the body, the cycle of abuse and relapse, and available treatment modalities. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing; previous undergraduate course in statistics and/or consent of instructor. 2 semester hours

Psychology, like medicine and law, has developed a set of ethical principles to guide its practice and internal methods, and to police and discipline its members. The American Psychological Association has established a set of ethical principles which serve as a foundation for this course. Included topics, but not an exhaustive list, are resolving ethical issues, competence, client confidentiality, client privilege, education and training, informed consent, licensing issues and CEUs, malpractice, assessment, and accountability and peer review. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing or approval of department. 1-3 semester hours (may be repeated once up to a maximum of 3 semester hours)

This course is designed to provide graduate students in psychology with an overview of key concepts in the field of community psychology such as prevention, empowerment, and intervention. Prerequisite(s): Admission to the MA in Psychology program. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

An in-depth study of organizations and the human factors involved in contemporary business practices. The course emphasizes employee production, job satisfaction, employee assessment and motivation. Major problems are dealt with in the course including conflict, harassment and low incentives. Practical use of updated Psychological methods are included. (Organizational) 3 semester hours

This course provides graduate students in psychology with an understanding of how to apply their skills and knowledge to the job market. Students will have an opportunity to advance their professional skills. Social networking, vita and resume writing and determining the need for further education are some of the topics to be covered. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing. Co-requisite(s): None. 2 semester hours

This course will cover all aspects of teaching an undergraduate course in psychology. Students will gain experience preparing and presenting a syllabus, lectures, class discussions, classroom activities and/or use of interactive media when relevant. Students will be supervised and mentored by the classroom instructor in developing and grading written as well as oral assignments and examinations. Prerequisite(s): Graduate Standing; LAP509, LAP516 and consent of instructor. 3 semester hours. May be repeated once up to 6 semester hours.

This course is designed for graduate students to pursue an independent study in an area of psychology. Students must obtain permission from their graduate advisor prior to registration. Students will work under the direction of a faculty member who must approve the students' independent study projects. A paper is required for course credit. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing and consent of the graduate advisor. 3 semester hours

This course provides an overview of a special topic in psychology that was not covered in one of the other psychology courses. Topics are to be decided by the instructor based on the students' needs in light of other course offerings. Prerequisite(s): Graduate standing; previous undergraduate course and/or consent of instructor. 3 semester hours

Comprehensive Examination is one of two options offered for the Master of Arts in Psychology students as the final requirement for completion of the program. The Examination is an essay format assessment of the students' understanding of the major theories and current issues in Social Psychology, Personality/Abnormal Psychology, Developmental Psychology, and Research Methods. Prerequisite(s): Comprehensive examinations cannot be taken before completion of five full terms in the M.A. Psychology program. 1-3 semester hours

A thesis is one of two options offered to the Master of Arts in Psychology students. It is a formal written document which investigates a theory or particular point of view as the result of disciplined empirical inquiry. Prerequisite(s): By the end of the third term, a student in the M.A. in Psychology program can choose the Thesis option by petitioning the department for approval to do a thesis. If consent is granted, the student registers for the Thesis option. If consent is not given, the student must register for LAP598 Comprehensive Examination. Co-requisite(s): None. 1-3 semester hours

Continuous registration required until thesis is complete. Prerequisite(s): Masters standing, consent of thesis advisor or program director, and prior registration for the required number of hours in LAP599. Co-requisite(s): none. 0 semester hours