C.W. Post Campus - Department of Psychology

The B.A. and B.S. Programs

There are two undergraduate degrees available in the Psychology department.

The B.A. track offers students an opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology. The minimum number of Psychology credits required to earn a B.A. degree is 33. Students take five required psychology courses and a minimum of five additional courses, excluding PSY 41.

The B.S. track offers students the opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology. This track was designed for students who plan to go on to graduate school in psychology (either in research or clinical programs). It is also a suitable major for pre-medical students. The minimum number of Psychology credits required to earn a B.S. degree is 33. Students take six required psychology courses and a minimum of twelve additional credits in Psychology, excluding PSY 41. Students also take two upper-level math courses, two biology courses, and two chemistry courses.

Required courses: (those in bold are additional requirements for the B.S. track)

General Psychology I & II (PSY 1 & PSY 2 – social science based or PSY 3 & PSY 4 – laboratory science based)

PSY 1: This course is a survey of the principles of psychology. Learning, motivation, emotion, sensation, perception, statistical methods, and biological bases of behavior are among the topics covered.
Every semester. 3 credits

PSY 2: This course is a continuation of PSY 1 including cognitive functions, intelligence, personality, abnormal behavior, therapies and social and applied psychology.
Prerequisites: PSY 1
Every semester. 3 credits

PSY 3: This course is an introduction to the scientific study of behavior with emphasis on the physiological bases of behavior, conditioning, learning, sensation and perception. The laboratory concentrates on the design and execution of experiments; lectures cover the scientific method and selected topics in psychology. Not open to students who have taken PSY 1.
Three hours lecture, one three-hour laboratory.
Laboratory fee
Every semester. 4 credits

PSY 4: This course is a continuation of the scientific study of behavior with emphasis on areas of applied psychology. Topics include social psychology, personality and psychopathology, developmental psychology, tests and measurement, and verbal learning and memory. Not open to students who have taken PSY 2.
Prerequisites: PSY 3
Three hours lecture, one three-hour laboratory.
Laboratory fee
Every semester. 4 credits

Psychological Statistics I (PSY 53)
This course introduces the principles of descriptive and inferential statistics.
Five hour lecture and laboratory.
Laboratory fee
Every semester. 4 credits

Psychological Statistics II (PSY 54)
This course is a further study of descriptive and inferential statistics, emphasizing the use of computer programs for analysis of data.
Prerequisites: PSY 53
Annually. 3 credits

Experimental Psychology I (PSY 21)
This course is an introduction to the philosophy of science and the basic principles of research. The design of observational, correlational, and experimental research is covered. Representative experiments are preformed, analyzed, and reported in written form.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or 4 and PSY 53
Five hours lecture and laboratory
Laboratory fee
Every semester. 4 credits

Experimental Psychology II (PSY 22) or Neuroscience Methods (PSY 38)

PSY 22: This course is a survey of research methods and content in the areas of experimental and applied psychology of learning (PSY 22a) or psychology of perception and cognition (PSY 22b) or experimental social psychology (PSY 22c). Practical experience in experimental design, execution, analysis of research, and the writing of research reports is included.
Prerequisites: PSY 21
Five hours lecture and laboratory
Every semester. 4 credits

PSY 38: This course will introduce students to the research methods currently used by neuroscientists, including behavioral, surgical, and histological techniques. Students will examine the background and application of modern techniques of neuroscience. They will learn and use several fundamental techniques to explore the structure and function of the nervous system.
Prerequisite: PSY 37
Annually, 3 credits

Preparation in Math for Science Majors (MTH 3) or Calculus and Analytic Geometry 2 (MTH 8)

Calculus and Analytic Geometry 1 (MTH 7)

General Biology 1 (BIO 103)

General Biology 2 (BIO 104)

Principles of Chemistry 1 (CHM 3)

Principles of Chemistry 2 (CHM 4)

Elective courses (a minimum of five courses excluding PSY 41 must be taken for the B.A. track; a minimum of twelve credits excluding PSY 41 must be taken for the B.S. track):

Critical Thinking (PSY 15)
This course is an examination of the behavioral and social underpinnings of superstition and false beliefs. Distinction will be made between testable scientific theories and pseudoscience.
Prerequisites: PSY 1 or PSY 3
On occasion. 3 credits

Psychological Tests and Measurements (PSY 24)
A study of techniques used to evaluate intelligence and personality with special emphasis on projective tests. Students are asked to do original research based upon actual test data.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Two lectures, one two-hour laboratory.
Laboratory fee
Annually. 3 credits

Developmental Psychology: Childhood (PSY 25)
Behavior and development during childhood are covered. The emphasis is on normal physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4 or permission of the instructor.
Not open to students who have had EDI 15.
Every semester. 3 credits

Developmental Psychology: Adolescence (PSY 26)
Behavior and development during adolescence are covered. The emphasis is on normal physical, intellectual, emotional, and social growth and development.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4.
Not open to students who have had EDI 15.
Every semester. 3 credits

Developmental Disabilities (PSY 29)
This course is a survey of the etiology and treatment of a wide range of developmental disabilities, including autism, mental retardation, defects in perceptual development and learning disabilities.
On occasion. 3 credits

Personality: Research and Theory (PSY 30)
This course is a systemic survey of major representative personality theories, their historical development, and current research.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Annually. 3 credits

Social Psychology (PSY 32)
The interpersonal influence on human behavior, involving empirical and theoretical literature in social psychological processes, with particular emphasis on applied problems, is covered in this course.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Annually. 3 credits

Advanced Issues in Social Psychology (PSY 34)
This course offers students an opportunity to learn more about specific topics within social psychology. The course will cover one aspect of social psychology (e.g., the psychology of marriage, stereotyping and prejudice). The specific topic will be announced in advance, and the student may take the course more than once, as long as the topics covered differ.
On occasion. 3 credits

Environmental Psychology (PSY 36)
Emphasis on human adaptation to the built and natural environments. Topics include architecture and the use of space, housing and home, residential mobility, privacy, crowding, and environmental stress.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Introduction to Neuroscience (PSY 37)
This course is a survey of the neural bases of behavior. Topics usually include the techniques used by physiological psychologists, the structure and function of the nervous system, sensory processes, the neural correlates of sleep, sex, emotion, hunger, aggression, learning, and memory, and the effects of electrical stimulation of the brain.
Prerequisites: PSY 1 or PSY 3
Annually. 3 credits

Neuroscience Methods (PSY 38)
This course will introduce students to the research methods currently used by neuroscientists, including behavioral, surgical, and histological techniques. Students will examine the background and application of modern techniques of neuroscience. They will learn and use several fundamental techniques to explore the structure and function of the nervous system.
Prerequisite: PSY 37
Annually, 3 credits

Psychopharmacology (PSY 39)
This course is a survey of drugs that affect behavior. The course usually begins with the fundamentals of nervous system structure and function, briefly covers techniques for assessment of drug effects, and then scrutinizes representative depressants, tranquilizers, antidepressants, and stimulants and concludes by examining the opiates, the hallucinogens, and marijuana.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Psychology of Gender (PSY 40)
The psychological influences on the nature and development of women and men are examined from social-learning, psychoanalytic, and cognitive-perceptual viewpoints. Topics include family and work roles, sexual identity, interpersonal attraction, friendship, achievement, and health.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Special Topics in Psychology (PSY 41)
The instructor chooses a study of selected topics in psychology. The subject of each topic is announced in the preceding semester. May be taking twice (6 credit hours) if topics are different, but only for general elective credit. May not be taken for major or minor credit.
Prerequisites: Varies with topic and instructor
Every semester. 1 to 3 credits

Human Neuropsychology (PSY 42)
An advanced treatment of the study of the human brain and its relation to behavior. Students will review neuroanatomy and the basic principles of brain function. The main focus of the course will be on the neurological basis of cognition and behavior, neurological issues and disorders, and applied human neuropsychology.
Prerequisite: PSY 37
On occasion. 3 credits

Forensic Psychology: The Law and Human Behavior (PSY 43)
This course covers psychological principles and practices applied to the legal system, including aspects of expert testimony, relevancy of mental illness, competencies, abuse, and trauma.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Industrial and Organizational Psychology (PSY 47)
This course examines the application of psychological principles and techniques to various organizational situations. Topics covered usually include selection and attitude measurement, management development, employment problems, and man-machine relationships. The principles taught are applicable in health care, educational, and industrial organizations.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Annually. 3 credits

Psychological Statistics II (PSY 54)
This course is a further study of descriptive and inferential statistics, emphasizing the use of computer programs for analysis of data.
Prerequisites: PSY 53
Annually. 3 credits

Cognition and Perception (PSY 57)
This course reviews the basic concepts, methods, and current research in cognitive psychology. Topics include perception, memory, knowledge acquisition, imagery, consciousness, thinking, decision-making, language, and intelligence. These are presented within an information processing approach as well as a neuroscientific model of the mind. Both normative and dysfunctional aspects are considered.
Prerequisites: PSY 1 or PSY 3 or permission of the instructor
On occasion. 3 credits

Animal Learning and Cognition (PSY 58)
This course will introduce students to the area of animal learning and cognition with a particular emphasis on marine mammals. It will examine marine mammal behavior that demonstrates phenomena such as associative and instrumental learning, representation of knowledge, habitat adaptations, social learning, sensory processing, and communication.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor
On occasion. 3 credits

Sensation and Perception (PSY 60)
This course will focus on theory, methodology, and research findings primarily in the area of visual and auditory perception. Behavioral, physiological, and ecological approaches will be thoroughly explored. Data from both human and animal subjects will be presented.
On occasion. 3 credits

Historical Foundations of Contemporary Psychology (PSY 61)
This course is a survey of the major attempts at systematic organization of the methods, facts, and theories in psychology, including a discussion of the historical roots of these systems and their influences on contemporary approaches.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Learning and Memory (PSY 62)
This course is a survey of findings, methods, and principles of animal and human learning and memory. Topics usually include classical and operant conditioning, reinforcement theory, short-term and long-term memory, and selected current issues.
Prerequisites: PSY 1 or PSY 3
Annually. 3 credits

Abnormal Psychology (PSY 63)
This course covers the historical approaches to the concepts of normality and abnormality. The description of traditional patterns of problem behavior in addition to reference to relevant personality theories and clinical research are presented.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Every semester. 3 credits

Systems and Theories of Psychotherapy (PSY 64)
This course is a comparative study of methods of counseling and psychotherapy. Topics included are theories and approaches that concern a change toward healthy behavior and feelings of self-worth.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Every semester. 3 credits

Humanistic Psychology (PSY 65)
This course surveys the origins, theories, and techniques of Humanistic Psychology. Emphasis is placed on the fulfillment of one’s potentials, taking responsibility for one’s life, and the value of present-centered living. Students are encouraged throughout to consider the personal relevance of this course material.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Comparative Psychology (PSY 67)
This course is designed to introduce the student of animal behavior to a variety of observational techniques that are used in both field and laboratory research to compare species behavior. The techniques include ethogram construction, instantaneous and continuous sampling, time budget construction, sequence sampling, activity cycles, and sociograms.
Prerequisites: PSY 1 or PSY 3 and permission of the instructor
On occasion. 3 credits

Psychosomatics: Bodily Protest (PSY 68)
A study of physical disease as influenced by the emotions from historical, causative, and research points of view. Psychophysiological disorders of every bodily system are studied, including cancer, heart disease, and obesity.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
Annually. 3 credits

Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging (PSY 70)
A study of adult life, growing old in contemporary society, and experiencing changes in body, ability, and personality. Same as Gerontology 70.
Prerequisites: PSY 25 or PSY 26 or Gerontology 1.
On occasion. 3 credits

Practicum in Teaching of Psychology I and II (PSY 71 & PSY 72)
The student receives training and experience in innovative methods of teaching psychology at the college level. Open only to students who have demonstrated excellence in psychology.
Registration only by invitation of the instructor and department chair.
Every semester. 3 credits

Applied Behavior Analysis (PSY 75)
This course is a survey of methodology for the analysis of human behavior and techniques for behavioral change. Includes discussion of behavioral approaches to developing more effective systems of rehabilitation in institutions for the mentally ill and retarded, and for behavior change in the homes or classrooms of normal and emotionally disturbed children.
Prerequisites: PSY 2 or PSY 4
On occasion. 3 credits

Practicum in Psychology I and II (PSY 76 & 77)
This practicum is a supervised field experience in an applied community setting such as child-care programs, centers for the developmentally disabled or half-way houses. For advanced majors only who can arrange a minimum of one day a week for field placement in addition to weekly meetings with a practicum supervisor.
Prerequisite: Invitation of the instructor and approval of department chair.
Every Semester, 3 credits

Problems in Psychological Research I and II (PSY 91 & PSY 92)
This course is for advanced undergraduates who wish to do research under the guidance and supervision of a faculty member on a problem of mutual interest. A written and oral report of the research project will be submitted at the end of each semester’s work.
Prerequisites: PSY 21, PSY 53, and approval of both the department chair and faculty member who agrees to supervise the work.
Every semester. 3 credits per semester

Field Study of Wild Dolphin Social Behavior (PSY 99)
This is a winter session travel course dealing with the study of social interactions in dolphins found off the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.
Winter session. 3 credits

Courses recommended for students planning graduate study in Psychology:

PSY 24
PSY 25
PSY 30
PSY 32
PSY 37
PSY 54
PSY 57
PSY 60
PSY 61
PSY 62
PSY 63
PSY 91
PSY 92
MTH 3 & 7 or MTH 7 & 8
BIO 103 & 104
PHL 14