Psychology Honors Program Requirements & Curriculum

Freshman Year

Fall Semester		Credit Hours	Spring Semester		Credit Hours
ACAD1001	First Year Experience	2	ENGL1003	Writing about Literature	3
INFO1001	Technology and Society	3	MATH1200	College Algebra	3
ENGL1001	English Composition I	3	PSYC3400	Abnormal Psychology	3
PSYC1001	Introduction to Psychology	3	PYSC2002	Psychology of Personality	3
PSYC2001	Psychology of Adjustment	3		History Elective	3
				Open Elective	3
		14			18

Sophomore Year

Fall Semester		Credit Hours	Spring Semester		Credit Hours
BIOL1001	Biology I with Lab or	4	BIOL1002	Biology II with Lab or	4
BIOL2503	Anatomy & Physiology I with lab or		BIOL2504	Anatomy & Physiology II with lab or
BIOL1005	Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals I		BIOL1006	Anatomy & Physiology of Domestic Animals II
PSYC3004	Writing for Psychology	3	SOCI1001	Introduction to Sociology	3
PSYC1107	Human Growth and Development or	3	PSYC2105	Social Psychology	3
PSYC1002	Developmental Child Psychology		ENGL1006	Children’s Literature or English Literature 2000+ Elective	3
PSYC1003	Basic Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis	3		Global Awareness & Diversity Elective	3
PSYC2300	Adolescents at Risk	3
		16			16

Junior Year

Fall Semester		Credit Hours	Spring Semester		Credit Hours
PSYC2603	Brain & Behavior	3	PSYC2107	Experimental Social Psychology	3
PSYC2203	Understanding Diversity	3	PSYC3305	Group Counseling	3
MATH2200	Statistics	3	PSYC3903	Psychology Internship II and Seminar or	3
PSYC3902	Psychology Internship I and Seminar	3		Social Science Elective
PSYC3200	Psychology of Family	3	PSYC4005	Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences with Lab	4
PSYC2808	Psychological Tests and Measures	3	PSYC3300	Addictions Counseling or	3
			PSYC4306	Counseling Theory and Practice  or
			PSYC4301	Counseling  Children
		18			16

Senior Year

Fall Semester		Credit Hours	Spring Semester		Credit Hours
PSYC3100	Cognitive Psychology	3	PSYC4902	Psychology Honors Practicum	9
PSYC3402	Child Psychopathology	3	PSYC4600	Senior Seminar in Psychology	3
ENGL2003	Public Speaking	3
EXSC3205	Drugs and Society	3
	Open Elective	3
		15			12
				Total Credits:	125

At the conclusion of the sophomore year, students are invited to apply for honors track in the Psychology degree program. Applicants must submit a letter of intention, a letter of reference from instructors outside of the Department of Teacher Education and Family Studies, a degree audit indicating a cumulative GPA of 2.5 overall and 3.0 in courses within the major (non-general education). Upon review of these materials, the student may be invited by the faculty of the Department of Teacher Education and Family Studies to enroll in the honors program. At the end of the Junior year, students will be reassessed, and only those who have retained their 3.0 G.P.A. in the major will be invited to continue in the honors program. Those who successfully complete PSYC4902 will graduate with “distinction in Psychology.”

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ENGL2003 Public Speaking 3 cr.

This course gives students training in the preparation of well-organized speeches, techniques for gaining and holding an audience, and methods to increase student confidence and poise. Students develop the skills to communicate effectively with others through practical experience in formal and semiformal speaking situations. Prerequisite: ENGL1001.

MATH2200 Statistics 3 cr.

An introductory course for students having backgrounds limited to precalculus mathematics. Areas treated are statistical methods, sampling, probability, frequency distributions, estimations, correlation and tests of significance. Prerequisite:  C or better in MATH1200 or appropriate placement score.

PSYC1001 Introduction to Psychology 3 cr.

An introduction to the basic concepts and fundamental principles of human behavior using the historical background of psychology as a foundation, and present theory and research as a tool to explore principles of learning, human development motivation, stress, personality, interpersonal skills and mental health.

PSYC1003 Basic Concepts and Principles in Applied Behavior Analysis 3 cr.

This course is the first in a three-course sequence that, when successfully completed in conjunction with specific fieldwork requirements, prepares the participant to sit for national board certification examination at the associates level in applied behavior analysis (BCABA). The course will provide an introduction to the basic concepts and principles of applied behavior analysis, along with a discussion of some of the ethical standards within the field.

PSYC1013 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 6 cr.

This practicum is designed to provide students with the supervised independent fieldwork to meet the experience requirements that, in conjunction with the ABA course sequence, will allow the student to sit for board certification as an associate behavior analyst (BCABA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students are placed with an agency that provides ABA services where they will work approximately 24 hours a week over a 14 week semester. As part of the practicum, the student will attend a group supervision session on campus every other week and be observed by an individual supervisor at their practicum site on the alternate weeks. An additional fee of $1,000 will be charged for this course.

PSYC1107 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.

This course will emphasize the biological, psychosocial, cognitive, sexual, cultural, and moral development of the individual from conception through old age. The theories of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kubler-Ross and other prominent psychologists will be applied to specific problems in the developmental process.

PSYC2001 Psychology of Adjustment 3 cr.

Discusses circumstances everyone faces, from birth to death. Topics include loneliness and love, turning points, friendship, human sexuality, marriage lifestyles, and the process of aging and death.

PSYC2002 Psychology of Personality 3 cr.

Major theoretical approaches to understanding personality including psychodynamic, humanistic, and cognitive as well as the less traditional Gestalt and Reichian approaches are critically examined. Theoretical material will be applied to real-life experiences in a variety of experiential formats. Prerequisite: PSYC1001.

PSYC2003 Behavioral Assessment & Data Collection Display and Interpretation 3 cr.

This course is the second in a three-course sequence that, when successfully completed in conjunction with specific fieldwork requirements, prepares the participant to sit for national board certification examination at the associates level in applied behavior analysis (BCABA). The course will teach the student how to conduct descriptive behavioral assessments, and how to display and interpret data in single-subject designs. Prerequisite: PSYC1003.

PSYC2013 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 6 cr.

This practicum is designed to provide students with the supervised independent fieldwork to meet the experience requirements that, in conjunction with the ABA course sequence, will allow the student to sit for board certification as an associate behavior analyst (BCABA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students are placed with an agency that provides ABA services where they will work approximately 24 hours a week over a 14 week semester. As part of the practicum, the student will attend a group supervision session on campus every other week and be observed by an individual supervisor at their practicum site on the alternate weeks. An additional fee of $1,000 will be charged for this course.

PSYC2203 Understanding Diversity 3 cr.

In the United States, the rapidly changing demographics of the population have increased cultural diversity at all levels in all segments of society. The course will incorporate discussion of gender, socioeconomic status, religion, race, and ethnicity, as they affect various aspects of interpersonal interactions. Students will work “from the inside-out”, learning to recognize the impact of their own cultures on their existing world views, and then comparing their cultural assumptions to those of people from other groups with the goal of developing more positive relations across cultures. Prerequisite: PSYC1001 or SOCI1001

PSYC2300 Adolescents At-Risk 3 cr.

Theories of adolescent psychosexual, psychosocial, cognitive and biological development will be presented.  The application of these theories and issues to understanding delinquency and drug abuse during adolescence will be discussed along with the reading of the pertinent psychological literature in these areas.  Prerequisite:  PSYC1002 or PSYC1107.

PSYC2505 Community Systems and Intervention

(students who need this course should take PSYC2808 Psychological Tests and Measures)

PSYC2808 Psychological Tests and Measures 3 cr.

This course provides an introduction to the uses of psychological tests and to the techniques of test construction and evaluation.  Topics include:  a survey of common tests in the areas of general classification, differential testing of abilities and measurement of personality characteristics.  Prerequisites:  PSYC1001 and MATH1200.

PSYC2603 Brain and Behavior 3 cr.

This survey course examines how biological factors influence behavior. Topics include organization of the brain, how the nervous system works, how body chemistry affects emotions, and genetic/temperament factors. These topics are applied to normal and abnormal behavior such as learning disabilities, sexuality and psychotic disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC1001 and any TWO of the following:  BIOL1001, BIOL1002 , BIOL2503, BIOL2504, BIOL1005, BIOL1006.

PSYC3003 Strategies for Changing Behavior 3 cr.

This course is the third in a three-course sequence that, when successfully completed in conjunction with specific fieldwork requirements, prepares the participant to sit for national board certification examination at the associates level in applied behavior analysis (BCABA). This course will review methodologies used to design ethical and effective behavior analytic interventions. Prerequisites: PSYC1003 and PSYC2003.

PSYC3013 Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis 6 cr.

This practicum is designed to provide students with the supervised independent fieldwork to meet the experience requirements that, in conjunction with the ABA course sequence, will allow the student to sit for board certification as an associate behavior analyst (BCABA) through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Students are placed with an agency that provides ABA services where they will work approximately 24 hours a week over a 14 week semester. As part of the practicum, the student will attend a group supervision session on campus every other week and be observed by an individual supervisor at their practicum site on the alternate weeks. An additional fee of $1,000 will be charged for this course.

PSYC3200 Psychology of Family 3 cr.

This course surveys psychological issues related to the family. Family is defined to include diverse forms. Current theory and research are applied to topics such as partner selection, roles and relationships, stress and coping, domestic violence, and addictions. Prerequisite: PSYC1001.

PSYC3305 Group Counseling 3 cr.

This course will expose students to the theories and techniques of working with clients in groups. The course will focus on group work as a method, and its relationship to other counseling techniques. Students will gain theoretical and experiential knowledge of group process, including leadership, membership, developmental stages, and types of groups. Prerequisite: Must be taken concurrently or subsequent to PSYC2002 and PSYC3400 or PSYC3402.

PSYC3400 Abnormal Psychology 3 cr.

This course studies important issues in mental/health illness. Problems in defining abnormality are discussed. Biological, psychodynamic, behavioral and family systems are examined. The wide spectrum of abnormal behavior from mild to severe as well as current trends in the treatment of these disorders, are discussed. This course may include field trips. Prerequisite: PSYC1001.

PSYC3402 Child Psychopathology 3 cr.

The goal of this course is to examine psychological theory, research and practice as it relates to the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of psychological disorder of children. Prominent theories of developmental psychopathology will be integrated with current research in the child behavior disorders. Specific topics to be covered include attention-deficit disorder, conduct problems, fears and phobias, depression, autism and childhood-onset schizophrenia, eating disorders, sleep disorders, and elimination disorders. Prerequisites: PSYC1001 and PSYC1002 or PSYC1107.

PSYC4001 Research Methods

Students who need this course should take PSYC4005

PSYC4005 Research Methods in Behavioral Sciences with Lab 4 cr.

This course provides an introduction to the major research methods in the behavioral sciences, to include survey, experimental and field research.  The logic, design and execution of the research process are considered with concern for elementary analysis of data.  Laboratory exercises in data analysis and interpretation will include introduction to SPSS.  Prerequisites:  PSYC2107

PSYC4306 Counseling Theory and Practice 3 cr.

This course offers an overview of several contemporary theoretical models of helping, and covers the skill needed to begin professional interviewing and counseling. Ethics and multicultural understanding are emphasized. Prerequisites: PSYC3004, and PSYC3400 or PSYC3402.

PSYC4600 Senior Seminar in Psychology 3 cr.

This is a capstone course requiring students to engage in an in-depth examination of a psychological issue. The student will carry out an original research project, provide an educational presentation, and produce a career portfolio. Prerequisites: PSYC4007

PSYC4902 Psychology Honors Practicum 9 cr.

Students will engage in a minimum of 420 hours of supervised practicum at an advanced level, in professional settings geared toward individual student interests. Practicum students are required to engage in 35-40 hours of professional service per week, for minimum of 12 weeks. Students will be assigned to site supervisors and specific experiences will be tailored to individual interests. Students will complete a portfolio related to their experience, and will present a formal case study or empirical study to the Department of Teacher Education and Family studies upon completion of practicum hours. Students are expected to meet with the field placement coordinator for a minimum of 1 hour every two weeks. On site supervision is provided more frequently.

PSYC1002 Developmental Child Psychology 3 cr.

This course examines the major child development theories and research; their practical implications for parents, educators, and child care workers. Physical, cognitive, language, social personality, and moral development from conception through middle childhood are the focus of this course. Current issues such as the working parent, child abuse, divorce, etc. are explored and discussed.

-OR-

PSYC1107 Human Growth and Development 3 cr.

This course will emphasize the biological, psychosocial, cognitive, sexual, cultural, and moral development of the individual from conception through old age. The theories of Freud, Erikson, Piaget, Kohlberg, Kubler-Ross and other prominent psychologists will be applied to specific problems in the developmental process.

BIOL1001 Biology I 4 cr.

Fundamental principles of biology are studied at the molecular and cellular levels. Topics covered include the chemistry of macromolecules, molecular biology, cell biology, genetics, and the evolutionary process. Concepts covered in lecture will be applied in a required laboratory section. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-Veterinary concentration.

BIOL1002 Biology II 4 cr.

A course study in levels of organization from tissues to populations. Particular attention is paid to organ systems and mechanism of action. The themes of regulation, homeostasis, and diversity thread through the subject matter. The course will culminate by focusing on the interdependency of life at the most complex level of biological organization – the ecosystem. Concepts covered in lecture will be applied in a required laboratory section. A grade of C or better is required for graduation in the Pre-Veterinary concentration.

-OR-

BIOL2503 Anatomy and Physiology I 4 cr.

A beginning course in the study of the human body with equal emphasis placed on structure and function. Specimen dissection is an integral requirement for both semesters. The first semester deals with the groundwork of the mammalian body, basic tissue types, fundamental aspects of the cell membrane structure and physiology, integumentary, skeletal and neuromuscular systems.  Lab required.

BIOL2504 Anatomy and Physiology II 4 cr.

A continuation of BIOL2503, examining the cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, endocrine and urogenital systems. The lab experience will allow the student to examine appropriate specimens relating to the systems presented in lecture.