Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Psychology

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Program
Psychology

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent (e.g. GED with no single test score below 145 or numeric score equivalent to 2.0 on old version or state-issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a High School Diploma) with a minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests prior to the start of the first quarter for campus students and during the first session of attendance for online students. South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service.  Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the old SAT, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a copy of the high school diploma, high school transcript (official or unofficial), GED certificate, or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC) or a state- issued certificate designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma. In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores or state-issued certificates designated as the equivalent of a high school diploma.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Conditional Acceptance

Students may be conditionally accepted by submitting unofficial copies of documentation required for the admission requirements. Conditional acceptance is allowed for 5 weeks beyond the start of the student’s first session. Failure to provide acceptable, official documentation, as stated in the admissions requirements, within 5 weeks from the start date will result in the following:

  • Removal from class
  • Cancelation of enrollment
  • No final course grades
  • No transcript

Students who do not provide acceptable documents for full, unconditional acceptance within the 5 week period will not be responsible for tuition and related fees. South University may grant exceptions to the 5 week period for unusual situations or circumstances. All exceptions must be submitted to the Office of the University Registrar for approval.

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion.

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 2.00 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) must be received within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance), and who are not required to take ENG0099 and/or MAT0099, will be exempt from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success. Students will select another 4 credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements.

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with less than a 2.0 GPA may be admitted provisionally for two quarters.  Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here. 

Offered at Atlanta, Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach.

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information. 

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree program is designed to provide students with a broad background in general education, and to provide initial training and quality instruction for students wishing to seek entry-level positions in psychology or a graduate degree in the behavioral sciences upon graduation.  

Psychology (BA)

Graduates will be able to: 

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of the major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of psychology.
  2. Actively engage in the process of critically evaluating concepts, theories, research, and applications in the field.
  3. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
  4. Develop effective verbal and written communication skills necessary in the field. Specifically, students will demonstrate an ability to write and present psychological concepts including an ability to communicate clearly and effectively using APA style.
  5. Apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
  6. Demonstrate awareness and understanding of current and future professional issues in the field of psychology including an understanding of The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.
  7. Demonstrate an understanding and articulate a need for continued professional growth in the field.
  8. Understand and articulate the connection between theory, concepts, research and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits 

Professional Development 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Designed to help entering students develop a more effective approach to college success, this course emphasizes positive self-evaluation, goal-setting and motivation; practical skills of successful students; effective use of the library and the many sources of information available; and the concepts and tools of critical thinking, and their applications.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Basic Communications 

Course Code
Title
Credits
Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, researching and writing essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, writing styles and voices, types of essay and on effective writing procedures. Selected readings supplement the course and provide topics for discussion and writing assignments. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Mathematics and Statistics 

Course Code
Title
Credits
The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

Natural Sciences (choose two)

Course Code
Title
Credits
6
6

Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Credits : 4

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Principles of Biology II is the second course in a two course sequence in biology. This course continues the study of human biology with the role of endocrine and nervous systems in homeostatic regulation. Other topics covered are human reproduction, development, evolution, and advanced genetics. Ecological concepts are also discussed. The student will complete writing assignments that serve to increase knowledge of the scientific literature.

Credits : 4

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CHM1010 is a survey course of general chemistry, organic chemistry and biochemistry. Fundamental concepts and principles will be presented including atomic theory, bonding, nomenclature, solutions, acids and bases, and an introduction to organic chemistry and biochemistry. Emphasis will be placed on the application of these topics in various health fields. This overview provides the health-care worker the ability to appreciate physiological and therapeutic processes at the molecular level. The course will also explore the role of chemistry in society today by applying a problem-solving approach to understanding chemistry.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8-12
Note(s):

*NOTE: If a Psychology (BA) student chooses to take an Anatomy and Physiology course, only BIO1011 and BIO1013 satisfy the Natural Sciences requirement. Students enrolling in either course must, however, also take the related co-requisite lab courses: BIO1012 and BIO1014 respectively. Students electing this option for their Natural Sciences requirement will complete 184 credit hours of work for their degree, depending on their exact choice.

Arts and Humanities 

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course introduces the study of human social development, social organizations and social institutions by looking at our own self as the investigated or member of the society. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine themselves around the development of self-concept, group dynamics, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education. Through open discussion of current societal events, students will explore the constructs and consequences of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Credits

Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Credits : 4

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Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores contemporary viewpoints as expressed by select film screenings from the Criterion Collection through Alexander Street Press (subscription held by South University), which can range from the crusading pastiche by Ingmar Bergman's The Seventh Seal (1957) to the sardonic humor of Monty Python's Life of Brian (1979) and even the postmodern and magical realism of Being John Malkovich (1999). Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between intellectual history and cultures across flexible time stamps. Further, this course is designed to provide a foundation for future film study; exposure to a wide range of cinematic styles and approaches; and to move the student from a passive observer toward a critical, active "reader" of film. Students will learn the elements of cinematic language (including narrative, mise-en-scene, cinematography, acting, editing, and sound) and will use that knowledge to analyze the way filmmakers convey information, story, and meaning, develop style, and elicit audience response within a single scene and over the course of an entire feature film. Students should be aware that that the films they will watch will hold a variety of ratings, from G to R, and that some films will contain scenes with sexual and violent content.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Credits : 4

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This course surveys historical and contemporary world religions and religious movements from ancient to modern times. It will present the basic tenets of the belief systems of major religions and religious movements. The course will further ground the study of world religions in a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that influenced religious thought. This course retains a commitment to teaching religious studies as the secular study of beliefs, behaviors, and institutions in a manner that emphasizes systematic inquiry and cross-cultural perspectives.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
4

Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Course Code
Title
Credits

This course introduces students to the American Government. By examining the struggle for power-the participants, the stakes, the processes, and the institutional arenas — this course introduces the students to the political struggles that drive democracy.

Credits : 4

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An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
12

General Education Elective (choose two courses not fulfilled in the above categories):

Course Code
Title
Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Credits : 4

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In this course students write analytical and critical essays about fiction, drama, and poetry. Emphasis is placed on literal and figurative interpretations, structural analysis, and variations in thematic and critical reading approaches. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Credits : 4

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Organized by period, genre and theme, this course explores global viewpoints as expressed in novels, poems, plays, short fiction, and philosophical and theological works from the period of the late 17th century to the present day. Parallels and contrasts will be drawn between cultures and across time.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course covers main themes of American history from the country's beginnings until the end of the reconstruction period following the Civil War. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course covers main themes of American history from reconstruction to the present day. The concepts, chief actors, and major events of this period of time will be studied, and the student will analyze the historic concepts of cultural expansion and development found in the history of America. The process of national growth required by foreign and domestic influences will also be examined.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course is a history of art from the prehistoric/tribal period through the Middle Ages. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the historical, social, and cultural influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course is a history of art from the Renaissance to present day. The concepts, historical themes, and social/cultural influences on the art and architecture of the periods will be studied. Students will analyze the formal elements of each period style, as well as the external themes and influences that shaped art at various point in history and across cultures.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course covers the major themes and events in world history from prehistoric times to 1500. The course will focus on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course covers the major themes and events in world history from 1500 to the present. The course focuses on history from a variety of perspectives: social, cultural interactions, environmental, political, economic, and the people and events that shaped our world's history. Various themes that appear across time will be explored from the perspective that all cultures and all events are influenced by the interactions with other peoples, geography, and the environment; and in turn these events influence and shape future events.

Credits : 4

View Full Course

This course introduces students to philosophical thinking. Students will confront fundamental questions of self and identity, of freedom and determinism, of belief and truth, and of ethics and morality. Critical thinking activities will challenge students to incorporate philosophy into their personal and professional lives by applying the questions of philosophy to themselves and their world.

Credits : 4

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This course exposes the student to social problems in the United States and globally. The student will learn the structural causes of social problems, the role that race/ethnicity, gender, and class play in social inequalities and the position the United States holds with respect to global social problems. Topics may include economic problems, environmental issues, problems of social inequality, deviance, and institutional problems. The student will also learn how to develop solutions to social problems.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
8

Area II Foundational Requirements: 32 Credits 

Elective Pool (Eight courses or 32 credit hours)

Transfer students may transfer any course to help fulfill the elective pool requirements, provided the course meets the standards of the Credit for Transcripted and Non-transcripted Work policy found in the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

Non-transfer students, with their advisor's consultation and approval may choose courses from any department recommended and listed course or more broadly from any course offered by South University. Work from other fields must include any required prerequisite courses in the elective field.

A course can be used to meet only one requirement in Area I, Area II, or Area III, but not simultaneously in two areas. Students should work with their academic advisor or counselor to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Sub-Total Credits
32

Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits 

Core: 36 Credits 

Course Code
Title
Credits
An investigation of the methodological principles regarding behavioral science research, descriptive and inferential techniques, and the process of using these techniques for psychological experimentation and data analysis.

Credits : 4

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A survey of psychological disorders, contrasting theoretical views and representative research investigating these disorders. A concentration on classification, etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorders.

Credits : 4

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In Human Growth and Development, students will learn the normal developmental stages of the human life cycle. The stages of human development will be examined within the context of the biological, psychological, sociological, intellectual and emotional processes. Relevant cross-cultural comparisons are used to illustrate the unity and diversity of human life.

Credits : 4

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A survey of the major and modern theories in psychology through an examination of historical controversies. An understanding of the roots of psychology in natural and social sciences. A consideration of the diversity of psychological study and the future of psychology.

Credits : 4

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Research design and methodology. An analysis of the approaches to developing, understanding, and interpreting psychological phenomena. Topics include experimental vs. non-experimental research such as survey, observation, case study, and archival data. An understanding of reliability, validity, and experimental control issues.

Credits : 4

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Historical and current perspectives regarding the examination of human attention, language, vision, memory, and other forms of information processing (e.g., decision-making).

Credits : 4

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The study of intrapersonal and interpersonal processes such as conformity, social perception, attribution theory, altruism, aggression, prejudice, persuasion, group dynamics, self-concept and self-esteem.

Credits : 4

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A study of the biological mechanisms of behavior in psychology. Topics include the development of the brain, brain-behavior relationships, hormones and sexual behavior, the biology of learning, memory, and mental disorders. Emphasis will be placed on human findings and applications

Credits : 4

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The major theoretical perspectives of personality development, structure, dynamics, assessment, and psychological adjustment. Additional topics include consideration of biological and environmental indices of personality.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
36

Major Curriculum: 44 Credits 

Students must take one course within each of the four areas below (16 credit hours) plus an additional 28 credit hours (7 courses) from any area below. Students should work with their academic counselor or program director to be sure they are making appropriate course choices.

Behavioral Health 

Course Code
Title
Credits
A theoretical, conceptual, and practical overview of internal and external determinants of addictive behaviors across the lifespan. Assessment and treatment approaches will be discussed along with issues influencing recidivism.

Credits : 4

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The examination of psychological conditions according to varied populations including gender, ethnicity, religion, geography, culture, age, sexual orientation, physical disability, education, and social class. This course is meant to expose students to the impact of these contexts on the intra- and interpersonal psychosocial framework for individuals across development.

Credits : 4

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An introduction to the field of abnormal child psychology and the associated major theories. Students will be exposed to the pathogenic process (i.e., developmental sequence) of psychological disorders from early childhood to late adolescence. A major goal of the course it to promote critical thinking on major issues such as the genetic, biological, and environmental influences on behavior, emotions, and personality in conjunction with associated assessment, diagnostic, and treatment procedures.

Credits : 4

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A survey and focus on the theoretical, conceptual, and practical application of counseling regarding assessment, treatment, diagnostic, and ethical issues in Professional Counseling. Students will gain an understanding of contemporary assessment and interview techniques for mental health disorders and the array of specialties in the counseling profession.

Credits : 4

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This course will examine the theoretical, conceptual, and practical applications of psychology regarding assessment, treatment, diagnostics, and ethical issues in the field of clinical psychology. Students will gain an understanding of the contemporary assessment and interview techniques for mental health disorders and the subspecialties within clinical psychology.

Credits : 4

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This course examines the major, minor, and associated categories of anxiety and mood disorders and the dynamic interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors in the development, course, and outcome of each of these disorders. Of specific focus are the etiology, prevalence rates, course, duration, assessment, diagnosis, and treatments related to each of the anxiety and mood disorders. Attention also will be drawn to the observed developmental differences and the relative contributions of research within these fields of study. Lastly, students will learn about ongoing changes in categorization, including emerging ideas about the "spectrum" disorders.

Credits : 4

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Behavioral Neuroscience 

Course Code
Title
Credits
An understanding of the manner in which humans perceive and respond to internal and external stimuli. Areas of study include vision, audition, chemical, tactile, and proprioceptive senses, receptor mechanisms, psychophysical methods and perceptual phenomena.

Credits : 4

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The examination of human motives and the impact of emotion on the decision-making process. Consideration of primary and secondary motivators regarding theoretical and practical application for reward, punishment, and avoidance scenarios.

Credits : 4

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This course will address multivariate research design and methodology. Students will be exposed to an analysis of the approaches to developing, understanding, and interpreting multivariate psychological phenomena. The primary topics will include MANOVA, MANCOVA, multiple regression, logistic regression. Additional areas will include a concentration on an understanding of reliability, validity, and experimental control issues.

Credits : 4

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To provide a comprehensive introduction to the theories and basic processes relevant to learning and behavior, with an emphasis on associative learning (classical and instrumental conditioning). We will discuss how these theories contain applicability to real world phenomena, such as training our pets, raising our children, treating mental illness, and treating drug addiction. In addition, you will gain exposure to the scientific method as well as improve your critical thinking skills through reading and critiquing scholarly work.

Credits : 4

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This course will emphasize familiarity with the basic anatomy and physiology of the human nervous system and its control of physical functions as well as cognitive and motor behaviors. By the very nature of the subject matter, the course requires learning the terminology that is typically used to describe components of the nervous system. In addition, students will learn to identify the components of the nervous system and their function. Much of this information is provided in the textbook, but lectures will provide important supplemental information. The course will also review the effects of pathology and injury to the nervous system on motor function, sensation, cognition and emotion.

Credits : 4

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An exploration of the evolution and function of cognition across species. Topics include perception, attention, learning, tool use, categorization, decision making, memory, and language. By studying animal behavior, students will appreciate what makes humans unique. Material will be drawn from the fields of zoology, evolutionary biology, psychology, and neuroscience

Credits : 4

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The nervous system uses a very precise system of neurochemical messengers to produce all aspects of sensation, perception, feelings, emotions, motivation, movement, and conscious experience. This course will address the role of neurochemicals in normal brain functioning and also describe how drugs are used to treat neurological and psychological disorders. Drug abuse and toxicology will also be discussed.

Credits : 4

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Human Development 

Course Code
Title
Credits
An understanding of the major developmental theories associated with childhood (age 3) through adolescence (age 21). The primary areas of exploration include cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and emotional systems in addition to contextual approaches involved in understanding these systems.

Credits : 4

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An understanding of the major developmental theories associated with adulthood (ages 18 through 65). The primary areas of exploration include cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, and emotional systems in addition to the contextual approaches (i.e., typical life tasks) involved in understanding these systems

Credits : 4

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An understanding of the major developmental theories associated with late adulthood (age 65 and older). The primary areas of exploration include death and dying, cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, physical, emotional systems in addition to the contextual approaches (e.g., family dynamics, leisure, retirement, bereavement) involved in understanding these systems.

Credits : 4

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A survey and understanding of the application of psychological testing and measurement techniques, including self-report, interview, observation, and collateral information. The importance of test construction, utilization, and the psychometric background of tests will be considered for intellectual, emotional, behavioral, and personality applications. The course also will involve the ethical and pragmatic considerations involved with testing and measurement according to developmental level.

Credits : 4

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A biopsychosocial understanding of the determinants of human sexual behavior. Developmental views of normal and abnormal sexual behavior, treatment, and cultural influences will also be highlighted.

Credits : 4

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A historical and contemporary examination of the psychological issues of gender from a social, emotional, personality, physiologic, geographic, and cultural perspective. Specific topics will include career development, marriage, family, sex role development and expectations, role conflict, achievement, and sexuality.

Credits : 4

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Social/Organizational 

Course Code
Title
Credits
A historical and contemporary examination of the psychological influences of the media. Consideration of the local, regional, national, and international influences of varied information sources including television, the Internet, print media, electronic communication devices, and radio within a developmental context.

Credits : 4

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An investigation of the major theories, strategies, and methods of understanding the psychological contributions to human health and disease. The psychological approaches to treating and preventing disease and unintentional injuries with a focus on health and safety promotion.

Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to forensic psychology, which lies at the intersection between psychology and the justice system, and the fundamental legal principles and jurisdictional considerations involved therein. Topics will focus on the various responsibilities afforded to forensic psychologists, including competency evaluations for criminal defendants, child custody evaluations, threat assessments for schools, competency evaluations for the elderly, screening and selection of law enforcement applicants, assessment of post-traumatic disorder, and the delivery and assessment of intervention and treatment programs for juvenile and adult offenders. Lastly, as forensic psychologists must possess the ability to testify in court as an expert witness, the course will address how to reformulate psychological findings into the legal language of the courtroom.

Credits : 4

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An examination of the contemporary issues in psychology regarding religious beliefs, values, experience, and practice. Additional topics include psychosocial comparisons of major religions, religious development, and the connection between religion and health-promotion.

Credits : 4

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Industrial/organizational (I/O) psychology is an applied discipline of psychology that specializes in the theory and application of psychological principles to understanding behavior in the workplace and within organizations. This course examines the main aspects of I/O psychology including job analysis, training, performance, organizational culture and dynamics, leadership, worker satisfaction, improving the workplace environment, group behavior and conflict in the work place.

Credits : 4

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This course will examine the topic of psychometrics in reference to testing and assessment via paper and electronic surveys. Students will be exposed to the essential factors involved with survey design and research according to the current and future demands of social and occupational settings.

Credits : 4

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Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)

Course Code
Title
Credits
This field placement is designed to provide psychology majors with a shadowing experience that exposes them to the practice of psychology and other human services professions. Students are required to spend a minimum of 10 hours per week at the field placement site, a site that the student will secure and the field practicum instructor must approve. In addition, students are required to participate in one and a half hours of weekly group supervision with the field practicum instructor and other students who are engaged in the field placement experience. Finally, students are required to participate fully in the didactic component of the course. The global aims of the field placement experience are for students to see the work of professionals first hand, integrate prior coursework with their field placement observations, and to gain insight into whether they are interested in pursuing a career in one of these areas.

Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Credits
44
Total Credits
180