Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Psychology

Program

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 in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 5 weeks of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

The prospective student must also complete the university administered placement tests within the first quarter of attendance. 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 1.49 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 SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 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.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official or unofficial), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). 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.

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 1.5 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 1.5 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 a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 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 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 psychology and core psychological concepts (Behavioral Health, Human Development, Behavioral Neuroscience and Social/Organizational) emphasizing critical thinking and scientific inquiry.  Graduates will be knowledgeable and compassionate advocates prepared to seek entry-level positions in psychology or a graduate degree in the behavioral sciences.

 

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students will: 

  1. Identify major theories and content areas comprising the foundation of Psychology.
  2. Identify cultural factors impacting the field of Psychology according to historical and current issues.
  3. Apply the principles of scientific methodology according to human, social, and applied context.
  4. Communicate psychological concepts using APA style, consistent with writing in the field.
  5. Explain the connection between theory, concepts, research, and clinical application in the field for current and emerging issues.
  6. Appraise professional growth in the field of Psychology including The Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits 

Professional Development 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

This course equips students with the essential tools for success in both academic and professional environments. Through the identification of academic resources and the development of resiliency skills, students will gain strategies to overcome challenges and achieve long-term goals. The course also highlights the role of critical thinking as a cornerstone for decision-making and goal attainment, preparing students to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes with confidence and integrity.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Basic Communications 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, writing, and revising essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, exploring types of essays, developing effective writing styles, voices, and procedures, and gaining insight on personal growth as a writer. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Professional Communication for Diverse Populations will explore the complexities of intercultural communication by exploring obstacles affecting intercultural communication, understanding the relationship between communication and various cultures, comparing intercultural communication dynamics, and learning about communication theories and models in diverse contexts. Additionally, students will develop ethical and culturally competent communication skills to engage effectively in our interconnected world.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Mathematics and Statistics 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

Natural Sciences

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

This course explores environmental stewardship and policy, focusing on power structures and their impact on ecosystems. Students analyze how policies and individual actions affect public health and safety globally and locally. Students will also examine challenges to improving environmental outcomes and compare different solutions to ecological issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in environmental discussions and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts and their applications.  Students will explore essential terminology, the scientific method, atomic structure, chemical kinetics, and radioactivity, while learning  how to classify matter, understand ideal gas law relationships, and identify acids, bases, and salts. Students will gain a solid foundation in chemistry, preparing them for further scientific studies.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

Arts and Humanities 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

This interdisciplinary course explores the relationship between social identity, individual perception, and social institutions in shaping the self and influencing how we engage with others. Students will define key concepts related to social identity and social responsibility, analyze how social institutions affect individual and collective perceptions, and develop strategies for promoting cultural humility and social responsibility. Through critical reflection and discussion, students will gain a deeper understanding of how social structures and personal experiences intersect to influence ways of seeing the world.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4.00

Social and Behavioral Sciences 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12.00

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

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8.00

Area II Foundational Requirements: 32 Credits 

Elective Pool (Eight courses or 32 credit hours)

Sub-Total Quarter Credits
32.00

Area III Major Requirements: 84 Credits 

Core: 36 Credits 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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).

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
36.00

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
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Behavioral Neuroscience 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Human Development 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Social/Organizational 

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Capstone (choose one, 4 credit hours)

Course Code
Title
Quarter 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.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
44.00
Total Credits
180