Psychology Courses (PSY)

PSY 2200 - Introduction to Psychology (3)

A survey of the basic theories, concepts, principles, and research findings in the field of psychology.

PSY 2201 - Honors General Psychology (3)

A survey of the basic theories, concepts, principles, and research findings in the field of psychology.

PSY 2205 - Psychology of Adjustment (3)

A course in mental health, designed to assist the individual in making a good adjustment to the changing requirements of the environment.

PSY 2210 - Developmental Psychology (3)

A study of human development across the life-span with emphasis on psychosocial, physical, emotional, and cognitive changes.

PSY 2230 - Orientation to the Psychology Major (3)

Introduction to the language of psychology, APA writing style, and library research. Also includes an over view of career paths in psychology.

PSY 3301 - Basic Statistics (3)

An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistical concepts, methods, and tools. Topics to be covered include basic terminology, measurement, data description, probability, hypothesis testing, and inferential tests (parametric and non-parametric). May be used for Sociology credit. Prerequisite: MTH 1110 or higher, with a grade of C or above.

PSY 3304 - Abnormal Psychology (3)

The study of mental disorders emphasizing their etiology, classification and amelioration as described in the current classification system of the American Psychiatric Association.

PSY 3309 - Advanced Statistics (3)

Advanced quantitative methods in psychology. Topics include linear regression, analysis of variance, non-parametric techniques, estimation procedures, individual and multiple comparisons, and experimental design. Prerequisite: PSY 3301.

PSY 3310 - Sensation and Perception (3)

A study of how sensory information helps both the human species and other animals to thrive. Exploration of the senses including their physiological makeup, development and functioning. Theoretical and empirical foundations of perception and the applications of perceptual knowledge are emphasized. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology and sophomore standing or above.

PSY 3311 - Research Methods (3)

An introduction to the design, analysis, and interpretation of behavioral research, including strategies for reviewing scientific literature and organizing a research report. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and PSY 3301.

PSY 3312 - Psychology of Women (3)

The study of women's experience and gender issues in the context of psychological theory and research.

PSY 3315 - Cultural and Diversity Psychology (3)

This course is a theoretical and empirical analysis of how culture is connected to human behavior. Global cultural differences and perspectives will be discussed including research studies, theory, and comparative analyses (i.e. Eastern vs. Western comparative analyses). Discussions will include human behavior across different countries, the evolution of culture, self and personality, mental and physical health, and living in multicultural worlds. Diversity topics will cover such issues as gender, ethnicity, classism, disability, worldviews, and role constructions. Diversity discussions will include stereotypes, biases, ageism, ableism, and gender role development. Sexual orientation and evolving cultural laws will be examined.

PSY 3316 - Mixed Methods Research (3)

This course examines the advantages and techniques of mixing quantitative research methods in order to answer scientific questions within the field of psychology and other related fields. By learning how to integrate qualitative methodologies, when appropriate, students should gain an understanding that research should be guided by the questions we want to answer and not limited by the methodologies we prefer. Students will learn techniques for collecting, analyzing, integrating, interpreting, and reporting data from mixed methods research. Prerequisites: PSY 3301.

PSY 3317 - Ethics in Research and Practice (3)

This course introduces the student to ethical practices in psychology by focusing on the underlying principles of the 80+ standards of the APA Ethics Code. The course begins by covering the basics of the APA Ethics Code, including a brief history and an overview of general concepts. Next, it explores the four ethical concepts applicable to all psychologists: competence, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, avoiding harm and exploitation. Finally, it relates these key concepts to specific situations, including assessment, treatment, research and publication, and teaching and supervision.

PSY 3320 - Child Psychology (3)

The development of children from conception to puberty. Includes physical, cognitive, perceptual, language, social and emotional development.

PSY 3322 - Abnormal Child Psychology (3)

A study of theories, research, etiology, assessment and diagnosis of mental disorders first seen in childhood or adolescence as defined by the current edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Includes such disorders as ADHD, conduct problems, anxiety, mood, mental retardation, and autism.

PSY 3325 - Adolescent Psychology (3)

Adolescents from puberty to early adulthood. Includes physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality development in cultural context.

PSY 3330 - Health Psychology (3)

This course studies the science that connects behavior to health, including psychological processes and the relationship between health and human behavior.

PSY 3332 - Family Violence (3)

An in-depth study of violence in families, including spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, relationship dynamics, protection services, treatment programs, legal defense strategies, and current legislation. Note: May be taken for psychology or sociology credit, but not both.

PSY 3340 - Psychology of Learning (3)

Introduction to learning and behavior in human and nonhuman animals, including fundamental principles and findings from laboratory investigations of classical, instrumental, cognitive, and social learning.

PSY 3346 - Educational Assessment (3)

This course provides a study of measurement and evaluation techniques for the classroom teacher. Emphasis will be placed on the selection, evaluation, administration, scoring and interpretation of selected measures of student performance, achievement and behavior. The student will demonstrate skills in utilizing measurement data to plan appropriate learning activities for students. Prerequisite: admission to TEP. Note: May not be used to meet the requirements for the psychology major or minor.

PSY 3351 - Theories of Learning (3)

Critical analysis of the major theories of learning, including the works of Pavlov, Thorndike, Guthrie, Tolman, Hull, Skinner, and Mowrer.

PSY 3360 - Forensic Psychology (3)

Forensic psychology is the application of the science and profession of psychology to questions and issues relating to law and the legal system. This course will introduce students to the specialty area of forensic psychology. Particular emphasis will be on applied aspects of the field. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 3365 - Human Factors Psychology (3)

Analysis of theoretical issues and research methods related to the interaction between people and machines and human performance. Topics include information processing theory, human control systems and displays, task simulation, perceptual and motor factors limiting human performance. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 3370 - Comparative Psychology (3)

This course examines the development, causal mechanisms, evolutionary history, and function of the behavior of animals, including humans.

PSY 3380 - Social Psychology (3)

A theoretical and empirical analysis of social behavior, including selected topics related to social perception, social influence, social interaction, and applied social psychology.

PSY 3385 - Evolutionary Psychology (3)

An examination of human behavior and cognition from an evolutionary perspective.

PSY 3390 - Special Topics in Psychology (3)

An examination of selected topics or issues in psychology. May be repeated for credit when course content varies. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4400 - Advanced General Psychology (3)

A comprehensive study of the discipline of psychology designed to expand the student's depth and breadth of knowledge in psychology. Prerequisite: Senior status (90 semester hours of undergraduate courses) and a minimum of 15 semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4401 - Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)

Selection, evaluation, administration, scoring, interpretation and uses of tests of intelligence, proficiency, interests, personality, aptitude and social adjustment. Prerequisite: Additional three semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4402 - Principles of Counseling (3)

Overview of major counseling theories and techniques, interviewing, assessment, professional issues and ethics, and a review of research and practical problems. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4405 - Experimental Psychology (3)

Various techniques for conducting scientific research in psychology will be discussed. Course objectives include designing and conducting an experiment as well as analyzing and reporting the results. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and PSY 3301.

PSY 4410 - Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)

Application of psychology in business and industry, including employee selection, performance appraisal, motivation, organizational psychology, consumer motivation, group structures, and personnel problems.

PSY 4420 - Physiological Dynamics of Alcohol and Other Drugs (3)

Study of physiological and psychological dynamics and resultant behavioral implications in use of alcohol and other drugs. Based on assessment of dynamics and behavior and application of diagnostic procedures using appropriate manuals and materials.

PSY 4421 - Physiological Psychology (3)

The physiological correlates of behavior will be examined, including such topics as neurotransmitters and hormones, drugs, and the biological roots of mental disorders. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and an additional three semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4430 - Intro to Substance Abuse Counseling (3)

This course provides an introduction to substance abuse counseling through studies of mind-altering substances; etiological theories of addiction; assessment interviewing and screening tests; individual, group, family, and other treatment options; relapse prevention; and community prevention programs.

PSY 4434 - Drug Education, Prevention and Intervention (3)

A study of commonly abused drugs, drug abuse prevention, and treatment techniques. Examines characteristics of people at high risk to become substance abusers/addicted.

PSY 4435 - Treatment of Addictive Family Diseases (3)

A study of typical characteristics of dysfunctional families. Provides the basis for suggested intervention techniques, appropriate areas of family education, and guidelines for effective therapy.

PSY 4436 - Treatment Theories and Modalities of Addictive Diseases (3)

A study of historical perspectives and the most effective treatment and assessment approaches of addictive diseases.

PSY 4450 - Theories of Personality (3)

Critical analysis of major theories and systems of personality. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4451 - History and Systems of Psychology (3)

Study of the development of psychology from its historical antecedents with special emphasis placed on contemporary schools and systems of psychological thought. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and Senior Status (90 semester hours of undergraduate courses).

PSY 4456 - Gerontology (3)

The study of aging. Emphasis on biomedical, psychological, and social aspects of middle and late adulthood.

PSY 4459 - Applied Behavior Analysis (3)

This course covers the characteristics of behavior analysis as well as the basics of behavior-change procedures. Students will design, plan, implement, and present a behavior-change project.

PSY 4460 - Cognitive Psychology (3)

A study of human intellectual functioning including attention, perception, memory, problem solving, reasoning and language. Prerequisite: PSY 2230 and an additional three semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4461 - Applied Behavior Analysis Field Experience (3)

Students will be provided individual supervision by an approved supervisor according to the behavior analysis certification board's (BACB) standards while engaged in the practice of applied behavior analysis. Travel to the assigned clinical site will be required. Regular and prompt attendance at the clinical site will be required. The supervisor must directly observe the student engaged in the practice of applied behavior analysis with their client at least once during every supervisory period in accordance to BACB standards. Students will engage in a variety of activities approved by the BACB such as (a) conduct behavioral assessments; (b) provide behavioral therapy to clients; (c) read related articles from the behavior analytic literature; (d) collect, graph, and analyze client and/or procedural integrity data; and (e) design and implement caregiver and/or staff training. This course may be taken for repeat credit with a different assigned client. Prerequisite: PSY 4459 AND Instructor approval.

PSY 4462 - Applied Behavior Analysis Pre-Practicum (1)

This course prepares students for participating in the applied behavior analysis practicum courses. Students must obtain liability insurance and pass a criminal background check. Students must pass a test on the ethics of working with special populations (e.g., client confidentiality). Students are required to take and pass the behavior analysis certification board's training module on experience and supervision standards. Students are required to complete 15 hours of observation of the practice of applied behavior analysis. Prerequisite: PSY 4459 AND permission of the course instructor.

PSY 4470 - Advanced Theories of Developmental Psychology (3)

Comparative study of major developmental theories from the exogenous, endogenous, and constructivist paradigms. Includes history, structural components, contributions, criticisms, evaluation, and relevant research of each theory. Prerequisite: six semester hours of psychology.

PSY 4472 - Applied Behavior Analysis Fourth to Fifth Edition Bridge Course (4)

This course allows Applied Behavior Analysis Minors who have taken one or more of Troy University's Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst (BCaBA) verified course sequence courses under the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB) Fourth Edition Standards to meet the coursework standards for the Fifth Edition. This course covers topics from the BACB Compliance Code and Disciplinary Systems, Professionalism, Measurements, Data Display and Interpretation, Experimental Design, Behavior Assessment, Behavior-Change Procedures, Selecting and Implementing Interventions, and Personnel Supervision and Management.

PSY 4474 - Evaluation of Research for the Behavioral Treatment of Individuals with Autism and Developmental Delays (3)

This course will present a behavioral view of autism and provide a brief overview of the history of behavioral treatment of autism and other developmental delays. This course will provide a brief overview of single-subject research designs and data analysis. Students will evaluate research studies that are seminal in the field of the behavioral treatment of children with autism and developmental delays in terms of (a) ethics, (b) research design, and (c) visual analysis.

PSY 4476 - Behavioral Treatment of Individuals with Autism and Developmental Delays (3)

In this course, students will identify, describe, and practice behavioral change procedures using: (a) positive and negative reinforcement, (b) positive and negative punishment, (c) shaping, (d) each type of verbal operant, (e) extinction, and (f) differential reinforcement. Students will contrast discrete-trial teaching and incidental teaching methods and practice using both. Prerequisite: PSY 4459.

PSY 4477 - Behavioral Assessment of Individuals with Autism and Developmental Delays (3)

This course prepares students to conduct behavior analytic assessments, including preference and skills-based assessments. Students will also learn to describe the common functions of problem behavior and write treatment plans based on assessment results. Prerequisite: PSY 4459.

PSY 4478 - The Behavior Analyst as a Professional and Ethical Practitioner (3)

Through a variety of topics and activities, this course will prepare the student for working in a professional setting. Topics covered include the Professional and Ethical Code for Behavior Analysts and a selection of topics from Behavior Analyst Certification Board's BCBA/BCaBA Task List. Prerequisites: PSY 4474, PSY 4477.

PSY 4480 - Senior Seminar in Psychology (3)

A capstone course designed to integrate subject matter learned in previous courses, encourage critical analysis of contemporary issues, and contemplate future educational and employment opportunities in psychology. Prerequisite: Senior standing.

PSY 4485 - Psychology Study Aboard (3)

This course examines how culture is related to human behavior. Relates major principles and theories of psychology to two or more cultures during a Study Abroad experience in a host country or countries. Prerequisites: PSY 2200 or Psychology Major or Minor.

PSY 4490 - Field Experience in Psychology—I

This course is designed to provide students majoring or minoring in psychology with practical work experience in a psychology-related work setting within an approved agency or business. Students are required to complete a minimum of 45 documented, supervised clock hours during the semester or term in which enrolled in the course (transportation not provided). This class meets once a week in a seminar format. Students are required to meet with the Field Experience instructor the semester/term prior to the class in order to secure an approved site. Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, instructor approval, and an overall institutional GPA of 3.0.

PSY 4491 - Guided Independent Research (3)

This course is designed to provide supervised research in the area of psychology. Opportunities for undergraduate research will be approved with attention to critical evaluation of research techniques, methods, and procedures. Selection of the problem must be approved by the professor under whom the study is to be conducted and the department chair or dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. Preparation of a scholarly paper and oral defense may be required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Guided independent research may be taken only in the applicant's major or minor field. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of D or below has been earned. Also see index for “Independent Study and Research.”.

PSY 4492 - Guided Independent Research (1 to 3 credit hours)

This course is designed to provide supervised research in the area of psychology. Opportunities for undergraduate research will be approved with attention to critical evaluations of research techniques, methods, and procedures. Selection of the problem must be approved by the professor under whom the study is to be conducted and the department chair or dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. Preparation of a scholarly paper and oral defense may be required. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing with a minimum overall GPA of 3.0. Guided independent research may be taken only in the applicant's major or minor field. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of D or below has been earned. Also see index for “Independent Study and Research..”

PSY 4493-94 - Guided Independent Study (1 to 3 credit hours)

Supervised study through field or laboratory projects, guided readings, creative endeavors or achievement of specific skills. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status, permission of guiding professor, approval of department chair and the dean. A written request is to be submitted to the department chair at least two weeks in advance of the term in which study is to be undertaken. May not be used to repeat a course for which a grade of D or below has been earned. Also see index for “Independent Study and Research.

PSY 4495 - Field Experience in Psychology - II

PSY 4496 - Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum I (3)

Prior to enrollment, students must have a criminal background check and professional liability insurance. Students must complete 250 hours of supervised experience delivering applied behavior analysis services in a clinical setting. Students must meet with the instructor for class, which counts as the group-supervision component. During class, students will practice delivering behavioral-analytic services. Students must meet weekly with am approved Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for individual supervision. During individual supervision, the BCBA must (a) observe the student engage in practice and (b) provide written and verbal feedback on that practice according to the BACB guidelines for supervision. The course is limited to 10 students. Prerequisites: PSY 4462 AND permission of the instructor.

PSY 4497 - Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum II (3)

PSY 4498 - Applied Behavior Analysis Practicum III (3)

Students must complete 250 hours of supervised experience delivering applied behavior analysis services in a clinical setting. Students must meet with the instructor for class, which counts as the group-supervision component. During class, students will practice delivering behavioral-analytic services. Students must meet weekly with am approved Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) for individual supervision. During individual supervision, the BCBA must (a) observe the student engage in practice and (b) provide written and verbal feedback on that practice according to the BACB guidelines for supervision. The course is limited to 10 students. Prerequisites: PSY 4497 AND permission of the instructor.