Degree Requirements

Course Requirements

​Formal requirements for the M.S. degree include satisfactory completion of 48 quarter hours and maintaining at least a 3.00 cumulative GPA.

Core Courses (7 courses / 28  credit hours)

Diversity Core Courses (1 course / 4 credit hours)

Quantitative Core Courses (1 course /4 credit hours)

Graduate Capstone (1 course / 4 credit hours)

Sample Psychology Elective Courses (2 courses / 8/ credit hours)

Additional Requirements

In addition, program requirements include two mechanisms for demonstrating successful completion of the program: 1) a traditional Master's thesis, perhaps involving an empirical study; or 2) a research study or program evaluation “Capstone” project based upon the student's internship or employment experience. Upon completion of course work, students are required to maintain active student registration status until graduation. 

All degree requirements must be successfully completed within a six-year period of time.

PSY 404

LEARNING AND COGNITIVE PROCESSES

Survey of classical and instrumental conditioning, biological constraints, attention, memory,cognition, and practical applications. Major theoretical approaches include stimulus-response, early cognitive theories and information processing theory.

PSY 406

PHYSIOLOGICAL PROCESSES

The functional role of neural systems important for the processes of motivation, emotion, sleep, memory, and cognition.

PSY 410

ADVANCED STATISTICS I

Graphical methods for data display, analysis of variance, multiple comparisons, multifactor analysis of variance, randomized block, repeated measures, and related designs. Cross-listed as SOC 450.

PSY 411

ADVANCED STATISTICS II

Multiple linear regression, analysis of covariance, and logistic regression.
Prerequisites:
PSY 410 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 420

ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Design and analysis of basic and applied psychological research with an emphasis on statistical software.
Prerequisites:
PSY 411 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 430

ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Advanced study of social psychological methodology, ethics and deception, attitudes, altruism, aggression, and interpersonal processes and attraction.

PSY 461

HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY

A review of the history of modern psychology, including various theoretical systems. Topics covered will include contributions of important leaders in the field, specific trends throughout the history of psychology, and the major philosophical questions underlying psychological science. Cross-level with PSY 361.

PSY 345

CULTURAL ISSUES IN PSYCHOLOGY

Race and ethnic relations in the U.S. is not a fixed, static phenomenon, but rather a dynamic, ever-changing pattern of relationships. This course assists students in understanding the diversity, heterogeneity, and complexity of race relations in American society.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 520

PRINCIPLES OF HUMAN DIVERSITY

Considerations related to minority status and issues specific to diagnostics and interventions with minority populations.

PSY 521

PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILD

Development and socialization of African-American child from infancy to adolescence. Emphasis on psychological and cultural factors which influence these processes. Understanding the child, family, language and IQ, education and learning styles, and cultural identity are all emphasized. Cross-level with PSY 346.

PSY 561

ADVANCED PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN AND GENDER (CROSS-LISTED WITH MLS 478/WGS 470)

A review of research and theory on women, including sexist biases in traditional research, feminist methodology, pedagogy and therapy, violence against women, gender differences in development, relationships, sexuality, and the interplay of gender, race and sexual orientation. Cross-listed with MLS 478 and WGS 470.

PSY 343

INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT

Measurement in psychology; emphasis on standardization, reliability, validity; test and scale development.
Prerequisites:
PSY 241 and PSY 242 are a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 416

METHODS IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Principles and techniques of research design in behavioral, social and clinical research; questionnaires, interview schedules, rating scales involving multivariable analysis. Application of parametric and nonparametric tests. Application of research findings to professional practice.

PSY 418

MULTIVARIATE STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Multivariate regression, principal component, cluster analysis and multidemensional scaling. Canonical correlation, multivariate analysis of variance, linear discriminant function analysis.
Prerequisites:
PSY 411 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 419

FACTOR ANALYSIS AND PATH MODELING

Theoretical foundations, methods of analysis, and comparison of various factor analytic models. Structural equation and measurement models using the Mplus/ LISREL program.

PSY 422

COMPUTING FOR THE BEHAVIORAL SCIENTIST

An introduction to computer programming, web development, and other computer-intensive techniques as applied to behavioral science research.

PSY 450

PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT

Logical and mathematical principles underlying test construction with emphasis on evaluating the reliability and validity of scores.

PSY 597

MASTER'S THESIS RESEARCH

Original investigation of a specific research problem. Four hours required.

PSY 592

DIRECTED RESEARCH

A-Experimental. B-Learning. C-Social. D-Physiological. E-Personality. F-Psychopathology. G-Community Mental Health. H-Perception. I-Psychotherapy. J-Developmental. K-Industrial/Organizational. The course involves individual projects (non-thesis research) under the supervision of a faculty member. (Arranged by consultation with the chair). One to four quarter hours

PSY 354

COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

Focus on systemic and ecological theories of human behavior, diversity, social support, community intervention and evaluation, empowerment, social change, and working with underserved populations. Community service project strongly encouraged. Cross level with PSY 654.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105, PSY 106 or the equivalent of Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 363

ALCOHOLISM, DRUG ADDICTION AND RECOVERY

Survey of major research findings in the area of alcoholism and drug addiction. Description of treatment programs for recovery and explorations of drug free ways to alter consciousness.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105, PSY 106 or the equivalent of Introduction to Psychology is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 364

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

Considers interaction of mind and body in maintaining health and resisting disease. Contributions of exercise, lifestyle, psychological functioning, and spirituality to wellness will be examined. Students will practice and document their experience with a wide range of stress management/exercise techniques.
Prerequisites:
PSY 105 or 106 is a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 402

PERCEPTUAL PROCESSES

Analysis of the variables involved in the determination of perception with particular attention to the problems of space, motion, distance, size, form, aftereffects and constancies.

PSY 435

PSYCHOLOGY OF INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS

Theory and research on selected aspects of close relationships. Cross-level with PSY 317.

PSY 439

ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Current research and theories in child development relating to the preschool child, elementary school child, and adolescent. Emphasis on cognitive, language, and social/emotional development.

PSY 440

PSYCHOLOGY OF WORK AND MOTIVATION

Current research and theories in organizational psychology relating to motivation, job satisfaction, work attitudes, employee withdrawal, and counterproductivity.

PSY 444

PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL

Theory of criterion development, the evaluation process, and measurement in performance appraisal. Emphasis on design and development.

PSY 473

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF JUDGMENT AND DECISION- MAKING

An introduction to research in judgment and choice behaviors. Judgment refers to how people evaluate information and make predictions. Choice concerns how people select a course of action among alternatives. Cross-level with PSY 373.

PSY 486

ADVANCED PSYCHOPATHOLOGY

Review of the major diagnostic categories as outlined by the current Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Current issues in psychopathology and related research are reviewed.

PSY 487

PSYCHOPATHOLOGY OF THE CHILD

Introduction to the many categories of psychopathology affecting children and adolescents. Emphasis on the developmental and environmental contexts.

PSY 492

PRINCIPLES OF CONSULTATION

The principles and dynamics involved in the various types of consultative relationships. Techniques of consultation with parents, teachers, agencies, physicians and others in regard to problems and deviancy, methods of management and treatment.

PSY 493

ADVANCED COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY

An advanced introduction to community psychology with an emphasis on major historical and contemporary themes such as prevention of psychological problems and promotion of wellness, empowerment and social justice, community research methods, diversity in gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and disability status, community processes, and collaboration and intervention to address social problems.

PSY 511

HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

A survey of the psychological factors involved in health and illness. Also explores the psychological issues in prevention of illness, and psychological considerations in treatment. Cross-listed as MPH 511.

PSY 555

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Focus on development of emotions, social relationships, and social interaction. Both theoretical perspectives and research findings are presented and analyzed. Topics covered may include: primary emotions and their development, nonverbal communication of emotions, socialization within the family, friendship and peer relations, aggression, moral development, sex role development, and attachment. Cross-level with PSY 370.

PSY 556

SEMINAR IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

None

PSY 557

SEMINAR IN LEARNING AND COGNITIVE PROCESSES

Seminar in current issues in cognitive psychology.

PSY 558

SEMINAR IN ADVANCED STATISTICS

Prerequisites:
PSY 411 and PSY 420 are a prerequisite for this class.

PSY 560

SOCIAL COGNITION

Theory and research dealing with the major aspects of social cognition and mental control, including social perception, stereotyping, memory and affect. Cross-level with PSY 348.

PSY 680

INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

Application of theories and methods of psychology to the study of human behavior in business, industry, and other organizations. Cross-level with PSY 380.