PSY 101   Introduction to Psychology 4 credits

This course introduces the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychological, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, psychodynamic and social-cultural perspectives are explored. Topics such as scientific method, statistical reasoning, neuroscience, learning, cognitive processes, development, psychological adjustment, therapy, social psychology, diversity and community are studied.

PSY 210   Child Psychology and Development 4 credits

A broad sketch of human growth and development is provided from the prenatal stages to the adolescent years. Developmental processes are studied from both a biological and social-cultural perspective to understand physical and perceptual development, cognition and language, personality and social development. Child studies of children at the students projected levels of teacher certification are required. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 215   Child and Adolescent Developmental Psychology for K-12 Educators 4 credits

This course will provide K through 12 educators an understanding of human growth and development from the prenatal stages through adolescence. Developmental processes are studied from both a biological and social-cultural perspective to understand physical and perceptual development, cognition and language, personality and social development. Child studies, examining various aspects of child and adolescent development, are required. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 220   Adolescent Psychology 4 credits

This course examines developmental phenomena of adolescence, its physiological, emotional, cognitive, parent-child, social, vocational and religious dimensions, with opportunity for personal exposure to youth's needs and interacting societal institutions. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 230   Lifespan Developmental Psychology 4 credits

This course is a scientific study of development from prenatal life through late adulthood, with emphasis on the interplay of psychological processes, heredity and environment. This chronological review addresses physical, cognitive, social and emotional changes across the lifespan. Students observe children in the campus Early Childhood Center or in a similar setting off campus. (Prerequisites: PSY 101)

PSY 260   Adverse Childhood Experiences 4 credits

Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE's) can have a negative impact on children. Research related to adverse childhood experiences is analyzed and a variety of resources and evidence-based interventions are explored.

PSY 300   Cognition, Learning and Memory 4 credits

This course introduces students to important insights and theoretical principles of modern cognitive science. Students study human cognition, perception and attention, memory, knowledge representation, language, reasoning, problem solving, cognitive development, creativity, learning, and individual differences in cognition. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 310   Physiological Psychology 4 credits

This course will provide a comprehensive understanding of brain and nervous system physiology. The focus will be on how the nervous system governs behavioral and cognitive processes. Functional and dysfunctional physiology and what this tells us about maladaptive behaviors will also be discussed. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 320   Sensation and Perception 4 credits

Sensing and perceiving the world involves an interaction between our bodies and minds. This course explores the neuroscience and psychological principles underlying human perceptual abilities. Students will encounter different theoretical approaches to the study of this question, as well as a variety of methodological techniques. Topics to be covered include the biological basis of vision, the perception of pattern, color, depth, and spatial layout. The senses of hearing, touch, smell, and taste will be similarly addressed. The course will conclude with an exploration of the relationship between perception to knowledge. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 330   Introduction to Counseling 4 credits

Basic theory, principles, and techniques of counseling and its application to counseling settings are explored. In addition, students develop counseling skills in the following three theoretical areas: person-centered therapy, behavioral contracting, and reality therapy. The student becomes both teacher and subject in experiential laboratory sessions. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 331   Group Counseling & Therapy 4 credits

This course is designed to provide students preparing to enter a helping profession with an understanding of group theory, and understanding of the types of groups used in group counseling or group therapy, and the experience of being a member and co-leader in a counseling group. Emphasis is placed on methods, problems, and leadership skills in working with a group. In addition to group processes this course also focuses on professional and ethical responsibilities, assessment, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and referral.

PSY 333   Cultural Competency in Chemical Dependency 4 credits

This course offers in-depth analysis of cultural issues within the field of chemical dependency. It will explore themes of specific subgroups which Minnesota guidelines have identified as critical for chemical dependency treatment professionals: Native American Issues, Asian American Issues, Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Issues, Chicano/Latino Issues, Disability Issues, African-American Issues. There will be an overview of alcohol and drug counseling focusing on the transdisciplinary foundations of alcohol and drug counseling and providing an understanding of theories of chemical dependency, the continuum of care, and the process of change. The course will address the pharmacology of substance abuse disorders and the dynamics of addiction. This will include issues among the subgroups as it relates to chemical dependency, including attitudes toward medication, response to medication, and other themes.

PSY 340   Introduction to Industrial/Organizational Psychology 4 credits

Applications of psychology to business and industry: employee selection, performance appraisal, training, leadership, motivation, work environment, job design, safety, and work stress. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 350   Forensic Psychology 4 credits

This course will cover a broad range of topics in the field of Forensic Psychology. Psychology of police selection, procedures, and their investigations are examined. The psychology of deception, eyewitness testimony, child victims and witnesses will be covered. Also included in the course is the psychology of jury selection and behavior. Finally, the role of mental illness and psychopathy in deviant behavior is studied. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 360   Abnormal Psychology 4 credits

An introduction to the study of abnormal psychology. The course covers a wide range of behaviors that are distressing to a person or society or which are otherwise identified as abnormal. A comprehensive review of the etiologies of psychological disorders, discussion of available treatments and a focus on the effects that mental illness has on the individual, the family system, and society are included. Current controversies in the field are identified. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 370   Introduction to Personality Theories 4 credits

This course introduces the student to a variety of personality theories including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and trait and type theories. Issues in personality measurement and assessment techniques are also presented and discussed. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 380   Research Methods with Statistical Applications 4 credits

This course covers a variety of research strategies for studying psychological phenomena. Students will conduct studies using different research methodologies and will gain experience in analyzing data and writing research reports. Descriptive Statistics, measures of central tendency, correlation, multiple regression, inferential statistics, chi-square, t-tests, analysis of variance, hypothesis testing with application to research methodologies will be taught. (Prerequisites: PSY 101, MAT 110)

PSY 381   Psychology Research Seminar 2 credits

This course is designed for advanced psychology students who have designed and implemented research projects as part of PSY 380, Research Methods with Statistical Applications. Through individual faculty mentoring, students will complete projects and prepare them for presentation and/or publication. (Prerequisite: PSY 380)

PSY 451   Social Psychology 4 credits

Students examine how the individual's personality, behavior and attitudes are shaped through interaction with others. The course deals with such issues as conformity, persuasion, aggression, altruism, and attraction. Individual behavior is understood in light of symbolic communication and the social construction of the self. (Prerequisite: SOC 152 or PSY 101)

PSY 488   Independent Study 1-4 credits

With the help of an instructor, students design their own learning activities, which may include readings, independent research, projects, and papers. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 490   Seminar on Psychological Topics 4 credits

This course offers in-depth analysis of a selected topic in psychology such as intelligence, creativity, brain chemistry, cross-cultural psychology, group counseling and processes, advanced counseling, history and systems of psychology, psychology of religion, psychology of gender, forensic psychology, psychological testing, behavior modification, cognitive psychology and biofeedback in a seminar setting. Content determined by the needs of students and interest of psychology faculty. (Prerequisite: PSY 101)

PSY 498   Psychology Internship 1-12 credits

This internship provides the student with an in-depth field experience in a work setting that provides services that are psychological in nature. The student learns to apply psychological theories and principles. The student in conjunction with the academic advisor selects an appropriate internship site which meets the needs and vocational interests of the student.