Department of Psychology

Sections

Psychology Major: Option A
Psychology Major: Option B
Psychology Minor
Other Policies & Requirements
Honors in Psychology
Rochester Center
Course Descriptions

B.A. MAJOR — PSYCHOLOGY: Option A   (PSYA)
35 S.H. (Minor Required)

REQUIRED COURSES — PSY (17 S.H.)

PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science (General Psychology) (3)
PSY 231 Statistics (3)   [M]
PSY 308 Experimental Psychology (3)
PSY 309 Experimental Psychology Lab (2)   [O]
PSY 350 Psychological Testing and Measurement (3)   [W]
PSY 434 History and Systems of Psychology (3)   [W]

ELECTIVES (18 S.H.)

Psychology electives to total at least 18 S.H.

B.A. MAJOR — PSYCHOLOGY: Option B   (PSYB)
50-51 S.H. (No Minor Required)  

CORE REQUIRED COURSES (17 S.H.)

PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science (General Psychology) (3)
PSY 231 Statistics (3)   [M]
PSY 308 Experimental Psychology (3)
PSY 309 Experimental Psychology Lab (2)   [O]
PSY 350 Psychological Testing and Measurement (3)   [W]
PSY 434 History and Systems of Psychology (3)   [W]

FOUNDATION/DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS (12-13 S.H.)

Cluster A: Select at least two of the following (6 S.H.):

PSY 250 Developmental Psychology (3)
PSY 305 Theories of Personality (3)
PSY 325 Social Psychology (3)
PSY 420 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Cluster B: Select at least two of the following (6-7 S.H.):

PSY 301 Introduction to Learning (3)
PSY 303 Brain and Behavior (3)
PSY 369 Cognitive Psychology (3 or 4)
PSY 410 Sensation and Perception (3)  

ELECTIVES (15 S.H.)

Psychology electives to total at least 15 S.H. These may include courses from Clusters A and B taken beyond the above requirements.  

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS (6 S.H.)

Students must take an additional English course and an additional statistics course from the list provided:

English (3 S.H.)

ENG  210   Advanced Expository Writing (3)  OR
ENG  211   Writing in Communities (3)  OR
ENG  439   Technical Writing (3)   [W]

Statistics (3 S.H.)

STAT 310 Intermediate Statistics (3)  OR
STAT 360 Regression Analysis (3)  OR
STAT 365 Experimental Design and Analysis (3) OR
an approved substitute

B.A. MINOR — PSYCHOLOGY (PSY)
21 S.H.

REQUIRED COURSES (3 S.H.)

 PSY 210 Introduction to Psychological Science (General Psychology) (3)

ELECTIVES (18 S.H.)

Psychology electives to total at least 18 S.H.

OTHER POLICIES & REQUIREMENTS

PASS/NO CREDIT (P/NC) COURSES

Except for independent study, PSY 400, majors and minors must take all psychology courses on a grade-only basis.  The P/NC option is available in PSY 210 for non-majors and non-minors.  

 

COURSE REPETITION POLICY

Students may not enroll in any psychology course more than three times whether due to official withdrawal (W) or a grade less than “C.”  

UNIVERSITY STUDIES FLAG REQUIREMENTS

Students may use Flag courses to satisfy both University Studies and major requirements.  Flag courses will usually be in the student's major or minor program. The Psychology Department offers the following flag courses in the University Studies Program:

FLAG

Oral  [O]

PSY 309 Experimental Psychology Lab (2)
PSY 311 Careers in Psychology (1)
PSY 431 Counseling and Clinical Psychology (3)

Math/Critical Analysis  [M]

PSY 231 Statistics (3)

Writing  [W]

PSY 350 Psychological Testing and Measurement (3)
PSY 434 History and Systems of Psychology (3)

Flag courses that can be used to satisfy psychology major/minor requirements are identified in the lists of required courses and electives in this section.

 

ADDITIONAL GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

For a checklist of the University's graduation requirements, see page XX.  Specific requirements for psychology majors/minors are as follows:

• A minimum WSU overall cumulative GPA of 2.50 is required for graduation with a psychology major.

• A minimum GPA of 2.50 is required of majors in all grade-only psychology courses.

• Individual course grades lower than a “C” do not count toward either psychology major.

• Students cannot substitute a first- or second-year course (100- or 200-level or equivalent) taken at another school for a similar course offered at the junior or senior level (300 or 400) at WSU.

• No more than 3 S.H. credits of general introductory psychology transferred to WSU can be credited toward a psychology major or minor.

• No more than 6 S.H. credits in developmental psychology (child, adolescent, adult, lifespan, etc.) transferred to WSU can be credited toward a psychology major or minor.

• Transfer students must complete at least 18 S.H. in psychology at WSU for the Option A major, 25 S.H. for the Option B major, and 12 S.H. for the psychology minor.

• No more than 6 S.H. credits of PSY 400 may count toward a psychology major and 3 S.H. toward a psychology minor.

HONORS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Students have the option of completing additional requirements in order to graduate with Honors in Psychology. Students completing the requirements have it noted on their transcript.   Students are responsible for applying to the Department Chairperson through their academic advisor and meeting all the departmental requirements for graduation with Honors in Psychology.  The requirements for Honors in Psychology are:

• Declaration of a major in psychology.

• Active membership in Psi Chi, the National Honorary Society in Psychology.

• Completion of a research paper based on work in PSY 400 or PSY 408.

• Presentation of the research results at an appropriate conference.

• A recommendation for Honors in Psychology from the Psi Chi advisor, the student's research advisor, and the student's academic advisor.

ROCHESTER CENTER

The Option A psychology major and the psychology minor are available through the 2+2 Program at the Rochester Center.   See the WSU catalog for details.

PSYCHOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

210 - Introduction to Psychological Science (formerly General Psychology)—3 S.H.

A broad introduction to psychology: the science of human behavior and mental processes, focusing on its questions, methods, research findings, theories and applications. Offered each semester.

231 - Statistics—3 S.H.

An overview of the theories, procedures and applications of descriptive, correlational and inferential statistics in the behavioral sciences. Topics include central tendency, variability, correlation, linear regression, parametric and non-parametric tests of significance. Prerequisite: PSY 210 and completion of Math/Statistics Basic Skills Requirement. Offered each semester. Grade only.

250 - Developmental Psychology—3 S.H.

A survey of the patterns of change and stability in human behavior from conception to death. Theories and research pertaining to growth and change in physical, cognitive, personality and social functioning across the life span are examined.  Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered each semester. Grade only.

275 - Psychology of Women and Gender —3 or 4 S.H.

A survey of scientific research into the nature of female behavior contrasted with male, including implications for modern living. Topics include gender stereotypes, gender development/typing, gender comparisons in social, personality, and cognitive areas, education and work, love relationships, sexuality, mental and physical health issues and violence. Prerequisite: PSY 210. May be offered with a discussion/writing lab (4 S.H.) or without (3 S.H.). Offered each semester.  Grade only.

298 - Health Psychology—3 S.H.

Explores psychological factors in optimal maintenance of health, treatment of illness and recovery from or adjustment to ongoing health problems. Theories, research methods and clinical applications from the biopsychosocial context as applied to health psychology are examined. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered each semester.  Grade only.

301 - Introduction to Learning—3 S.H.

Behavioral, associative and cognitive theories of learning and memory are reviewed. Topics include reinforcement, punishment, extinction, generalization, discrimination, observational learning and motivation. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

303 - Brain and Behavior—3 S.H.

A survey of how neuron physiology directs behavior. Topics include a discussion of functional neuroanatomy as applied to the study of emotion, consciousness, social behavior, feeding, and memory, and a discussion of neurological and psychological disorders, and the diseases of aging. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

305 - Theories of Personality—3 S.H.

A survey of major theoretical perspectives. Personality theory, research and assessment are considered from a variety of viewpoints including the psychodynamic, behavioral, dispositional and phenomenological perspectives. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered each semester. Grade only.

308 - Experimental Psychology—3 S.H.

Introduction to scientific methods and research techniques in psychology.  Prerequisites: PSY 210, PSY 231 and concurrent enrollment in PSY 309. Offered each semester. Grade only.

309 - Experimental Psychology Lab—2 S.H.

A laboratory class to accompany PSY 308 (Experimental Psychology).  Students will gain experience in designing, conducting, analyzing, and reporting the results of experimental research in psychology.  Prerequisites: PSY 210, PSY 231, and CMST 191.  Concurrent enrollment in PSY 308 is required.  Grade only.

311 - Careers in Psychology—1 S.H.

An introduction to and examination of career options for students of psychology and related disciplines. Topics include job opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree in psychology and how to prepare for and choose graduate programs. Prerequisites: 9 credit hours in psychology and CMST 191.  Grade only.

325 - Social Psychology—3 S.H.

Overview of theories and research in social psychology. Topics include person perception, the self, stereotyping and prejudice, attitudes and persuasion, interpersonal relationships, and group behavior. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered each semester. Grade only.

330 - Psychology and the Law—3 S.H.

Psychological analysis of the legal system, focusing on perception, memory, and decision-making processes by individuals in the system. Topics include eyewitnesses, expert witnesses, the identification and evaluation of suspects, jury trials, capital punishment, and current topics.  Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered each semester. Grade only.

335 – Human Factors Psychology—3 S.H.

An examination of psychological principles applied to the relationship between technology and human capabilities in the design and operation of both human-machine systems and environments in which humans live, work, and play. Specific topics include human perceptual and motor capabilities, machine displays and controls, and workspace design. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

350 - Psychological Testing and Measurement—3 S.H.

Principles and practice of psychological measurement. Topics include basic statistical concepts; reliability and validity; widely used ability, personality, and interest tests and their application in educational, employment, clinical and basic research settings; social and legal issues arising from test use. Prerequisites: PSY 210, PSY 231, ENG 111. Offered each semester. Grade only.

360 – Personnel Psychology—3 S.H.

Analysis and review of applied psychology in the field of work including job analysis, personnel selection, performance evaluation, training design and evaluation, job design, human engineering, fatigue, safety and physical working conditions. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

369 - Cognitive Psychology—3 or 4 S.H.

Contemporary scientific approaches to understanding human mental activity - the acquisition, storage, retrieval and use of knowledge. Topics include pattern recognition, attention, memory, concept formation, language, imagery, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making. Both theory and applications to other disciplines and everyday life are addressed. Prerequisite: PSY 210. May be offered with a lab (4 S.H.) or without (3 S.H.). Offered yearly. Grade only.

400 - Independent Study or Research-1—3 S.H.

Independent study or research for credit under the guidance of a faculty member with prior permission. Can be repeated. Teaching assistantships and field experience may be available but only on a P/NC basis. Only 6. S.H. credits of PSY 400 may count toward a Psychology Major. Only 3. S.H. may count toward the Psychology Minor. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and as determined by the instructor. Offered each semester.

408 - Advanced Experimental Psychology—3 S.H.

Theory and methods of advanced research techniques in psychology. Individual student research projects are conducted. Prerequisites: PSY 210, PSY 231, PSY 308, and PSY 309. Offered yearly. Grade only.

410 - Sensation and Perception—3 S.H.

A careful consideration of how we come to know about our world through our senses. Emphasis on vision and audition, including clinical aspects. Also addresses taste, smell, and skin senses including pain, orientation and time perception. Both theory and applications to other disciplines and everyday life are addressed. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

418 - Behavioral Pharmacology—3 S.H.

An analysis of the psychological, sociological and physiological factors related to pharmacological treatment of psychological disorders and chemical dependency. Additionally, a discussion of traditional medicine and drug development is included. This course does not meet teacher certification. It is designed for non-education majors. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and PSY 303. Offered every two years. Grade only.

420 - Abnormal Psychology—3 S.H.

The origins, development and treatment of abnormal behavior. Topics include mood, anxiety and schizophrenic disorders as well as selected topics, which may include somatoform and dissociative disorders, life-span related disorders, substance use disorders, organic disorders, psychological aspects of illness, and prevention. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and 3 additional S.H. in Psychology. Offered each semester. Grade only.

421 - Cognitive Behavior Therapy—3 S.H.

Current principles, research methods and therapeutic interventions for behavioral change are discussed as applied to the behavior of individuals and groups in mental health settings, schools, hospitals and interpersonal situations. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and PSY 420. Offered every two years. Grade only.

423 - Psychopathology of Childhood—3 S.H.

Examines classification of disorders in children and adolescents. Core topics include mood, anxiety and psychotic disorders. Selected topics may include eating disorders, psychosomatic disorders, autism, psychosis, phobias, developmental deviations. Therapeutic issues are discussed. Prerequisites: PSY 210, PSY 250 and PSY 420. Offered yearly. Grade only.

424 - Women and Mental Health—3 S.H.

Diagnosis and treatment is discussed with mood disorders as a central focus, followed by themes in therapy selected from topics such as anger, autonomy, identity, integration of marriage and career, lesbianism, poverty, consciousness raising and gender role development. Traditional and alternative therapeutic approaches are discussed in light of socioeconomic factors affecting women. Current issues related to women's needs are addressed. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and 6 S.H. in Psychology and PSY 275 (or WS 148) or instructor's permission. Offered yearly. Grade only.

425 - Organizational Psychology—3 S.H.

An analytical survey of theory and research in organizational socialization, decision-making, motivation, leadership and the use of power and authority, communication, organizational change and development, and the evaluation of organizational effectiveness. Prerequisite: PSY 210. Offered yearly. Grade only.

430 – Forensic Psychology—3 S.H.

A seminar examining issues at the intersection of clinical psychology and the legal system.  Topics include criminal psychology, insanity and competency, risk assessment, the psychology of victims, issues involving children, civil law issues, and other current topics.  Prerequisite:  PSY 210.  PSY 330 is recommended, but not required.  Offered yearly.  Grade only.

431 - Counseling and Clinical Psychology—3 S.H.

Issues of clinical and counseling practice include ethics, theoretical perspectives, clinical research, diversity and managed care. Practice in interviewing strategies is included, and career choices are examined. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and PSY 420. Offered yearly. Grade only.

433 - Neuroscience—4 S.H.

A survey of contemporary theories and research methods in neuroscience. Topics include a discussion of functional neuroanatomy as applied to the regulation of homeostasis, motor systems, cognitive processing and a discussion of advanced topics in the areas of motor, neurological and psychological disorders. Lecture and laboratory. Prerequisites: 9 S.H. in psychology including PSY 303 or 9 S.H. in biology. Offered yearly. Grade only.

434 - History and Systems of Psychology—3 S.H.

A historical overview of psychology and its antecedents are considered to provide a richer understanding of contemporary psychology as an evolving, conceptual system. Majors are encouraged to complete all other core requirements before registering in PSY 434.  Prerequisite for non-majors: ENG 111, minimum of 12 S.H. in Psychology. Prerequisites for majors: ENG 111, PSY 210, PSY 231, PSY 308, and a minimum of two other courses in Psychology (6 S.H.).  Offered each semester. Grade only.

498 - Seminar in Psychology—3 S.H.

A variable-topic course involving in-depth study of a specialized subject area within psychology. Can be repeated with different topics. Prerequisites: PSY 210 and as determined by the instructor. Offered yearly. Grade only.