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Psychology

Department Chair: Linda Taylor, Ph.D., LPC

Psychology Faculty:
Christine Lawrence, Ph.D.

Deanna Pledge, Ph.D.

 

• B.S. Psychology
• 5-year M.Ed. Psychology
• Minor in Psychology
• Minor in Forensic Science
• Course Descriptions

The psychology curriculum ensures that students receive training in each major area of psychological inquiry.   Required courses give students grounding in the basic sub-fields of psychology. Electives are then taken to complement the individual student's career and life plans.   Majors may choose to pursue the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology or the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Human Development/Child Study degree. The B.S. in Psychology prepares students for graduate school.   These students are primarily interested in careers that require an M.A. or Ph.D. (such as clinical psychology).   Entry to graduate school in psychology is competitive. The B.S. degree ensures that students get the experiences necessary to successfully compete for graduate school admission.   The B.A. in Human Development/Child Study prepares students for entry-level employment into occupations where training in psychology and child development is an advantage. Both degree programs allow students the flexibility to meet personal and professional goals while building an awareness of and appreciation for the role and contributions of women in society.

A minor in psychology is an alternative route to utilize the many facets of the discipline of psychology. A minor combined with a major, or concentration in other disciplines like business administration, communication, social sciences, art, dance or theatre prepares a student for her chosen career. Examples of such combinations are preparation for graduate degrees in art therapy or public relations.

The Stephens College Department of Psychology requires of its students:

• academic discipline and integrity
• ethical behavior, including: professionalism and confidentiality
• sensitivity to individual and cultural differences
• research, writing and library skills
• group participation
• critical-thinking skills

NOTE: Course descriptions for the CHS/EDU and MAT may be found under the program headings of Education and Mathematics.

Requirements for the B.S. Major in Psychology

The B.S. in Psychology is designed primarily for the student who is interested in applying to graduate school.   The required courses draw from each of the major areas of psychology.   Electives allow students to specialize in their areas of interest.   A strong foundation in math and science will help students prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).   A senior research capstone experience ensures that students will gain the research experience they need to compete for graduate school admission.

The Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology requires the completion of at least 33 semester hours of psychology courses (21 required courses and 12 elective), 6 semester hours of math (statistics and one other course), and at least 6 semester hours of natural science (biology, chemistry or physics).   Students must have at least 21 semester hours of Psychology at the 300 or 400 level to graduate.   A grade of C- or better must be earned in each of the required Psychology courses.

 

Required Courses for the BS degree

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 203: Psychological Research Methods (3 hrs.)

PSY 315: Social Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 320: Abnormal Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 331: Learning and Cognition (3 hrs.)

PSY 430: Physiological Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 441: Senior Research Capstone (3 hrs.)

MAT 207: Introduction to Statistics (3 hrs.)

and

One math course (any course except MAT 105; 3 hrs.)

Two laboratory-based natural science (BIO, CHM, PHY) courses (at least 6 hrs.)

and

Twelve semester hours from the following list of electives including at least 6 hours at the 300 level or above.

Electives

CHS 114: The Child: Lifespan (3 hrs.)

PSY 121: Psychology of Adjustment (3 hrs.)

PSY 211: Educational Psychology (3 hrs.)

CHS 214: Child Development: Infancy (3 hrs.)

PSY 271: Human Sexuality (3 hrs.)

PSY 301: Psychology of Women (3 hrs.)

CHS 311: Advanced Child Development: Cross Cultural Perspective (3 hrs.)

PSY 317: Psychology of Personality (3 hrs.)

PSY 333: Sensation and Perception (3 hrs.)

PSY 359/ PSY 530G: Counseling I (3 hrs.)

EDU 363: Education and Psychology of the Exceptional Child (3 hrs.)

PSY 380: Topics in Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 390: History and Systems of Psychology (3 hrs.)

PSY 404/PSY 575G: Group Procedures (3 hrs.)

PSY 481: Internship (1-6 hrs.)

Students who major in Psychology or Human Development/Child Study will participate in an assessment program in their senior year.

Requirements for the 5-year M.Ed. Degree in Psychology

Students who are interested in a career as a School Counselor can enroll in this program as undergraduates.   Students must enroll by the end of their sophomore year and will graduate with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology and a Master's of Education in Counseling.  

Students who finish this program are eligible to apply for certification as a Missouri School Counselor.   During their fifth year of the program, students can become temporarily certified as a school counselor and work in the field since all of the graduate classes are held in the evening.   Given the shortage of school counselors in Missouri, the local job market currently favors this degree.   School Counselors must renew their certification every five years.

A student who wishes to become a Licensed Professional Counselor (e.g., private practice, agency, hospital or treatment center) could extend his/her graduate study by taking an additional 12 credit hours.   This would allow the student to become eligible for Missouri licensure.   A student who wishes to become an Advanced School Counselor (specialist's degree) may elect to take an additional 30 hours of graduate credit.   Missouri Advanced School Counselors need only to renew their certification every 10 years.

Students in this program will take Liberal Arts Core Requirements, undergraduate requirements, cross-listed requirements, and graduate requirements.   Cross-listed courses will be offered as dual (undergraduate and graduate) credit.   Undergraduate tuition will cover the costs of cross-listed courses.   In addition to Liberal Arts Core Requirements, students in the 5-year M.Ed. in Counseling program will take the following 63 credit hours.    A grade of C- or better must be earned in each of the required Psychology courses and a grade of 3.0 must be earned in each cross-listed and graduate course.

 

Required Courses for the 5 year M.Ed. degree

Freshman/Sophomore level undergraduate courses

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology

PSY 315: Social Psychology

PSY 331: Learning and Cognition

PSY 430: Physiological Psychology  

EDU 276: Foundations of the Teaching-Learning Process

EDC 363: Education and Psychology of the Exceptional Child

MAT 207: Statistics

Senior/Junior Level Cross Listed Courses

PSY 310: Developmental Psychology / EDU 545G: Advanced Human Development

PSY 320: Abnormal Psychology / EDC 555G:Abnormal Psychology

PSY 359: Counseling /PSY 505G Counselor as a Professional (Summer)

PSY 355: Psychological Testing and Personality Assessment/ PSY540G: Assessment (Summer)

PSY 404: Group Procedures/ PSY 575G Group Procedures

PSY 203: Psychological Research Methods/ PSY 510G: Ed. Psych./Behavior Management

EDU 413: Family and Community: Partners in Education/ PSY 463G: Family and Community

Graduate Courses

PSY 530G: Foundations of Counseling

PSY 565G: Theories and Techniques

PSY 580G: Practicum I

PSY 570G: Career Development

PSY 605G: Advanced Research Methods

PSY 620G: Practicum II

Requirements for a Minor in Psychology

The minor in psychology requires completion of a minimum of 15 semester hours in PSY, including the required course listed below and at least 6 semester hours at or above the 300 level.

Required Course

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology (3c)

 

Requirements for Forensic Science Minor

The Forensic Science minor combines biology and psychology courses related to forensics and criminal investigations.  Students will complete the 15 hour minor by taking the required PSY 111 and taking at least 6 hours in the biology area and 6 hours above the 300 level from either the biology or psychology areas. 

Required Course:

PSY 111:  Introduction to Psychology (3 hrs.)

Psychology area courses

FOR/PSY 317:  Psychology of personality (3 hrs)

PSY 330:  Introduction to Forensic Psychology (3 hrs)

FOR/PSY 355:  Psychology of Assessment (3 hrs)

FOR/PSY 380:  Topics in Forensic Psychology (3 hrs)

Biology area courses:

BIO 200:  Crime Scene Analysis (3 hrs)

FOR/BIO 280:  Topics in Forensic Biology (3 hrs)

FOR/BIO 302:  Forensic Microscopy (3 hrs)

FOR/BIO 300:  Forensic Biology (3 hrs)

Psychology Courses

PSY 111: Introduction to Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
An introduction to the major sub-fields of contemporary psychology. Emphases on the diversity of psychology as a discipline and how psychological principles pertain to everyday life.

PSY 121: Psychology of Adjustment
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
Students in the course develop an informed perspective on their psychological adjustment. Relationships, values, health and personal history are studied.

PSY 203: Psychological Research Methods
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
This course is designed to introduce students to the research methods used in psychology. Students incorporate class materials into research of their own, guided by the instructor. This course is a "hands-on" research design course.

PSY 211: Educational Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111)
This course surveys the nature and conditions of human learning.   We examine methods of assessing intellectual and personality characteristics as well as social dynamics, as pupils enter into the learning process.

PSY 271: Human Sexuality
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111 or sophomore standing)
Course examines human sexuality from several perspectives (biological, social, cultural, ethical). Topics include anatomy and reproduction, gender roles, love, varieties of sexual expression, birth control, the development of sexuality over the life span, diseases, dysfunction and treatment.

PSY 280: Topics in Psychology
(3 hrs.)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth in other courses. Topics previously offered include Health Psychology.

PSY 301: Psychology of Women
(3 hrs.)
(Open to all students)
This course includes a survey and an evaluation of research and theory on the psychology of women and sex differences. Physiological, developmental, personality, and social aspects of women's experiences will be studied. Writing intensive.

PSY 310: Developmental Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111 or permission of instructor; must be psychology major or minor.)
This course uses major psychological theories to explore the normal stages of development from birth until death. Selected controversial issues and case studies relating to development will also be discussed.

PSY 315: Social Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: PSY 111; or permission of instructor.)
A survey of major topics in social psychology, including social perception, social interaction and social influence, will form the core of this course, with attention to stereotypes, aggression, conformity and persuasion.

PSY 317: Psychology of Personality
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: PSY 111; or permission of instructor)
An introduction to the general subject of personality. Emphasis upon the development of personality in the normal individual with special attention to personality development in women. Offered every other year.

PSY 320: Abnormal Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: PSY 111; cross-listed with EDU 555G)
Survey of basic areas of abnormal psychology, history of mental disorders, survey of extent and severity of problems today. Emphases in biological, psychological and social approaches to explaining mental disorders.

PSY 330: Introduction to Forensic Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111.)
This course is intended for students interested in the interactive relationship between psychology and law.  The student will explore the many aspects of criminal and civil law and how psychological research, theory, and practice assist the legal system and influence public policy.

PSY 331: Learning and Cognition
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111.)
Provides an introduction to the study of learning and cognition through an examination of the basic learning paradigms of classical and instrumental conditioning and issues fundamental to the structure and function of cognitive theory. Emphases on applied and theoretical findings.

PSY 340: Industrial and Organizational Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: PSY 111.)
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, including major theories and research as well as some practical applications for work in organizations.  Specific topics include the history and methods of the field as well as issues in industrial psychology ( e.g., personnel selection, training) and organizational psychology (e.g., motivation, leadership).  Students will develop knowledge of current theories about behavior in organizations and the methodology used to study and evaluate those theories.  Emphasis will be placed on applying the principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology to one's day to day experiences as an organizational member, and to help develop students into effective organizational members and/or managers.

PSY 355: Psychological Testing and Personality Assessment
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: 9 hours of PSY and MAT 207; cross-listed with PSY 540G)
This course covers the basic concepts for describing and evaluating standardized tests, including reliability, validity, norms and standard scores. These concepts are then used to evaluate a number of representative tests in different areas: intelligence, interests, aptitude and personality. Students also take and score some of these standard tests.

PSY 359: Counseling I
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: PSY 111; cross-listed with PSY 530G)
Introductory course in clinical counseling psychology. Discussion and assessment of a variety of counseling and therapeutic approaches for adjustment problems and mental disorders. Review of taped practice interviews under supervision of instructor.

PSY 340: Industrial and Organizational Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111.)
This course is designed to provide an introduction to the field of Industrial/Organizational Psychology.  Specific topics include the history and methods of the field such as personnel selection, training, motivation and leadership.  Emphasis will be placed on applying the principles of Industrial/Organizational Psychology, and to help develop students into effective organizational members and/or managers.

PSY 380: Topics in Psychology
(1.0 course)
Topics courses are devoted to special subjects that may not be covered in depth in other courses.

PSY 390: History and Systems of Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 111.)
This course is designed to give the student a broad background in the history of the development of different theories of psychology. Specifically, this course gives a student perspective into science, a deeper understanding of the field of psychology, and greater knowledge about the directions psychology might take in the future. This course covers the history of psychology from Aristotle to the present. Writing intensive.

PSY 404: Group Procedures
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisite: PSY 359 or permission of instructor; cross-listed with PSY 575G)
An in-depth exposure to experiential learning through small group experiences. For trainees in psychology who want to develop skills in facilitating groups for persons in therapy or work settings. Review of taped practice groups under supervision of instructor.

PSY 430: Physiological Psychology
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: at least 9 hrs in PSY; or permission of instructor.)
This course uses current knowledge of the brain, nervous system and endocrine system to explore the roles of physiological factors in health, disease, behavior, emotions, and mental disorders.

PSY 441: Senior Research
(3 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: 15 hours in PSY; senior standing and PSY major recommended)
In-depth original research of topics not covered in other courses. Check semester course schedule for topic offered. This is the required senior capstone course for psychology majors. The course uses both research writing skills and seminar discussion as learning tools.

PSY 481: Internship
(1-6 hrs.)
(Prerequisites: psychology major and at least sophomore standing.)
Students complete 126 hours of work in an agency or institution as a contributing member of the staff for each 3 semester hours of credit earned. Student carries on as wide a range of duties as she is qualified to execute under the direct supervision of a professional in the agency or institution.

Independent Study
Independent studies (special studies, tutorials, readings, projects) may be proposed by students who wish to investigate a subject not otherwise available. Information about independent studies may be obtained by contacting a faculty member to sponsor the study and in the Office of the Registrar