Psychology Courses Online

A survey of the general field of psychology including the fundamental areas of learning, sensation perception, cognition, behavior, motivation, personality, adjustment, and the biological basis of behavior.

An examination of the patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur across the human lifespan. Starting with conception, the course explores the biological, psychosocial, and cognitive theories that help us observe and explain human behavior from life’s beginnings through the end of life.

Analyses of personality theories with emphasis on understanding and improving behavior are presented. Various ways to cope with and learn from stress and how to foster growth are also explored.

Biological Bases presents an in-depth focus on neuroanatomy, the nervous system, and other biological processes relevant to human thought and behavior. Students will learn the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, with a specific focus on how biological systems influence psychological functions and vice versa. Students will become familiar with the terminology and research methods of both biology and psychology, and will be introduced to exciting interdisciplinary neuroscience fields.

An exploration of the basic concepts and contemporary topics in cognitive psychology. Topics to be covered include perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, and memory; and the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking, and artificial intelligence. Traditionally, cognitive psychologists have studied these topics without full consideration of the biological mechanisms underlying each of these areas. In this course students will also examine the current research from within the area of cognitive neuroscience for a better understanding of the role these biological mechanisms play in cognition.

An introduction to the calculation and interpretation of statistics for the behavioral sciences including measures of central tendency, variability, percentiles, correlation, and such inferential techniques as the t-test, chi-square, and analysis of variance.

This is the first in a sequence of research methods courses for students in the Social Change majors. This course familiarizes students with the most common research methods used in the social and behavioral sciences, with an emphasis on critical thinking and becoming informed consumers of research. This course culminates with the final project in which students prepare a research proposal.

An exploration of the behavior of the individual in the context of multiple social influences and groups (family, school, neighborhood, and society at large). Topics include: social perception and cognition; attitude and attitude change; attraction, affiliation and love; pro-social and antisocial behavior; violence and aggression; prejudice and discrimination; stereotyping, sex roles; and public opinion.

An orientation to the psychology major, this course introduces students to psychology as a field of study and as a major. Students will be introduced to what to expect as a psychology major, including writing using APA formatting. This course will use principles and concepts from psychological science and related areas in order to aid students in planning their lives through their college years and beyond.

This course focuses on the practical details of “designing one’s life” in terms of career formation. Topics will include: personal qualities tied to life success, mentors and networking, resume preparation, and career readiness.

This course emphasizes a framework for approaching career and life from a design perspective taking into consideration such issues as living one’s vocation as well as avocation. Finding and experiencing meaning-making in work and life; the importance of happiness; and the significance of understanding and implementing Flow theory will be discussed. In addition, key considerations regarding graduate school, future specialized training and employment in the field of psychology and counseling are emphasized.

This online course covers key content across the subfields of psychology in order to complete psychology majors’ understanding of the field of psychology as well as prepare them for upcoming assessments such as the psychology GRE.

The course examines how persons use interpersonal communication to create and maintain relationships and/or cause them to deteriorate. Some issues include: the creation and negotiation of meaning; role of commu-nication in the development and maintenance of self-identity; nature and impact of verbal and nonverbal mes-sages; and interpersonal perception processes and er-rors. It considers social diversity and the impact of cul-tural differences on communication and relationships.

An introduction to the theory and application of qualitative research methods commonly used in psychology and related social science fields. Students will explore the nature of qualitative research, the existing theoretical grounding for qualitative research, learn a foundational phenomenological method and approach for collecting qualitative data, and analysis of qualitative results. Students are expected to apply these skills in class as they engage the qualitative analysis process.

Experimental Psychology is a hands-on upper-level research course. Students will develop skills in applying each step of the scientific method, with particular attention to the experimental method. A primary focus of the course will be for the student to plan and complete a research project that contributes new knowledge to the field.

An introduction to the basic principles of and various approaches toward counseling. Emphasis on supervised role-playing and on how to begin to become therapeutically effective.

Prerequisite: This course has a prerequisite of PY 101. PY 101 must be completed prior to taking this course.

An introduction to the calculation and interpretation of statistics for the behavioral sciences including measures of central tendency, variability, percentiles, correlation, and such inferential techniques as the t-test, chi-square, and analysis of variance.

This course reviews key concepts to substance abuse counseling, including theoretical models for understanding and treating chemically dependent clients. Various screening and assessment tools, drug history, and interviewing skills will be reviewed to help students assess the severity of addiction and develop an initial treatment plan. Treatment settings and interventions commonly used with chemically dependent clients will also be reviewed. The purpose of this course is to provide students the introductory knowledge and techniques necessary to provide basic competent counseling and psychological services to substance abusers. Attention is paid to the interplay of conceptual knowledge and specific clinical skills and interventions, and the process of familiarization and personal introspection necessary to work comfortably with substance abusers. Additionally, students will be able to make appropriate diagnosis of substance-related disorders, and to make appropriate referrals for treatment.

This course provides a basic understanding of the dy-namics of children’s play using a framework of social and emotional development. Students will also gain an under-standing of basic play communication skills, which will al-low them to connect with children and demonstrate em-pathy through the process of play.

Prerequisites: PY 122 or PY 205

An examination of the basic principles and theories of development from conception to middle childhood.

A comprehensive investigation of the bio-psycho-social development of the adolescent, with an emphasis on diversity. Major theoretical approaches are presented along with current research. 3 credits PREREQUISITE: PY 101 OR PY 122.

An introduction to the science or act of attempting to determine criminal culpability based on an individual’s current level of psychological functioning at the time of an offense. It also focuses on an individual’s psychological functioning relative to criminal acts with which the offender has been charged.

An examination of the basic principles and theories of development from conception to middle childhood.

A comprehensive investigation of the bio-psycho-social development of the adolescent, with an emphasis on diversity. Major theoretical approaches are presented along with current research. 3 credits PREREQUISITE: PY 101 OR PY 122.

A consideration of the current state of social science knowledge of the grief and loss, death and dying experience of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Students explore the individual and family dynamics of death, loss, grief and
bereavement. Death rituals and practices of various belief systems are discussed as well as the belief systems and cultural practices of students. Skills and techniques and techniques for coping and healing are also reviewed. PREREQUISITE: PY 101 or PY 122

This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood and will investigate
poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type. PREREQUISITES: PY 122 AND PY 285 OR SW 302

This course will investigate parenting from both a nurturing and maltreatment perspective. Areas that will be explored are the dynamics of the parent/child relationships; social issues and concerns that impact parenting; how parent/child relationships evolve developmentally (birth through adolescence); various parenting styles and implications; the neuroscience of human relationships. This course will also offer Nurturing Parenting Program Facilitator Training certification.

This course provides a basic understanding of the dy-namics of children’s play using a framework of social and emotional development. Students will also gain an under-standing of basic play communication skills, which will al-low them to connect with children and demonstrate em-pathy through the process of play.

Prerequisites: PY 122 or PY 205

An introduction to the basic principles of and various approaches toward counseling. Emphasis on supervised role-playing and on how to begin to become therapeutically effective.

Prerequisite: This course has a prerequisite of PY 101. PY 101 must be completed prior to taking this course.

An overview of the fundamental concepts of general systems theory from which family therapy has developed. Although principles from other major theories are discussed, the primary theoretical approach taught is Bowenian Family Systems Theory. The emphasis is on looking at both functional and dysfunctional aspects of family systems and observing rigid, repetitive sequences of behavior, the crossing of hierarchical levels of organization, the lack of clear individual and family boundaries, and pathological verbal and nonverbal communication patterns. Family dynamics are discussed as these relate to and influence the individual development of each family member.

This course introduces the student to the field of psychological trauma. The course will be composed of lectures, discussions, guest speakers and videos. It will provide the student with an understanding of the various types of traumas and treatment, trauma theory, the impact of trauma on the mind, body and spirit, and the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity. Students will gain an appreciation of the depth of trauma and trauma rejections in the fields of social work and psychology. PREREQUISITES: SW 104 OR PY 285.

An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention and management. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways and, as practitioners, how we deal with these events can make the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations.

An overview of the knowledge and skills needed to understand the various forms of abuse, violence and harm perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner including, married, same-sex, or unmarried couples, or ex-partners. Particularly examines
the research and literature on intimate partner violence to develop competencies in prevention, intervention and resources, and the implications for programs and policies to assist the victim and the abuser. PREREQUISITE: PY 285 or SW 302

This course reviews key concepts to substance abuse counseling, including theoretical models for understanding and treating chemically dependent clients. Various screening and assessment tools, drug history, and interviewing skills will be reviewed to help students assess the severity of addiction and develop an initial treatment plan. Treatment settings and interventions commonly used with chemically dependent clients will also be reviewed. The purpose of this course is to provide students the introductory knowledge and techniques necessary to provide basic competent counseling and psychological services to substance abusers. Attention is paid to the interplay of conceptual knowledge and specific clinical skills and interventions, and the process of familiarization and personal introspection necessary to work comfortably with substance abusers. Additionally, students will be able to make appropriate diagnosis of substance-related disorders, and to make appropriate referrals for treatment.

This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood and will investigate
poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type. PREREQUISITES: PY 122 AND PY 285 OR SW 302

This course will investigate parenting from both a nurturing and maltreatment perspective. Areas that will be explored are the dynamics of the parent/child relationships; social issues and concerns that impact parenting; how parent/child relationships evolve developmentally (birth through adolescence); various parenting styles and implications; the neuroscience of human relationships. This course will also offer Nurturing Parenting Program Facilitator Training certification.

An introduction to the basic principles of and various approaches toward counseling. Emphasis on supervised role-playing and on how to begin to become therapeutically effective.

Prerequisite: This course has a prerequisite of PY 101. PY 101 must be completed prior to taking this course.

This course introduces the student to the field of psychological trauma. The course will be composed of lectures, discussions, guest speakers and videos. It will provide the student with an understanding of the various types of traumas and treatment, trauma theory, the impact of trauma on the mind, body and spirit, and the historical development of trauma as a clinical entity. Students will gain an appreciation of the depth of trauma and trauma rejections in the fields of social work and psychology. PREREQUISITES: SW 104 OR PY 285.

An introduction to the various types of crisis situations practitioners may encounter. In addition, the course will offer various techniques and provide presentations on a variety of components needed to assist the student in understanding the concepts of crisis intervention and management. Crisis events can occur in a variety of ways and, as practitioners, how we deal with these events can make the difference between healing and hindrance. Emphasis will be upon a general understanding of the implications of techniques to modify, manage, and cope with crisis situations.

This course is designed to familiarize students with child abuse in its multiple forms. Students will have the opportunity to learn the many signs and symptoms of child maltreatment that manifest in both childhood and adulthood and will investigate
poisonous pedagogy, open/closed family systems, and the impact of shame on lives. Students will have an opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the types of child abuse as well as the signs and behaviors associated with each type. PREREQUISITES: PY 122 AND PY 285 OR SW 302

A consideration of the current state of social science knowledge of the grief and loss, death and dying experience of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Students explore the individual and family dynamics of death, loss, grief and
bereavement. Death rituals and practices of various belief systems are discussed as well as the belief systems and cultural practices of students. Skills and techniques and techniques for coping and healing are also reviewed. PREREQUISITE: PY 101 or PY 122

An overview of the knowledge and skills needed to understand the various forms of abuse, violence and harm perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner including, married, same-sex, or unmarried couples, or ex-partners. Particularly examines
the research and literature on intimate partner violence to develop competencies in prevention, intervention and resources, and the implications for programs and policies to assist the victim and the abuser. PREREQUISITE: PY 285 or SW 302