Department of Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Psychology and a Minor in Psychology. The Bachelor of Arts degree emphasizes the empirical study of human behavior and is structured around a comprehensive core curriculum that can lead to additional training in biological psychology, clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, cross-cultural psychology, developmental psychology, health psychology, industrial-organizational psychology, and social psychology. It also provides excellent preparation for post-graduate study in a wide range of health professions and for careers in business and industry.
Department Honors
The Department of Psychology awards Honors in Psychology to certain of its outstanding students and provides the opportunity for advanced study under close faculty supervision.
Selection of students for honors designation is based on a student’s academic performance and recommendation by the faculty in the student’s major discipline. To be eligible for the program, students must have a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 at UTSA and a minimum grade point average of 3.5 in Psychology at UTSA. The minimum grade point averages must be maintained for students to receive the approval of the department faculty. Students applying for Honors in Psychology are expected to enroll in the appropriate honors thesis course during their final two semesters. The completed thesis must be approved by the supervising faculty sponsor and another departmental faculty member.
Students interested in this program should contact their faculty advisors for additional information.
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Students interested in studying human behavior with a humanities and social science-oriented supporting curriculum would pursue a B.A. degree. The B.A. can successfully prepare students interested in graduate and professional programs that stress a humanities and social science framework (e.g., counseling, social work, educational psychology, school psychology, business, law) as well as students interested in employment in business, social services, or applied psychology.
The minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree, including the Core Curriculum requirements, is 120. Thirty-nine of the total semester credit hours required for the degree must be at the upper-division level.
All candidates for this degree must fulfill the Core Curriculum requirements and the degree requirements, which are listed below.
The Psychology Department encourages students’ participation in the College for Health, Community and Policy Signature Experience by offering students a variety of opportunities to apply their ideas and knowledge to real-world settings. All Psychology majors enroll in Experimental Psychology and the accompanying laboratory. Experimental Psychology offers students the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of research design and use these fundamentals to design an original research project which addresses many questions of applied interest. In addition, students can enroll in internships and independent study or Honors thesis projects as part of their program of study. Internships are arranged through the Department of Psychology Internship Coordinator and are designed to provide students with experiences at a wide variety of organizations and institutions in the San Antonio area. Independent study and Honors thesis projects are arranged through consultation with individual members of the Psychology faculty and are designed to provide students with an opportunity to further develop their research skills. These projects are conducted under the supervision of a faculty member and usually involve work associated with the faculty member’s primary line of research.
Core Curriculum Requirements (42 semester credit hours)
Students seeking the B.A. degree in Psychology must fulfill University Core Curriculum requirements in the same manner as other students. The courses listed below satisfy both degree requirements and Core Curriculum requirements; however, if these courses are taken to satisfy both requirements, then students will need to take additional courses in order to meet the minimum number of semester credit hours required for this degree.
MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053 is recommended to satisfy the core requirement in Mathematics. PSY 1013 should be used to satisfy the core requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.
For a complete listing of courses that satisfy the Core Curriculum requirements, see Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements.
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
First Year Experience Requirement (3 semester credit hours)
All students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AIS 1203 | Academic Inquiry and Scholarship | 3 |
| AIS 1213 | AIS: Architecture, Construction, and Planning | 3 |
| AIS 1223 | AIS: Arts and Humanities | 3 |
| AIS 1233 | AIS: Business | 3 |
| AIS 1243 | AIS: Engineering, Mathematics, and Sciences | 3 |
| AIS 1253 | AIS: Interdisciplinary Education | 3 |
| AIS 1263 | AIS: Life and Health Sciences | 3 |
| AIS 1273 | AIS: Social Sciences and Public Policy | 3 |
Communication (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II | 3 |
Mathematics (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| CS 1173 | Data Analysis and Visualization | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications | 3 |
| MAT 1043 | Introduction to Mathematics | 3 |
| MAT 1053 | Mathematics for Business | 3 |
| MAT 1073 | Algebra for Scientists and Engineers | 3 |
| MAT 1093 | Precalculus | 3 |
| MAT 1133 | Calculus for Business | 3 |
| MAT 1193 | Calculus for the Biosciences | 3 |
| MAT 1214 | Calculus I | 4 |
| STA 1053 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
Life and Physical Sciences (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| ANT 2033 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3 |
| AST 1013 | Introduction to Astronomy | 3 |
| AST 1033 | Exploration of the Solar System | 3 |
| BIO 1203 | Biosciences I for Science Majors | 3 |
| BIO 1223 | Biosciences II for Science Majors | 3 |
| BIO 1233 | Contemporary Biology I | 3 |
| BIO 1243 | Contemporary Biology II | 3 |
| CHE 1083 | Introduction to the Molecular Structure of Matter | 3 |
| CHE 1093 | Introduction to Molecular Transformations | 3 |
| ES 1113 | Environmental Botany | 3 |
| ES 1123 | Environmental Zoology | 3 |
| ES 1213 | Environmental Geology | 3 |
| ES 2013 | Introduction to Environmental Science I | 3 |
| ES 2023 | Introduction to Environmental Science II | 3 |
| GEO 1013 | The Third Planet | 3 |
| GEO 1033 | Geology of North American National Parks | 3 |
| GEO 1123 | Life Through Time | 3 |
| GES 2613 | Intro to Physical Geography | 3 |
| PHY 1943 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers I | 3 |
| PHY 1963 | Physics for Scientists and Engineers II | 3 |
Language, Philosophy and Culture (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AAS 2013 | Introduction to African American Studies | 3 |
| AAS 2113 | African American Culture, Leadership and Social Issues | 3 |
| ANT 2063 | Language, Thought, and Culture | 3 |
| ARC 1113 | Introduction to the Built Environment | 3 |
| ARC 2423 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Renaissance to 19th Century | 3 |
| CHN 1014 | Elementary Chinese I | 4 |
| CLA 2013 | Introduction to Ancient Greece | 3 |
| CLA 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Rome | 3 |
| CLA 2323 | Classical Mythology | 3 |
| CSH 1103 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture I | 3 |
| CSH 1113 | Literary Masterpieces of Western Culture II | 3 |
| CSH 1213 | Topics in World Cultures | 3 |
| CSH 2113 | The Foreign Film | 3 |
| ENG 2013 | Introduction to Literature | 3 |
| ENG 2023 | Literature and Film | 3 |
| ENG 2213 | Literary Criticism and Analysis | 3 |
| ENG 2383 | Multiethnic Literatures of the United States | 3 |
| ENG 2423 | Literature of Texas and the Southwest | 3 |
| ENG 2443 | Persuasion and Rhetoric | 3 |
| FRN 1014 | Elementary French I | 4 |
| FRN 2333 | French Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GER 1014 | Elementary German I | 4 |
| GER 2333 | German Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| GES 1023 | World Regions & Global Change | 3 |
| GLA 1013 | US in Global Context | 3 |
| GRK 1114 | Introductory Classical Greek I | 4 |
| HIS 2123 | Introduction to World Civilization to the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| HIS 2133 | Introduction to World Civilization since the Fifteenth Century | 3 |
| HIS 2533 | Introduction to Latin American Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2543 | Introduction to Islamic Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2553 | Introduction to East Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2573 | Introduction to African Civilization | 3 |
| HIS 2583 | Introduction to South Asian Civilization | 3 |
| HUM 2093 | World Religions | 3 |
| ITL 1014 | Elementary Italian I | 4 |
| ITL 2333 | Italian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| JPN 1014 | Elementary Japanese I | 4 |
| LAT 1114 | Introductory Latin I | 4 |
| MAS 2013 | Introduction to Chicano(a) Studies | 3 |
| PHI 1043 | Critical Thinking | 3 |
| PHI 2013 | Basic Philosophical Problems | 3 |
| PHI 2023 | Introduction to Ancient Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2033 | Introduction to Early Modern Philosophy | 3 |
| PHI 2123 | Contemporary Moral Issues | 3 |
| RUS 1014 | Elementary Russian I | 4 |
| RUS 2333 | Russian Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| SPN 1014 | Elementary Spanish I | 4 |
| SPN 2333 | Hispanic Literature in English Translation | 3 |
| WGSS 2013 | Introduction to Women’s Studies | 3 |
| WGSS 2023 | Introduction to LGBTQ Studies | 3 |
Creative Arts (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AHC 1113 | Art History I | 3 |
| AHC 1123 | Art History II | 3 |
| ARC 1513 | Great Buildings and Cities of the World | 3 |
| ARC 2413 | Global History of Architecture and Urbanism: Prehistory to Medieval | 3 |
| ART 1103 | Introduction to Visual Arts | 3 |
| BBL 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions | 3 |
| CLA 2033 | Introduction to Classical Literature | 3 |
| DAN 2003 | Introduction to Dance | 3 |
| HUM 2023 | Introduction to the Humanities I | 3 |
| HUM 2033 | Introduction to the Humanities II | 3 |
| HUM 2053 | History of Film | 3 |
| MAS 2023 | Latino Cultural Expressions | 3 |
| MUS 2243 | World Music in Society | 3 |
| MUS 2633 | American Roots Music | 3 |
| MUS 2653 | Music in Culture | 3 |
| MUS 2663 | History and Styles of Jazz | 3 |
| MUS 2673 | History and Styles of Rock | 3 |
| MUS 2683 | History and Styles of Western Art Music | 3 |
| MUS 2713 | History of Recorded Music | 3 |
| MUS 2743 | Music and Film | 3 |
| PHI 2073 | Philosophy of Art | 3 |
American History (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era | 3 |
| HIS 1053 | United States History: Civil War Era to Present | 3 |
| HIS 2053 | Texas History | 3 |
Government-Political Science (6 semester credit hours)
Students must complete two of the following courses, for a total of 6 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics | 3 |
| and one of the following two courses: | ||
| POL 1133 | Texas Politics and Society | 3 |
| POL 1213 | Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete one of the following courses, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| AMS 2043 | Approaches to American Culture | 3 |
| ANT 1013 | Introduction to Anthropology | 3 |
| ANT 2043 | Introduction to Archaeology | 3 |
| ANT 2053 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| BBL 2003 | Language, Culture, and Society | 3 |
| BBL 2243 | Bilingual Families, Communities, and Schools: National and Transnational Experiences | 3 |
| BIO 1033 | Drugs and Society | 3 |
| CRJ 1113 | The American Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| ECO 2003 | Economic Principles and Issues | 3 |
| ECO 2023 | Introductory Microeconomics | 3 |
| EGR 1343 | The Impact of Modern Technologies on Society | 3 |
| ES 1003 | Survey Topics in Environmental Studies | 3 |
| GES 1013 | Fundamentals of Geography | 3 |
| GES 2623 | Human Geography: People, Place, Culture | 3 |
| HTH 2413 | Introduction to Community and Public Health | 3 |
| HTH 2513 | Personal Health | 3 |
| IDS 2113 | Society and Social Issues | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| SOC 1013 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 2013 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOC 2023 | Social Context of Drug Use | 3 |
Component Area Option (CAO) (3 semester credit hours)
Students must complete either one of the following courses or any additional Core Curriculum course not previously used to satisfy a core component area requirement, for a total of 3 semester credit hours:
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| COM 2113 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| EGR 1403 | Technical Communication | 3 |
| ENG 2413 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| PAD 1113 | Public Administration and Policy in American Society | 3 |
| PHI 2043 | Introductory Logic | 3 |
Core Curriculum Component Area Requirements
| First Year Experience Requirement | 3 | |
| Communication | 6 | |
| Mathematics | 3 | |
| Life and Physical Sciences | 6 | |
| Language, Philosophy and Culture | 3 | |
| Creative Arts | 3 | |
| American History | 6 | |
| Government-Political Science | 6 | |
| Social and Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Component Area Option | 3 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 42 | |
Gateway Courses
Students pursuing the B.A. degree in Psychology must successfully complete each of the following Gateway Courses with a grade of "C-" or better in no more than two attempts. A student who is unable to successfully complete these courses within two attempts, including dropping a course with a grade of “W” or taking an equivalent course at another institution, will be required to change his or her major.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 |
Degree Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Psychology major courses | ||
| 1. Lower-division courses | ||
| a. Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | ||
| b. Select three of the following courses: | 9 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| c. Statistics for Psychology or approved substitute | ||
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology (Prerequisites: MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053; and PSY 1013. PSY 2073 must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-" before enrolling in PSY 3403 and PSY 3413, and should be completed during the freshman or sophomore year.) | 3 |
| 2. Upper-Division courses | ||
| a. Experimental Psychology | ||
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology (PSY 3403 must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-.") | 3 |
| PSY 3413 | Experimental Projects and Laboratory | 3 |
| b. Select 12 semester credit hours of upper-division courses in psychology. The following courses may be taken as electives, but will not be counted for this requirement: Independent Study, Internship in Psychology, or Honors Thesis. | 12 | |
| B. Electives | 45 | |
| Select 45 semester credit hours of electives. In fulfillment of this requirement, majors are encouraged to take at least 9 semester credit hours of upper-division coursework in disciplines outside of Psychology that support the study of Psychology. Majors who are interested in gaining experience in applied settings are encouraged to investigate options for Internship hours. Majors who plan to attend graduate school are encouraged to take at least 6 hours of upper-division Psychology courses in these free electives, and majors who intend to pursue a research focused graduate degree are encouraged to gain research experience, including through Independent Study or Honors Thesis electives. | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 78 | |
Course Sequence Guide for B.A. Degree in Psychology
This course sequence guide is designed to assist students in completing their UTSA undergraduate Psychology degree requirements. This is merely a guide and students must satisfy other requirements of this catalog and meet with their academic advisor for individualized degree plans. Progress within this guide depends upon such factors as course availability, individual student academic preparation, student time management, work obligations, and individual financial considerations. Students may choose to take courses during Summer terms to reduce course loads during long semesters.
B.A. in Psychology – Four-Year Academic Plan
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credit Hours | |
| AIS 1203 | Academic Inquiry and Scholarship (core) | 3 |
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| MAT 1023 | College Algebra with Applications (core) or Algebra for Scientists and Engineers or Basic Statistics | 3 |
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (core and major) | 3 |
| WRC 1013 | Freshman Composition I (core) | 3 |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| HIS 1043 | United States History: Pre-Columbus to Civil War Era (core) or United States History: Civil War Era to Present or Texas History | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2503 | Developmental Psychology or Abnormal Psychology or Social Psychology or Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| WRC 1023 | Freshman Composition II (core) | 3 |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| POL 1013 | Introduction to American Politics (core) | 3 |
| PSY 2513 | Abnormal Psychology or Developmental Psychology or Social Psychology or Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 2533 | Social Psychology or Developmental Psychology or Abnormal Psychology or Cognitive Psychology | 3 |
| Component Area Option (core) | 3 | |
| Life & Physical Sciences (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| POL 1133 or POL 1213 | Texas Politics and Society (core) or Civil Rights in Texas and America | 3 |
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 3413 | Experimental Projects and Laboratory | 3 |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Language, Philosophy & Culture (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Third Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Creative Arts (core) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division PSY elective | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Fourth Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective (upper-division PSY recommended) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective (upper-division PSY recommended) | 3 | |
| Upper-division free elective | 3 | |
| Free elective (to meet 120 hour minimum) | 3 | |
| Credit Hours | 15 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 120 | |
Minor in Psychology
All students pursuing a Minor in Psychology must complete 21 semester credit hours.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| A. Required courses | ||
| PSY 1013 | Introduction to Psychology (This course may be used to satisfy the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences.) | 3 |
| PSY 2073 | Statistics for Psychology (must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-") | 3 |
| PSY 3403 | Experimental Psychology (must be completed with a minimum grade of "C-") | 3 |
| B. Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| C. Upper-division psychology courses | ||
| Select 6 additional upper-division credit hours of psychology courses. The following courses may be taken as electives, but will not be counted for this requirement: Independent Study, Internship in Psychology, or Honors Thesis. | 6 | |
| Total Credit Hours | 21 | |
To declare a Minor in Psychology, obtain advice, or seek approval of substitutions for course requirements, students should consult their academic advisor.
Psychology (PSY) Courses
PSY 1013. Introduction to Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2301)
Introduction to the study of the mind and behavior in humans and other species with attention to awareness, sensation, perception, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, problem solving, personality, mental and behavioral development, abnormal behavior, and social behavior in group settings. Psychological, social, cultural, institutional, and biological determinants of behavior are considered, together with applications of basic principles based on individuals within a variety of cultural, civic, and public policy contexts. Scientific approaches to the explanation of psychological phenomena are examined critically, with emphasis on empirical research involving the application of the scientific method and quantitative research skills and results to everyday life situations and areas of social responsibility. Communication of empirical results to an appropriate audience is required, as is participation in illustrative research. May be applied toward the Core Curriculum requirement in Social and Behavioral Sciences. (Formerly PSY 2013. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 1013 and PSY 2013.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRC1 $12; LRHC $10.
PSY 2073. Statistics for Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: MAT 1023, MAT 1073, or STA 1053; and one psychology course.
The use of statistics in psychological research includes: elementary probability theory; descriptive statistics, including histograms, graphing, and measures of central tendency and dispersion; correlational techniques; binomial and normal distributions; and inferential statistics, including hypothesis testing, effect size estimates, and analysis of variance. (Formerly STA 2073. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 2073 and STA 2073.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2503. Developmental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2314)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Problems, methods, major theories, and results in the study of the psychological development of the individual from the prenatal period to old age. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2513. Abnormal Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2320)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Topics may include the dynamics of abnormal behavior with attention to description, causes, and treatment of major psychological disorders, including neuroses, psychoses, personality disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2533. Social Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours. (TCCN = PSYC 2319)
Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Problems, methods, major theories, and results in the study of social interaction and interpersonal influence; self-identity, attitudes, role behavior, social perception, social influence, and behavior within groups. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2543. Theories of Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 1013 or equivalent, and MAT 1023 or equivalent.
An examination of major theories about the nature of the learning process. Discussion will focus on the construction and evaluation of models of learning. The practical and theoretical implications of research results for the acquisition, maintenance, modification, and elimination of behavior will be considered. Related memory phenomena and theories may be discussed. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 2563. Cognitive Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
A survey of scientific theories and research in cognitive psychology. Topics include attention, memory, and problem-solving. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3023. Social Psychology of Small Groups. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2533 and PSY 3413, or consent of instructor.
Theory and modern research in the social psychology of small groups. Particular attention will be given to group formation, the nature of small group processes, and the influence of groups on behavior. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3053. Multicultural Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: ANT 1013, ANT 2053, or PSY 1013; and PSY 3413 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.
An examination of the role of culture in the development and validation of psychological theories. Critical discussion of the application of theories of human behavior developed in the United States and Western Europe to other cultural groups, including ethnic minority subgroups. Topics may include identity formation, cognitive and personality development, social and organizational behavior, intergroup relations, psychological assessment, and mental health. (Formerly titled "Cross-Cultural Psychology." Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3053 Cross-Cultural Psychology and PSY 3053 Multicultural Psychology.) Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3073. Personality and Behavior. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
Examination of the relationship of personality to behavior, behavioral tendencies, including thoughts and feelings. Topics include the theoretical foundation of personality psychology, an examination of research regarding personality’s influence on behavior, and the application of what psychologists know about personality. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3113. Motivation and Emotion. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent.
Topics may include examination of biological, physiological, learning, psychodynamic, cognitive, and purposive factors in the motivation of human behavior. Includes an examination of the nature and roles of emotion in explaining motivational processes. Generally offered: Fall. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3153. Sensation and Perception. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
Survey of the processes by which the information available in the physical world is encoded and transformed to produce our perception of the world. Emphasis on the interaction between data-driven and conceptually-driven processes. Topics may include elementary sensory physiology, pattern recognition, illusions, physiological bases of perceptual dysfunction, and perceptual development. (Formerly PSY 2553. Credit cannot be earned for both PSY 3153 and PSY 2553.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3203. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3413 or the equivalent, or consent of instructor.
The role of psychology in industry. Applications of psychological knowledge to industrial problems such as personnel selection, employee motivation and satisfaction, and the influence of organizations on behavior. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3303. Psychological Perspectives on Gender. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 1013.
Consideration of physiological and social-learning origins of sex differences and psychological theories of sex-stereotyped and sexual behavior. Topics may include gender differences and similarities in aggression, sexual behavior, personality, intellectual activity, psychopathology, the development of gender and gender roles, sexism and discrimination, gender stereotypes, sexual orientation and sexuality, and intersex conditions. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3403. Experimental Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Two courses from PSY 2503, PSY 2513, PSY 2533, or PSY 2563; and PSY 2073 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor.
This course is designed to offer students the opportunity to familiarize themselves with representative experimental designs employed in psychological research, to provide instruction in the choice of appropriate designs, to provide the opportunity to develop skills in the analysis of published research, and to offer an introduction to techniques for collecting and analyzing data. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3413. Experimental Projects and Laboratory. (2-2) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3403 (completed with a minimum grade of "C-").
Application of observational and experimental procedures to selected problems in the collection of psychological data and the evaluation of psychological theories. (Formerly titled "Experimental Psychology Laboratory.") Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3523. Psychology of Adulthood and Aging. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 2503 or consent of instructor.
Descriptive and theoretical accounts of psychological developments from emerging adulthood through old age. Relevant research is reviewed in the areas of memory, intellect, mental and physical health, social development, personality, meaning, stress and coping, bereavement, and dying. Course Fees: DL01 $75; LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3543. Introduction to Clinical Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2513 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; or consent of instructor.
An introduction to the scientist-practitioner viewpoint of clinical psychology, which balances research and practice. The basic tools of psychological assessment, psycho-diagnosis, and psychotherapy will be addressed. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 3553. Behavior Analysis and Learning. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 1013 or equivalent; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or equivalent.
An introduction to and survey of the principles, methods, theories and applications of the experimental analysis of behavior. Emphasis on the implications of behavior theory and the experimental analysis of behavior in contemporary society. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 3563. Couple and Family Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 1013, and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
This course will focus on psychological research on relationships, processes and factors within couples and families. Demographic status and changes in American couples and families and how these changes relate to changes in racial/ethnic changes and diversity are considered. Psychological models of couples and families will be discussed. Understanding family structure, relationship processes and factors that are related to health and well-being of individual couple and family members that are related to successful and healthy couples and family relationships are discussed. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4003. History of Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor.
The development of major theoretical positions and research strategies in psychology from the ancient Greeks to the present, with emphasis on the development of scientific psychology since the late 19th century. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4013. Social Psychology of the Self. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2533 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-"; and completion of or concurrent enrollment in PSY 3413; or consent of instructor.
A social psychological examination of current research on the self in social interaction. Topics may include the structure of the self-concept and strategies for the preservation of self-esteem; the evaluation of the self through social comparison; the search for meaning and processes involved in understanding the self; and individual differences in self-knowledge and self-presentational styles. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4103. Social Psychology of Prejudice. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2533 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
Consideration of social, psychological, and personality factors in prejudice and stereotyping, and their interaction with cultural factors in producing racism and other prejudices. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4133. Social and Personality Development. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2503 or PSY 2533; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.
Social and personality development across the life span. Topics may include sex-role development, child rearing, achievement, and the influence of peers. Socialization into different social roles may also be considered. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4143. Memory. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", and PSY 3413 or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.
Models for the coding, storage, and retrieval of information in memory. Organization and structure of short-term, long-term, and semantic memory, and the role of verbalization and images in memory. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4183. Physiological Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: BIO 1203 (Formerly BIO 1404) or PSY 1013; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
Topics may include the biological and particularly neurophysiological bases of human behavior and cognition, the structure and organization of the nervous system, and the effect of the latter on perception, memory, learning, motivation, and emotion. (Same as BIO 4183. Credit cannot be earned for both BIO 4183 and PSY 4183.) Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4193. Relationships. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2533 and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-".
A consideration of the psychological processes that underlie the development and maintenance of social relationships. Emphasis on motivational and cognitive factors that mediate social interaction and communication. Special attention may be given to friendships, romantic relationships, successful marriages, and distressed relationships. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4213. Social Cognition. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: PSY 2533 or PSY 2563; and PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-", or the equivalent; or consent of instructor.
The study of how people perceive and construe social events, social situations, and the behavior of other people. Some emphasis is also placed on how social and cultural forces affect personal perception processes. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4253. Psychology of Health. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 completed with a minimum grade of "C-" or consent of instructor.
An examination of the interaction of psychological, social, and biological factors in physical illness. The symptoms/conditions covered may include stress, pain, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS, and obesity. The course is research-based but also likely to include prevention and/or treatment strategies for health promotion. Generally offered: Fall, Spring, Summer. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4343. Cognitive Neuroscience. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: PSY 3403 and PSY 3413.
Examines issues in cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and the relations between cognitive psychology and neuroscience. Topics include the neural basis of perception, attention, memory, language, and executive function skills. Students will also study how these processes change during normal development and in various neurological disorders. Critical thinking, problem solving skills, and use of the scientific method will be emphasized. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4911. Independent Study. (0-0) 1 Credit Hour.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $6.
PSY 4913. Independent Study. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisites: Permission in writing (form available) from the instructor, the Department Chair, and Dean of the College in which the course is offered.
Independent reading, research, discussion, and/or writing under the direction of a faculty member. May be repeated for credit, but not more than 6 semester credit hours of independent study, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4933. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration.
Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.
PSY 4936. Internship in Psychology. (0-0) 6 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of internship coordinator before registration.
Supervised experience relevant to psychology within selected community organizations. A maximum of 6 semester credit hours may be earned through Internship in Psychology. Does not count toward course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students who wish to gain experience in applied settings. Must be taken on a credit/no-credit basis. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $36.
PSY 4953. Special Studies in Psychology. (3-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.
An organized course offering the opportunity for specialized study not normally or not often available as part of the regular course offerings. Special Studies may be repeated for credit when the topics vary, but not more than 6 semester credit hours, regardless of discipline, will apply to a bachelor’s degree. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18; DL01 $75.
PSY 4993. Honors Thesis. (0-0) 3 Credit Hours.
Prerequisite: Enrollment limited to candidates for Honors in Psychology; requirements for candidacy include the sponsorship of a faculty member and Psychology faculty approval of the student’s project proposal.
Supervised research and preparation of an honors thesis. May be repeated once for credit with advisor’s approval. Does not count toward upper-division course requirements for the major but may be taken as an elective. Recommended for students planning to pursue a research focused graduate degree. Generally offered: Fall, Spring. Course Fees: LRHC $10; STHC $18.