Courses Psychology Pre-Counseling

In this course, learners examine the integrative relationship between human biological systems and the social sciences, arts, and communications. Learners build and apply an understanding of topics such as human anatomy, nature versus nurture, biological psychology, human disease, and concepts related to ancestry and biology. Learners also evaluate the accuracy of biological topics in the media. This course includes a lab experience.

This course is an introduction to writing research techniques and various forms of writing, including expository writing. Learners strengthen and demonstrate their ability to think critically; to develop and organize writing topics; and to revise their writing for clarity of purpose, readability, and style.

This course introduces fundamental concepts of elementary statistics, including descriptive statistics, methods of counting, probability distributions, approximations, estimation, and hypothesis testing. Learners use these concepts to apply and interpret statistical results.

In this course, learners apply major ethical theories to evaluate actions and apply them to contemporary issues. Learners reflect on their own value systems and the ways these values influence and inform their judgments and behavior.

This course is an introduction to the basic theories and principles of psychology and of the scientific methods of psychologists. Learners build understanding of core psychological theories and research and their application in areas of the brain, learning, memory, personality, social influence, lifespan development, psychopathology, and applied psychology. Learners apply the psychological concepts they learn to everyday situations through discussions and assignments.

Learners in this course develop skills needed to succeed in their academic program by analyzing the science of academic success. Learners cultivate critical thinking, information literacy, and academic writing and research skills to enable their academic success. Additionally, learners gain an understanding of evidence-based decision making, APA style, and the fundamental principles behind academic success. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners who are determined to need additional support developing academic and professional writing and reading skills based on academic assessment must take PSYC1003 during their first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

In this course, learners build and strengthen psychology-related skills needed to succeed in their program and the workplace. Learners expand their critical-thinking, organizational, problem-solving, and research skills in order to demonstrate and apply a psychology perspective. Learners also communicate effectively and exhibit ethical behavior. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners may only earn credit for PSYC3002 or PSYC3003. Prerequisite(s): ENG1000, PSYC1000, PSYC1003. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

This course builds and strengthens learners’ academic writing, critical-thinking, problem-solving, research, and organizational skills in relation to psychology, so that they may apply a psychology perspective within their program and the workplace. During the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical principles and standards as they relate to topics in psychology. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Learners may only earn credit for PSYC3002 or PSYC3003. Must be taken during the learner’s first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

This course is a survey of physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development throughout the lifespan as viewed by research and theories, both classical and contemporary. Learners explore the interaction between heredity and the environment, the research methods used by developmental psychologists, and apply stage and non-stage human development theories and research to modern problems and individual experiences. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3540.

Learners in this course apply theories, research, and methods of human learning and cognition to lifelong learning and development. Learners gain and demonstrate their knowledge of classical and operant learning, perception, attention, memory systems, and encoding and retrieval processes and the role of reasoning, knowledge, and language in learning and cognition. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3520.

This course is an introduction to the scientific study of the social context on an individual’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and the three areas of social perception, interaction, and influence in particular. Learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of social cognition; the social self; interpersonal relationships; helping behavior; group behavior; attitude formation; aggression; conformity; obedience; and social perceptions related to gender, race, and culture. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000, completion of or concurrent registration in PSYC3210.

In this course, learners integrate their knowledge of theories and research of culture, ethnicity, diversity, and social interaction with current trends and challenges associated with cultural diversity. Learners analyze social issues related to gender, age, race, religion, sexual orientation, and mental and physical disability and assess the effects of prejudice, discrimination, and institutional oppression. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

Learners in this course build and demonstrate their knowledge of the history of psychology as an academic discipline, with an emphasis on the lives of various significant psychologists and the historical and social events that shaped the development of the field as a science. Learners also identify the evolution of the field’s ideas of the mind, paradigmatic approaches influencing the discipline, and various psychology systems that have developed as a result of rapid social and technological change. Prerequisite(s): PSYC3520.

In this course, learners synthesize theories of mind-body connection with the biological bases of behavior. Learners demonstrate their knowledge of the structure and functions of the nervous system; brain evolution and plasticity; methodology of physiological psychology; and the neurological bases of sensation, perception, motivation, emotion, and higher cortical functions. Prerequisite(s): BIO1000, PSYC3520.

Learners in this course demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental research methods and tools used in psychology. Learners use research methods and designs to show how the scientific method can be applied to the study of human behavior and thought, including ethical considerations for conducting research with human participants. Prerequisite(s): PSYC4700. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

In this course, learners apply quantitative statistics to the study of human behavior. Learners systematically examine and test hypotheses and relationships using statistical software; interpret, display, and present statistical data; and analyze the validity of arguments based on statistics. In particular, learners gain and demonstrate skills required to conduct statistical sampling, define statistical assumptions and requirements, test statistical differences between and among groups, evaluate correlations, calculate effect size and confidence intervals, and determine practical and statistical significance. Prerequisite(s): MAT2001, PSYC3520. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.

In this course, learners evaluate current legal and ethical guidelines used in the counseling profession. Learners apply decision-making models and formulate effective collaboration strategies used to resolve legal and ethical issues that arise when working with children, adults, couples, and families in a variety of treatment settings. Learners also analyze how personal belief systems can influence counselors’ responses to those issues. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

In this course, learners develop foundational knowledge and skills applicable to career counseling and development. Learners analyze theoretical models of career development as they relate to client interests, aptitudes, personalities, traits, values, and work preferences. In addition, learners explore the ways in which social interests, family relationships, cultural facets, and developmental factors and circumstances resulting from life transitions relate to career development across the lifespan. Learners also discuss legal and ethical issues associated with career counseling practice. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

In this course, learners engage with theory, research, and models that inform ethical and culturally competent counseling and social justice advocacy in a variety of settings. Learners analyze counseling theories and evidence-based practices that emphasize the relevance of multicultural counseling and advocacy roles of counselors. Throughout the course, learners investigate cultural assumptions, values, counselor credibility, prejudice, and racism within the counseling context. Learners identify their own overt and covert beliefs, and messages around cultural characteristics to determine how these experiences might influence the counseling process. In addition, learners gain an understanding of the role of the counselor and advocate in promoting social justice at multiple levels. For MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, MS in School Counseling, and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling degree program and Contemporary Theory in Mental Health Services graduate certificate learners only. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Learners in this course examine the ethical and legal responsibilities framing marriage and family therapy and apply the criteria for state licensure. Learners also analyze the impact of a therapist’s values, culture, and ethnicity on clinical practice; identify approaches to protecting clients from one’s own potential biases; and assess the role of advocacy in marriage and family therapy. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

This course is a comparative study of the prominent schools of thought within the field of marriage and family therapy. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the tenets, therapeutic strategies, and techniques used within the field. Learners also evaluate therapy and counseling approaches to structural, strategic, transgenerational, behavioral, communication, and analytical models in working with couples and families. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

In this course, learners build an understanding of families as systems, in particular family development, transitions, assessment, and intervention across the lifespan. Learners also integrate diversity and sociocultural factors in the application of systemic assessment and intervention strategies. Prerequisite(s): BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC4700 with a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better.

Learners investigate biological, psychological, and social aspects of addictive behavior and identify causes, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Learners gain an understanding of disease models, relapse prevention, family systems, and behavioral addictions, and assess how to promote motivation for change.

Learners in this course explore a variety of mental health disciplines, settings, and populations. Learners build knowledge of and practice the communication and psychotherapy skills used in professional mental health areas, such as addictions counseling, marriage and family therapy, mental health counseling, and school counseling. Learners apply knowledge of psychotherapeutic methods and research findings to support interventions in real-world problems in living. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

In this introductory course, learners gain and demonstrate knowledge of theories of personality psychology. Learners apply these theories to human traits, behaviors, and emotional issues within the field of psychology. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

The focus of this course is abnormal behavior, which learners investigate using the framework of mental pathology. Learners evaluate scientific, empirically based analyses of mental disorders and deviant behavior. Learners also examine the range of psychological disorders and assess the disorders’ biological, psychological, and social consequences. In addition, learners demonstrate their knowledge of abnormal psychology treatment methods. Prerequisite(s): PSYC1000.

The capstone project is the culmination of the bachelor’s degree program in Psychology and provides learners the opportunity to demonstrate the research, analysis, writing, and communication skills they’ve gained during their program. Throughout the course, learners examine real-life implications of psychology and how practicing the principles of the field may optimally contribute to society. During the capstone experience, learners also explore how this degree can support their next steps, both professionally and personally. For BS in Psychology and BS in Psychology Pre-Counseling learners only. Must be taken during the learner’s final quarter. Prerequisite(s): PSYC4600. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer or prior learning assessment.