Request InfoGraduate Behavioral Science Course Descriptions
PSY 501 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 Semester Units
This course explores human growth and development from conception to old age. The stages and patterns of human change and the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur in each stage are reviewed, and the various theories of development are examined.
PSY 503 HUMAN SEXUALITY
3 Semester Units
This course presents the role of sexuality in human growth and relationships. A historical look at the way sexuality has been, and still is presented in our culture and cultures around the globe is discussed. Practical methods of dealing with sexual problems, sexual communication, evaluation of research, child-rearing practices, life-cycle sexuality, and gender identity are explored.
PSY 505 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY
3 Semester Units
This course offers students the chance to investigate the causes of abnormal behavior and recommend methods for its therapeutic alteration. The nature of knowledge is explored, the way experiments are designed are examined, and the interplay between theory and data is discussed.
PSY 509 THEORIES OF MARRIAGE AND FAMILY
3 Semester Units
This course explores all major schools and developments in family therapy, and includes brief biographies of some of the leading family therapists of the twentieth century. Current research and developments in the field are covered, and trends in family therapy are presented. Ethical standards for the practice of marriage and family therapy are also included.
PSY 511 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS AND THE LAW
3 Semester Units
This course helps future and current professionals deal with ethical issues that they will confront at the various stages in their career. Central issues in ethical practice are presented, diverse views on these issues are explored, and students are encouraged to refine their own thinking and to actively develop their own position. The role of the therapist’s personal values in the counseling relationship is discussed, the ethical responsibilities and rights of clients and therapists are presented, and the considerations involved in adapting counseling practice to diverse client populations are explored.
PSY 517 ALCOHOL AND CHEMICAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE
3 Semester Units
This course offers an integrated study of effective diagnostic methods and treatment strategies for alcoholism and substance abuse, including detection and diagnosis of abuse, early intervention techniques, evaluation of detoxification and medical consequences, and inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Additionally, effective preventive measures will be discussed.
PSY 525 COUNSELING SYSTEMS AND TECHNIQUES
3 Semester Units
This course reviews counseling theory and practice. Role and function of counseling, preparation of counselors and licensing, history of counseling, impact on the social sciences, and the traits of counselors and clients are analyzed. Major counseling theories and counseling of special populations are reviewed.
PSY 527 ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUES
3 Semester Units
This course introduces students to non-test techniques of assessment such as interviews, autobiography, and case studies. Additionally, interest, personality, and vocational inventories are discussed and standardized tests for individuals or pupil appraisal in counseling settings are explored. Basic measurement concepts such as reliability and validity are examined, and trends in assessment and appraisal practices are reviewed.
PSY 530 PSYCHOLOGY OF AGING
3 Semester Units
This course examines the societal responses and attitudes toward the elderly and the influence that these factors have on the aged as individuals and as a group. Special emphasis is also given to historical antecedents of the present condition of the elderly in American society and to possible future development and trends.
PSY 540 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 Semester Units
This course offers an introductory survey of physiological processes underlying behavior, with an emphasis on the impact physiological psychology has within the larger realm of psychology. Contemporary research in the role of hormonal and neurotransmitter influences in behavior are discussed to help students gain a solid understanding of the biological influences which effect and determine behavior.
PSY 550 GROUP PSYCHOTHERAPY
3 Semester Units
This course introduces students to the current theories, research and trends specific to group psychotherapy. The unique values of group counseling for special populations is explored, and the issues and cases which deal with the ethics of group work are addressed. Additionally, various theories such as Adlerian, Gestalt, Existential and Reality Therapy are explored as they relate to group process.
PSY 560 CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
3 Semester Units
This course presents the theories, research, prevention, assessment, and clinical applications of the field of clinical psychology. The diagnostic and therapeutic strategies employed by clinical psychologists are examined, and students will be challenged to engage in a critical analysis of the theories and research that provide the foundation for effective treatments of various mental disorders.
GRM 697 THE RESEARCH PROCESS
3 Semester Units
A required course for Master's Degree students to prepare them for the development and writing of a Proposal for a Thesis. Assists students in utilization of their natural curiosity in selection of a topic for research. Provides guidance in planning research strategy, documentation of research data, and design of a defensible study. Also explores and analyzes examples of research from many different disciplines, development and use of computer-aided research and writing skills, and logical argumentation techniques in stating and defending research data.