Fundamentals of Psychology
Undergraduate Certificate Online Program

The undergraduate certificate program in the Fundamentals of Psychology serves as a means to help students grasp a better understanding of themselves and others. Students will have the skills and knowledge to be able to identify patterns, influences, and causes of various behaviors and interactions. Knowledge of human behavior is very beneficial and is widely applicable to a variety of professional fields.

Designed For You

The California Coast University online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Psychology program was designed for complete flexibility for the student. All courses are self-paced and completed 100% online.

View Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

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Explore The Program

The Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Psychology consists of 4 total courses.
The required courses are comprised of: 4  Core Courses .
There are 12 total semester units in this program.

4 Core Courses

The online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Psychology is comprised of the following 4 courses. Click on course title to expand and read more.

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ID Course Name Units
PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology  3

Introduction to Psychology introduces the methods and findings of contemporary psychology and investigates how psychological science can be applied to the world around us. Emphasizing the need for scientific and critical thinking, topics include a survey of biology and behavior, sensory processes, human development, learning and motivation. Emotion, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, and social interaction are also examined to provide students with a solid understanding of the facts, principles, and theories which make up the field of psychology.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Discuss the historical foundations of the field of psychology, the function of the brain on behavior, stages of human development, and psychology as a scientific field of study.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of processes related sensation and perception, states of consciousness, conditioning and learning, memory, cognition, language, and intelligence.
  • Examine motivation and emotion, sexuality and gender development, and personality development.
  • Evaluate psychological disorders and psychotherapies.
  • Examine key concepts related to the fields of health psychology and applied psychology.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to the field of psychology.
PSY 220 Developmental Psychology  3

Developmental Psychology introduces students to the scientific study of patterns of change and stability that occur as we move through the process of human development from conception to death. Various theories of development will be presented and an emphasis on physical, emotional, cognitive, and psychosocial changes throughout the lifespan will be discussed.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Define human development, discuss how it is studied, and examine the major theories and stages of development from infancy to late adulthood.
  • Examine the genetic, environmental, and physical factors related to the varying developmental stages.
  • Evaluate the factors of sensation, perception, cognition, memory, learning, intelligence, creativity, and language related to the varying developmental stages.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the self, personality, social and moral development, gender roles, sexuality, emotions, attachment, and relationships related to the varying developmental stages.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of unique factors related to developmental psychology, psychopathology, death, and bereavement.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to developmental psychology.
PSY 380 Personality Theories  3

Personality Theories presents an in-depth look at a number of classical and current personality theories, providing an explanation and interpretation of personality development from several different theoretical approaches. Classic theory is integrated with the latest research and current topics, preparing students to apply theoretical approaches to better understand the particular individuals and personalities they may encounter in their professional and personal lives.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Define personality and examine perspectives in theories of personality.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major psychodynamic personality theories.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major humanistic/existential personality theories.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the major biological/evolutionary, and learning-cognitive personality theories.
  • Describe and examine the research methods used in personality research.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to theories of personality.
PSY 408 Abnormal Psychology  3

Abnormal Psychology offers students an integrative approach to the study of psychopathology, drawing on contributions from various disciplines and theoretical stances. Through clinical case studies, the psychosocial and psychophysiological factors of abnormal behavior are examined, along with the exploration of prevention efforts and research-based advancements in the field.

Course Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

  • Define abnormal behavior and describe the historical conceptions of abnormal behavior.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the various types of psychological disorders, their causes, and types of treatment.
  • Examine the processes of clinical assessment, diagnosis, and research in psychopathology.
  • Evaluate the legal and ethical issues that pertain to mental health services.
  • Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to abnormal psychology.

Prerequisites to Admission:

The applicant should meet the following prerequisites in order to be admitted to the program: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have successfully obtained a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.

FAQ About Coursework

Required units may be satisfied in the following ways: