PSY 380
Personality Theories
Online Course
PSY 380 Personality Theories
3 Semester Units
Personality Theories introduces students to key scientific perspectives on human personality. This course examines major theoretical approaches, including psychodynamic, psychoanalytic, behaviorist, phenomenological, biological, and cognitive frameworks: to understand how personality develops, functions, and is assessed. In addition, this course emphasizes research methods and contemporary assessment practices used to study personality, fostering connections between theory, empirical evidence, and real-world applications.
Course Objectives
Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:
- Analyze the foundational principles underlying major personality theories within cultural and social contexts.
- Compare and contrast psychodynamic and psychoanalytic approaches to personality development.
- Apply behaviorist and phenomenological concepts to interpret observable patterns of human behavior.
- Evaluate biological and cognitive approaches in explaining personality structure and variation.
- Examine methods used in personality research and psychological assessment.
- Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to theories of personality.
If you are interested in taking this course, please explore a degree or certificate program below:
> Explore Psychology ProgramsCCU Online Courses FAQ
No. At this time, students may only enroll in a certificate or degree program and cannot enroll into a single course. We urge you to Explore All Programs to find a certificate or degree program best suited to your needs.
All of our programs are self-paced. This means you can complete your coursework as quickly or as slowly as your schedule permits as long as you complete one course every six months to remain an active student in good standing.
This course is structured into four units and a final exam. Each unit has a required essay and an open book multiple-choice exam.
Yes. Every course in the educational programs offered at California Coast University requires an assigned textbook. To assist students in managing the high costs of textbooks, CCU offers a rental library for all required texts.
Students can also obtain textbooks in their local areas or through online sources if they do not wish to utilize the University's rental library. There are many resources on the web for renting, purchasing, and selling textbooks. If you would like to purchase your textbooks, or are interested in exploring other delivery methods (digital or pdf versions), we have compiled a handy Textbook Resource Page for students who wish to explore other options.
Students can also obtain textbooks in their local areas or through online sources if they do not wish to utilize the University's rental library. There are many resources on the web for renting, purchasing, and selling textbooks. If you would like to purchase your textbooks, or are interested in exploring other delivery methods (digital or pdf versions), we have compiled a handy Textbook Resource Page for students who wish to explore other options.
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency.
Please contact us. You can also download a CCU Brochure or complete a Request For Information Form Online.
