M.S. in Psychology

A basic goal of graduate study in the Department of Psychology is to provide all students with a broad base of knowledge in psychological science, as well as exposure to the content and methodological skills necessary for effective performance in teaching, research and professional practice. Accordingly, graduates have an extensive knowledge of psychological principles and the conceptual and quantitative skills to conduct psychological research, communicating the results to the scientific community, students in the classroom, and the general public. Graduates in applied programs have specialized knowledge in counseling and program development. They are skilled in delivering such programs and services to diverse clientele in a variety of settings.

Fall Semester

Psychological Disorders 3

Spring Semester

Summer Classes

COURSE DESCRIPTION

PSY 701: Introduction to Qualitative Research:

An introduction to qualitative research methodologies and epistemologies as applied to psychology. Includes an introduction to philosophical foundations and hands-on training in skills appropriate for carrying out qualitative research.

PSY 711: Phenomenology of Human Development:

An approach to developmental psychology that incorporates existential-phenomenological thought as well as traditional theories of development.

PSY 712: History of Psychology:

An overview of the major trends and controversies in the history of psychology from Francis Bacon to the present. While the primary focus will be on the history of ideas and methods, some attention is devoted to the socio-historical context within which the different ideas and methods evolved. The emergence of a human science approach will be discussed from within this historical perspective.

PSY 714: Introduction to Psychology as a Human Science:

An introduction to the idea that psychology should be developed as a human science. Topics covered include: a historical overview of the project of natural science psychology, an exposition of the existential-phenomenological foundations of human science psychology, and a careful reading of several examples of human science psychology in the areas of cognition, motivation and emotion.

PSY 715: Approaches to Psychopathology:

An introduction to the ways in which psychology has approached and conceptualized the phenomena of psychopathology. Of particular interest are those approaches that have tended to remain faithful to the richness of human life, e.g., Laing, van den Berg, D. Shapiro, Horney, Boss, Straus, and von Gebsattel.

PSY 716: Introduction to Psychotherapy:

A theoretical and practical introduction to psychotherapy stressing the meaning and structure of being therapeutically present and the fundamental dynamics of the therapeutic process. Grounded in existential phenomenology, the course draws extensively from psychoanalytic and interpersonal sources.

PSY 719: Existential-Phenomenological Understanding of Psychological Disorders:

Students will review historical and current existential-phenomenological literature on psychological disorders. The goals are for students to increase their comprehension and to contribute (with attribution) to a publishable survey.

PSY 720: Physiological Psychology:

The basic theories and findings of physiological psychology. Topics include neuroanatomy, neural structure, the electro-physiology of neural activity, states of consciousness, motivation, emotion, cognition, language, psychopathology, and drug effects.

PSY 722: Psychoanalytic Theory and Practice:

An exploration of the theory and practice of psychoanalytic psychotherapy. The course focus varies from a detailed exploration of Freud's early work on hysteria, hypnosis, and suggestion, as well as his writings on dream interpretation, sexual difference, repetition, transference, and group psychology, to a more general introduction to the contemporary field as a whole, focusing on object relations theory.

PSY 723: Psychology of the Adult

Development of intellectual functions, personality, and social psychological processes across the adult life span will be emphasized. Normal as well as abnormal phenomena unique to young, middle-aged, and elderly adults will also be considered.

PSY 725: Cognitive and Behavioral Psychotherapies:

This course provides an overview of cognitive and behavioral therapies in terms of both theoretical conceptualization and practical application. Of particular focus is the various theoretical stances from which these therapies can be undertaken, and their existential, interpersonal implications for both the therapist and the client.

PSY 726: Psychological Tests and Measurements:

Theory and techniques underlying measurement of human traits and abilities. Critical analysis of intellectual, achievement, interest and personality tests, including their development, application and potential abuses.

PSY 727: Psychological Issues in Religion:

Comprehensive overview of historical background, research methods, and contemporary issues involving behavior and religious beliefs. Psychological research in the areas of religious development and cognition will be included.

PSY 728: Psychology of Infancy:

Theory and research on the maturation and cognition of the human infant in the first two years, from a developmental psychometric perspective. General principles of the mental and motor assessment of the infant and interpretation will be emphasized through class demonstrations so that the student may understand the use of these procedures in interpreting development and research.

PSY 731: Legal Issues for Professionals Working with Children:

Study of the legal issues related to child abuse and exploitation. Students will gain an understanding of the law pertaining to child cases and how interactions with children can bolster or diminish the quality of children's memory report as seen by the judicial system. The Greene County Prosecutor's Office will participate in the design of this course, thus the specific legal issues discussed will remain current and may change based on the needs of the community.

PSY 734: Psychology of Child Abuse and Exploitation:

Study of forensic issues related to child abuse and exploitation. Students will gain an understanding of the forensic and psychological issues that often arise during child abuse investigations. The Child Advocacy Centre, Inc. will participate in the design of the course, thus the specific forensic issues discussed will remain current and may change based on the needs of the community.

PSY 735: Cognitive Development:

Study of cognitive development in children and adolescents. Topics to be included: perception, memory, visual imagery, problem solving, language development, cognitive style, social learning theory, information processing theory, and Piaget's theory. Applications in education, child rearing, and behavior management.

PSY 745: Developing Sport Team Leaders Practicum:

This course reinforces the value of leadership and leadership development on sport teams by helping to make "team leadership" a core team value. Advancing this objective, students learn to align the values of sport teams with the broader values of educational institutions.

PSY 736: Human Growth and Development:

Depth investigation of growth and development during elementary school years. Experimental evidence and clinical evaluations used to supplement consideration of major theories of development.

PSY 737: Psychology of Adolescence:

Depth investigation of growth and development during the adolescent period. Experimental evidence and clinical evaluation used to supplement consideration of major theories of adolescence.

PSY 799: Research Thesis