Psychology arose over a century ago as scientists became interested in applying the methods of science to understand basic questions about how the human mind works. Early psychologists were interested in studying consciousness and perception, and understanding the brain in much the way medical doctors understood organs like the heart or lungs. What they discovered was a complex, fascinating web of factors that produces human emotion, consciousness, thoughts and cognition -- and that shapes the way humans live in their everyday lives.
Today, those who study psychology go on to perform a wide variety of career functions, and focus their interests at a wide range of topics. This means that psychology encompasses a very wide range of specialties and subspecialties: from clinical psychology, social psychology, and developmental psychology, to neuroscience and industrial/organizational psychology.
Some people gain scientific education in psychology so that they can become licensed care providers in a mental health setting. Others spend their careers creating new research and conducting experiments to further expand our understandings in psychology. Some go on to work in clinical settings with people who experience extreme psychological symptoms, working together in a medical team helping improve the quality of life for those dealing with such issues. Others go on to use their psychological knowledge in academic settings, either as guidance or school counselors, or by teaching psychology themselves. And, like some of our faculty at QCC, many who study psychology will combine a variety of these job functions, allowing for a flexibility in one’s career through the ability to fulfill multiple interests.
Whatever your particular interests and future goals might be, if you are fascinated with the way the human brain works in making us the people we are, studying psychology may be the path for you.
The psychology factuly at QCC come from a variety of backgrounds, and each has different interests within the field of psychology. We invite you to read about each faculty member, and to contact any of us if you are interested in learning more or talking with us.
Eric Mania, PhD
Eric Mania joined the Quinsigamond Community College Psychology Department in the fall of 2009. He is a graduate of a community college himself, having earned an AA degree in Liberal Arts from Mohawk Valley Community College. He also holds a BA degree in Psychology from Syracuse University and a PhD in Social Psychology from the University of Delaware.
He has previously taught psychology courses at the University of Delaware, worked as a research consultant for educational initiatives at the University of Delaware and for the social justice organization, Seeking Common Ground. He also spent a year working in human services, providing vocational assistance to individuals with various barriers to employment, including mental illness and developmental disability.
Eric is passionate about psychology, teaching, and supporting his students. Until college he was not very academically engaged. However, when he enrolled in his first psychology course in community college he found the subject so captivating that it quickly turned his attitude toward academics around. Also instrumental to this change was the intellectually stimulating, yet supportive environment he found at community college. To this day he is grateful to the professors that sparked this change and strives to pay his gratitude forward by providing his own students with a captivating account of psychology delivered within a stimulating and supportive environment.
As an experimental social psychologist by training, Eric is also passionate about social psychological research. Specific research interests are in the psychology of forgiveness and the psychology of prejudice. In collaboration with colleagues he has published articles on these topics and continues to conduct research in these areas. Eric is enthusiastic about engaging students in the research process. If you are interested in social psychological research you are encouraged to contact him.
Besides psychology and teaching, Eric enjoys spending time with his family, snowboarding, mountain biking, running, music (particularly if it is loud and fast), and reading non-fiction.
Jen Arner Welsh, PhD
Jen Arner Welsh graduated from Earlham College in 2000 with a BA in Psychology. After working in Student Affairs in higher education for 3 years, she returned to graduate school, and received her PhD in Developmental Psychology from Clark University in 2010. Jen’s research interests include epistemological development, science learning, adolescence, feminist theory and parenting. She is an active member of the Jean Piaget Society.
Jen has been teaching full-time at QCC since fall of 2009. She teaches Introduction to Psychology, Lifespan Development, Human Development I: Conception to Adolescence and Self-Assessment and Career Planning. All of Jen’s classes are web-enhanced and involve interactive class discussion, critical thinking and applying psychological and developmental concepts to students’ real life experiences. As a developmentalist, Jen is passionate about the process of assessing each student’s current skills and needs, and working with them to meet those needs and to scaffold their ongoing development. In addition to working with students as individuals, Jen also greatly enjoys facilitating strong learning relationships among students, encouraging discussion, collaboration and sharing in the classroom. Jen’s ideal class is one where students laugh, learn something new about themselves and those around them, and discover ideas that they’ll take with them wherever their futures may lead.
Judy Colson, MEd
Judy brings 12 years experience as an Adjunct Faculty member teaching at Quinsigamond Community College, Becker College, Anna Maria College, Massasoit Community College and Coastal Carolina University, and 6 years experience as an academic advisor. Judy also worked at Stonehill College as the Assistant Director of Career Services. Judy earned a BS in Communication Disorders from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and an MEd in Secondary Education Guidance Counseling from the University of South Carolina. Her office location on the main campus is room 347A.
Lizette Cordeiro, MA
Lizette Cordeiro holds a Master of Arts degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts from Wheelock College in Boston. Lizette has been teaching for twelve years at Quinsigamond Community College
Prior to joining QCC, served as the Director of Programming at SADD National. She oversaw the identification, development, and delivery of programming to SADD chapters nationwide. She managed the creation and implementation of SADD National’s programs, including grant-funded campaigns and research sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Lizette Cordeiro also worked for the YMCA for seven years, developing and implementing youth and teen programs, including two summer international service-learning trips to Senegal, West Africa. She has long had a special interest in dance, and she founded a dance company in Worcester, Massachusetts, and worked with high school students as a teaching artist at a dance company in New York City.
Lizette teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101), First Year Experience (FYE 101), and serves as the First Year Experience Coordinator.
Maura Tighe Stickles, MA
Maura began teaching as an adjunct faculty member at QCC 19 years ago. In fall 2006, she joined the ranks of full time Psychology faculty. For the past 15 years, she has been an active participant within the QCC community holding various positions including: Coordinator of the Honors Program, Coordinator of the General Studies Program, Interim Dean for the Humanities and most recently, Coordinator of the Psychology Department.
In addition to her work at QCC, Maura has worked with various populations, including children and adolescents with significant mental health issues, young adults with traumatic brain injuries, and adolescents and young adults with issues connected to substance abuse and addiction. In addition, she also served as Director of Counseling Services at Grafton Job Corps.
Her love for the classroom has continued over the years. Maura prides herself on being a student centered educator who believes that each interaction with students provides a learning opportunity for both student(s) and self. She is a generalist that has facilitated many and developed some of the psychology courses currently offered at QCC.
Maura has a BA degree in Sociology from North Adams State College, North Adams MA and a MA in Counseling Psychology from Anna Maria College, Paxton MA.
Nancy Donohue-Berthiaume, MA
Professor Donohue-Berthiaume received her B.A. and M.A. Degrees from Anna Maria College.
Nancy's areas of expertise include both Psychology and Sociology. As an undergraduate student Nancy defined her life's purpose as the eradication of inequalities. After graduating from college she began working in the area of public housing. There, she experienced life through the eyes and hearts of low income single parents, disabled men and women, homeless people, people living in condemned buildings, the elderly, and children whose life experience was limited due to their life circumstances. She worked day and night attempting to improve the living conditions and better the lives of the public housing residents. The work was never done and just as one family's situation was resolved several others would arise. After finishing graduate school, Professor Donohue-Berthiaume had the opportunity to teach at Quinsigamond. While teaching, it occurred to her that she could effect greater changes and support more life improvements by creating learning opportunities in which students could develop confidence in themselves as learners, and acquire the necessary skills and knowledge for self-improvement.
Nancy teaches Introductory Psychology (PSY 101), Principles of Sociology (SOC 101), Psychology of Interpersonal Relations (PSY 118), Social Problems and Social Change (SOC 111), and Honors courses in both Psychology and Sociology.
Valarie Clemente, EdD
Valarie has a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Massachusetts/Amherst, an Ed.M. in Counseling with a Specialization in Counseling Women and an Ed.D. in Counseling Psychology, both from Boston University. She is a licensed psychologist and licensed mental health therapist in MA.
Valarie has been teaching full-time at QCC since fall of 2009; prior to that she was an adjunct instructor. Valarie teaches Introduction to Counseling, Counseling Methods, Self-Assessment and Career Planning, Introduction to Psychology, as well as Lifespan Development and Abnormal Psychology. All of her courses are web-enhanced, and use a variety of teaching approaches, including film, You-Tube clips, interactive and group exercises, and apply psychological and therapeutic approaches to student’s own experiences. She is attentive to those with learning challenges and is happy to provide any necessary supports.
As a psychotherapist, Valarie has extensive experience in community mental health, as well as providing treatment in a college mental health center, state mental health facility, state institution for the developmentally disabled and in home-based modalities. She has particular expertise in treating adolescents and adults, to those with developmental disabilities and is attentive to women’s issues and multi-cultural concerns.
Valarie’s research has included the impact of the therapist’s family of origin upon the practice of psychotherapy, and an evaluation of a master’s level counseling program with a specialization in counseling women.
Valarie serves as the advisor to the Psychology Club and Psi Beta National Honor Society. She is a recipient of the 2012 NISOD award. She is very interested in furthering her students’ understanding and enthusiasm about the field of psychology, encouraging her students to grow as individuals and to assist them in moving forward in their educational and professional careers.
The psychology department at QCC is committed to providing students with a quality education in the fields of psychology - whether you are interested in pursuing a 4-year degree in psychology after transferring from QCC, are taking one psychology course as a requirement for another major or program, or are looking to take a few courses that have piqued your curiosity about the field and subject matter.
Associate of Liberal Arts in Psychology
This degree is intended for students who plan to transfer to a 4-year institution and continue their undergraduate education in the field of psychology.
Coursework has been specifically designed in coordination with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for easy and efficient transfer between QCC and other 4-year colleges and universities in the state. The schedule of coursework ensures students in this track can transfer seamlessly between schools with maximum credit transfer. You can learn more about transfer partnerships, agreements, and requirements on the Transfer Agreements page.
This psychology degree program can be completed on campus, up to 80% online (some required courses are not available through online learning methods), or through a blend of both methods.
This program is housed within the Psychology Department at QCC.
The Department of Psychology at Quinsigamond Community College is a diverse group of psychologists, researchers, and professors who support students in their exploration of the scientific study of mind and behavior.
Our Mission Statement
Our departmental goal is to excite our students about the realm of psychology, while building a foundation of knowledge, critical thought, and theoretical perspectives. We offer this through quality instruction and a strong academic faculty team, who aim to ignite a lifelong passion for learning in each student.
As a student, we offer you a broad foundation in theory, research methods, and applications of psychology, and serve as a personal point of contact for you into the field of psychology.
As community members, we also are here to assist in making educational, career, and life decisions by offering curriculum designed to promote self-discovery and career exploration.
Students continuing from QCC to a four-year program in psychology should feel prepared to succeed and excel in their upper-level coursework, utilizing the foundation built here to propel them to academic and career fulfillment.
In showing students how psychology provides an understanding of behavior that can be used in many professions, we hope that students find the value of this knowledge in everyday life.
Central to this mission are four main objectives:
- Preparing students for advanced study in psychology
- Facilitating career and educational planning through our self-assessment and career planning curriculum
- Providing a level of psychological literacy that meets the needs of many QCC programs that require psychology coursework
- Encouraging critical thinking
The fields of human services and psychology both include an interest in helping individuals cope with problems of living. However, there are a number of important differences between these two fields and in the education typically required to work in each field.
What’s the difference between psychology and human services?
Psychology is a science focused on developing a thorough understanding of the human mind and behavior. This means that psychology emphasizes conducting research and developing theories that advance our knowledge of human behavior.
Undergraduate studies in psychology:
- Tend to emphasize scientific thinking and an understanding of the scientific method
- Typically require students to study a very broad range of human behavior extending far beyond topics in mental health and counseling.
- Typically are not solely aimed at preparing students to work in helping professions
Students of undergraduate psychology programs are well prepared to enter graduate school in psychology, where they can seek more specific training in one of the helping-focused subfields of psychology such as clinical, counseling or school psychology, or in one of the many other subfields, such as developmental, social, industrial-organizational, cognitive, or biological psychology.
Undergraduate degrees in psychology can prepare students not only for a practice-based career in helping others, but also for careers in psychological research, psychological testing, or working in academia. For those that intend to continue on to 4-year undergraduate and graduate degrees in psychology, focused coursework in psychology and psychological theory are usually the most helpful.
Human services is an applied field aimed at meeting human needs through direct prevention and resolution of problems experienced by people. As an applied field, human services places less emphasis on research and theory than psychology does.
Both fields contain professionals who provide individual and group counseling. However, in human services there is an additional emphasis on developing and maintaining social service systems that provide for basic needs, such as food and shelter and in providing guidance on how individuals can access such services.
Undergraduate studies in human services:
- Tend to emphasize the development of skills and competencies useful in providing help and in working within human service systems
- Typically require students to complete significant coursework that will directly prepare them to help people meet their needs
- Tend to place less emphasis on coursework designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the human mind
- Are typically focused on preparing students to work in the helping professions
As a main point, a degree in human services is not typically the ideal preparation for advanced study in psychology and could lead to students needing to take additional courses. It is intended largely for direct preparation for entry into the human services field, and not necessarily as a foundation for further academic coursework in psychology or social work.
If questions still remain about which career goal and degree path might be the best fit for you, we invite you to contact us in the Psychology Department, or our colleagues in the Human Services department, and we’ll be happy to meet with you and talk about how QCC can help you achieve your goals.
There are of course a variety of ways to transfer from QCC to another institution. One particularly valuable tool in transferring for many students is the MassTransfer agreement. In addition to MassTransfer, QCC also has a variety of articulation agreements with different colleges and universities in the area.
Mass Transfer as it relates to a psychology major
With MassTransfer, a student who enrolls in a linked program after completing their AA at QCC can transfer a minimum of 60 credits into that new program, and depending upon the student’s GPA, s/he may be qualified for guaranteed admission and/or a tuition discount. Just as an example, students in General Studies may be eligible for admission under MassTransfer into psychology BA programs at UMass Amherst, Framingham and Worcester State. There are additional programs at QCC that will allow a student to transfer using MassTransfer, and the list of schools which accept MassTransfer is extensive. Please visit the Transfer Office’s webpage for more information. Typically, students using MassTransfer will transfer with a block of credits that will cover the majority of their General Education credits at their transfer institution, however, it is wise to discuss your plans with a transfer counselor or advisor at the institution to which you wish to transfer, in case there are any additional courses you may need to take to fulfill their General Education requirements. It is also wise to be clear about those requirements, so that you can choose your courses carefully while you are here at QCC.
Articulation agreements relevant for a psychology major
If you are interested in exploring these articulation agreements, please visit the Transfer Office’s webpage for more information. The following link will take you directly to the Articulation Agreements section of that webpage. Of particular interest to potential psychology majors may be the articulation agreement with Clark University for students in the Liberal Arts program and for students in the Human Services program with Assumption, Becker, and Nichols.
Counseling & Wellness
It is the mission of the Office of Counseling and Wellness is to provide free, confidential counseling services to the QCC student body. This office is dedicated to promoting the emotional well-being of students; their aim is to facilitate the student's ability to achieve life goals and everyday challenges. Services include direct personal counseling, community referrals, and mental health screenings.
Visit the Counseling and Wellness webpage.
General info on finding help
If you are a student at QCC seeking counseling, we hope that you’ll visit the link above to the office. If you are a community member or other person seeking assistance, we have provided a few links below that may be of assistance. In either case, if this is an emergency, please go to the nearest hospital or contact your physician or mental health provider. Also, please note that the following links redirect to sites not affiliated in any way with QCC - at last check, they were reputable and respectable sites that might provide reasonable resources for our community members.
Suicide prevention information
There are many organizations dedicated to psychology and related topics. The following links will direct you to the websites of several such organizations. Through these sites you will find trustworthy information about mental health, the workings of the mind, development, cutting-edge psychological research, studying psychology, careers in psychology, opportunities to get involved with psychology (if you are passionate about psychology you may want to get more involved in psychology by joining one or more of these organizations and by attending one of the conferences they sponsor) and much more. Exploring these links may help you find answers to common questions about psychology and will give you a sense of the wide variety of issues with which psychologists are concerned.
Psych Organizations
Psychology Sources: Current, Classic, and Cool
- http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/mind_brain/psychology/
- http://psychclassics.yorku.ca/
- http://cognet.mit.edu/
Psychology Blogs
For students interested in possible career options in psychological research, it can be useful to actually see psychological research happening first-hand.
Additionally, many graduate school programs in psychology look favorably on research experience on a prospective student’s application, so it can be useful to engage in psychological research in undergraduate studies for students who intend to pursue graduate study.
Research at QCC
Some faculty members in the Psychology Department conduct research of their own, and students are encouraged to reach out to them to learn more about ways to either participate in research as a subject, or as a research assistant.
Any participation or assistance as a student is done on an entirely voluntary basis, and QCC does not employ students as paid Research Assistants.
- Recently, the QCC chapter of the Psi Beta Honor Society has participated in a nation-wide research collection project, and formed a group of QCC students to analyze and present findings at local conferences. More information about the timing and options for participation in this project can be obtained by contacting the chapter Faculty Advisor, Valarie Clemente, Ed.D.
- You may contact Eric Mania, Ph.D. to discuss conducting original research in social psychology for honors credit in connection with PSY-181, Social Psychology. Additionally, he would be excited to work with students interested in conducting research in any area of social psychology (social cognition, the self, conformity, attitudes, aggression, helping behavior, prejudice, et cetera.)
- You may contact Jen Arner Welsh, Ph.D. to discuss conducting projects related to your interests in adolescence, girls’ and women’s development, science learning and abstract reasoning, or collaborating on Jen’s own research on the intersection between personal and disciplinary theories of knowing.
Online volunteer participation
Psychologists often conduct research online. If you are interested in participating in psychology research as a participant, you might check out these sites.
Please note: These are external links, and the sites as such are not owned or monitored by QCC, but at last check were reputable and respectable research sites. Please navigate at your own risk, and alert us to any broken links or other issues:
Do you offer a degree in psychology?
Yes! QCC offers an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology through the Liberal Arts program.
What is the application deadline for the psychology program?
There is no application deadline for the program. Students may apply for admission to the psychology program at any time.
Regarding enrollment in classes, psychology department courses follow the same enrollment cutoff dates as the rest of the college, which can be found through the QCC Registrar.
How do I apply?
To apply to QCC, visit the Admissions Enrollment Steps page. Applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in-person. If you are interested in the psychology program, you can also get in touch with us, so we can assist you in effective course planning.
Can I take courses part-time?
Yes. You can take anywhere from one 3-credit class to a full time course load at a time. If you plan to utilize financial aid, please be aware that there are requirements. Contact financial aid office for more information if you plan to utilize financial aid and seek to attend part-time, to ensure you meet minimum requirements.
How long does the degree program take?
Anywhere from 18 months full-time, to as long as it takes you to finish. Our students have varied backgrounds, and so no one person’s journey is the same!
You can view the curriculum outline on the Degree Information Page under the “Classes” tab, noting that if you decide to take courses in the summer and winter sessions, your timeline of completion can be shortened. If you would like a more personalized answer, we’re happy to schedule a time to meet with you and discuss your particular situation and goals.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, to qualified applicants. For more information, please get in touch with the Financial Aid office.
Does the Psychology Department offer informational sessions?
Yes. Information sessions are offered several times during the course of the year. Let us know that you’re interested in an upcoming date, and we’ll get you all the details. If you cannot attend an upcoming date, we’re always happy to give individualized sessions at a convenient time for you.
How do I declare a major in psychology?
For students already enrolled at QCC, contact your academic advisor, or an advisor in the Academic Center for a Change of Major form. We also suggest that you get in touch with our Department Coordinator, so that we may work with your advisor to create your degree plan.
What courses are required in the degree program?
You can view the outline of required courses under the “Classes” tab in the Degree Information Page.
What courses can I take in psychology at QCC?
There are many courses offered, and an overview of our general offerings can be found on the Psychology Courses page. To search specifically for courses offered during an upcoming semester, you can search course offerings, selecting “Department: Psychology” for courses from our department.
What if I want to take some psychology courses, but don’t want a degree?
Or what if I’m just looking to take a course for transfer credit at another school?
You can do so! You do not have to apply to or enroll in a degree program to take courses from the psychology department. If this is your intent, you do not need to complete an application to QCC, but instead simply enroll in your selected course(s).
If at a later time, you decide you do want to pursue a degree or certificate, you may apply at any time.
Do I need an advisor in the Psychology Department?
Yes. You should receive an email to your student email account by the fourth week of the semester with your faculty advisor’s contact information. If you have questions about this information, please contact us.
I already have credits in psychology, can I still apply to the psychology program at QCC?
Absolutely! Please also get in contact with the department so that we can maximize your transfer credits and help you make the most out of your coursework at QCC. You can find more information on the process of transferring from another institution on the Transfer page.
What if I’m not sure whether I want to study psychology?
Please get in touch with us! This is a common question, and we are here to help you figure that out. We are available to answer your questions, and if you find psychology is not the right fit for you, we’ll be able to help direct you to a department that might be what you’re looking for.
Student Organizations
The Psychology Department at QCC is committed to offering opportunities for students to become involved with psychology outside of the classroom through clubs and honor societies.
Courses
Check out our psychology courses.
Psychology
PSY 101 - Introduction to Psychology
In this survey course, the student becomes aware of and appreciates the various influences upon behavior. The topics covered include, but are not limited to, the nervous system, sensation and perception, motivation, learning, emotion, and personality. Through an investigation of these areas, within a multiplicity of cultural contexts, the student understands the diversity of the human condition.
PSY 118 - Psychology of Interpersonal Relations
This course examines behavior in a variety of interpersonal situations including groups, family and the workplace. Students explore the dynamics of communication, group process, and other behavioral concepts. They share experiences in the classroom and participate in group projects that combine theory and practice. The course emphasizes varied and changing work environments. Students utilize a wide range of interpersonal skills to gain a more complete learning experience, greater personal satisfaction, and improved work efficiency in a variety of situations.
PSY 121 - Survey of Life Span Development
This course examines the span of human development from conception to death. Students will explore biological, cognitive and socioemotional domains of development and their interaction across the lifespan, with a focus on the influence of culture and individual differences. The course emphasizes understanding and applying both developmental theories and empirical research, with a focus on continuity and the diversity of developmental pathways.
PSY 123 - Child Development
This course surveys human development from conception to adolescence. Topics include the central issues of biological, cognitive and socioemotional development and their interaction, with a focus on the influence of culture and individual differences. Students explore major theories of child development, associated empirical research, and their application.
PSY 124 - Adolescence
This course surveys the major theories and research of adolescent development, with a focus on biological, cognitive, and socioemotional transitions. There is an emphasis on understanding the influence of culture, history and individual differences upon adolescent development.
PSY 142 - Human Sexuality
This course covers social, cultural, and psychological perspectives of human sexuality. Students explore differences related to gender role formation, sexual orientation, sexual attraction, premarital sex, teenage pregnancy, sexually-transmitted diseases, and other related topics within a context of multicultural diversity. Students study specific topics of human sexuality and the research and the professionals in that field. Students examine their own values, beliefs, and behaviors with respect to these topics, and establish ways of applying this information to their own sexuality.
PSY 158 - Human Relations in Organizations
This course examines the nature of organizations to facilitate students' entry into, and success within, organizational settings. Topics include the factors that influence individual behavior in organizations and the interrelationships between psychological and other social sciences. Students learn how these sciences contribute to overall organizational experiences and self-development. They examine types of organizations, effective motivational techniques, communication essentials, team development, and leadership practices. Students also examine global and multicultural influences that contributing to the nature of organizations and organizational success.
PSY 231 - Introduction to Counseling
This course provides an overview of the major theoretical approaches to conducting counseling and psychotherapy. Students critically examine the theories and research as it applies to counseling and psychotherapy. Topics include the basic skills necessary to be an effective counselor; assessment, goal setting and intervention; ethics; diversity; and self-awareness as a beginning professional. Students learn beginning counseling skills and develop an appreciation of the current and relevant issues in the field.
PSY 250 - Psychological Statistics
This course covers how quantitative methods are used to answer questions in psychology. Students examine psychological applications of measures of central tendency, measures of variability, frequency distributions and standardization of scores (z-scores). Students learn to conduct, interpret, and report effect sizes and significance testing for comparing means (z-tests, t-tests and ANOVAs with one and two factors), and for assessing relationships (bivariate correlation and regression) within research scenarios commonly encountered in psychology. Special attention is given to identifying the appropriate statistics to use for a given research question and data set, to ethical issues in data analysis, and to the use of statistical software.
PSY 251 - Research Methods in Psychology
Through instruction in research design and the application of the scientific method to psychology, students learn to evaluate the validity of claims about behavior and mental processes as they appear in both popular media and the professional scientific literature, to design and conduct psychological research, and to report on the results of psychological investigations using APA style. Topics covered include measurement and validity, ethics, survey research, correlational research, experiments with one and with multiple independent variables, identification and control of confounds, and quasi-experiments. Students conduct hands-on psychological studies involving appropriate statistical analyses that will be written up as APA style reports.
PSY 252 - Introduction to Cognition
This course serves as an introduction to the field of cognitive psychology, familiarizing students with theories and research regarding learning, memory, and thinking. Topics include: the history and foundations of cognitive psychology; neural bases; learning, memory and knowledge; language; reasoning and problem-solving; social and emotional influences, and changes in cognition across the lifespan.
PSY 253 - Social Psychology
This course introduces students to the scientific study of how humans influence, relate to, and think about each other as practiced in social psychology. Major topics covered include social cognition, attributions, the self, attitudes and persuasion, conformity, group dynamics, interpersonal relationships, helping behavior, aggression, and prejudice. Themes emphasized throughout the course include the role of culture in influencing social psychological phenomena, the application of the scientific method to the study of social behavior, and the use of social psychological theories to better understand behavior encountered in daily life and in the world around us.
PSY 261 - Theories of Personality
This course introduces personality theories and theorists, definitions of personality, development and structure of personality, motivation, and concepts of self. Students examine various theories of structure and development of personality, human motivation, concepts of self, and the mature personality as proposed by Freud, Skinner, Jung, Fromm, Allport, Rogers, Frankl, and Perls.
PSY 262 - Abnormal Psychology
This course focuses on issues of mental health and mental illness. Topics include examination of various symptoms and causes of mental illness, current trends in treatment, and new developments in community health resources. Students explore the various approaches used to define and treat abnormal behaviors, including the statistical and absolute models, in order to understand and adopt a sensitive approach toward individuals whose behaviors are symptomatic of a disorder.
PSY 273 - Chemical Dependency
This course covers the biological, psychological, and social factors involved in licit and illicit drug use and abuse. Students examine the types of drugs most commonly used and abused; psychosocial consequences of prolonged drug use and abuse; Federal, state, and local regulations governing drug use; efforts made to deal with drug use and abuse and drug related problems; and the nature and varied patterns of drug use and abuse in today's society. The course emphasizes types of drug treatment and counseling and the probable effects of different treatments upon the drug-dependent client.
Learn More
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