Course Descriptions

Watch Walden courses in action. Click on the “play” icons below to see a brief video about the topics you will explore in each course.

Core Courses

These courses may be taken while you are taking general education courses as long as prerequisites are complete.

WLDN 1000 Dynamics of Walden Success: Learning Lab (1 cr.)
Walden University offers students a dynamic learning environment and a range of support services to ensure academic success. In this course, students immerse themselves in Walden University’s online learning environment and apply skills from the student readiness orientation. In addition, students discover and apply the tools and services that will support them throughout their degree program. Through classroom discussions and the application of key communication principles, students establish an online community of peers and explore their degree program with discipline-specific examples. This course helps students prepare for their Walden academic career and continues their orientation to the university.

PSYC 1001 Introduction to Psychology  (5 cr.)
This course is designed to introduce basic concepts, problems, and research methods in the science of psychology. Topics include perception, cognitive processes, learning, motivation, measurement, development, personality, abnormal behavior, and biological and social bases of behavior, including cross-cultural issues. Upon completion, students will have developed a general aptitude for the field of psychology and be able to explain basic psychological phenomena.

PSYC 1002 Psychology as a Natural Science  (5 cr.)
Psychology as it is known today has its roots in philosophy and in the natural sciences such as biology and chemistry. In this first of a two-course sequence, students explore major theories and topics related to the natural science aspect of the science of psychology. Topics include methods of analysis, learning, memory, cognitive principles, brain functioning as it relates to psychology, sensation, perception, evolution, motivation, and emotions. The focus of this course is on an understanding of how biological and physiological processes influence behavior.

PSYC 1003 Psychology as a Social Science  (5 cr.)
Contemporary psychology is, in many ways, the study of how people interact, relate, and develop as members of society. In this second part of a two-course sequence, students are introduced to the principle theories, topics, and applications related to the social science aspects of psychology including social, developmental, cultural, personality, and abnormal psychology. Students apply what they learn to case studies and real-life examples, focusing on how individuals are influenced by their environments.

PSYC 2001 Cross-Cultural Psychology  (5 cr.)
Contemporary life requires the ability to relate to people who are different. Students in this course will examine key concepts related to understanding life in a multicultural world. Topics include theories of culture; the role of psychology in understanding oppression; acculturation; cultural aspects of cognition; mental health; physical health; aggression; and emotion. Students will be able to explain how behavior is affected by an increasingly diverse and multicultural world. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2009 Theories of Personality (5 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the major theories of personality and their contemporary relevance. It discusses key personality theorists, including those who represent the psychoanalytic, neopsychoanalytic, trait, biological, humanistic, cognitive, behavioral, and social-learning approaches to understanding personality. The course also explores how race, gender, and cultural issues play a part in the study of personality and in personality assessment.

PSYC 3002 Data Analysis and Presentation  (5 cr.)
One of the hallmarks of science, and of advertisers, is the use of numbers to convince people that a particular point of view is correct. In this course, students are introduced to basic statistical principles. Topics include creating and presenting descriptive statistics, introduction to hypothesis testing, two-group inferential tests, correlation, and the chi-squared test. The goal of the course is for students to be comfortable using statistics and to better understand the importance of statistics to research. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 3003 Methods in Psychological Inquiry  (5 cr.)
The interpretation of what is experienced can be influenced by a variety of factors cloud judgment. In this course, students learn about research methods used to test hypotheses in an objective and systematic way to minimize biases which results in drawing better conclusions. Topics include correlation versus experimental methods, validity and reliability dependent and independent variables; qualitative versus quantitative research, and statistical versus clinical prediction. Students conduct a simple experiment and write up the results using American Psychological Association format. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4010 Capstone: Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology  (5 cr.) What do psychologists do? How does one use the knowledge taught in a psychology program to uphold ethical standards that foster a healthy science and society? In this course, students integrate the knowledge and skills attained through the diverse views and perspectives represented in their psychology major coursework. Through analysis of case studies, students demonstrate their understanding of psychology and its relationship to being a socially responsible social scientist and citizen of the world. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1002, 1003, 2001, 3002, 3003)

Addictions Concentration Courses

PSYC 2003 Human Development: Adulthood  (5 cr.)
Adulthood represents a rich developmental experience that includes a number of important life transitions. In this course, students are introduced to the key theories and applications of adult development. Topics include the social, emotional, biological, and cognitive maturation processes that define development through adulthood into older age, as well as specific transitions, including career, love and relationships, and retirement. Cross-cultural issues in development are explored.

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island, meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life.

PSYC 2006 Introduction to Addictions (5 cr.)
This course introduces the nature of addictions and the impairment in individuals who suffer from addictions. It includes a review of theories on substance disorders and approaches to identification, prevention, and treatment. Topics include historical perspectives, diagnosis, types of addictive behaviors, treatment, and current research.

PSYC 3011 Addictions Assessment (5 cr.)
The focus of this course is learning a systematic multidisciplinary approach to the assessment and interpretation of data collected from clients with addictions. The most current screening, assessment, and documentation approaches will be reviewed. 

PSYC 3012 Prevention and Treatment of Addictions (5 cr.)
Models and theories of addiction are covered, as well as various treatment approaches. Prevention in various settings is addressed, including the etiology, patterns, and risk factors of addiction, as well as strategies for prevention. Treatment methodology, treatment planning, goal setting, and evaluation are also addressed. The multicultural context of addiction and client diversity are included. 

PSYC 4002 Brain and Behavior  (5 cr.)
Understanding the brain and how it functions has contributed significantly to the understanding of how people react and adapt to their environments. In this course, students examine basic brain physiology and learn how the brain functions to control behavior. Topics include specific applications of brain structure to memory and attention, sensation and perception, development, socialization, motivation, and emotion. Students apply what they have learned about the brain to psychological health and well-being.

PSYC 4003 Case Management and Addictions (5 cr.)
This course explores the definitions and methodologies of case management services. The course is designed to provide students with the most up-to-date research and clinical applications of services management in the practice of addictions counseling.

Applied Psychology Concentration Courses

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan.  Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2003 Human Development: Adulthood  (5 cr.)
Adulthood represents a rich developmental experience that includes a number of important life transitions. In this course, students are introduced to the key theories and applications of adult development. Topics include the social, emotional, biological, and cognitive maturation processes that define development through adulthood into older age, and specific transitions including career, love and relationships, and retirement. Cross-cultural issues in development are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2007 Adjustment in the 21st Century  (5 cr.)
In a world that seems to change rapidly, the ability to adjust to changing situations is an important consideration for physical and psychological health. In this course, students learn ways to approach the overall issue of psychological adjustment. Topics include stress management, physical and psychological health, relationships, communication, sexual behavior, workplace changes, and issues in development. Students apply psychological theories to bettering their psychological well-being. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2008 Learning  (5 cr.)
How do people learn, and what are the strategies that maximize learning. This course provides students with an introduction to the cognitive and behavioral bases of learning and memory. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, introduction to theories of short and long-term memory, and cognitive science approaches to learning. Students apply principles learned to optimizing their own performance. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 3004 Psychological Disorders  (5 cr.)
“Diagnosing” friends and family members is a common occurrence as are discussions of what is considered normal and abnormal behavior. Students in this course are introduced to psychological disorders that form the basis of diagnosis in psychology. Topics include the concepts of “normal” and “abnormal” as related to psychology; introduction to methods used in the process of diagnosis; measurement of psychological functioning; diagnosis; and an introduction to common disorders and their causes, including mood, thought, anxiety, substance abuse, sexual, personality, and dissociative disorders. Students differentiate between disorders and understand limits to effective diagnosis as well as apply what they have learned to case studies. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4001 Cultural Perspectives in Health Psychology  (5 cr.)
How does one’s culture influence health related behavior? How does culture impact an individual’s response to stress, pain, and illness?  In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Topics include cultural responses to health, stress management and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health and psychological adjustment to illness for numerous cultures. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4002 Brain and Behavior  (5 cr.)
Understanding the brain and how it functions has contributed significantly to the understanding of how people react and adapt to their environments. In this course, students examine basic brain physiology and learn how the brain functions to control behavior. Topics include specific applications of brain structure to memory and attention, sensation and perception, development, socialization, motivation and emotion, and socialization. Students apply what they have learned about the brain to psychological health and well-being (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

Child and Adolescent Development Concentration Courses

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan. Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed.

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island, meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life.

PSYC 2008 Learning  (5 cr.)
How do people learn, and what are the strategies that maximize learning? This course provides students with an introduction to the cognitive and behavioral bases of learning and memory. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, introduction to theories of short- and long-term memory, and cognitive science approaches to learning. Students apply principles learned to optimizing their own performance.

EDUC 3301 School-Age and Adolescent Development (5 cr.)
A basic understanding of how school-age children and adolescents develop and learn is gained from this course. Participants study typical and atypical cognitive, physical, and socio-emotional development, as well as the relationship among these developmental domains.

EDUC 3303 Motivating and Guiding School-Age Children and Adolescents (5 cr.)
A continuum of effective strategies needed for working with school-age children and adolescents in group and classroom settings is addressed by this course. Such strategies include effective communication, positive guidance, modeling/mentoring, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, fostering self-esteem, promoting resilience, and problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

EDUC 4303 Trends and Issues in School-Age Children (5 cr.)
Students in this course will critically examine selected issues and trends related to school-age children, such as technology/media, bullying, gender, abuse prevention, drugs/alcohol, obesity, eating disorders, stress, peer relationships, and school success.

EDUC 4304 Trends and Issues in Adolescence (5 cr.)
Students in this course will critically examine selected issues and trends related to adolescence, such as technology/media, (cyber) bullying, gender, sexual orientation, drugs/alcohol, obesity, eating disorders, depression, self-injury, suicide, teenage pregnancy, and school success.

Criminal Justice Concentration Courses

CRJS 2001 Criminology and Social Control  (5 cr.)
People commit crimes for a variety of reasons. And crimes vary in their impact on individual victims and on society. This course examines the nature, causes, and typologies of crime and offenders; the impact on crime victims, as well as on major systems of social control; and policies and practices related to crime and social control. Students will research the etiology of crime and the various theorists contributing to the literature that addresses deviant behavior.

CRJS 3010 Profiling Serial and Mass Murderers  (5 cr.)
Law enforcement officials characterize serial murder as one of the most abhorrent of all criminal behaviors. Students examine the interest in serial and mass murder in popular culture and explore theories of criminal behavior. Topics include the history of serial killers in the United States, profiling, and serial murder and its relationship to gender and race. Students also apply criminal theories to cases of serial and mass murder.

CRJS 4102 The Criminal Mind  (5 cr.)
What makes the criminal unique? Criminal Justice professionals confront criminal behavior in many forms. This course explores theories and research that provide cognitive, behavioral, and psychological explanations of criminal behavior. Knowledge of these theories enhances the student's ability to interact effectively with offenders.

CRJS 4201 Restorative Justice  (5 cr.)
This course explores a theory of justice and practice that, in contrast to an adversarial approach to justice, emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior to the victim and community. Students study strategies for repairing harm by involving stakeholders in actions that transform the relationships between victims, offenders, communities, and criminal justice agencies in their response to crime.

CRJS 4202 Coordinated Community Response: Developing Community Resource Brokers  (5 cr.)
This course integrates the identification of community resources with the development of both planned and ad hoc community responses to intervene in the lives of people affected by criminal incidents. Students explore how to assess the needs of affected persons—victims, witnesses, and offenders—and develop effective intervention strategies using existing or community resources.

CJRS 4203 Victimology  (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the crime victim. Students will study different types of victimization; roles of and ethics related to the criminal justice practitioner who works with victims; the criminal justice system’s response to victims; and victims’ human and civil rights. Students explore and analyze contemporary problems and trends in victimology.

General Psychology Concentration Courses

For the General Psychology concentration, choose any five courses from B.S. Psychology concentrations in Psychology Applied to the Helping Profession, Psychology Applied to the Workplace, and Preparation for Graduate Studies psychology courses. Courses can be taken intermittently with courses from other areas as long as pre-requisites are met.

Human Services Concentration Courses

PSYC 4008 Intergroup Conflict and Peace Building  (5 cr.)
In a world that is encumbered with conflict, tension, and injustice, strategies for building peace are essential. In this course, students learn theories and principles of conflict management and resolution. Topics include theories and applications of intergroup dynamics, conflict, and aggression; principles and underlying philosophies of non-violence; and the use of social science principles to understand conflict and promote peace. Students apply principles of peace-building to proposing solutions for contemporary, individual and social issues. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

CRJS 4302 Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination  (5 cr.)
What happens when critical incidents occur and agencies that respond operate independent of one another? This course defines and describes critical incidents that present risks of widespread harm to communities. These incidents serve as the focus for the development of broad-based contingency planning and the development of strategies, policies, and procedures for cross agency coordination. Students study ways to develop models of cross-agency coordination that anticipate prototypical critical incident responses

CRJS 4402 Planning and Budgeting  (5 cr.)
Planning and applying effective budgeting strategies are critical elements in managing corporate and government organizations. Students study short- and long-term financial analysis, policy development, and budget development. Additional topics include budget monitoring, control, planning, and accountability.

PSYC 2010 Introduction to Human Services  (5 cr.)
This course provides an overview of the history of helping and service delivery to human populations. Students will learn major models for helping persons in poverty, domestic violence, drug addiction, and other experiences of major problems in living. Focus will be given to practical skill-building for interface in community systems that include families, neighborhoods, government coalitions, legal systems, and healthcare networks. The significance in developing outcomes for treatment models is emphasized.

PSYC 3010 Crisis and Intervention  (5 cr.)
This course is a study of in-the-moment procedures and techniques necessary to diffuse situations identified as crises. The course is designed to increase students' abilities to evaluate crisis situations, apply impactive crisis intervention models, assess the needs for clients in crisis, and collaborate with community partners to widen the range of client-survivor services. Through class activities, students learn basic skills for addressing client crises that may include natural or human-made disasters, family violence, hostage situations, or crises in living (such as job losses or divorces). Ethical guidelines, risks associated with secondary traumatic stress disorder and burnout, and wellness strategies also are examined.

IDST 3050 Change and Population Movements Across Borders (5 cr.)
This course explores the changes—both real and perceived—experienced by immigrants and the members of an existing community. Students collaborate to explore multiple perspectives derived from the social and natural sciences and the humanities. Subject matter is treated as unresolved issues to be explored rather than defined knowledge to be learned. Upon completion, students will be able to identify how population movements affect individuals and communities. (Prerequisites: COMM 1001 Contemporary Communications, ENGL 1001 English Composition, and IDST 1001 Introduction to Interdisciplinary Studies.)

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan. Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed.

PSYC 2003 Human Development: Adulthood  (5 cr.)
Adulthood represents a rich developmental experience that includes a number of important life transitions. In this course, students are introduced to the key theories and applications of adult development. Topics include the social, emotional, biological, and cognitive maturation processes that define development through adulthood into older age, and specific transitions including career, love and relationships, and retirement. Cross-cultural issues in development are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

Infant and Toddler Development Concentration Courses

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan. Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed.

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island, meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology, and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life.

PSYC 2008 Learning  (5 cr.)
How do people learn, and what are the strategies that maximize learning? This course provides students with an introduction to the cognitive and behavioral bases of learning and memory. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, introduction to theories of short- and long-term memory, and cognitive science approaches to learning. Students apply principles learned to optimizing their own performance.

EDUC 3203 Infant/Toddler Mental Health (5 cr.)
This course focuses on current research in the field of infant/toddler mental health. Students study protective and risk factors in family environments; social and emotional developmental challenges; developmentally appropriate infant/toddler screening and assessment; diagnostic classification systems for infant/toddler mental health; effective intervention strategies; and collaborative services approaches.

EDUC 3204 Family Cultures of Infants and Toddlers (5 cr.)
This course provides an overview of the way culture impacts “typical” conceptions of infant/toddler development and interactions. Students focus on the ability to form healthy working relationships and respectful partnerships with the families of infants and toddlers across a range of cultures. Included is an investigation into the meaning of various child-rearing behaviors and how they relate to family expectations and cultural traditions with the goal of developing culturally appropriate practices.

EDUC 4205 Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Infant Settings (5 cr.)
Offering an in-depth look at infant growth and development, this course emphasizes the role of the caregiver, components of high-quality caregiver-child relationships, and strategies for ensuring developmentally appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally appropriate practice. Additional topics include understanding and working with families, observation skills, attachment, separation, continuity of care, brain development, and creating nurturing environments for very young children and their families.

EDUC 4206 Developmentally Appropriate Practices in Toddler Settings (5 cr.)
Offering an in-depth look at toddler growth and development, this course emphasizes the role of the toddler caregiver/teacher, the components of high-quality adult-child relationships, and strategies for ensuring developmentally appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally appropriate practice. Additional topics include observation skills, attachment, separation, working with families, and creating inspiring and supportive environments for young children and their families.

Preparation For Graduate Studies Concentration Courses

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan.  Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2003 Human Development: Adulthood  (5 cr.)
Adulthood represents a rich developmental experience that includes a number of important life transitions. In this course, students are introduced to the key theories and applications of adult development. Topics include the social, emotional, biological, and cognitive maturation processes that define development through adulthood into older age, and specific transitions including career, love and relationships, and retirement. Cross-cultural issues in development are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003) 

PSYC 4002 Brain and Behavior  (5 cr.)
Understanding the brain and how it functions has contributed significantly to the understanding of how people react and adapt to their environments. In this course, students examine basic brain physiology and learn how the brain functions to control behavior. Topics include specific applications of brain structure to memory and attention, sensation and perception, development, socialization, motivation and emotion, and socialization. Students apply what they have learned about the brain to psychological health and well-being (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4007 Judgment, Choice and Decision Making  (5 cr.)
What influences how decisions are made? And why do people make the choices the make? In this course, students learn the basic principles of decision-making. Topics include heuristics (mental shortcuts to decision making), biases in thinking that influence decisions such as confirmatory and hindsight biases, and the role of expectations on decision-making. Students apply concepts in decision-making to better understand their own choices. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

Preschool Child Development Concentration Courses

PSYC 2002 Human Development: Childhood and Adolescence  (5 cr.)
Humans undergo rather amazing developmental changes across the lifespan. Significant changes occur during the period spanning from the in utero stage to young adulthood. In this course, students are introduced to key theories related to the development of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include social, biological, and cognitive maturation processes. Cross-cultural issues in development are discussed.

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island, meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology, and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs, and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life.

PSYC 2008 Learning  (5 cr.)
How do people learn, and what are the strategies that maximize learning? This course provides students with an introduction to the cognitive and behavioral bases of learning and memory. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, introduction to theories of short- and long-term memory, and cognitive science approaches to learning. Students apply principles learned to optimizing their own performance.

EDUC 3003 Observation and Assessment of the Young Child (5 cr.)
This course presents developmentally appropriate formal and informal assessments, including observational techniques for assessing young children’s development and learning. Students will learn how to use specific tools, and the data generated from them, to inform effective decision-making and instructional planning. Also addressed are ethical and legal considerations, as well as other related issues and controversies.

EDUC 3103 Guiding Young Children’s Behavior (5 cr.)
Proactive guidance and positive, safe learning environments promote healthy child development and learning. This course focuses on understanding and fostering social and emotional development in preschool-age children and provides students with strategies for establishing classroom communities in which all children feel safe, valued, and respected. Topics include teaching social skills, routines, and procedures; collaborating with families; preventing and working with challenging behaviors; developing problem-solving abilities; and organizing the classroom setting to support learning, cooperation, and social and emotional growth.

EDUC 4102 Play and Learning for the Preschool Child (5 cr.)
This course addresses an essential question in early childhood education: Why is play integral to children’s development and learning? Students will not only learn the theory, methods, and materials needed to support and enhance children’s play and learning in preschool settings, but also better understand the vital role of play in fostering growth in each of the developmental domains. Topics include setting up developmentally appropriate environments, providing opportunities for high-quality, productive play and learning experiences, and assessing development and learning through observation of play-based activities and learning experiences.

EDUC 4004 Children with Special Needs (5 cr.)
In the context that all individuals are unique, this course provides an overview of exceptionalities in children from birth through adolescence. Early identification, referral, intervention, inclusion, and the related psychosocial needs of children and their families are highlighted. In addition, the course provides an overview of federal and state legislation that guides educational requirements.

Workplace Psychology Concentration Courses

PSYC 2004 Motivation and Emotion  (5 cr.)
What drives people to do what they do is the focus of the study of motivation and emotion. In this course, students explore basic theories of motivation and emotion; bodily needs, such as hunger, thirst, and sex, that drive people to action; motivation concepts in motivation such as achievement, altruism, and conflict; and concepts related to emotion including happiness, hormonal influences, and mood. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2005 Social Influences on Behavior  (5 cr.)
It has been said that no person is an island meaning, in part, that people are influenced by others and by the social situations in which they find themselves. This course focuses on the basic concepts and applications of social psychology and includes such topics as attitudes, beliefs and behavior; stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination; interpersonal relationships; group behavior; and the effect of environmental stressors on behavior. Students apply principles learned to case studies and to situations in daily life. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 2008 Learning  (5 cr.)
How do people learn, and what are the strategies that maximize learning. This course provides students with an introduction to the cognitive and behavioral bases of learning and memory. Topics include classical and operant conditioning, introduction to theories of short and long-term memory, and cognitive science approaches to learning. Students apply principles learned to optimizing their own performance. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 3009 Psychology of Leadership  (5 cr.)
Are leaders made or born? This question has been debated for decades. This course considers the question and examines theories and principles of leadership and leader development. Topics include models and styles of leadership, characteristics of effective leaders, cultural issues related to leadership, leader development, leadership measures, and leadership maintenance. Students apply leadership concepts and principles to themselves and to others. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4001 Cultural Perspectives in Health Psychology  (5 cr.)
How does one’s culture influence health related behavior? How does culture impact an individual’s response to stress, pain, and illness?  In this course, students learn how biological, psychological, sociological, and cognitive factors affect individual health behaviors. Topics include cultural responses to health, stress management and coping mechanisms; pain theory and management techniques; health psychology theories and models; and strategies for helping people achieve health psychology goals when faced with illness. Students apply principles of health psychology case studies and real-life examples related to promoting, achieving, and maintaining optimal health and psychological adjustment to illness for numerous cultures. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4007 Judgment, Choice and Decision Making  (5 cr.)
What influences how decisions are made? And why do people make the choices the make? In this course, students learn the basic principles of decision-making. Topics include heuristics (mental shortcuts to decision making), biases in thinking that influence decisions such as confirmatory and hindsight biases, and the role of expectations on decision-making. Students apply concepts in decision-making to better understand their own choices. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4008 Intergroup Conflict and Peace Building  (5 cr.)
In a world that is encumbered with conflict, tension, and injustice, strategies for building peace are essential. In this course, students learn theories and principles of conflict management and resolution. Topics include theories and applications of intergroup dynamics, conflict, and aggression; principles and underlying philosophies of non-violence; and the use of social science principles to understand conflict and promote peace. Students apply principles of peace-building to proposing solutions for contemporary, individual and social issues. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

Psychology Elective Courses

PSYC 3005 Racial and Ethnic Identities  (5 cr.)
Most people recognize and appreciate the uniqueness of human beings. Included in this uniqueness is the influence of race and ethnicity – both as they relate to self-perception and to the perception of others.  In this course, students explore their own racial / ethnic identities as they relate to contemporary psychological knowledge. Topics include racial identity development; intersection of racial identity and other forms of identity development; multiracial / multiethnic identities; and the effect of identity on intergroup relations. Students apply psychological concepts to better understand their own sense of ethnic / racial identity and how that identity shapes their experiences in the world. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 3006 Psychology of Gender  (5 cr.)
Psychological research has demonstrated that there are few differences between men and women. And yet history and conventional thinking say otherwise. In this course, students are introduced to the basic theories, principles, and applications of gender and gender differences. Topics include distinctions between sex and gender; masculinity and femininity; sexuality and sexual orientation; and gender differences in social behavior, perceptual abilities, and cognitive abilities. Finally, students explore the influence that gender has on health, school, the workplace, and careers. Through discussion and applications, students “debunk” myths surrounding sex and gender similarities and differences and apply theories to individual experiences. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 3007 Influence and Persuasion  (5 cr.)
What is it that influences people to take actions, sometimes in spite of their best intentions? This course examines major concepts of related to influence and persuasion, an important area of social psychology. Topics include attitudes and how to change attitudes; attitudes and behavior change; communication; media and consumer behavior; politics; and influence by leaders. Students apply principles of influence and persuasion to case studies and to real-life experiences. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

PSYC 4006 Global Perspectives in Psychology  (5 cr.)
While psychology tends to be “Western” in focus, increased globalization has provided insights into a broader explanation of human behavior as well as an examination of the influence of cultural and global trends on individual and group behavior. In this course, students explore a variety of perspectives in psychology and some of the issues and controversies such differing perspectives raise. Topics include cultural relativism; cross-cultural research on sex and gender, aggression, influence, perceptions, and cognition; and cross-cultural research – how it is conducted and why it is important. Students critically evaluate psychological issues from a global rather than a domestic perspective. (Prerequisite: PSYC 1001 or PSYC 1002 or PSYC 1003)

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