Course Descriptions

PSYC 6000 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (6 cr.)
This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence as they relate to practice in psychology and counseling.

PSYC 6001 Foundations for Graduate Study in Psychology (1 cr.)
This course introduces students to Walden University and to the requirements for successful participation in an online curriculum. It provides a foundation for academic and professional success as a scholar-practitioner and social change agent. Topics include the relation of mission and vision to professional goals; development of the program of study and professional development plan; strategies for online success; introduction to the online library; and introduction to critical thinking, professional writing, and academic integrity. Course assignments focus on practical application of writing and critical-thinking skills and promote professional and academic excellence.

PSYC 6005 Business Concepts for the Organizational Development Professional (5 cr.)
This course explores the language of work, business, management structures and processes, and the human and market factors that determine organizational success. It examines topics such as finance, marketing, accounting, strategic planning, organizational design, and quality and process improvement. Applications include the examination and analysis of sources of information that assess overall organizational health.

PSYC 6205 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the historical and philosophical roots of psychology. Topics include structuralism, functionalism, behaviorism, psychoanalysis, gestalt, and existentialism, as well as contemporary perspectives, including evolutionary psychology, positive psychology, postmodernism, and feminist psychology. Themes of diversity and multiculturalism in psychology and counseling are highlighted within each of the perspectives.

PSYC 6211 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (5 cr.)
This course is an advanced-level overview of the core areas, topics, and concepts in psychology through a consideration of related contemporary issues. Major topics include biological bases of behavior, learning and memory, cognition, motivation, lifespan development, theories of personality, stress and coping, psychological disorders, and social psychology. Students learn and practice critical-reading and analysis skills through reviews of journal articles and media publications. Specific focus is on distinguishing opinions from facts, identifying bias in writing, and understanding the importance of data and evidence. Students use these skills in the analysis and composition of scientific writing. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course.

PSYC 6212 Principles of Organizational Psychology and Development (5 cr.)
This course provides the theoretical foundation for organizational inquiry and leads to a deeper understanding of how organizations function. Topics include change management; organizational culture, behavior, and development; performance management; group dynamics; and systems-level thinking. Applications include the identification of organizational development opportunities based on an analysis of an organization.

PSYC 6213 Strategic Talent Management and Development (5 cr.)
This course explores how to leverage people in organizations to achieve business success and how to leverage business strategy to foster individual growth. Topics include talent acquisition and retention, workforce and succession planning, organizational communication, leadership, and performance management. Applications include the preparation of a human resource audit and the development of an overall human resource strategy.

PSYC 6214 Consulting for Organizational Change (5 cr.)
This course explores methods for accelerating individual, group, and organizational performance through consulting, coaching, and change management. The course addresses topics such as organizational assessment; team development; strategic planning; group dynamics; power, politics, and influence; and conflict management. Applications include the assessment of an individual, group, or organization and the development of strategies to address identified needs for change.

PSYC 6215 Lifespan Development (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an overview of development through the lifespan, including childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and aging experiences. Physical, social, emotional, and cognitive issues are covered, as well as the expected developmental milestones during each of these phases of development. The latest research in attachment theory, brain research, and aging is included, and themes of diversity issues related to developmental research are highlighted throughout the course.

PSYC 6216 Dynamics of Contemporary, International, and Virtual Organizations (5 cr.)
This course explores the changing nature of organizations, including the emergence of international and virtual organizations in a global economy. It addresses the unique opportunities and challenges for employees in a variety of settings including for-profit, nonprofit, government, education, family-owned, international, and virtual organizations. Applications include utilizing knowledge and skills acquired during the program in a specific type of organization.

PSYC 6220 Psychology of Personality (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the major theories of personality and personality assessment approaches. Research that supports various theories is presented. Basic concepts and principles of the various schools of thought are discussed. Major topics include psychoanalytic, biological, behaviorist, learning, social-cognitive, trait and skill, humanistic, and existential aspects of personality, as well as individual, cultural, and gender differences in personality. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course.

PSYC 6225 Biopsychology (5 cr.)
This course reviews the structure and functions of the central and peripheral nervous systems and explores the impact of neurobiology, endocrinology, and physiology on human behavior. Major topics include brain functioning, especially exploration of neural conduction; effects of neurotransmitters; sensory systems; and mechanisms of attention, memory, perception, and language. Issues related to neuroplasticity, lateralization, and regeneration are addressed.

PSYC 6230 Psychology of Learning and Memory (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the concepts of learning (commonly associated with mechanistic and behavioral approaches) and memory (commonly associated with constructivist and cognitive approaches). The course examines the historical and current approaches to understanding the individual, environmental, and social processes that determine knowledge and behavior change. Major topics include exploration of neurophysiological, biochemical, environmental manipulation and reinforcement, modeling, simulation, introspection, and phenomenological methods used to investigate the learning process. Individual differences and influence of culture on learning and memory are also presented.

PSYC 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
This course describes the historical evolution of complex cognitive processes and introduces students to the major cognitive theories and their applications to research in human learning. Major topics include research on higher order mental processes such as perception, learning, memory, problem-solving, categorization, decision-making, and language. The course examines individual and cultural differences in learning styles and highlights aspects of learning related to diversity.

PSYC 6240 Human Motivation (5 cr.)
This course provides an overview of physiological, psychological, and social aspects in the study of motivation and includes an exploration of historical and contemporary theories and perspectives. The course emphasizes both conceptual understanding of theories associated with motivation and their applications to personal, professional, and social issues. Major topics include physiological, learned, cognitive, and emotional aspects of motivation. Themes of diversity are threaded throughout the course. 

PSYC 6245 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an overview of classic and contemporary topics in social psychology with a focus on how social contexts influence and shape individual behavior. Topics covered include research methods in social psychology, the relation of self and culture, person perception, attitudes and their relation to behavior, attribution theory, persuasion, conformity and obedience, interpersonal attraction, prejudice, aggression, group dynamics, intergroup relations, and multiculturalism. The course is presented with a focus on cross-cultural similarities and variations in the impact of context on behavior.

PSYC 6250 Group Process and Dynamics (5 cr.)
This course prepares students to work with groups in various settings. It examines group theory, process, and dynamics. Using relevant literature, multimedia resources, and a scholar-practitioner model, students develop an understanding of culturally and contextually relevant group practice, group leaders’ roles and responsibilities, the relevance and purpose of group work, and strategies for using groups to foster social change. Students also participate in a group experience in their community.

PSYC 6290 Independent Readings (1–5 cr.)
This course provides students an opportunity to examine a topic area of interest in more depth than is provided in the course offerings. Students work with the course faculty to design a syllabus that guides the independent readings project. Content must include theoretical and empirical research literature that addresses implications related to diversity and professional practice. This course may be selected only once during the student’s Program of Study and cannot be used to replace a course that currently exists in the catalog. (Prerequisite: Approved petition to academic advising.)

PSYC 6300 Philosophical Foundations in Psychological Research (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the nature of scientific discovery and explanation as it applies to the social sciences and to psychology in particular. Topics include the etiology and epistemology of science, the relationship between philosophy and science, the nature of scientific explanation, and the understandings of the progress of science (the paradigm). Philosophical movements that influence research and research priorities are reviewed, including positivism, constructivism, and other post-modern research paradigms, including feminist, race, and gay/lesbian psychologies.

PSYC 6304 Statistics 2 (5 cr.)
This course reviews and expands on statistical techniques mastered in Statistics 1; t-test, correlation analysis, ANOVA, and chi-square are briefly reviewed. Topics include understanding underlying assumptions and applications of factorial, repeated measures (within groups), and mixed design ANOVA,multiple regression, and logistic regression. Students learn applications necessary for completing doctoral dissertations and learn to critically read and write about psychological research. All analyses involve the use of the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305.)

PSYC 6305 Statistics 1 (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a thorough analysis of basic descriptive and inferential statistical methods commonly used in the social sciences and the skills with which to write, analyze, and critique social science research. Methods include computation and analysis of frequency distributions, measures of central tendency, and statistical hypothesis testing. Statistical tests (and underlying assumptions) include z-score, single-sample, independent-samples and related-samples t-tests, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and chi-square tests. This course includes an introduction to and use of the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).

PSYC 6310 Research Design (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a foundation in the design of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method approaches to psychological research. Students examine the strengths and limitations of each method and the circumstances for which each approach is considered most appropriate. Students learn how to identify a topic for research and conduct a literature search, and they also discover the importance of scholarly writing. Students learn to write an introduction, a purpose for the study, research questions, and hypotheses; to use theory; to define the significance of the study; and to identify procedures for data collection and analysis that lead to the completion of a research prospectus. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with participant involvement in research. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305.)

PSYC 6311 Qualitative Analysis (5 cr.)
This course focuses on five major traditions of qualitative research methodology: phenomenology, grounded theory, ethnography, biography, and case study. In the context of each of the traditions, varying approaches to proposal planning, research design, data collection, data analysis, aspects of quality and verification, ethical and legal issues, and interpretation and presentation of results in the narrative report are examined. Emphasis is on how to design a qualitative research project that could serve as the foundation for thesis or dissertation work. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6305, 6310.)

PSYC 6314 Program Evaluation (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to evaluation research. Topics include the history and theory underlying program evaluation; approaches to evaluation, procedures, and techniques for entering a group for which one would provide evaluation services; selecting appropriate quantitative and/or qualitative models and techniques used to perform the evaluation; strategies for getting gatekeepers to be invested in the development of the research and in the outcomes; demonstration of program effectives; and dissemination of results to stakeholders. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6305, 6310.)

PSYC 6315 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
The course provides students with a comprehensive examination of the psychometric procedures used to develop and validate educational, psychological, and organizational instruments. Topics include normative samples, reliability and validity, test score interpretation, and test development. Professional standards for testing are reviewed and consulted at all phases of the course. Ethical issues in testing, integration of testing in the overall assessment process, overall assessment of individual differences, diversity issues in testing, and cultural fairness and bias in testing are also explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305.)

PSYC 6320 Advanced Methods in Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Research Designs (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the use of both qualitative and quantitative research designs in psychological research. The course begins with a broad discussion of paradigms that guide qualitative and quantitative research traditions, including logical positivism, post-positivism, pragmatism, and constructivism. A number of methods common to each tradition are reviewed, and mixed-method approaches are explored in depth, including strategies for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating data, as well as how both methods can be incorporated at all stages of the research project. Emphasis is on how to design a mixed-method research project that could serve as the foundation for dissertation work. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6305, 6310, 8310.)

PSYC 6331 Interviewing and Observational Strategies (5 cr.)
This course focuses on principles and skills related to interviewing and observation, as well as related legal, ethical, and cultural issues. Students gain practice in conducting interviews, making behavioral observations, collecting and interpreting data during an interview, and developing written reports of findings.

PSYC 6341 Psychological Assessment: Cognitive (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to basic skills related to cognitive and academic achievement testing. Students are presented with theoretical basis, skill sets, and examples, and learn to establish and maintain rapport in a testing situation; administer, record, and score specific measures of cognitive ability and academic achievement; interpret test results; and summarize results in a written report. The focus is on applied aspects of psychological testing. This course has a skill-based, face-to-face residency seminar component. (Prerequisites: Matriculation into Counseling, Clinical, or School licensure specializations, or M.S. in Mental Health Counseling students by permission; a grade of B or better in PSYC 6315 or in another graduate course in tests and measurement taken no more than three years prior to registering for this course.)

PSYC 6351 Psychological Assessment: Personality and Social-Emotional (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to basic skills related to assessment of personality and social-emotional functioning. Students are presented with theoretical basis, skill sets, and examples and learn to establish and maintain rapport in a testing situation; administer, record, and score specific measures of personality and social-emotional functioning; interpret test results; and summarize results in a written report. The focus is on applied aspects of psychological testing. This course has a skill-based, face-to-face residency seminar component. (Prerequisites: Matriculation into Counseling, Clinical, or School licensure specializations, or M.S. in Mental Health Counseling students by permission; a grade of B or better in PSYC 6315 or in another graduate course in tests and measurement taken no more than three years prior to registering for this course.)

PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr.—6 cr. per term for 2 terms)
This course provides students with the tools to integrate their Program of Study logically and comprehensively into an in-depth exploration of a topic of research interest. The goal of the course is the completion of the M.S. thesis. Students complete the thesis independently under the mentorship of a thesis chair. The thesis can be either a critical literature review with a proposed research design or an empirical study. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6305, 6310, 6315, and an additional three courses.)

PSYC 6391 Capstone (5 cr.)
Students complete a capstone project during this course. Capstone projects include the following: 1) a thesis in the form of a critical literature review with a proposed research design or 2) a thesis with an empirical study focusing on a research topic related to organizational setting or 3) a field experience that includes the implementation of organizational psychology intervention and a written paper. (Prerequisites: All courses; PSYC 6216 taken concurrently with first quarter of Capstone.)

PSYC 6392 Capstone (5 cr.)
Students complete a capstone project during this course. Capstone projects include the following: 1) a thesis in the form of a critical literature review with a proposed research design or 2) a thesis with an empirical study focusing on a research topic related to organizational setting or 3) a field experience that includes the implementation of organizational psychology intervention and a written paper. (Prerequisites: All courses; PSYC 6216 taken concurrently with first quarter of Capstone.)

PSYC 6393 M.S. Psychology Capstone (5 cr.)
During this course, students work on a capstone project during which students complete a major, integrative paper on a topic related to the specialization that incorporates theoretical and practical knowledge and social scientific research skills acquired throughout the program. Other capstone projects may be approved by the instructor.

PSYC 6700 Psychology and Social Change (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the theories of social and personal change. Topics include power and social inequalities, ethnic inequalities, global environment and social change, issues related to gender and sexism, and homophobia. In addition, students are presented with impact of social change theories on children, families, and societies. The concepts of change agent and change advocate are explored as well as the role of the psychologist as change agent.

PSYC 6701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
This course explores the foundations of cross-cultural work from various disciplines in the field of psychology and addresses the cross-cultural application of traditional theories and models. Topics include the distinction between universal and culture-specific phenomena related to personality development, social behavior, research approaches, and gender; issues of acculturation; and cultural variations related to abnormal, clinical, social, and organizational psychology.

PSYC 6706 Advanced Social Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides an advanced analysis of social psychology, including a review of the historical context and cultural grounding of social psychological theory. Special attention is given to sociocultural psychology and the broad base of knowledge related to history, research methods, and applications to social and cultural processes. Topics include small-group processes and dynamics and shared cognition, attitude development and shifting, social cognition and emotion, self-concept and self-regulation, conformity, affiliation and independence in groups, group performance, leadership, cross-cultural psychology, and biopsychosocial diversity. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6245, 6305, 6310.)

PSYC 6722 Counseling and Psychotherapy Theories (5 cr.)
This course summarizes the history and explores the primary concepts of the major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy in current use. The empirical foundations of each theory are examined, and examples are supplied showing how each method is applied to clients. Limitations of each approach are also explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6220.)

PSYC 6740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
This course defines natural and human-made disasters such as war, violence, genocide, and terrorist activities, and reviews how they impact the psychology of individuals and groups. Topics include theories of trauma; actions and behaviors following a disaster; stress, coping, and adjustment difficulties; psychological disorders (e.g., post-traumatic stress disorder); and available resources to deal with the trauma. The course emphasizes the importance and development of culturally appropriate service delivery programs and interventions for individuals affected and traumatized by disaster(s).

PSYC 6741 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
This course will examine the history, philosophy, techniques, and countermeasures to terroristic threats to public safety. Topics include aspects of international and domestic terrorism with an emphasis on its roots viewed from the broadest possible political, sociological, and cultural perspectives; factors and catalysts attributed to the terrorism phenomena, including poverty, psychology [e.g. motivational factors, antisocial behaviors], social injustice, oppression, and religion; and impact of media and technology in aiding and countering terroristic activities.

PSYC 6742 Conflict, Conflict Resolution and Peace (5 cr.)
This course represents a study of conflict, conflict resolution, and peace from psychological and social psychological perspectives. Students examine the concept of conflict and methods of addressing it, including management, resolution, and transformation; theories related to conflict resolution; approaches to conflict resolution, including negotiation and third-party interventions; and social psychological factors that influence conflict and conflict resolution. Students also consider the influence of culture in conflict and conflict resolution; the role of ethics; intractable and international conflicts; the concept of peace; and how third-party approaches can contribute to the peace process. Students apply conflict resolution approaches to conflicts at all levels, from interpersonal to those involving whole nations.

PSYC 6745 Health Psychology (5 cr.)
This course reviews the field of health psychology with a focus on the biopsychosocial model; behavioral and biomedical theories are also discussed. Topics include the effect of psychological (personality), behavioral (health behaviors and coping), and social factors (stress and physician-patient relationships) on physical health and wellness. The course specifically addresses cardiovascular and immune health with a discussion of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and HIV/AIDS.

PSYC 6748 Stress and Coping (5 cr.)
This course examines the literature related to contemporary theories on the perception of stress, appraisal of stressors, ways of coping, and the psychophysiological mechanisms involved in the stress response. Topics focus on psychoneuroimmunology, behavioral nutrition, psychophysiology, traumatic stress, chronic pain, and stress-related psychophysiological and medical disorders as they relate to stress and coping. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)

PSYC 6750 Leadership Development (5 cr.)
Great leadership is enhanced by an understanding of the psychological principles of leader development. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the psychology of leadership and leader development. Topics include psychological theories of leadership, leadership styles, qualities of great leaders, and instruments used to assess leadership and leadership potential. Students apply psychological theories to understanding their own capacity for leadership.

PSYC 6751 Leadership Coaching: Process and Practice (5 cr.)
Mentoring requires an understanding of different models and theories that support the development of effective leaders; however, what is essential is an understanding of the high-level skills and competencies that a mentor/coach needs to develop an effective leadership mentoring relationship. This course will help students understand and practice skills that will help achieve effective mentoring through the relationship between coach and client. Skills such as active listening, learning, empowering clients, providing feedback, enabling change, and the use of assessment to facilitate understanding and development will be reviewed. Students will have the opportunity of observing best practices through the use of videos.

PSYC 6752 Leadership Coaching: Application (5 cr.)
Effective business coaches/leader mentors need to be fully capable of working with clients immersed in different organizational cultures that present unique challenges. In this course students will experience the actual application of skills, models, and processes in individual and group business coaching settings. Topics include executive and leadership development, business acumen, strategic approaches to personal and professional growth, working with clients remotely and as members of distributed or virtual teams remotely, life-work blending, and career transition. Students will have the opportunity to develop their own models of leadership coaching and will be exposed to case studies and videos.

PSYC 6760 Psychology and the Media (5 cr.)
In this course students explore the evolution of the media and its impact on human behavior. They analyze the relationship between psychology and the media as it relates to violence, prosocial behaviors, sex and pornography, advertising, news and politics, special populations, and culture and the global community. Students also examine ethical and legal issues related to the psychology and the media, current and future challenges and trends, and the impact of the media on social change.

PSYC 6761 The Psychological Impact of Film and Television (5 cr.)
This course examines the effects of film and television on individuals, groups, cultures, and the global community. Topics include origins, creative elements, and themes of film and television; influences of film and television content and delivery on emotions, behaviors, cognitions, perceptions, and values; media literacy training; portrayals of social groups in film and television; roles of news media in agenda setting; transformation of the political process; and war as entertainment.

PSYC 6762 The Psychological Impact of the Internet and Mobile Technologies (5 cr.)
The Internet and mobile technologies have increased the immediacy and accessibility of information and provided a global platform for the expression of creativity and new ideas. This course explores how the Internet and mobile technologies affect how people think, view the world, become informed, and record and interpret history. Topics include the use of the Internet for education, entertainment, self-exploration, and socialization; democratization of free speech; internationalization of news, shifts in industry, business models, and advertising; and technological innovations related to the political process.

PSYC 6770 Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies (5 cr.)
This course provides a broad perspective on the history of the U.S.A. Patriot Act, similar terroristic legislation and immigration laws, and their policy implications on law enforcement, governmental entities, organizations, and individuals. It provides a basic foundation upon which to build for those public administrators and public policy analysts who are charged with drafting and implementing public policy and enforcing and/or responding to potential terroristic threats, while simultaneously upholding and protecting constitutional freedoms. Material for this course is drawn from contemporary texts, Web sites, case studies, and material representing international, national, and local governments and organizations. Learners critically review and analyze the U.S.A. Patriot Act and similar terroristic legislation and policies, and participate in online discussions about these laws and their implications on U.S. Constitutional freedoms.

PSYC 6771 Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness (5 cr.)
This course provides participants with an overview of terrorism—local, national, and international—and the need to develop a systemic approach for emergency preparedness. Topics include, but are not limited to, terrorism overview, terrorism and public health, bioterrorism, biosecurity, cyberterrorism, risk assessment, implications for public health, and components of a systemic preparedness infrastructure. Course participants begin the development and/or analysis of a terrorism preparedness infrastructure, and participate in online discussions.

PSYC 6772 Critical Incident Planning and Leadership (5 cr.)
This course examines the principles of emergency planning, selection of leaders, specialized planning (e.g., schools, tourism), mutual aid, and leadership theories. It provides a basic foundation for public administrators to develop a critical incident plan and also understand leadership theories. Course participants critically analyze case studies, identifying weaknesses and potential solutions.

PSYC 6775 Strategic Context of Public Management and Leadership (5 cr.)
Public policy implementation can take place in a public organization, a private one, a nonprofit one, or a combined or networked one. This course engages learners in a collaborative study of the changing strategic context of public administration as they apply a strategic planning and management approach to the implementation of public policy. Learners are introduced to planning, management, financial management, performance management, and contracting processes in the organization whose purpose it is to implement public policy.

PSYC 6776 Transformative Change in a Shared-Power World (5 cr.)
This course engages students in collaborative study of the nature and methods of transformative change in the complex human systems of contemporary public organizations. Students learn a pragmatic action learning process for learning from the experience of transformative change in complex systems. The dynamics of complex adaptive systems are studied to gain an understanding of how large-scale and highly interrelated human systems change through self-organization. Appreciative inquiry and other selected methods of transformative change are studied and applied to a positive organizational change situation of special interest to the students. Students also develop professional action habits for pragmatic action learning in the practice of public administration.

PSYC 6777 Essentials of Public Health: A Case Study Approach (5 cr.)
This course evaluates key aspects of public health, including its history, mission, essential services, core functions, infrastructure, resources, workforce, achievements, challenges, and career options. Students explore these facets through case studies, a hypothetical scenario, and journal articles. Although the main focus of this course is on the U.S. public health system, students are also exposed to global issues and views of public health.

PSYC 6778 Social, Behavioral, and Cultural Factors in Public Health (5 cr.)
This course presents an examination and analysis of the major social, behavioral, and cultural variables and issues that affect the health of populations, including community, gender, age, socioeconomic status, race, ethnicity, and environment, as well as behavioral risks. Research, theoretical, and conceptual frameworks from the social and behavioral sciences are explored as applied to public health problems and the reduction of health disparities.

PSYC 6790 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector (5 cr.)
Nonprofit organizations serve as the foundation for many social change efforts. This course explores the history, foundations, and types of nonprofit organizations and the diverse political, social, and economic contexts within which they exist. Students examine and apply marketing, public relations, and communication concepts and strategies to case studies and contemporary situations. Ethical, legal, and global lenses are applied to the study of the nonprofit sector. Students develop a concept paper guiding the development of a nonprofit organization.

PSYC 6791 Organizational Leadership and Management (5 cr.)
Public and nonprofit leaders require a deep understanding of their roles as leaders and managers of diverse and complex organizations. This course examines the distinction between leadership and management, organizational culture, change management, systems theories, and organizational development from a theoretical and applied perspective. Students apply principles to public, private, and nonprofit organizational settings.

PSYC 6792 Finance and Budgeting for the Nonprofit Sector (5 cr.)
Sound financial practices are crucial to managing scarce funds in both the public and nonprofit operations. This course examines finance and budgeting concepts, policies, and practices related to organizations as well as the fiscal climate within which they operate. Students gain an understanding of theories underlying major fiscal policy debates; read, analyze, and construct budgets; and read and analyze financial statements and reports. Other topics include the use of dashboards for financial reporting, auditing practices, tax systems, financial management, budgetary reform, and financial technology systems specific to the nonprofit sector. Students apply what they learn to developing a budget and financial plan for a nonprofit organization.

PSYC 6793 Board Governance and Volunteer Management (5 cr.)
Volunteers are the “lifeblood” of many nonprofit organizations. Each of these organizations relies heavily on their volunteer board of directors to govern and guide them toward their mission. The success of nonprofit organizations is largely dependent on the effective management of program volunteers and board members. This course explores the volunteer management process (volunteer recruitment, orientation, training, supervision, and evaluation) with an emphasis on creating and maintaining an effective board of directors. Students design a board development or volunteer management plan based on the concept paper developed in the Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector course.

PSYC 6794 Resource Development (5 cr.)
All nonprofit organizations require financial resources. Obtaining philanthropic financial support is essential to program delivery and stability. Students explore the concepts of philanthropy and development, identification of funding sources, donor/prospect cultivation and education, and solicitation and appreciation strategies. An emphasis is placed on creating an organizational philanthropic culture based on ethics and donor relationships. Students create a resource development plan for the organization designed in the Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector course.

PSYC 6805 Holistic Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a foundation in holistic psychology. Students examine topics in holistic and transpersonal psychology, as well as influences of theory and research in the areas of spirituality and mind/body relationships. Topics include states of consciousness, emotional and psychosomatic disorders, spiritual emergencies, death and dying, and integral psychology. Focus is placed on integration of perspectives.

PSYC 6825 Psychology of Gender (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to theories and research on gender role expectations and their influence on the psychosocial developmental experience of women, men, and children. Current gender research is applied to understanding achievement, work, relationships, sexuality, violence, and physical health and illness. Responses of women and men to life stresses, women as clients in psychotherapy, and the increasing role of gender research in the mental health professions are emphasized.

PSYC 6830 Psychology of Sexuality (5 cr.)
This course provides an exploration of sexuality from a variety of perspectives, including historical, psychological, sociological, anthropological, biological, public health, and media and cultural studies. Traditional understandings of sexuality (including male and female sexual anatomy, physiology, and response; variations across the lifespan; sexual communication; love and interpersonal attraction; and sexual “disorders”) are examined using a variety of theoretical perspectives, including essentialist and constructivist notions of sex, sexuality, and sexual identity.