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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 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 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 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 f ield 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 f ield 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 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 Management, Negotiation, and Peace (5 cr.)
This course represents a study of conflict resolution within the broad social context. Topics include historical, socio-ecological, and theoretical frameworks that influence current views and practices related to conflict resolution; peace and conflict theory; political, religious, and economic conflicts and major peace movements; conflict resolution in practice; and ethical issues in conflict resolution. Topics are presented in a cultural context including examination of cultural differences and cross-cultural/multicultural approaches for successful negotiation and mediation.
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 Modern Communication Technologies (5 cr.)
This course will review leading theories of communications and the relationship of psychological theory to modern communications. Topics include international trends and cultural differences in communication; communicating health, political, educational, and clinical information; preferred methods of communicating different kinds of information; and communication styles and technologies throughout the world and how they must interact with these styles when effectively relaying information. Emphasis will be on variation of modes of communication and communication strategies by culture.
PSYC 6761 Psychology of Effective Communication (5 cr.)
This course will explore methods of communication and how communication can most effectively produce attitude change. Topics include discourse analysis, narrative psychology, and positioning theory, social influence tactics and their variation by culture; and the use of statistics and research to communicate ideas and change opinions will be examined.
PSYC 6762 Psychology of Communication and Power (5 cr.)
This course will investigate how communication of information can impact social trends, stereotypes, individual preferences and behaviors, and sociopolitical movements. Topics include media influences on individual trends and behaviors, ethical responsibility of the media in affecting attitudes and behaviors, access to information through various technologies, and technology as a potential source of power for those who have access, and methods of improving access to communication technologies. Generational, cultural, gender, socioeconomic, and other individual differences will be explored in terms of the utilization of and access to communication technologies and information.
PSYC 8300 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 8305 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 8306 Statistics 3 (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to multivariate statistics and their uses in the social sciences. Topics include data screening and cleaning, factorial ANOVA, analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), discriminant function analysis, multiple regression, logistic regression, path analysis, factor and principle components analysis, and structural equation modeling. Assignments focus on understanding theory and using the software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to solve problems. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8305.)
PSYC 8310 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. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6305, 6310.)
PSYC 8315 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 8320 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. Previously listed as PSYC 8320 Mixed Qualitative-Quantitative Research Designs.)
PSYC 8342 Psychotherapy Interventions I (5 cr.)
The focus of this course is on the acquisition and demonstration of clinical skills in the context of empirically supported modes of intervention. Students apply skills in treatment planning exercises, clinical vignettes, and face-to-face simulations of psychotherapy sessions. A face-to-face component is required and is included in the Academic Year in Residency. (Prerequisites: PSYC 8000; 8220; 8331; 8721; 8341).
PSYC 8343 Psychotherapy Interventions II (5 cr.)
This course explores the application of empirically supported treatment and management approaches to severe mental disorders in selected clinical populations. Students demonstrate competence to implement intervention models in the online and face-to-face classrooms. A face-to-face component is required and is included in the Academic Year in Residency. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8342)
PSYC 8361 Advanced Psychological Testing (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the application of multidimensional approaches to assessment, empirically based diagnosis and decision-making, and empirically based interventions or treatment based on assessment. Students administer, score, record, and interpret psychological tests. They also learn to diagnose and make treatment recommendations using an array of assessment instruments appropriate to their specialization. Students apply these skill sets to write integrated, comprehensive psychological reports. This course has a required face-to-face residency component. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6341, 6351 with a grade of B or better and PSYC 8719, 8720, or 8721.)
PSYC 8700 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 the 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 8705 Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (5 cr.)
This course examines the origins of professional codes of ethics and standards of practice. Ethics and standards of practice are explored in depth. Topics include confidentiality, client-provider relationships, issues in assessment, ethical issues related to psychotherapy, ethics of research, and ethics involved in working with diverse populations. Additionally, students are introduced to forensic psychology and issues related to establishing a practice. The course also explores how cultural factors are addressed in various ethical codes and the implications for scholar-practitioners.
PSYC 8706 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 8710 Clinical Neuropsychology (5 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the f ield of clinical neuropsychology. Topics include cortical organization (including functions, anatomy, and neuropathology) and higher cortical functions of memory, language, emotions, attention, and perception in disordered brain functions in adults. Neuropsychological approaches, including cognitive neuropsychology, are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)
PSYC 8712 Clinical Child Neuropsychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to clinical child neuropsychology. Topics include the scientific, theoretical, and applied foundations of brain-behavior relations in children with neurological, learning, and/or behavioral disorders. The focus of the course is on a multidimensional, ecological, and sociopsychological perspective relative to prevention, diversity, identification, and intervention with children. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6215, 6225.)
PSYC 8718 Psychology of the Exceptional Individual (5 cr.)
This course examines the cognitive, social-emotional, and psychomotor characteristics of individuals significantly deviating from the norm in behavior and/or adjustment. Topics include understanding individuals with learning disabilities (including emotional, behavioral, and intellectual disorders; autism; brain injury; hearing and vision loss; physical disabilities; and health disorders) and those who are gifted and talented. Inclusion, transition to adulthood, and multicultural diversity are explored. The focus of the course is on skills for developing research-based educational and therapeutic interventions.
PSYC 8719 Developmental Psychopathology (5 cr.)
This course examines formal psychopathology, emotional, and behavioral disorders and presents the classification systems of infants, children, and adolescents. Topics include contrasting models of psychopathology, classification and epidemiology of childhood psychopathology, co-morbidity rates, differential issues from the current diagnostic manual’s outcome of childhood disorders, therapeutic approaches and their efficacy, and developmental resilience. Case studies are used to illustrate diagnostic issues. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6220, 6225.)
PSYC 8720 Diagnosis and Assessment (5 cr.)
This course is an overview of what is commonly referred to as abnormal psychology; however, what constitutes normalcy is considered from multiple perspectives. Specifically, this is an applied course where students explore the application of diagnostic criteria in various mental health work settings such as schools, rehabilitation facilities, community agencies, and private practices. Environmental and biological factors contributing to behavioral disorders are considered, using the scholar-practitioner model. Techniques are reviewed for the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive, emotional, and developmental disorders, as well as for psychophysiological and psychosocial problems. Multicultural factors that complicate diagnosis are reviewed.
PSYC 8721 Advanced Psychopathology (5 cr.)
This course provides an in-depth examination of current theory and research associated with major psychological disorders and with diagnosis. The major disorders are explored, including substance abuse and psychotic, mood, personality, somatoform, anxiety, mood, dissociative, and eating disorders. Application of the current diagnostic manual to actual clinical situations is emphasized. Current criticisms of the diagnostic system and discussion of alternative models are addressed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6220.)
PSYC 8722 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 as well as examples showing how each method is applied to clients. Limitations of each approach are also explored.
PSYC 8723 Multicultural Counseling (5 cr.)
This course is designed to increase students’ awareness and knowledge of, and skills related to, multicultural counseling and the delivery of psychological services. Students explore diversity and identity issues and discuss their impact on the therapeutic relationship. The application of traditional theoretical orientations and current multicultural theories to culturally diverse groups is addressed. Topics include race and ethnicity, sex and gender, sexual orientation, social class, and age and ability.
PSYC 8724 Child Psychotherapy (5 cr.)
This course explores the psychological treatment of children from an array of theories and techniques, including play therapy. Issues of playroom organization, intake interviews, psychological assessment, and intervention are addressed. Typical play behaviors of children at various levels of development, cross-cultural aspects of play, and their meanings are explored. Treatment, evaluation, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practice with children are also presented. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6215.)
PSYC 8725 Group Therapy (5 cr.)
This course provides a comprehensive review of clinical and counseling approaches to group therapy. The theoretical bases of different approaches to group therapy, including psychoanalytic, existential, person-centered, gestalt, transactional, behavioral, rational-emotive, and reality therapy, are examined. Focus is on various types of groups, the efficacy of using group therapy as the treatment method with various multicultural populations, and the stages of group development.
PSYC 8726 Marriage and Family Therapy (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to theoretical perspectives and techniques, classical schools of thought, and recent developments in marriage and family therapy. Culture, gender, and ethnicity factors in family development are explored. Theoretical frameworks in marriage and family therapy, including psychosocial, psychodynamic, transgenerational, strategic, cognitive-behavioral, and social constructionist models, are reviewed and compared. The roles of culture, spirituality, and values in understanding families are explored.
PSYC 8727 Religion and Spirituality in Counseling and Therapy (5 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to significant religious and spiritual movements, the interactions and divergences between religion and spirituality, and how these issues can emerge in counseling or therapy. Topics explored include values; assessment of religious manifestations; relations with clergy/spiritual leaders; use of bibliographic materials; ways to deal with religious/spiritual materials and themes presented by clients; cultural considerations that may intersect with religion and spirituality, especially in relation to race, ethnicity, and nationality; sex and gender roles; sexual orientation; and treatment techniques.
PSYC 8728 Substance Abuse Therapies (5 cr.)
This course examines psychological aspects of addictions involving alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances. Current research in the f ield of dependency and addiction is explored. Topics include diagnosis, models of treatment, treatment planning, use of group and family treatment plans, and efficacy of treatment. Strategies to promote change, including the transtheoretical model of behavior change, are discussed.
PSYC 8729 Grief Therapy (5 cr.)
This course examines grief theory and its processes, tasks, and mediating factors, including age of the bereaved and deceased, type of death, and relationship with the deceased. Topics include coping and coping interventions, dealing with grief in childhood and adolescence, and dealing with grief associated with loss of children. Diversity issues related to race, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, sex and gender roles, and spirituality and religion are explored. Emphasis is placed on research-based intervention techniques.
PSYC 8730 Advanced Grief Therapy (5 cr.)
This course explores grief dynamics resulting from complicated grief, trauma, multiple loss, and disasters (both natural and man-made). The focus is on acute stress and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including the consideration of cultural factors in the assessment and treatment of those diagnosed with PTSD. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8729.)
PSYC 8732 Medical Crisis Counseling (5 cr.)
In this course, students discuss stress and psychological issues faced by patients and their families when coping with a life-threatening illness. Topics include points of access in the disease process, as well as the understanding of many diseases’ characteristics and treatments, with emphasis on appropriate interventions. Issues such as preferential treatment or lack thereof based on social class, visible family/social support, age, race/ethnicity/nationality, sexual orientation, and religion/spirituality are explored.
PSYC 8741 Psychopharmacology (5 cr.)
This course provides an overview of the spectrum of psychotropic medications and their use in the treatment of mental and behavioral disorders. Topics include the role of the psychologist in prescribing medication and the efficacy of combining medication and psychotherapy. The focus is on the treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive behavior, schizophrenia, and childhood disorders; other psychological disorders as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) are reviewed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)
PSYC 8745 Health Psychology (5 cr.)
This course reviews the f ield 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 8746 Behavioral Nutrition (5 cr.)
This course examines the interaction between behavior and nutrition. Topics include fundamental principles of human digestion and nutrient metabolism, specific nutrient requirements of the brain and brain metabolism of nutrients, and effects of nutrients on brain function. Using this background, students critically examine current trends in behavioral nutrition and conduct nutritional assessments. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)
PSYC 8747 Psychoneuroimmunology (5 cr.)
This course examines current theory and interdisciplinary (psychological and medical) research associated with psychoneuroimmunology (PNI). Topics include the mind/body interaction, its effects on overall health through modulation of the immune system, and mind/body interventions. Recent advances in medical science that have contributed to our knowledge of biological processes and how the mind can be used as a potent force in modifying the biological mechanisms involved in wellness and illness are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)
PSYC 8748 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 8750 Foundations of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the f ield of industrial/organizational psychology. The major focus is on organizational theories and practices impacting the individual, group, and organization in a variety of industrial and organizational settings. Students learn to translate research and theory into practice in areas such as personnel selection, training, performance, and management, as well as in team and organizational development and change.
PSYC 8752 Psychology of Organizational Behavior (5 cr.)
This course examines the application of behavioral theories in organizational settings. The focus is on individual, group, and organizational behavior. Topics include individual differences in employee motivation and job satisfaction, group development, team building, organizational leadership, and organizational design, culture, and development. Students acquire a broad knowledge base in organizational psychology, its research, and its applications. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8750.)
PSYC 8753 Vocational Psychology and Counseling (5 cr.)
This course examines major career development theories, assumptions, and implications for practice. Career information programs and systems in terms of their application to personnel assessment, counseling, development, and placement are reviewed. Focus is placed on the implications of individual differences in cultural, gender, and age-related issues. Students obtain a theoretical and practical basis for supporting individuals in vocation selection and career development.
PSYC 8754 Personnel Psychology in the Workplace (5 cr.)
This course explores the application of psychological theory and practice to human resources activities in organizations. Topics include job analysis and design, employee selection and placement, training and development, performance management and appraisal, and legal and ethical considerations in human resources management. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8750.)
PSYC 8755 Leadership and the Process of Change (5 cr.)
This course provides an extensive consideration of leadership theories. Topics include definitions of leadership, major theoretical leadership models, and contextual and situational factors related to leadership. Special consideration is given to effective leadership issues and practices during the process of organizational change. Various perspectives on leadership and its role in the achievement of organizational, group, and team goals are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8750.)
PSYC 8756 International/Cross-Cultural Issues in Organizations (5 cr.)
This course focuses on workplace issues arising from diverse cultural contexts. Topics include international and cultural comparisons of work motivation, communication, leadership, and decision-making, as well as organizational structures and characteristics. Sources and management of conflict, including conflict resolution strategies, are explored.
PSYC 8760 Educational Psychology (5 cr.)
This course examines the variables related to teaching and learning. Topics include teaching methods, educational achievement, learning environments, curriculum development, and characteristics of teachers and learners. Educational assessment, environmental issues, and educational research techniques are also explored.
PSYC 8762 Teaching of Psychology (5 cr.)
This course examines techniques and issues related to teaching psychology at the college/university level. The primary focus is on teaching skills, developing rapport with students, managing the course, and managing the classroom. Classroom communication and ethical issues relevant to both faculty and students are also covered.
PSYC 8763 Principles of Instructional Design (5 cr.)
This course presents a critical analysis of various instructional methods and techniques. It provides an overview of major theories of learning and an analysis of specific instructional applications. Students apply their prior knowledge of learning, development, and cognition to understanding factors related to instruction and instructional design. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6230 or 6235, 8760.)
PSYC 8764 Instructional Design for Online Course Development (5 cr.)
This course explores instructional design and delivery of online courses, issues related to assessment and evaluation in a distance-learning environment, and appropriate and systematic use of technology in online learning venues. Issues such as learning styles and instructional strategies in the online environment, alternatives to the online lecture, and effective course objectives and discussion questions are explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8763.)
PSYC 8780 Seminar in School Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces prospective school psychologists to the f ield of school psychology. Topics include the role and function of the school psychologist; legal, ethical, and professional issues in school psychology; f ieldwork experiences; research methods in school psychology; and emerging technologies in school psychology.
PSYC 8784 Psychological Consultation (5 cr.)
This course examines the history, theory, process, and methods in the f ield of psychological consultation. It reviews the qualifications and techniques required by the psychologist to consult in a variety of settings, including the courtroom, business and industry, and educational, mental health, and medical settings.
PSYC 8785 Prevention: Research and Practice (5 cr.)
This course provides an inquiry into prevention and intervention programs for individuals, groups, and communities. Students consider cultural, social, psychological, family, organizational, and political factors bearing on the mental health and development of people in various settings, including schools, communities, and organizations. Theoretical frameworks guiding prevention and intervention are explored, including constructivist and ecological-developmental perspectives. Students gain experience in developing prevention-oriented programs within diverse systems.
PSYC 8805 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 8810 Community Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and practice of community psychology. Guiding values and assumptions of the f ield, basic ecological concepts, and models of intervention are examined. Topics include diversity in community psychology, social change, primary and secondary prevention, community mental health, empowerment, stress, and resiliency.
PSYC 8815 Contemporary Gerontology/Geriatric Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides a multidisciplinary approach to the study of aging in contemporary societies. Biological, psychological, social, and societal contexts of aging are examined. Topics include historical and cross-cultural perspectives on aging, social theories of aging, managing chronic diseases, cognitive changes associated with aging, mental health issues, sexuality, and social interactions.
PSYC 8820 Successful Practice Management (5 cr.)
This course examines management principles and practices for applied and consulting psychologists. Topics include client goal setting; systematic intake procedures; developing treatment/intervention plans; treatment coordination and progress assessment; scheduling and billing; practice demographics; risk management; staying current with research, legal, and ethical issues; and staff supervision. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8705.)
PSYC 8825 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 8830 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.
PSYC 8860 Independent Reading (1–5 cr.)
This course provides students with an opportunity to examine a topic area of interest in more depth than is provided in the course offerings. Students work with a faculty member to design a syllabus that defines the scope of the learning and participate in classroom experience. (Prerequisite: Approved petition to academic advising.)
PSYC 8871 Practicum (6 cr.—3 cr. per term for 2 terms)
The practicum provides students with the opportunity to engage in a supervised experience that integrates theory and research with practice. The practicum experience includes guided development of intermediate conceptual, assessment, intervention, and evaluation skills; awareness of professional and ethical issues; professional and interpersonal growth; development of cultural competence; and effective use of supervision. Students must secure a practicum appropriate to their specialization, and the practicum must meet the current requirements of the state psychology board to which the student intends to apply. The practicum must be designed for a period of no fewer than 750 hours, to be completed over a minimum of two terms. Students participate in an online classroom experience. (Prerequisite: Completion of the practicum application and approval of the f ield training coordinator.)
PSYC 8882 Internship (12 cr.—3 cr. per term for 4 terms)
The internship provides a supervised training experience that prepares students to successfully function in the role of a professional psychologist and/or counselor. Internship experiences emphasize the integration of theory and research through applied practice in a variety of settings and situations. Interns are mentored through a professional relationship with a supervising psychologist. They learn how to effectively use and understand a supervisory relationship, engage in critical thinking, conduct assessments, implement evidence-based interventions, evaluate intervention efficacy, engage in professional consultation, and function within professional ethical standards. Interns also participate in didactic training. Internship is the final component of advanced applied professional training for students in licensure specializations prior to graduation. Students must secure internships appropriate to their specialization, and the internship must meet the current requirements of the state psychology board to which the student intends to apply. A total of 2,000 hours is required. Internships may be designed as a part-time or a full-time experience (minimum of 15 hours per week) and must be completed within a two-year time frame. Students participate in an online classroom experience. (Prerequisites: PSYC 8871, completion of the internship application, and approval of the f ield training coordinator.)
PSYC 8895 New Faculty Orientation (5 cr.)
The New Faculty Orientation (NFO) is an asynchronous course designed to welcome new faculty members to the Walden community. Post-doctoral students taking this course will be exposed to Walden’s culture—history, mission, values, and goals—infrastructure, and educational philosophy. The NFO includes eCollege software training, online teaching best practices, and practical techniques for teaching an online course. It also includes training in best practices in distance education, diversity, academic integrity, and mentoring theses and dissertations at a distance.
PSYC 8901 Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Foundations of Reading and Literacy Development (5 cr.)
This course is designed to provide psychology students with a foundation in reading and literacy, responding to the challenge of promoting higher levels of literacy achievement for all students. It presents historical and contemporary perspectives on reading, implications of brain research, an introduction to reading processes, and a study of parent involvement in education. The course also covers reading assessment, linking assessment to intervention, the use of the three-tiered model, and the Response to Intervention (RTI) model. (This course satisfies the School Psychology requirement for EDUC 6641.)
PSYC 8902 Advanced Seminar in Psychology: Curriculum Theory and Design (5 cr.)
Psychology students who plan to work in schools may be involved in curriculum design issues as a part of their employment. This course helps students acquire an understanding of curriculum theory and design as it applies to the district or departmental level. Theoretical foundations of curriculum are applied to solving curricular problems with emphasis on the theoretical, practical, and political complexity of curriculum work. (This course satisfies the School Psychology requirement for EDUC 8807.)
PSYC 8910 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a broad overview of the f ield of forensic psychology. Topics include ethical considerations, training and practice considerations, expert testimony, approaches to forensic assessment, high-risk occupational evaluations, eyewitness testimony, jury selection, child custody evaluations, assessment of childhood trauma, competency issues, sexual predator evaluation, violence risk assessment, responsibility, and various other evaluation and assessment issues unique to forensic psychology. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6220, 6341, 6351, 8720, 8722.)
PSYC 8912 Mental Health Law (5 cr.)
This course examines several different aspects of the law related to mental health issues. Laws and court decisions that affect the practice of psychology, such as the Tarasoff ruling, mandated reporting, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), are addressed, as are the many areas of law that constitute forensic psychological practice, including civil matters (such as personal injury and civil competency issues) and criminal matters (such as competency to stand trial, criminal responsibility, diminished capacity, and death penalty issues). (Prerequisites: PSYC 8910.)
PSYC 9000 Dissertation Research (30 cr.)
This course sequence offers doctoral students the opportunity to integrate their Program of Study into an in-depth exploration of an interest area that includes the completion of a research study. Students complete the dissertation independently, with the guidance of a chair and committee members. During the first term, students write the prospectus. During the remaining quarters, students work with a research mentor (dissertation chair) to develop the remaining chapters of the dissertation, complete an application for institutional review board approval, collect and analyze data, and complete the dissertation. During the final quarter, students prepare the dissertation for final review by the university and conclude with an oral defense of their dissertation. (Prerequisite for first quarter: May be concurrently enrolled in last quarter of coursework but not concurrent with PSYC 6305, 6310, 6315, 8305, 8310, 8315, or any 6000-level coursework.)
