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 as a 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, and 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 information sources 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 and counseling. 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, focusing specifically on distinguishing facts and opinions, identifying bias in writing, and understanding the importance of data and evidence. Students use this knowledge 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 leading to a deeper understanding of how organizations function. Topics include change management; organizational culture, behavior, and development; 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 strategic talent management and development audit and the development of an overall talent management and development 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; leadership; and conflict management. Applications include the assessment of an 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 implications of 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 organizations including for-profit, non-profit, government, international, and virtual organizations. Applications include the utilization of 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, including 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 6235 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
This course, illuminated by cognitive neuroscience, examines various domains of cognitive psychology including how information is acquired (i.e., basic learning processes, perception, and attention); fundamental issues of memory and representations of knowledge; language and understanding; thinking (e.g., reasoning, problem-solving, expertise and creativity, and judgment and decision-making); and emotions. The course begins with an overview of the history of the field and approaches used to study the mind; it continues with an examination of the fundamentals of cognition. Additionally, it explores individual and cultural differences across domains.

 

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.)
In this course, you will use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. You will explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Your application of what you learn in this course culminates in a Final Project in which you develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, your learning in this course will extend to your personal and professional life, and truly enable you to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.

 

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.

 

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 instructor 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 SPSS statistical software package. (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 6306 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 SPSS to solve problems. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6304.)

 

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 learn the strengths and limitations of each method and under what circumstances each approach would be the most appropriate research design. Students learn how to identify a topic for research, how to conduct a literature search, and the importance of scholarly writing. Students learn to write a research proposal, addressing the following key elements: researching, writing an introduction, stating a purpose for the study, identifying research questions and hypotheses, using theory, defining the significance of the study, and collecting and analyzing data. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with human subjects’ protection. (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. (Prerequisite: 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.)
This course provides students with an overview of the different types of tests used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings. It includes a comprehensive examination of psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. Topics include normative sampling and standardization, reliability and validity, test score interpretation, and test development. The course also addresses ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues including cultural bias and fairness. Professional standards for testing provide a foundation for the course. (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, 6311.)

 

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. In addition to the course materials listed by the university bookstore, this course also requires that students have access to a video recording device, a tripod, and an audio recording device, which they will begin using the first week of class.

 

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 measurements.)

 

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 measurements.)

 

PSYC 6361 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 component. (Prerequisites: PSYC 6341, 6351 with a grade of B or better and PSYC 6719, 6720, or 6721.)

 

PSYC 6390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 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 and in a learning platform classroom that requires weekly participation. The thesis can be either a critical literature review with a proposed research design or an empirical study. Students are registered for PSYC 6390 until successful completion of the thesis. (Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework; may be concurrently enrolled with last term of coursework.)

 

PSYC 6391 Capstone I (5 cr.)
During this course, students work on a capstone project: (a) a Research Thesis, consisting of a critical literature review with a proposed research design focusing on a research topic related to organizational setting; or (b) a field experience that includes a paper describing the implementation and evaluation of an organizational change project. (This course may be taken in conjunction with PSYC 6216. Prerequisite: Completion of all other program courses, except PSYC 6392.)

 

PSYC 6392 Capstone II (5 cr.)
During this course, students complete the capstone project they started in PSYC 6391. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6391.)

 

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

 

PSYC 6465 Foundations of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the field 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 6480 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 6465.)

 

PSYC 6510 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 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 cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, this course focuses on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed in the course are related to human development. Additionally, interactions between culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.

 

PSYC 6705 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 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 6710 Clinical Neuropsychology (5 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the field 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 6712 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 6718 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 6719 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 6720 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. 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 6721 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 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 6723 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 6724 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 6725 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 6726 Couples and Family Therapy (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to theoretical perspectives and techniques, classical schools of thought, and recent developments in couples and family therapy. Culture, gender, and ethnicity factors in family development are explored. Theoretical frameworks in couples 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 6727 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 6728 Substance Abuse Therapies (5 cr.)
This course examines psychological aspects of addictions involving alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances. Current research in the field 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 6729 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 6730 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 6729.)

 

PSYC 6732 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 6740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
This course defines natural and human-made disasters (e.g., war, violence, genocide, 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 trauma. The course emphasizes the importance and development of culturally appropriate service delivery programs and interventions for individuals affected and traumatized by disasters.

 

PSYC 6741 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
This course examines the history, philosophy, and techniques of terrorism as well as countermeasures to terroristic threats to public safety. Topics include aspects of international and domestic terrorism with an emphasis on terrorism’s roots, viewed from the broadest possible political, sociological, and cultural perspectives; factors and catalysts attributed to the terrorism phenomenon—including poverty, psychology (e.g., motivational factors, antisocial behaviors), social injustice, oppression, and religion; and the 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, as well as 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 6743 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 DSM-IV-TR are reviewed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 6225.)

 

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 6746 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 6747 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 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 6749 Foundations of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the field 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 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; more essential, however, is an understanding of the high-level skills and competencies that a mentor/coach needs to develop. This course is designed to help students understand and practice skills that will help them 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 are reviewed. Students observe best practices through the use of videos.

 

PSYC 6752 Leadership Coaching: Application (5 cr.)
Effective business coaches who are also leader-mentors need to be fully capable of working with clients immersed in different organizational cultures that present unique challenges. In this course, students 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 remotely with clients and as members of distributed or virtual teams, life-work blending, and career transitioning. Students have the opportunity to develop their own models of leadership coaching and are exposed to case studies and videos.

 

PSYC 6753 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 6754 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 6749.)

 

PSYC 6755 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 6749.)

 

PSYC 6756 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, as well as conflict resolution strategies, are explored.

 

PSYC 6758 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 6749.)

 

PSYC 6760 Modern Communication Technologies (5 cr.)
This course reviews leading theories of communication and the relationship of psychological theory to modern communication. 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 to interact with these styles to effectively relay information. Emphasis is placed on the cultural variation of modes of communication and communication strategies.

 

PSYC 6761 Psychology of Effective Communication (5 cr.)
This course explores 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. 

 

PSYC 6762 Psychology of Communication and Power (5 cr.)
This course investigates 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 and the ethical responsibility of the media in affecting attitudes and behaviors. Students also discuss access to information through various technologies, 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 are explored in terms of the utilization of and access to communication technologies and information.

 

PSYC 6763 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 6235, 6765.)

 

PSYC 6764 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 6763.)

 

PSYC 6765 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 6766 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 instructors and students are also covered.

 

PSYC 6770 Public Policy Implications of Terrorism Legislation and Policies (5 cr.)
This course provides a broad perspective on the history of the USA Patriot Act and similar terroristic legislation and immigration laws—and their policy implications on law enforcement, governmental entities, organizations, and individuals. It provides a basic foundation for 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. Course materials are drawn from contemporary texts, Web sites, case studies, and other material representing international, national, and local governments and organizations. Students critically review and analyze the Patriot Act and similar policies and participate in online discussions about their implications on constitutional freedoms.

 

PSYC 6771 Terrorism: A Systemic Approach for Emergency Preparedness (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an overview of terrorism—local, national, and international—and the need to develop a systemic approach for emergency preparedness. Topics include terrorism and public health, bioterrorism, biosecurity, cyberterrorism, risk assessment, implications for public health, and components of a systemic preparedness infrastructure. Students participate in online discussions and begin the development and/or analysis of a terrorism preparedness infrastructure.

 

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 enabling them to develop a critical incident plan and understand leadership theories. Students 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, private, nonprofit, or combined or networked organization. This course engages students 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. Students are introduced to planning, management, financial management, performance management, and contracting processes in an organization that aims 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.)
In this course, students examine and analyze 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 6780 Seminar in School Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces prospective school psychologists to the field of school psychology. Topics include the role and function of the school psychologist; legal, ethical, and professional issues in school psychology; fieldwork experiences; research methods in school psychology; and emerging technologies in school psychology.

 

PSYC 6784 Psychological Consultation (5 cr.)
This course examines the history, theory, process, and methods in the field 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 6785 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 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, as well as 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 Management and Leadership (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 from theoretical and applied perspectives the distinction between leadership and management, organizational culture, change management, systems theories, and organizational development. 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 the nonprofit sector. 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 fiscal policy; they read and analyze budgets, financial statements, and financial reports. Other topics include the use of auditing practices; financial relationships with government, donors, and other sources of revenue; financial management, budgetary reform, and financial technology systems. Students apply what they learn to developing budget and financial projects relevant to nonprofit organizations.

 

PSYC 6793 Board Governance and Volunteer Management (5 cr.)
Volunteers are the lifeblood of many nonprofit organizations. These organizations rely 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 PSYC 6790 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector.

 

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 PSYC 6790 Introduction to the Nonprofit Sector.

 

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 6810 Community Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the basic concepts and practice of community psychology. Guiding values and assumptions of the field, 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 6815 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 6820 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 6705.)

 

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 life span; 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 6900 Advanced Seminar in Psychology (1–5 cr.)
This is an advanced-level professional seminar with emphasis on current and emerging psychological theory, research, and/or practice; topics will vary. This course may have a residency seminar, depending on the topic. (Prerequisites: Vary by topic.)

 

PSYC 6901 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.

 

PSYC 6902 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.

 

PSYC 6910 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (5 cr.)
This course provides students with a broad overview of the field 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, 6720, 6722.)

 

PSYC 6912 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 6910.)

 

PSYC 8000 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 8005 Business Concepts for the Organizational Development Professional (5 cr.)
This course explores the language of work, business, and 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 information sources that assess overall organizational health.

 

PSYC 8207 History and Systems of Psychology (5 cr.)
This course focuses on the historical and philosophical roots of psychology and counseling. 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 8211 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, focusing specifically on distinguishing facts and opinions, identifying bias in writing, and understanding the importance of data and evidence. Students use this knowledge in the analysis and composition of scientific writing. Themes of diversity are highlighted throughout the course.

 

PSYC 8212 Principles of Organizational Psychology and Development (5 cr.)
This course provides the theoretical foundation for organizational inquiry leading to a deeper understanding of how organizations function. Topics include change management; organizational culture, behavior, and development; group dynamics; and systems-level thinking. Applications include the identification of organizational development opportunities based on an analysis of an organization. 

 

PSYC 8213 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 strategic talent management and development audit and the development of an overall talent management and development strategy.

 

PSYC 8214 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; leadership; and conflict management. Applications include the assessment of an organization and the development of strategies to address identified needs for change.

 

PSYC 8215 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 8216 Dynamics of Contemporary, International, and Virtual Organizations (5 cr.)
This course explores the implications of 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 organizations including for-profit, non-profit, government, international, and virtual organizations. Applications include the utilization of knowledge and skills acquired during the program in a specific type of organization.

 

PSYC 8221 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 8226 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, including 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 8237 Cognitive Psychology (5 cr.)
This course, illuminated by cognitive neuroscience, examines various domains of cognitive psychology including how information is acquired (i.e., basic learning processes, perception, and attention); fundamental issues of memory and representations of knowledge; language and understanding; thinking (e.g., reasoning, problem-solving, expertise and creativity, and judgment and decision-making); and emotions. The course begins with an overview of the history of the field and approaches used to study the mind; it continues with an examination of the fundamentals of cognition. Additionally, it explores individual and cultural differences across domains.

 

PSYC 8241 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 8247 Social Psychology (5 cr.)
In this course, you will use the lens of social psychology to examine both social cognitions and social behavior—nearly all phenomena that pertain to the individual in society. You will explore the topics of perceptions, attitudes, relationships and attraction, the motivation to help others, prejudice and aggression, conformity and obedience, group behavior, and the influence of culture, and consider how knowledge of these topics can be used to effect positive social change. Your application of what you learn in this course culminates in a Final Project in which you develop a plan for using social psychology research to address a significant social problem. Moreover, your learning in this course will extend to your personal and professional life, and truly enable you to effect positive social change as a scholar-practitioner committed to doing so.

 

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 8304 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 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 SPSS statistical software package. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8304.)

 

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 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 8304, 8311.)

 

PSYC 8311 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 learn the strengths and limitations of each method and under what circumstances each approach would be the most appropriate research design. Students learn how to identify a topic for research, how to conduct a literature search, and the importance of scholarly writing. Students learn to write a research proposal, addressing the following key elements: researching, writing an introduction, stating a purpose for the study, identifying research questions and hypotheses, using theory, defining the significance of the study, and collecting and analyzing data. Students are exposed to legal and ethical issues associated with human subjects’ protection. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8304.)

 

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 8304, 8311.)

 

PSYC 8316 Tests and Measurement (5 cr.)
This course provides students with an overview of the different types of tests used in clinical, educational, and organizational settings. It includes a comprehensive examination of psychometric properties used to develop and evaluate these instruments. Topics include normative sampling and standardization, reliability and validity, test score interpretation, and test development. The course also addresses ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues including cultural bias and fairness. Professional standards for testing provide a foundation for the course. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8304.)

 

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 8304, 8310, 8311.)

 

PSYC 8331 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. In addition to the course materials listed by the university bookstore, this course also requires that students have access to a video recording device, a tripod, and an audio recording device, which they will begin using the first week of class.

 

PSYC 8341 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 8316 or in another graduate course in tests and measurements.)

 

PSYC 8342 Psychotherapy Interventions 1 (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 8221, 8001, 8331, 8341, 8351, 8721, 8723.)

 

PSYC 8343 Psychotherapy Interventions 2 (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 8351 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 8316 or in another graduate course in tests and measurements.)

 

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 component. (Prerequisites: PSYC 8341, 8351 with a grade of B or better and PSYC 8719, 8720, or 8721.)

 

PSYC 8390 Thesis (12 cr. minimum — 6 cr. per term for minimum 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 and in a learning platform classroom that requires weekly participation. The thesis can be either a critical literature review with a proposed research design or an empirical study. Students are registered for PSYC 8390 until successful completion of the thesis. (Prerequisites: Completion of all coursework; may be concurrently enrolled with last term of coursework.)

 

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 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 8701 Culture and Psychology (5 cr.)
This course explores the cultural components, research, and theory of cross-cultural psychology. In addition to the previously listed goals, this course focuses on the impact that culture has on the field of psychology around the world. The scope of this course is broad, with the core theme being cross-cultural psychology (focusing on cultures representing different parts of the world) and comparing cultural influence on human psychology. Many of the topics addressed in the course are related to human development. Additionally, interactions between culture and social behaviors, health, mental health, and mental illnesses are emphasized throughout the duration of this course.

 

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 8247, 8304, 8311.)

 

PSYC 8710 Clinical Neuropsychology (5 cr.)
This course provides an introduction to the field 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 8226.)

 

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 8215, 8226.)

 

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 8221, 8226.)

 

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. 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 8221.)

 

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, and examples are supplied showing how each method is applied to clients. Limitations of each approach are also explored. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8221.)

 

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 8215.)

 

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 Couples and Family Therapy (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to theoretical perspectives and techniques, classical schools of thought, and recent developments in couples and family therapy. Culture, gender, and ethnicity factors in family development are explored. Theoretical frameworks in couples 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 field 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 8740 Disaster, Crisis, and Trauma (5 cr.)
This course defines natural and human-made disasters (e.g., war, violence, genocide, 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 trauma. The course emphasizes the importance and development of culturally appropriate service delivery programs and interventions for individuals affected and traumatized by disasters.

 

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 DSM-IV-TR are reviewed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 8226.)

 

PSYC 8742 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, as well as 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 8743 Psychology of Terrorism (5 cr.)
This course examines the history, philosophy, and techniques of terrorism as well as countermeasures to terroristic threats to public safety. Topics include aspects of international and domestic terrorism with an emphasis on terrorism’s roots, viewed from the broadest possible political, sociological, and cultural perspectives; factors and catalysts attributed to the terrorism phenomenon—including poverty, psychology (e.g., motivational factors, antisocial behaviors), social injustice, oppression, and religion; and the impact of media and technology in aiding and countering terroristic activities.

 

PSYC 8745 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 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 8226.)

 

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 8226.)

 

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 8226.)

 

PSYC 8749 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 8750 Foundations of Industrial/Organizational Psychology (5 cr.)
This course introduces students to the field 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 8751 Leadership Coaching: Process and Practice (5 cr.)
Mentoring requires an understanding of different models and theories that support the development of effective leaders; more essential, however, is an understanding of the high-level skills and competencies that a mentor/coach needs to develop. This course is designed to help students understand and practice skills that will help them 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 are reviewed. Students observe best practices through the use of videos.

 

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, as well as conflict resolution strategies, are explored.

 

PSYC 8757 Leadership Coaching: Application (5 cr.)
Effective business coaches who are also leader-mentors need to be fully capable of working with clients immersed in different organizational cultures that present unique challenges. In this course, students 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 remotely with clients and as members of distributed or virtual teams, life-work blending, and career transitioning. Students have the opportunity to develop their own models of leadership coaching and are exposed to case studies and videos.

 

PSYC 8759 Modern Communication Technologies (5 cr.)
This course reviews leading theories of communication and the relationship of psychological theor