Psychology

Department Chair: Dr. Crystal D. Tran, trandn1@stthom.edu

Psychologists use the scientific method to study behavior and mental processes. The Psychology Department offers courses that develop students’ understanding of human nature and functioning, train students in the methods of scientific psychology, and prepare them to solve important human problems. The department provides:

  • A curriculum that integrates scientific, ethical and social justice perspectives on the nature of humans.
  • A program of undergraduate study in psychology that emphasizes empirical research methods, focuses on social justice issues, and prepares students for employment and graduate or professional training.

Degrees and Certificates

Classes

PSYC 1332: General Psychology

An introduction to the basic processes and principles of human behavior. Methods and findings which characterize scientific psychology, including historical and recent developments in the following areas, will be covered: motivation; perceptual, cognitive and physiological processes; and social, personality and abnormal processes. NOTE: General Psychology is a minimum prerequisite for all other psychology courses. Students may enroll simultaneously in General Psychology and PSYC 3433.

PSYC 2301: General Psychology

An introduction to the basic processes and principles of human behavior. Methods and findings which characterize scientific psychology, including historical and recent developments in the following areas, will be covered: motivation; perceptual, cognitive and physiological processes; and social, personality and abnormal processes.

PSYC 2332: Child Psychology

A study of the physical, psychological and social development of the child up to approximately age 13. Motor, perceptual, cognitive, emotional and social functioning are reviewed with emphasis on biological, environmental, and cultural factors. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 3337: Abnormal Psychology

A study of past and present conceptions of abnormality, the dynamics underlying normal and abnormal behavior and an examination of the key classification systems utilized in understanding abnormal behavior. Issues related to etiology, the nature of development and symptoms of abnormal behavior are reviewed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 3338: Experimental Psychology

An introductory course in research methodology and its application to sychological domains. Research design, measurement, data collection, analysis and write–up will be covered. Corequisite: PSYC 3138; Prerequisites: PSYC 1332, 3433, 3434.

PSYC 3341: Theories of Personality

Consists of the study and evaluation of theories of personality. Psychoanalytic, behavioral, existential and humanistic theories will be studied. Emphasis is placed on the structure and dynamics of human behavior and empirical findings related to theories. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 3345: Sport Psychology

The field of sport psychology examines psychological variables that impact athletic participation, performance, and enjoyment in sport. This course explores theories and research across diverse areas of psychology, including personality, cognitive, social, and clinical, with an emphasis on using theories and research to educate athletes, coaches, parents, athletic trainers, and fitness professionals about the psychological aspects of sport.

PSYC 3351: Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Explores the psychology of organizations, with applications in business and industry, and is rooted in research methodology and theories of scientific psychology. Topics include the nature, design and development of organizations; personnel psychology, with an emphasis on psychological testing; motivation; decision–making; leadership; and conflict within the organization. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 3433: Foundations of Statistical Analysis

An introduction to the use of descriptive statistics, exploratory analyses, probabilities, prediction, and model–fitting, this course will provide opportunities for the use of SPSS for statistical analysis, the interpretation of published empirical studies and the interpretation and reporting of statistical results. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 3434: Inferential Statistics

An introduction to the use of inferential statistics including univariate and multivariate data analyses. This course will provide opportunities for the use of SPSS for statistical analysis, the interpretation of published empirical studies and the interpretation and reporting of statistical results. Prerequisites: PSYC 1332, 3433.

PSYC 4191: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: senior status and screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 4192: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Psychology

Entails extensive reading of scholarly sources to enable majors to secure specialized, individual instruction. The course involves a major paper or project. Prerequisites: a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology; Permission of the faculty member required.

PSYC 4212: Neuropsychology Research Topics

This is a capstone class for students minoring in Neuroscience. Students will read and present on current primary literature and learn how to critically evaluate scientific claims. Students will study primary Neuroscience literature in order to learn and apply appropriate statistical methods, strategies for reading scientific literature, and tips for successful oral presentation of technical material. Students will be graded heavily on participation and performance on the final presentation. Prerequisite: PSYC 3434 or MATH 3450 and BIOL 3339

PSYC 4291: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: senior status and screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 4292: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Psychology

Entails extensive reading of scholarly sources to enable majors to secure specialized, individual instruction. The course involves a major paper or project. Prerequisites: a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology; Permission of the faculty member required.

PSYC 4320: Sociocultural Perspectives on Sport

An introduction to the social institution of sport, and its different role in the various multicultural contexts of the United States and other societies. The course will examine topics such as the social organization of sport from play to professional sport, deviance and violence in sport, the influence of sport on different social groups, and the effects on socialization from participating in and spectating in sport.

PSYC 4337: Counseling and Psychotherapy

An introduction to the theory and practice of counseling and psychotherapy, including psychoanalysis, ego therapies, behavior therapy, family therapy and humanistic/existential therapy. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332. PSYC 3337 or 3341 is strongly recommended.

PSYC 4342: Psychology of the Adolescent

The study of the physical, psychological and social development of the adolescent, from approximately age thirteen to young adulthood. Course includes family and peer influences on development; self and identity development; adolescent psychopathology, sexuality and cognition; schools and workplaces as contexts for socialization. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 4345: Applications and Careers in the Psychological Sciences

This course explores how the psychological sciences are applied in practice, and identifies education and training paths required for work in the psychological sciences. Students will gain significant exposure to career and education planning considerations within psychology and its various sub-specialties (basic and applied research settings).

PSYC 4388: Research in Psychology I

Research in Psychology I will guide students through the beginning of the research process focusing on effective background research, developing a clear testable hypothesis, and designing a study to address their hypotheses. Students will write a well­-developed research proposal as well as complete a UST IRB application for their project.

PSYC 4389: Research in Psychology II

Research in Psychology II will guide students through the middle and conclusion of the research process focusing on implementing an approved research proposal. Students will collect data, analyze it, and produce a report for presentation as a poster or paper.

PSYC 4391: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: senior status and screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 4392: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Psychology

Entails extensive reading of scholarly sources to enable majors to secure specialized, individual instruction. The course involves a major paper or project. Prerequisites: a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology; Permission of the faculty member required.

PSYC 4393: Special Topics in Psychology

Topics will be selected on the basis of current issues in contemporary psychology and on the basis of faculty research and scholarly interests. Topics will be announced on the UST website. Recent topics include Psychology of Women, Psychology of Religion, Cultural Intelligence, and Psychology of Creativity. Prerequisite: PSYC 1332.

PSYC 4434: Experimental Social Psychology

This course studies knowledge related to the experience and behavior of individuals in interaction with one another in sociocultural settings. Laboratory activities provide hands–on experience in related research. Prerequisites: PSYC 3433.

PSYC 4435: Cognitive Psychology

An introduction to research, theory and applications of memory, thinking, language, reasoning, decision–making, problem–solving and creativity. Laboratory activities provide hands–on experience in related research. Prerequisites: PSYC 3433.

PSYC 4436: Perception

A survey of research, theory and applications of perceptual experiences and their underlying sensory processes. The course examines sensory/perceptual disorders and unusual perceptual performances. Laboratory activities provide hands–on experiences in related research. Prerequisites: PSYC 3433.

PSYC 4438: Biopsychology

Reviews brain structure and function and surveys the role of the central nervous system in sensation, perception, movement, regulation of internal states, learning and memory, language, brain damage and psychological disorders. Laboratory activities focus on brain structure and function, sensation/perception simulations and other computer–based activities. Prerequisites: PSYC 3433.

PSYC 4439: Special Topics in Applied Psychology

This lab course surveys the various settings and professions which require the use and application of psychology and psychological principles. The course will focus on a specific area in applied psychology and provide descriptions of the settings in which various psychologists, including clinical psychologists, developmental psychologists, or others in related fields do their work. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory exercises and assignments as part of the course work. Prerequisite: PSYC 3433

PSYC 4440: Psychometrics

This course reviews principles of psychological test construction, administration, evaluation and interpretation. Students will be exposed to measurement theory, ethical standards, reliability, validity, item analysis and standardization. Students will be introduced to psychological testing of intelligence, personality and sychopathology. Laboratory activities will provide hands–on experience with the measurement of a psychological construct. Prerequisites: PSYC 3338/3138.

PSYC 4491: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: senior status and screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 4492: Directed Reading/Independent Study in Psychology

Entails extensive reading of scholarly sources to enable majors to secure specialized, individual instruction. The course involves a major paper or project. Prerequisites: a minimum of 18 credit hours of psychology; Permission of the faculty member required.

PSYC 4691: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: senior status and screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 5310: Designing Mental Skills Training

This course focuses on teaching students how to design mental skills training programs for groups, teams, and individuals. Students will explore program development, evaluation, and have the opportunity to gain practical experience working in performance settings and designing mental skills training. This course will provide students with a hands-on experience working with individuals seeking to improve their mental skills. Mentorship pours earned during this class will partially fulfill the requirements for the CMPC certification.

PSYC 5315: Group Performance Interventions Training

This course focuses on designing and implementing performance interventions for groups. Students will get hands-on experience working with groups to improve performance and mental skills through designing workshops and other forms of intervention. Students will work with groups under the supervision of a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC). Mentorship hours and direct client hours earned during this course will partially fulfill the requirements for the CMPC certification.

PSYC 5333: Counseling and Psychotherapy

This course focuses on the theories behind building professional helping relationships. Topics in this course include an in-depth review of helper and client characteristics including age, gender, ethnicity, and personality.

PSYC 5337: Abnormal Psychology

This course studies past and present conceptions of abnormality, the dynamics underlying normal and abnormal behavior, and an examination of the key classification systems utilized in understanding abnormal behavior. Issues related to etiology, nature, development, and treatment of abnormal behavior are reviewed. Graduate project required.

PSYC 5339: Human Growth and Development

This course provides an overview of human growth and development across the life span and explores physiological, psychological, emotional, cognitive, social, and personality development. The influence of nature and nurture on development will be explored and different theoretical approaches to life span development will be discussed.

PSYC 5341: Theories of Personality

A view of current theories of personality structure, development, and current research are presented through original manuscripts, empirical literature, and case conceptualizations. Theories presented in the course include Trait Structure, Behavioral Genetics, Psychoanalysis, Object Relations, Social Learning, Cognitive Behaviorism, Phenomenology, and Multicultural Perspectives.

PSYC 5345: Applied Sport and Performance Psychology

The purpose of this course is to provide students an understanding of the theory, research, both qualitative and quantitative, and practice of sport and performance psychology. The course will cover topics related to psychological processes that influence human performance in demanding settings, factors related to performance and participation in high performance settings, and techniques and strategies to increase performance.,

PSYC 5352: Health Psychology

The field of health psychology is focused on promoting health and wellness as well as the prevention and treatment of disease and illness. Students will discover how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness and explore how research-based interventions can improve health and wellbeing. Students will learn about a wide range of health-related behaviors, including healthy eating, coping strategies, and interventions designed to create a life worth living.

PSYC 5355: Professional Ethics and Standards

This course covers ethical standards of professional practice within the field of applied sport and performance psychology. Students will review the AASP ethics code and APA ethics code. Topics will include ethical and legal issues in professional activities in the field of applied sport and performance psychology, guidelines for resolving ethical dilemmas, and professional orientation to sport psychology, including professional roles and functions, credentialing, standards, and professional organizations.

PSYC 6105: Field Problems in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology

This course focuses on addressing common problems faced within the field of Applie Sport and Performance Psychology. Common issues such as group dynamics, performance anxiety and effects of culture will be addressed in regards to individual and team interventions. Students will get hands-on experience skills through designing workshops and other forms of intervention. These hours will be completed under the supervision of a Certified Mental Performance Consultant and will partially fulfill the requirements for the CMPC certification.

PSYC 6191: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply. Prerequisites: screening by psychology faculty committee.

PSYC 6193: Special Topics in Psychology

Topics will be selected on the basis of current issues in contemporary psychology and on the basis of faculty research and scholarly interests. Topics will be announced on the UST website. Recent topics include Psychology of Women, Psychology of Religion, Cultural Intelligence, and Psychology of Creativity.

PSYC 6291: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply.

PSYC 6293: Special Topics in Psychology

Topics will be selected on the basis of current issues in contemporary psychology and on the basis of faculty research and scholarly interests. Topics will be announced on the UST website. Recent topics include Psychology of Women, Psychology of Religion, Cultural Intelligence, and Psychology of Creativity.

PSYC 6320: Sociocultural Perspectives on Sport

This course will examine the social institution of sport, and its role in the various multicultural contexts within the United States and other societies. The course will examine topics such as the social organization of sport from play to professional, deviance and violence in sport, the influence of sport on different social groups, and the effects on socialization from participating in and spectating in sport. Sports reflect the values of society and culture, and we find all types of social issues in sports: incidents of racism, sexism, and violence in sports, as well as teamwork, leadership, and cooperation.

PSYC 6330: Diversity and Cultural Considerations in Helping Relationships

This course examines the influence of diversity and cultural differences on the delivery of counseling and consultation services. Students explore topics relating to diversity, multiculturalism, and cultural awareness (e.g., ethnicity, race, nationality, age, gender, religion, sexual orientation, mental and physical characteristics, education, values, and socioeconomic status). Students will develop a better understanding of effective intervention strategies for addressing individual needs. Topics will include theories, effective multicultural counseling methods, ethical delivery of services, and culturally responsive assessments.

PSYC 6333: Industrial Organizational Psychology

This course examines psychological principles that contribute to effective organizations, including aspects of organizational leadership, teamwork, productivity, employee health, personnel decisions, and diversity in the workplace. Students will gain an understanding of the history of the field of I/O Psychology and how the field has changed in the last few decades with regards to technology and diversity in the workplace, among other evolving aspects of work. This course will also cover the different approaches, theories, and methodology currently used in the field of I/O psychology.

PSYC 6342: Psychology of the Adolescent

This course emphasizes the role of developmental factors that contribute to the psychological, sociological, and biological changes that occur during adolescence. Developmental theories will be an integral part of the course, as well as the practical, real-world issues, research, and applications related to the adolescent period. Key ecosystems, including family, peers, schools, media, and employment, on adolescent development will be explored.

PSYC 6355: Practicum in Applied Sport and Performance Psychology

The practicum is designed to provide a structured practical experience in the field of sport and performance psychology. During practicum, students will gain field-based experience in a sport performance environment. The experience will challenge graduate students to apply psychological skills training programs to teams and/or athletes. The goal of this course is for students to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with being an effective professional in field of applied sport and performance psychology.

PSYC 6393: Special Topics in Psychology

Topics will be selected on the basis of current issues in contemporary psychology and on the basis of faculty research and scholarly interests. Topics will be announced on the UST website. Recent topics include Psychology of Women, Psychology of Religion, Cultural Intelligence, and Psychology of Creativity.

PSYC 6399: Capstone

The capstone requirement is designed to serve as a reflective project that tracks the progress of the CMPC certification process. Throughout the program, students will work directly with athletic and/or performing arts populations. As part of the applied work, students will reflect on their observation and consultation experiences. This project will be submitted as a portfolio and will include student’s reflections on their experiences applying performance knowledge to teams and individuals.

PSYC 6439: Special Topics in Applied Psychology

This course surveys the various settings and professions which require the use and application of psychology and psychological principles. The course will focus on a specific area in applied psychology and provide descriptions of the settings in which various psychologists, including clinical psychologists, developmental psychologists, or others in related fields do their work. Students will engage in hands-on laboratory exercises and assignments as part of the course work.

PSYC 6491: Internship in Psychology

A one–semester internship related to the student’s special interest and preparation in undergraduate psychology with academic and field supervision. Seniors in good academic standing may apply.

PSYC 6493: Special Topics in Psychology

Topics will be selected on the basis of current issues in contemporary psychology and on the basis of faculty research and scholarly interests. Topics will be announced on the UST website. Recent topics include Psychology of Women, Psychology of Religion, Cultural Intelligence, and Psychology of Creativity.