Graduate Catalog: Psychology and Counseling Courses

Counseling Courses || Psychology Courses || Doctoral Level Courses

Counseling Courses (COUN)

COUN 500 Field Placement Prep (0)
Field Placement Prep is a mandated non-credit course that must be taken in the student’s second semester of the first year. The course will involve group and individual meetings with the instructor to adequately prepare the student for field site selection and placement.

COUN 505 Career Development (3)
Introduction to the field of career counseling through examination of the theories of career choice and their influence upon entry into the world of work. Includes an experiential laboratory for designing and implementing career programs, with emphasis on decision-making and problem-solving strategies and life-work planning.

COUN 506 Career Development II (3)
A study of occupational opportunities and job analyses through field work and conferences with representatives from business, industry, and education. Occupational surveys are conducted, noting job requirements, nature of work, earnings, work environment, opportunities for advancement, and trends. (Prerequisite: COUN 505.)

COUN 507 Principles and Practices of Mental Health Counseling (3)
This course explores the issues of mental health service delivery in a mental health setting. The course will focus on knowledge of the principles and practices of ethical standards and codes of the counseling profession, as well as the role and function of the mental health counselor within a community agency setting. Students will be exposed to current professional issues within the field of counseling and psychology.

COUN 510 Principles/Practices of Professional School Counseling (3)
An introductory course designed to provide the student with knowledge of the history, philosophies, trends, and current issues related to the school counseling profession. Topics include components of comprehensive school counseling programs, especially those of the ASCA National Model for School Counseling programs, legal and ethical issues, accountability strategies, and specific duties and responsibilities of elementary and secondary school counselors.

COUN 518 Applied Practice I (3)
Designed to provide the student with an initial exposure to counseling. Small supervisory group study of counseling problems, principally through analysis of case materials, taping and critiquing interviews, role playing, and demonstration of strategies by faculty.

COUN 522 Applied Practice II: K-12 School Counseling (3)
Initial fieldwork experience in an approved educational setting. Students are provided with individual and group supervision from a University practicum supervisor as well as from a qualified professional from the cooperating school. Supervision integrates the student’s personal philosophy of counseling with theory, techniques, and skills acquired throughout the counselor training program. Students are encouraged to provide constructive feedback to one another in order to develop case conceptualization skills. Topics include: professional identity development, building relationships with on site staff, self reflection, legal and ethical issues, and cultural responsibility. (Admission by permission of chairperson.)

COUN 525 Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
The study of contemporary individual and group counseling theory in view of recent research developments and current trends in counseling and psychotherapy. Emphasis upon the relationship between theory and practice. (Prerequisite: COUN 504 or equivalent.)

COUN 530 Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling and Psychotherapy (3)
This course is designed to examine the moral implications of professional clinical practice and to familiarize students with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will be introduced to moral, legal, and ethical issues and current debates on such topics as: privileged communication, confidentiality, rights of clients, civil commitment, licensure, and mental health laws. Students will become familiar with ethical standards for counselors as formulated by state and national professional associations.

COUN 531 Child and Adolescent Psychopathology (3)
This course will review the etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of common psychological disorders and developmental issues in children and adolescents. The majority of this course will focus on the defining features, associated characteristics, prevalence, course, theories, causes, and treatments associated wth disorders or circumstances for which children and adolescents are most often referred for counseling services. This course is likely to be beneficial for all students who interact with or are interested in children and adolescents.

COUN 532 Multicultural Issues for Counseling Professionals (3)
This course explores the issues of mental health service delivery to culturally distinct clients. This course will focus on ethnicity, gender, and other salient personal characteristics, and the effects of these elements on the counseling process and outcome. Skill development will include a more flexible frame of reference for relating to and dealing with diverse clients and their cultural traditions, values, and styles.

COUN 535 Consultation, Collaboration, and Critical Issues (3)
This course is designed to address three areas that are critical to the transformed role of the professional school counselor and to the success of comprehensive school counseling programs. The first, an overview of school based consultation will expose students to roles, models, and theories of effective collaboration with educational partners. Secondly, significant issues impacting the academic and life success of children and adolescents will be explored. Finally, the essential elements of designing and facilitating data-driven school-based interventions will be demonstrated. Emphasis will be placed on the services comprising the Delivery System of the ASCA National Model for School Counseling Programs.

COUN 538 Psychopharmacology (3)
An in-depth, systematic study of the properties and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on the appropriate role of the nonmedical professional in therapeutic programming involving drugs.

COUN 540 Developing and Managing a Successful School Counseling Program (3)
The primary purpose of this advanced specialization course is to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to plan, implement, and evaluate a successful, comprehensive school counseling program that is designed to meet all students’ academic, career, and personal/social needs; that is grounded in collaboration, advocacy, and leadership; and is connected to the academic mission of the school district.

COUN 543 Group Process in Counseling (3)
Provides candidates with the opportunity for involvement and participation in group experience in which they will be able to utilize the resources of their peers and the influence of their opinions, judgments, and insights.

COUN 544 Counseling Techniques (3)
An experiential laboratory course designed to provide the counselor-in-training with a variety of strategies and techniques necessary for the effective counseling of individuals and groups. (Prerequisites: COUN 504, 518, 525.)

COUN 550 Directed Readings (1-3)
A program of individually directed readings designed to meet the needs of the student. Offered as required.

COUN 551 Applied Practice II Mental Health (3)
Integrates all facets of the student’s personal philosophy of counseling with theory, techniques and skills acquired throughout the counselor training program. A field experience that emphasizes counseling skills via audiotaping and videotaping, critiquing, and test interpretation. A minimum of 100 hours of field work in a mental health-type setting is required. (Admission by permission of chairperson.)

COUN 551A Applied Practice II Mental Health Supervision (3)
Integrates all facets of the student’s personal philosophy of counseling with theory, techniques and skills acquired throughout the counselor training program. A field experience that emphasizes counseling skills via audiotaping and videotaping, critiquing, and test interpretation. A minimum of 100 hours of field work in a mental health-type setting is required. (Admission by permission of chairperson.)

COUN 553 A,B,C,D Internship in Mental Health Counseling (2, 2, 2, 4)
Field work in an approved institutional or agency setting under the direction of Counseling faculty and qualified on-site personnel. (Admission by permission of chairperson.) A total of 6 credits is required. See Departmental Handbook for registration options.

COUN 560 A,B,C,D Internship in K-12 School Counseling (6)
Field work experience in an approved education setting, under the direction of an Internship Supervisor from the Department of Psychology and Counseling and qualified professional from the cooperating school. The student will become familiar with the school setting, especially the role of the school counselor, counseling department, and school counseling program. Students pursuing dual certification in elementary and secondary school counseling are expected to obtain a minimum of 300 hours at each level. This experience follows the formal educational and preparation program. It is at this point that practica, field experiences, and the whole preparation program come together, and the intern is given the freedom and independence to demonstrate acquired competencies in a real counseling situation. The internship includes activities that a regularly employed school counselor should be expected to perform.

COUN 561 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)
Provides background in psychometric and measurement issues that are the basis for psychological testing (reliability, validity, structural analysis of tests, normative approaches). Introduction to various types of psychological tests (e.g., cognitive ability tests, achievement tests, personality tests, neuropsychological tests, career and interest tests, selection procedures). Covers ethical and legal issues related to psychological testing. Includes laboratory exposure to testing materials.

COUN 562 Assessment of Adult Personality and Psychopathology (3)
Principles and applications of structured assessment of adult personality and psychopathology. Integration of theory and practical application. Focus will be on objective measures of assessment, with some exposure to projective measures. Class will involve lecture, discussion, and practicum elements involving test-taking, scoring, and interpretation.

COUN 570 Contemporary Issues Seminar (3)
Investigation of causes, rationale, scope, and treatment of problems involving personal and social adjustment, including alcohol and drug abuse, sexual maladjustments and alternate behavior forms, problems of aging. Special topic areas not included in other course offerings may be targeted, e.g. neurolinguistic programming, hypnotherapy, forensic psychology, and crisis intervention.

COUN 574 Family Counseling (3)
Planned to provide the counselor-in-training with an overview of the theories, techniques, and processes involved in family relationships. (Prerequisite: COUN 525.)

COUN 575 Counseling the Aging (3)
Provides the helping professional with specific counseling skills required for working with the aged. Also covers pertinent topics such as group work, organic brain syndrome, senility, etc.

COUN 576 Adult Development (3)
Course is directed toward an understanding of the major issues of development and the specific skills necessary for counseling adults. Focus upon mid-life crises, intimacy, age bias, and achievement patterns in adulthood.

COUN 577 Group Practicum (3)
Reviews leadership styles and group development. Required: facilitating a group under supervision. (Admission by permission of chairperson.)

COUN 581 Socio-emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents (3)
Utilizes a comprehensive problem-solving and ecological model of assessment for children and adolescents. Geared toward the school mental health provider, this course focuses on the integration of psychological, behavioral, and family assessment information. Emphasis on the critical link between assessment and effective intervention. (Prerequisite: PSYC 561AND PSYC 532 OR COUN 572.)

COUN 582 Counseling the Abuser of Drugs and Alcohol (3)
Explores the current techniques utilized by the counseling profession in the treatment of the abuser of drugs and alcohol. An insight into the personal dynamics of this clientele. (Prerequisite: PSY 514 and COUN 525 or PSY 517.)

COUN 583 Human Sexuality (3)
Provides the counselor-in-training with fundamental knowledge about human sexuality and specific sexual concerns that contribute to the effectiveness of a counseling relationship. Focus on important sex-related ethics and issues in counseling. (Admission by permission of chairperson.)

COUN 584 Marital Counseling and Therapy (3)
Studies theoretical approaches to marital therapy, couple therapy, and marital group therapy; also describes therapeutic processes and techniques. (Prerequisite: COUN 525 or equivalent.)

COUN 586 Chemical Dependence (3)
An investigation of the dynamics of mood-altering chemical substance use, abuse, and dependence.

COUN 587 Counseling the Divorced and Separated (3)
Seminar dealing with issues in counseling divorced and separated individuals, including laws, child custody, step-parenting, single parenting, communication skills, etc.

COUN 588 Introduction to Pastoral Counseling: Foundation, Theory and Practice (3)
This course is designed as an introduction to pastoral counseling. Specific attention is directed at understanding the role and dimension of pastoral counseling and the unique aspects of pastoral counseling and ministry. Various theories are investigated as they impact on the history and practice of pastoral counseling. Ethics and ethical issues are explored in depth.

COUN 589 Seminar in Pastoral Counseling (3)
Assists the student with an understanding of various issues confronting the pastoral counselor. The interplay of morality, ethics, and client needs is explored in depth as a pastoral counselor is often called upon to assist individuals and families in acute issue oriented crises. (Prerequisite: COUN 588.)

Psychology Courses (PSYC)

PSYC 501 Research Methods (3)
This course presents research methodologies and statistics in an integrated manner so that students may attain a comprehensive view of psychological research. A conceptual understanding of statistics will be emphasized while the mathematical aspects will be minimized.While the primary emphasis will be on experimental and correlational research designs, exploratory and descriptive techniques will also be considered. Recommended for students who plan to take only one Research/Statistics course (e.g.,Art Therapy).

PSYC 503 Research Methods and Statistics I (3)
This is the first in a two-course sequence which presents research methods and statistical applications in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis on conceptual integration of statistical concepts as well as application and interpretation of data analyses. Development of critical analysis skills in hypothesis development, measurement tool assessment, operationalizing constructs, and analysis strategies. Primary emphasis on correlational and experimental research with some coverage of quasi-experimental and descriptive methods.

PSYC 504 Research Methods and Statistics II (3)
This is the second in a two-course sequence which presents research methods and statistical applications in the behavioral sciences. Emphasis on conceptual integration of statistical concepts as well as application and interpretation of data analyses. Development of critical analysis skills in hypothesis development, measurement tool assessment, operationalizing constructs, and analysis strategies. Primary emphasis on correlational and experimental research with some coverage of quasi-experimental and descriptive methods.

PSYC 508 Biological Bases of Behavior (3)
This course focuses on the structure and function of the nervous system, as well as the biological bases of perception, memory, language, and psychological disorders. Special emphasis is placed on the behavioral expression of dysfunction in these areas.

PSYC 514 Human Development (3)
An examination of human development throughout the lifespan, with in-depth coverage of developmental theories and research methods. Critique of empirical studies required. Previous coursework in developmental psychology suggested.

PSYC 517 Personality Psychology (3)
In-depth coverage of major theories of personality with an emphasis on psychodynamic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive, trait and biologically-based theories. Examination of research-based theories that deal with specific aspects of human personality such as anxiety, aggression, self-concept. Critical evaluation of empirical support for theories and their applications in the human services.

PSYC 518 Advanced Human Development (3)
A review of recent literature in the field of developmental psychology, including perception, cognition, social and personality development. Students will search and critique empirical studies in an area of interest, discuss empirical literature in a seminar format, analyze and synthesize research and theory.

PSYC 521 Social Psychology (3)
Examines social influences on thought and behavior. Covers multicultural and crosscultural differences in social thought and behavior, interpersonal relationships and attraction, attitudes and behavior, prejudice, group dynamics, and the interaction between personality and social influences on behavior. Considers basic theories, research findings, and applications to improve social interactions. Includes reading, reviewing, and applying findings of original source journal articles along with text readings.

PSYC 522 Cognitive/Affective Bases of Behavior (3)
A review of core theories of Cognition and Affect examining how humans process information and organize their knowledge and emotional experiences. Topics include models of memory, attention, language, and amnesia, and the impact of emotion on memory (e.g., flashbulb memories, repression). Includes primary-source readings on applied aspects of cognition (amnesia, emotional expression, aging).

PSYC 523 Contemporary LearningTheories (3)
An in-depth evaluation of contemporary learning theories, with emphasis on major issues, research findings, and application of learning principles to human functioning.

PSYC 525 Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)
Survey of theory, research, and practice of industrial/organizational psychology. Topics include diversity and multicultural issues in the workplace, personality and its relationship to personnel selection, retention, productivity, and job satisfaction, organizational structure and development, culture, intervention strategies, change management, power, motivation, leadership, quality of worklife, group/team processes, employment law, recruitment techniques, and performance management.

PSYC 526 Community Psychology (3)
Development of community psychology approach to mental health problems. Assessment of community needs and availability of treatment resources. Examination of innovative roles for psychologists in mental health systems such as crisis intervention, short-term therapy, program evaluation and consultation.

PSYC 530 Ethics and Professional Conduct in Counseling and Psychology (3)
This course is designed to examine the moral implications of professional clinical practice and to familiarize students with the history and development of professional ethics and standards and their legal implications in the areas of counseling and psychotherapy. Students will be introduced to moral, legal, and ethical issues and current debates on such topics as: privileged communication, confidentiality, right of clients, civil commitment, licensure, and mental health laws. Student will become familiar with ethical standards for psychologists as formulated by state and national professional associations.

PSYC 531 Psychopathology (3)
An in-depth examination of the range of emotional disorders. Emphasis is placed on major cognitive, affective, personality, and character disturbances in adults. Integration of the psychodynamic, behavioral, and cognitive perspectives. Etiology, research findings, intervention implication, and classification issues.

PSYC 532 Child Psychopathology (3)
An examination of the behavioral disturbances common to childhood and adolescence, with stress on their etiology and on the roles of the family and school in the child's total functioning and therapeutic programming. Stresses distinction between child and adult adaptive criteria. (Prerequisite: PSYC 514.)

PSYC 538 Psychopharmacology (3)
An in-depth, systematic study of the properties and behavioral effects of psychoactive drugs. Emphasis on the appropriate role of the nonmedical professionals in therapeutic programming involving drugs. Previous coursework in physiological psychology preferred.

PSYC 539 Behavior Management Approaches (3)
Explores principles of behavior analysis and modification. Provides competency in individual and group technology following a format that aims at facilitating development and implementation of behavior-change programs in applied settings. Design of intervention programs using a variety of strategies is required by class participants.

PSYC 547 Introduction to School Psychology (3)
This course provides an overview of the contemporary field of school psychology. Emphasis is on learning the historical, contemporary, and future influences of the development of the field of school psychology. Students also gain exposure to the school system through practical experiences.

PSYC 549 Field Work Experience-School Psychology

549A Practicum (3 credit hours) Campus-based experience in a supervised program designed to develop and apply the range of competencies of the school psychologist. 

549B Internship (6 credit hours)
Further application and refinement of the school psychologist competencies in an approved, off-campus professional setting. (The total practicum and internship experience will be 9 graduate credits.)

PSYC 550 Directed Readings (1-3)
A program of individually directed readings designed to meet the needs of the student.

PSYC 551 School Psychology Law and Ethics (3)
This course covers legal and ethical foundations for the role of School Psychologist. Emphasis will be on exposing students to federal legislation, state regulations, pertinent court cases, and ethical principles of governing bodies, including the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) and the American Psychological Association (APA).

PSYC 552 School-Based Consultation Methods (3)
This course covers the rationale, theory, and methods of various models of consultation. Students will develop competencies in consultation with teachers, parents, students/clients, and other program staff. These competencies include problem identification, problem analysis, treatment development and implementation, and evaluation of treatment outcomes. Consultation will be considered from the vantage point of organizational and systems level factors that impact on effectiveness of consultation in schools and mental health programs.

PSYC 554 Master's Thesis Proposal (0-3 credits)
Development of an acceptable master's thesis proposal. Involves mentoring experience by a faculty member and committee. Development of literature review, methodology, and hypothesis statement into an accepted proposal for master's thesis. Taken the semester prior to completion of PSYC 556, Master's Thesis.

PSYC 555 Professional Contribution (0)
Involves mentoring experiences by a faculty member, leading to completion of an approved project, demonstration or other acceptable product of the student's professional competence. Course meets Professional Contribution requirement.

PSYC 556 Master's Thesis (3)
Completion of an acceptable thesis involving a quantitative research design. Involves mentoring experience by a faculty member and committee. Recommended for students with doctoral degree aspirations. Meets Professional Contribution requirement. (Prerequisite: successful completion of PSYC 554 and accepted thesis proposal.)

PSYC 560 Cognitive-Behavioral Assessment Techniques (3)
Identification and measurement of meaningful cognitive and behavioral responses for the purpose of assessment and devising change strategies. Examination of selfmonitoring, physiological measures, behavioral enactment, observer-based coding systems, n=1 assessment designs. (Prerequisite: PSYC 561 .)

PSYC 561 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3)
Provides background in psychometric and measurement issues that are the basis for psychological testing (reliability, validity, structural analysis of tests, normative approaches). Introduction to various types of psychological tests (e.g., cognitive ability tests, achievement tests, personality tests, neuropsychological tests, career and interest tests, selection procedures). Covers multicultural, ethical, and legal issues related to psychological testing. Includes laboratory exposure to testing materials.

PSYC 562 Cognitive Assessment (3)
Provides an overview of contemporary theories and methods of cognitive assessment. Students will develop skills in the assessment of pre-school and school age children, adolescents, and adults, using a variety of instruments including the Wechsler scales, the Stanford Binet, and the Woodcock Johnson Psycho-Educational Test Battery. (Prerequisite: PSYC 561 or equivalent.)

PSYC 563 Assessment of Learning (3)
An investigation of assessment approaches used in the evaluation of learning styles and the cognitive, motor, and environmental factors influencing the learning process. Of special interest to school psychologists, counselors, and other multidisciplinary team professionals, this class also integrates the theoretical and practical issues associated with curriculum-based assessment. (Prerequisite: PSYC 561 or equivalent.)

PSYC 566 Contemporary Methods In Projective Personality Testing (3)
This course will teach the student how to administer, score, and interpret projective tests. A primary emphasis will be on the Rorschach, but coverage will also be given to the Thematic Apperception Test. Methods for integrating findings from projective and objective tests will be covered. Consideration of current empirical literature which both supports and challenges the use of projective testing in contemporary practice. (Prerequisite: PSYC 561; either PSYC 531 or 531; either PSYC 580 or 581).

PSYC 569 Stress, Coping and the Self-Concept (3)
Provides direct experience in research, assessment, and treatment issues concerning stress, coping and the self-concept. Emphasis on in-depth consideration of cognitive and phenomenological theory and research. Students will gain experience with selfmonitoring, psychophysiological measures, questionnaire and experimental methods of assessment. Treatment focuses on cognitive, behavioral, and experimental strategies. (Prerequisite: PSYC 517 or permission of instructor.)

PSYC 571 Introduction to Individual Psychotherapy (3)
An examination of contemporary systems of therapy, with emphasis on major insight-oriented, behavioral, cognitive, and eclectic approaches. Role-playing, audiovisual aids, and other applications included.

PSYC 572 Introduction to Group Psychotherapy (3)
An investigation of the theoretical assumptions, research support and applications of major group-oriented therapeutic modalities. Appropriate training aids integrated with instruction. (Prerequisites: PSYC 517, PSYC 531, or admission through chairperson.)

PSYC 573 Therapy With Children (3)
An investigation of the rationale and utility of varied therapeutic strategies with concentration in play and expressive approaches. Case studies, tapes, demonstrations provided. (Prerequisite: COUN 518 OR PSYC 571. Recommended: PSYC 532.)

PSYC 574 Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (3)
Investigation of behavioral and cognitive intervention strategies. Covers traditional behavioral therapies (e.g., token economy, systematic desensitization), cognitivebehavioral therapies (modeling, stress inoculation training, Beck's cognitive therapy), and "third wave" approaches including mindfulness and psychotherapy integration. Training in the use of specific assessment and intervention strategies (tapes, demonstrations, pre-practicum experiences). (Prerequisite: PSYC 517 or 571.)

PSYC 575 Forensic Psychology (3)
Examines the nature of forensic evaluations, reports, and expert witness testimony and the professional and ethical responsibilities involved. Surveys the primary areas of law including family law, mental health law, criminal law, child abuse, juvenile law, and personal injury law. Covers evaluation and treatment of accused persons and working effectively with the criminal justice system.

PSYC 576 Professional Seminar (1-3)
Issues involving the expectations, role, and identity of the mental health professional. Topics included: relationship to other professionals, ethics, legal constraints and obligations, consultation, case conceptualization, and other current issues. Intended for the clinical services trainee.

PSYC 577 Practicum I (3)
Required for students in clinical services tracks, this is an applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Students will schedule at least four hours of activity per week. One hour a week will be spent doing pre-treatment assessments and psychotherapy; most of the time this will be with a client in the Psychological Services Center (PSC). Three hours a week will be spent in small group supervision. Additional individual supervision will be scheduled on an as needed basis. Students will be expected to complete 15 clinical contact hours. Other opportunities for learning may be added at the discretion of the course instructor. (Prerequisites: PSYC 571 or COUN 518; PSYC 531 or PSYC 532; candidacy in clinical services or child clinical/school concentration.) Minimum grade of "B" required; if a student earns a grade lower than "B" this course will need to be repeated until the student earns a grade of "B".

PSYC 578 Internship (variable credit)
Supervised field work experience in an approved clinical setting. Available to students in the Clinical Services concentration. Requires permission of advisor and department chairperson. Meets Professional Contribution requirement. (Prerequisite: PSYC 577.)

PSYC 580 Assessment of Adult Personality and Psychopathology (3)
Principles and applications of structured assessment of adult personality and psychopathology. Integration of theory and practical application. Focus will be on objective measures of assessment, with some exposure to projective measures. Class will involve lecture, discussion, and practicum elements, involving test-taking, scoring and interpretation. (Prerequisites: PSYC 561 and 531.)

PSYC 581 Socio-emotional Assessment of Children and Adolescents (3)
Utilizes a comprehensive problem-solving and ecological model of assessment for children and adolescents. Geared toward the child clinical and school mental health provider, this course focuses on the integration of psychological, behavioral, and family assessment information. Emphasis on the critical link between assessment and effective intervention. (Prerequisites: PSYCH 561 AND 532 OR COUN 572.)

PSYC 585 Family-School Interventions (3)
Exploration of the legal, ethical, and pragmatic issues associated with family-school collaboration. Various family intervention techniques will be discussed, with a specific focus on multicultural and nontraditional families. Students will participate in a laboratory exercise where they will develop skills in parent training.

PSYC 587 Practicum II (3)
This is an elective experience for students in Clinical Services tracks. Operating in sequence with, and as an extension of, Practicum 577, this course allows students to continue doing clinical work under supervision for a second semester. Course obligations and expectations are the same as PSYC 577. (Prerequisite: PSYC 577.)

Doctoral Level Courses (PSYC)

Research, Evaluation, and Basic Science

 PSYC 611 Advanced Statistical Analysis I (3)
This course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to introduce students to a variety of statistical analyses with emphasis on application of statistics appropriate to complex research designs. In the first course of the sequence, topics pertaining to the fundamental issues related to ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA and MANCOVA are covered. The majority of the statistical work will be covered with the use of SPSS. Versatility with the use of this statistical program and interpretation of the output relevant to the various advanced statistics covered in the course constitute the primary focus of the course.

PSYC 613 Advanced Statistical Analysis II (3)
The course is part of a two-semester sequence designed to introduce students to a variety of statistical analyses with emphasis on application of statistics appropriate to complex research designs. In this second course of the sequence, topics pertaining to the fundamental issues related to correlational techniques are covered.Topics include reliability, logistic regression, factor analysis, path analysis, and meta-analysis. The majority of the statistical work will be covered with the use of SPSS. Versatility with the use of this statistical program and interpretation of the output relevant to the various advanced statistics covered in the course constitute the primary focus of the course.

PSYC 895 A,B Doctoral Project (3, 3)
The doctoral project may involve: quantitative surveys; empirical analyses of archival data (e.g., meta-analysis); outcome research; a collection of ten or more empirical case studies (e.g., ABAB or multiple baseline designs); or, group-based nomothetic investigations. Topics appropriate for this project must be related to theory and practice in clinical psychology.

PSYC 895C Doctoral Project Continuation (1)
Following successful completion of PSYC 895A and B, students are required to register for Doctoral Project Continuation for each subsequent academic semester until completion of the doctoral project, as determined by the research mentor.

Consultation/Education

PSYC 701 Introduction to Psychotherapy Practice (1.5)
This course examines professional issues in psychotherapy, including licensure and credentialing, limits of expertise, ethics, managed care, legal concerns, documentation, practice considerations, and risk management.

Relationship

PSYC 704 Multicultural Issues in Psychology (3)
This course explores the issues of mental health service delivery to culturally distinct clients. Focus will be on ethnicity, gender, and other salient personal characteristics, and the effects of these elements on the psychotherapy process and outcome. Skill development will include a more flexible frame of reference for relating to and dealing with diverse clients and their cultural traditions, values, and styles.

PSYC 802 Marital and Family Therapy (3)
This course provides an overview of the history and contemporary application of behavioral and systems based marital and family therapy. Particular focus will be placed on the empirical support for using psychotherapeutic approaches to treat a variety of DSM-IV disorders, ethical, legal, and professional issues in marital and family psychotherapy. Learning methods will include reading, didactic presentation, discussion, role play, and case review.

Assessment

PSYC 707 Seminar in Adjustment and Psychopathology (3)
Seminar course that will examine advanced current topics in psychopathology and adjustment and current status of research in defining psychopathology and adjustment. Review of current literature and methods of study in areas of stress and coping, anxiety, affective disorders, personality disorders, and schizophrenia. Course will cover selected areas based in part on student areas of interest. Development of student expertise in particular area of adjustment and psychopathology.

Intervention

PSYC 559 A,B Prepracticum (Variable Credit)
This prepares students for the practicum experience in the Psychological Services Center (PSC). It is designed to extend for the entire year, and involves 48 hours of observation of screenings, intakes, therapy sessions, and assessment procedures. Shadowing a practicum student may also be involved to learn the policies and procedures of the PSC. Students engage in weekly group and/or individual supervision to help prepare them as clinicians in practicum.

PSYC 587 Practicum II (3)
This is an on-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Essentially it is a continuation of Practicum I. It is expected that students will carry on with clinical work that was started in the previous semester. This course carries the same structure, expectations and opportunities as Practicum I. (Prerequisite: Practicum I.)

PSYC 805 Interpersonal Intervention Strategies (3)
Provides an overview of the theory and technique associated with interpersonal psychotherapy. Object relations and interpersonal theory are reviewed to illustrate the development of psychopathology, followed by a focused review of applied intervention strategies. Emphasis is placed on mastering techniques which address the development of a therapeutic alliance, transference, counter-transference, interpretation and termination.

PSYC 808 Behavior Change and Outcome Assessment (3)
Focus will be on psychotherapy interventions which are empirically-supported, with particular emphasis on techniques for commonly encountered client problems. Integration of assessment in psychotherapy and strategies for both single case outcome and program evaluation will be covered.

PSYC 815 Child Psychotherapy (3)
Examines research-informed, time-limited therapy interventions for children and adolescents. The focus will be on those conditions that are most frequently seen in outpatient settings: disorders of non-compliance (e.g., Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder), AD/HD, Anxiety and Depressive Disorders. Most of the course will focus on behavioral and cognitive behavioral interventions. Some consideration will also be given to psychodynamically oriented play therapy. Various modalities will be considered including parent group training, family, and individual therapy. Issues regarding ethical concerns and managed care will also be addressed. (Prerequisite: PSYC 532).

PSYC 840 Elective Practicum (0)
For Doctoral Students. This course is available as an elective for zero credits. This is an off-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for one regular semester or two summer periods. Students will provide clinical services to clients under the supervision of a site supervisor, who must be a licensed psychologist. The site must provide weekly training experiences, and a faculty member will provide bi-weekly group case consultation on campus. The site must be approved by the Director of Practica and Internships for the Psy.D. Program

PSYC 850 Educational Assessment Practicum (1.5)
This is an on-campus, applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Students will conduct educational assessments focused on learning disability determination and career counseling with clients in the Psychological Services Center.

PSYC 851 Geriatric Assessment Practicum (1.5)
This is an on-campus, applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Students will conduct geriatric assessments focused on mood, mental status, and dementia evaluations. Over the course of the semester students learn to administer, score, and interpret assessment measures and develop cogent screening reports. Students also learn to work with other disciplines and review empirical literature as it pertains to this population.

PSYC 897 A, B Internship (Predoctoral) (1,1)
One year, full-time internship or two years, half-time internship in an approved setting.

PSYC 860 Practicum III (3)
This is an on-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Students will schedule at least five hours of activity per week. At least two hours a week will be spent doing assessments and psychotherapy with clients in the Psychological Services Center (PSC). Three hours a week will be spent in group supervision with the course instructor. Additional individual supervision will be scheduled on an as needed basis. Students will be expected to complete 30 clinical contact hours. Other opportunities for learning may be added at the discretion of the course instructor.

PSYC 861 Practicum IV (3)
This is an on campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Essentially it is a continuation of Practicum III. It is expected that students will carry on with clinical work that was started in the previous semester. This course carries the same expectations and opportunities as Practicum III.

PSYC 880 A, B Community Practicum I (1.5)
This is an off-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire year. Students will be expected to complete 120 hours at the site each semester. At least 30 of these hours must be spent doing face-to-face clinical work. Other required experiences will include weekly individual supervision with the primary site supervisor, multi-disciplinary consultation, didactic training at the site, and bi-weekly group case consultation with a faculty member on campus. Prerequisite: PSYC 851. (Practicum II).

PSYC 881 A,B Community Practicum II (1.5)
This is an off-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire year. Students will be expected to complete 180 hours at the site each semester. At least 45 of these hours must be spent doing face-to-face clinical work. Other required experiences will include weekly individual supervision with the primary site supervisor, multi-disciplinary consultation and didactic training at the site. Prerequisite: PSYC 880 (Community Practicum I).

Management/Supervision

PSYC 700 Professional Ethics (PSYC 530) (3)
Examination of the professional roles of the psychologist in various settings. Ethical and legal codes are considered in the context of professional dilemmas confronted in practice. Consideration of the historical development of ethical and legal issues in relation to current practice. Examination of current professional issues (e.g., prescription privileges, managed care) and roles in the context of ethical concerns.

PSYC 706 Supervision and Consultation Seminar (1.5)
Seminar taken in the third year designed to prepare the student for the role of psychotherapy supervisor. Relevant literature will be reviewed and supervision techniques will be practiced by supervising student role-plays. Various consultation settings will be considered.

PSYC 870 Practicum V (3)
This is an on-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. The focus of this practicum is to train the student how to conduct clinical supervision. Each student will be assigned one supervisee. The supervisee will be a student enrolled in Practicum I. All supervised clinical work will occur with clients of the Psychological Services Center (PSC). Students will schedule at least five hours of activity per week. One hour a week will be spent in individual supervision with the assigned supervisee. One hour a week will be spent observing the clinical work of the supervisee. Three hours a week will be spent in group supervision with the course instructor; two of these hours will include students in Practicum I while the last hour will include only students in Practicum V. The student will be expected to complete 15 hours of individual supervision and 15 hours of live observation of the supervisee's clinical work. Other opportunities for learning may be added at the discretion of the course instructor.

PSYC 871 Practicum VI (3)
This is an on-campus applied clinical experience that is designed to extend for the entire semester. Essentially it is a continuation of Practicum V. It is expected that students will carry on with supervision work that was started in the previous semester. This course carries the same expectations and opportunities as Practicum V.

Electives

PSYC 817 Family Systems: Assessment and Diagnosis (3)
Examination of the legal, ethical, and practical issues associated with the assessment and diagnosis of family dysfunction. Multimodal assessment procedures are explored within the context of family systems theory and through the review of recent research efforts.

PSYC 811 Behavioral Medicine and Health Psychology (3)
Application of clinical psychology interventions in the context of medical problems and health maintenance. Focus on stress-related medical problems and the promotion of client behaviors that enhance physical well-being. Consideration of specific topic areas depending on student interest, including coping with medical procedures, compliance with medical advice, stress management in a medical setting, psychological factors related to response to medical problems and recovery. Development of student expertise in specific areas of research and practice.

PSYC 812 Loss and Bereavement (3)
This course will provide an overview of theories, current research, and clinical implications pertinent to the understanding, assessment, and management of loss. In addition, the course will address the implications and application of appropriate clinical interventions intended to facilitate a healthy grieving process and to assist the clients in moving ahead with their lives with a stronger sense of self. Admission of master's level students to this course is by permission of the instructor. In addition, master's level students should have completed COUN 504, 518, 525, 544 or their equivalents.

Psychology and Counseling Programs (Catalog)