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Psychology

Our Purpose

The purpose of the psychology major is to provide students with an understanding of the substantive fields and methodological issues of psychology as a science and as a profession. Psychology majors can pursue a number of career alternatives following graduation and are encouraged to select a program of study to meet their individual needs. Those planning to become professional psychologists should plan to attend graduate school to earn the appropriate advanced degree. Those with a bachelor's degree may work in various human service settings such as industrial, youth, religious, or health organizations, as well as for the government. Still others may be employed in research related fields, such as advertising, marketing, and human factors engineering.

Psychology majors must maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.5 in psychology courses to graduate.

Learn more about Careers in Psychology

Course Descriptions

1301. General Psychology 3 hours

A general introduction to the basic concepts of psychology.

2303. Foundations of Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301
An introduction to psychology as a scientific discipline as well as a profession. This course will survey the fundamentals of research, the various areas of career specializations, the central conceptual issues, and basic library skills in psychology.

2342. Psychology of Everyday Life 3 hours

This course represents the application of psychological principles to everyday life, such as stress, interpersonal communication, relationships, gender roles, and careers.

2348. Human Sexuality 3 hours

The physiological, psychological, and sociological aspects of sex will be reviewed.

2392. Introduction to Counseling 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301
A study of the principles, theories, and dynamics of the helping process.

2420. Statistics 4 hours

Prerequisite: Two years of high school algebra or MAT 1301 or a passing score on the Texas Wesleyan University Mathematics Placement Test A survey of descriptive and inferential statistics commonly used in the interpretation of data. Laboratory required.

3303. Infant and Child Development 3 hours

An overview of the study of infant and child development involving an examination of the transition from infancy to childhood. Cognitive, physical, social, and emotional changes as well as relationships within the family and with peers will be the focus of this course.

3304. Social and Emotional Development 3 hours

A study of the social and emotional development of the individual through the life cycle with particular emphasis on the pre-school and school years.

3305. Adolescent Development 3 hours

The developmental changes, biological, cognitive, and social, from middle childhood through adolescence will be examined. Topics of discussion will include puberty, cognitive transitions, adolescents in the family, importance
of peers, sexuality, and self-identity.

3308. Adult Development and Aging 3 hours

A study of theory and research on human development from adolescence through aging and death. The physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and personality factors will be considered.

3309. Death and Dying 3 hours

A study of the psychological factors involved in the death and dying process.

3315. Social Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
An introduction to the basic principles of social cognition, social influence, and social behavior.

3353. Tests and Measurements 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Principles and methods of psychological and educational testing, assessment, and evaluation.

3362. Psychology of Learning 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Basic processes of learning in humans and animals are studied. Specific emphasis will be given to classical and operant conditioning and social learning theory. Laboratory experience.

3370. Drugs, Alcohol, and Human Behavior 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
A study of the effects of alcohol and other drugs on human behavior.

3374. Psychology and Law 3 hours

This course concentrates on the scientific study of psychology and law. It provides students with an understanding of relevant theory, empirical findings, and research methodology. Course topics include (but are not limited to) evaluation of courtroom procedures, forensic psychology, eyewitness reports and identifications, the legal system and children, lie detection, confession, jury behavior, expert witnesses, judicial punishment, and competence for standing trial.

3375. Cultural and International Issues in Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301 and 2303
The similarities and differences in the science and practice of psychology across cultures and national boundaries are examined. Theoretical and methodological issues from the perspectives of cultural, cross-cultural, and indigenous psychology are studied.

4325. Sports Psychology (EXS 4325) 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301
A study of basic psychological principles applied to teaching and coaching individual and team sports. Basic techniques using motivation, behavior modification, visualization, relaxation training, and concentration will be discussed.

4331. Industrial/Organizational Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
A survey of the major topics studied and methods used in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The topics will include psychological testing and personnel selection; training and development; job analysis, employee evaluation and performance appraisal; human motivation and job satisfaction; leadership, communication and group processes; and organizational theory and development.

4351. Experimental and Research Methods 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, 2420, and junior standing A study of the rationale and methodology of experimental psychology and its relationships to other research methods.

4362. History and Systems of Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, 2420, and junior standing A study of the emergence of psychology as a science emphasizing both the continuity of ideas and the changes in those ideas as psychology has evolved. The various schools of thought in psychology will be examined.

4364. Psychology of Cognition and Memory 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
An examination of the psychology of thinking, including theory and research on attention, memory, problem solving, and the acquisition of knowledge. Implications for the learning of complex cognitive skills, such as reading, will be considered. Laboratory experience.

4366. Psychology of Personality 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
A survey of the major theoretical perspectives, assessment procedures, change strategies, and findings of personological research.

4368. Biological Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisites: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420, and junior standing
This course is an introduction to the biological basis of behavior and mental phenomena. Course topics include an introduction to biopsychology, neuroanatomy and physiology, neurotransmitters, neuropharmacology, cognition, and psychopathology.

4375. Abnormal Psychology 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
A study of various theories, research, and treatment methods of maladaptive behavior.

4376. Senior Capstone 3 hours

Prerequisite: Senior standing with a minimum of 15 completed credit hours of psychology courses
This course focuses on understanding why we do what we do, including at least some discussion of other species. Students are expected to integrate knowledge gained from other courses in order to evaluate ideas and perspectives for themselves. There are many factors that influence our thinking and behavior. The factors covered include Evolution, Faith, Learning, Culture, Geography, Politics, and Economics.

4380. Counseling Internship 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised practice in counseling. Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.

4382. Research Internship 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised research experience. Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.

4384. Teaching Internship 3 hours

Prerequisite: PSY 1301, 2303, and 2420
Supervised experience in teaching psychology at the college level. Students must complete 150 clock hours of experience to receive credit.

4395. Psychology Seminar 3 hours

Prerequisite: 12 hours of psychology and consent of instructor
Special topics in psychology will be studied under the direction of members of the psychology department faculty. Students should be in their last 45 hours of class work.

Did you know?

Each student is assigned to a faculty advisor who assists the student plan out their programs of coursework, schedule, and discuss career planning and options.

Marcel Kerr
Dr. Marcel Kerr
Psychology
Professor of Psychology

"Every semester, I expect to learn from my students as much as they learn from me."

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Contact Information

Department of Psychology
Location: Nenetta Burton Carter Building 103
Phone: 817-531-7564
Fax: 817-531-7563
Hours: Mon-Fri, 8am-5pm


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