Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Online

What is Introduction to Psychology I?

Introduction to Psychology I provides a fundamental understanding of psychological research, principles, and theories. You'll explore human behavior through topics including development, learning, memory, personality, social behavior, abnormal psychology, and therapy. The course helps you understand your own behavior while mastering key psychological concepts and theories.

This course provides you with a fundamental grasp of the research, principles, and theories of psychology. You'll acquire better understanding of your behavior through topics including development, learning, memory, personality, social behavior, abnormal behavior, and therapy. The course introduces you to psychology as a science, covering major theories, scientific experiments, and ethical considerations in psychological research. You'll develop the ability to analyze and solve problems from psychological perspectives while learning to communicate psychological ideas effectively.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Master terms, names, concepts, scientific experiments, and theories vital to the understanding of psychology as a science

• Demonstrate understanding of theories and concepts from major content areas of psychology including memory, learning, development, social psychology, personality, and abnormal psychology

• Develop the ability to analyze and solve problems from a psychological perspective in everyday life, and communicate these ideas effectively

• Adopt and understand values of the APA ethics code, particularly in reference to human subjects research

What is Introduction to Psychology II?

Introduction to Psychology II applies the scientific method to studying psychology. You'll explore research methodology, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, motivation, intelligence, and problem solving. The course develops your ability to use scientific reasoning and critical thinking to investigate psychological phenomena. Open to Psychology majors only.

This course provides you with a fundamental grasp of applying the scientific method to the study of psychology. Topics include research methodology, biological bases of animal and human behavior, sensation and perception, motivation, intelligence, and problem solving. You'll demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply psychological principles, concepts, and theories while developing effective oral and written communication skills. The course emphasizes mastery of basic APA style, ethical principles in professional psychology, and information literacy skills for investigating psychological phenomena using scientific reasoning.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply psychological principles, concepts, and theories

• Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills and a mastery of basic elements of APA style

• Demonstrate knowledge of how ethical principles inform all facets of professional psychology, especially human subjects research

• Demonstrate ability to use information literacy skills, scientific reasoning, and critical thinking to investigate psychological phenomena

What is Psychological Statistics?

Psychological Statistics applies descriptive and inferential statistics to psychological research. You'll learn measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression, t-tests, and analysis of variance using statistical software. The course develops your ability to calculate, interpret, and report statistical analyses in psychological research.

This course teaches you to apply descriptive and inferential statistics to psychological research. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation and regression, Student's t-test, and analysis of variance. You'll use statistical computer packages including SPSS for data analysis. The course develops your ability to differentiate between statistical methods, determine appropriate analyses for different research questions, and understand and interpret statistical analyses reported in empirical research and media publications. Open to Psychology majors only.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate between descriptive, inferential, and correlational statistics

• Determine which statistical methods to apply to different research questions

• Calculate, interpret, and report with and without statistical software (SPSS): measures of central tendency, inferential tests (t-test), correlation, and chi-square

• Understand and interpret statistical analyses reported in empirical research and other media/publications

What is Research Methods in Psychology?

Research Methods in Psychology examines applying the scientific method to psychology through surveys, simple experiments, and complex experiments. You'll conduct laboratory work, library research, and write research reports. The course develops your ability to design, conduct, analyze, and report original psychological research ethically.

This course examines application of the scientific method to psychology, focusing on methods including surveys, simple experiments, and complex experiments. Laboratory work, library research, and writing research reports are required. You'll identify, explain, and evaluate major types of behavioral research methods while learning to locate and critically evaluate research presented in scientific publications. The course emphasizes designing, conducting, and analyzing original research, reporting findings in clear professional scientific reports, and communicating ideas about research in small groups and formal presentations while applying ethical principles.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Identify, explain, and evaluate major types of behavioral research methods

• Locate and critically evaluate research presented in scientific publications

• Design, conduct, and analyze original research

• Report original research in clear, accurate, and professional scientific reports

• Develop the ability to communicate ideas about research in small groups and in formal presentations

• Understand and apply ethical principles of research

What is Social Psychology?

Social Psychology studies how behaviors, thoughts, and feelings are influenced by social environments. You'll explore social perception and attribution, attitude development and change, interpersonal attraction, friendship, aggression, and prosocial behavior. The course examines how social psychological principles vary across cultures and addresses prejudice and discrimination.

This course studies processes by which behaviors, thoughts, and feelings of individuals are influenced by their social environments. Topics include social perception and attribution, attitude development and change, interpersonal attraction, and interpersonal relations such as friendship, aggression, and prosocial behavior. You'll demonstrate knowledge and ability to apply social psychological principles, concepts, and theories while developing effective writing skills. The course emphasizes understanding processes leading to prejudice and discrimination, recognizing how principles vary across cultures, and evaluating how empirical evidence determines validity of theories and concepts.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of and ability to apply social psychological principles, concepts, and theories

• Communicate effectively through writing

• Demonstrate knowledge of processes that lead to prejudice and discrimination

• Demonstrate understanding of how social psychological principles may vary across cultures

• Demonstrate competence in evaluating how empirical evidence is used to determine validity of social psychological theories and concepts

What is Psychology of Childhood?

Psychology of Childhood covers physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development from conception to adolescence. You'll examine prenatal development, infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood through scientific and theoretical perspectives. The course shows how genetic and environmental factors impact child development with applications to interventions and parenting.

This course covers physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development of children from conception to adolescence. Topics include the prenatal period, physical, cognitive, personality, and social/emotional development during infancy, early childhood, and middle childhood. You'll examine development through scientific and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology while exploring relevance to real life issues such as infant/child interventions and programming, parenting, and social policy. The course develops understanding of how genetic influences and various environmental characteristics and contexts impact infant and child development while fostering oral and written communication and critical thinking skills.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Examine physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development from conception through infancy, toddlerhood, early childhood, and middle childhood through the scientific and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology

• Show the relevance of the topics covered to real life issues such as infant/child interventions and programming, parenting, and social policy

• Develop an understanding of how, along with genetic influence, various environmental characteristics and contexts impact infant and child development

• Foster the development of oral and written communication and critical thinking skills, both necessary to evaluate developmental research as a science and as presented in popular media

What is Abnormal Psychology?

Abnormal Psychology surveys psychological disorders ranging from anxiety to depression and schizophrenia. You'll examine current theories regarding causes and approaches to treatment with emphasis on psychotherapies and behavioral techniques. The course covers disorder etiology, treatment options, ethical considerations, and how to communicate effectively about psychopathology.

This course surveys a variety of psychological disorders ranging from anxiety to depression and schizophrenia. Current theories regarding their causes are discussed and compared. Approaches to treating the disorders are also covered with particular emphasis on psychotherapies and associated behavioral techniques. You'll demonstrate fundamental knowledge of major psychological disorders including etiology, treatment, and history. The course emphasizes effective use of scientific and statistical reasoning, examining peer-reviewed sources, understanding APA ethics code as it relates to treatment and management of psychopathology, and applying ethical concepts to real world scenarios.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major psychological disorders, as well as knowledge regarding etiology, treatment, and history of these disorders

• Demonstrate the effective use of scientific/statistical reasoning and information literacy skills, including examining peer-reviewed sources, to draw conclusions about issues in the field of abnormal psychology

• Demonstrate an understanding of the APA ethics code, major ethical considerations, and ethical challenges, as they relate to the treatment and management of psychopathology

• Learn how they can apply ethical concepts and principles to real world scenarios

• Demonstrate effective communication skills as it relates to how they communicate (either through written assignments or direct discussion with others) key concepts in the area of abnormal psychology

What is Multicultural Psychology?

Multicultural Psychology introduces current theories and research methods driving the field. You'll explore multicultural psychology as it pertains to diverse groups in the United States, critique mainstream psychology's methods, and review research related to diverse human experiences. The course increases awareness of yourself as a cultural being and examines racism, oppression, and privilege.

This course introduces you to current theories and research methods that drive the field of multicultural psychology. Emphasis is placed on practical applications of multicultural psychology as it pertains to diverse groups living in the United States. You'll explore the meaning of multicultural psychology, critique mainstream American psychology's methods and theoretical base in context of alternative frameworks, and review current research and practice related to diverse human experiences. The course enhances knowledge of worldviews and experiences of ethnic minority groups, develops understanding of racism, oppression, and privilege, and teaches you to apply concepts to the study of local community organizations working toward social change.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Master the concepts and theories used to understand multiculturalism and diversity from a psychological perspective

• Increase awareness of the self as a cultural being in a diverse society

• Enhance knowledge and understanding of the worldview(s) and experiences of ethnic minority or culturally different groups

• Develop an understanding of the operation of racism, oppression, and privilege

• Apply and communicate concepts and theories of multicultural psychology and diversity to the study and oral presentation of a local community organization that works toward social change

What is Cognition?

Cognition surveys operations of the mind from the information processing perspective. You'll focus on experimental cognitive psychology with attention to neuropsychology research connecting cognitive theories to brain processes. The course covers attention, perception, knowledge representation, problem solving, reasoning, and language through empirical research.

This course surveys operations of the mind as viewed from the information processing perspective. The focus is on experimental cognitive psychology with additional attention given to research in neuropsychology that connects cognitive theories to brain processes. Attention, perception, the representation of knowledge, problem solving, reasoning, and language are studied. You'll compare and contrast major theories in perception, attention, language processing, knowledge representation, decision making, and problem solving while applying cognitive principles to examples of behavior. The course emphasizes selecting, evaluating, and integrating information from empirical sources to answer questions about cognition.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Compare and contrast major theories in perception, attention, language processing, knowledge representation, decision making, and problem solving

• Apply cognitive principles and theories to examples of behavior

• Select and evaluate appropriate empirical sources to answer questions about cognition

• Integrate information from empirical sources to answer questions about cognition

What is the Capstone Seminar?

The Capstone Seminar integrates and applies skills and knowledge acquired as a Psychology major. You'll explore your interests using self-directed learning, read and discuss journal articles, and complete an independent project applying your knowledge to existing controversies, social problems, or research questions in psychology.

In this capstone experience, you'll integrate and apply skills and knowledge acquired as a Psychology major. You'll explore your own interests in psychology using self-directed learning. This includes reading and discussing journal articles, and completing an independent project in which you apply your knowledge to an existing controversy, social problem, or research question. The course emphasizes using existing empirical research to evaluate theories or hypotheses, evaluating strength and quality of empirical evidence, analyzing and classifying research studies, identifying and applying principles from major psychological perspectives, and communicating effectively through professional writing and presentations.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Use existing empirical research to evaluate a theory or hypothesis

• Evaluate strength and quality of existing empirical evidence

• Analyze, interpret, and classify research studies

• Identify and apply principles from the major perspectives in psychology

• Locate and evaluate peer-reviewed sources relevant to a specific topic

• Communicate effectively through professional writing and presentations

What is Psychology of Adulthood and Aging?

Psychology of Adulthood and Aging examines physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes occurring in adulthood and old age. You'll study fundamental research and theories explaining stages and developmental tasks of adulthood while applying the biopsychosocial model to age-related life changes.

This course examines physical, social, emotional, and intellectual alterations occurring in adulthood and old age. The fundamental research and theories explaining the stages and developmental tasks of adulthood are described and evaluated. You'll demonstrate understanding of principles, concepts, and theories related to adult development while learning to apply the biopsychosocial model to identify physical/neurological, psychological, and social consequences of various age-related life changes and challenges in adulthood. The course emphasizes improving oral presentation and writing abilities.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of principles, concepts, and theories related to adult development

• Demonstrate ability to apply the biopsychosocial model to identify the physical/neurological, psychological, and social consequences of various age-related life changes and challenges in adulthood

• Demonstrate improved oral presentation and writing abilities

What is Learning and Memory?

Learning and Memory covers essential theories of learning including classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive theories. You'll study memory processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval plus memory distortions and failures. The course emphasizes applying principles to your own behavior and reporting investigations professionally.

The first part of this course covers essential theories of learning, focusing on principles of classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and cognitive theories of learning. Memory processes of encoding, storage, and retrieval, and memory distortions and failures are covered in the second half of the course. You'll demonstrate understanding of major theories of learning and memory processes, research methods, and explain processes using empirical evidence. The course teaches you to accurately apply principles and theories to your own behavior while clearly and accurately reporting your own investigations in writing and informal in-class presentations.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of major theories of learning and memory processes

• Demonstrate understanding of research methods and explain learning and memory processes using empirical evidence

• Accurately apply principles and theories of learning and memory to own behavior

• Clearly and accurately report own investigations into learning and memory in writing and informal in-class presentations

What is Brain and Behavior?

Brain and Behavior explores underlying neural mechanisms of thoughts, feelings, and behavior plus the reciprocal relationship between behavior and the brain. You'll study topics from basic nervous system cellular structure to biological bases of complex behaviors including memory, emotion, consciousness, and psychopathology while learning about neuroplasticity and brain disorders.

This course explores the underlying neural mechanisms of thoughts, feelings, and behavior as well as the reciprocal relationship between behavior and the brain. Topics range from basic cellular structure of the nervous system to biological basis of complex behaviors such as memory, emotion, states of consciousness, and psychopathology. You'll gain basic knowledge of nervous system structure and function, techniques used to study brain anatomy and function, and understanding of neuroplasticity and the ways structure and function are affected by behavior and environment. The course covers how genetics, environment, social factors, and biological factors interact to affect brain structure and function while developing awareness of common disorders and diseases affecting the brain.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Possess basic knowledge of the structure and function of the nervous system and gain basic knowledge of the common techniques used to study brain anatomy and function

• Gain a basic knowledge of the underlying neural mechanisms of behavior

• Gain an understanding of neuroplasticity and ways in which the structure and function of the brain is affected by behavior and the environment

• Discuss how genetics, the environment, social factors, and biological factors interact to affect brain structure and function

• Develop awareness of common disorders and diseases that affect the brain and nervous system and be able to discuss the underlying neuropathology, behavioral symptoms, and treatments

• Compare and contrast different methods and treatments for studying the brain and brain disorders

• Apply their knowledge of the connection between brain and behavior in community outreach to have a positive impact on others

What is Psychology of Adolescence?

Psychology of Adolescence studies physical, mental, emotional, and social development of adolescents. You'll examine theory and empirical research on adolescence and emerging adulthood, showing relevance to real-world applications including interventions, programming, clinical practice, and parenting. The course explores how individuals and sociocultural contexts interact during adolescence.

This course studies physical, mental, emotional, and social development of the adolescent. You'll become proficient with extant theory and empirical research on adolescence and emerging adulthood through scientific and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology. The course shows relevance of topics to real-world applications such as interventions, programming, clinical practice, parenting, and social policy. You'll develop understanding of how individuals and contexts interact in these age periods, particularly how sociocultural group memberships such as nation, income, gender, and racial/ethnic group are related to adolescent development. Students who have taken PSYC 319 may not take PSYC 346.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Become proficient with extant theory and empirical research on adolescence and emerging adulthood through the scientific and theoretical perspectives of developmental psychology

• Show the relevance of the topics covered to real-world applications such as interventions, programming, clinical practice, parenting, and social policy

• Develop an understanding of how individuals and contexts interact in these age periods; in particular, how sociocultural group memberships, such as nation, income, gender, and racial/ethnic group are related to adolescent development

• Develop skills in developing and communicating knowledge and critical/original thought about these age periods, including discussing, writing, and presenting, which is necessary to evaluate developmental research as a science and as presented in popular media

What is Personality?

Personality examines research and theories explaining personality development and functioning. You'll study major personality theories, demonstrate scientific and statistical reasoning skills, understand ethical considerations related to personality disorders, and develop effective communication skills for discussing personality psychology concepts professionally.

This course examines the research and theories explaining the development of personality and its functioning. You'll demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of major theories of personality and applied personality while developing effective use of scientific and statistical reasoning and information literacy skills. The course emphasizes examining peer-reviewed sources to draw conclusions about issues in personality psychology, understanding APA ethics code and ethical considerations related to treatment and understanding of personality disorders, and demonstrating effective communication skills for discussing key concepts in personality psychology through written assignments or direct discussion.

Upon successful completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major theories of personality and applied personality

• Demonstrate the effective use of scientific/statistical reasoning and information literacy skills, including examining peer-reviewed sources, to draw conclusions about issues in the field of personality psychology

• Demonstrate understanding of the APA ethics code, major ethical considerations, and ethical challenges, as they relate to the treatment and understanding of personality disorders

• Demonstrate effective communication skills as it relates to how they communicate (either through written assignments or direct discussion with others) key concepts in the area of personality psychology