BSU Catalog Home | Graduate Psychology Program | All-University Courses and Descriptions

Graduate Course Offerings
Psychology (PSY)

5328 BEHAVIORAL AND COGNITIVE INTERVENTION (4 credits) Behavioral theory and the method of applied behavior analysis are explored. Therapeutic application of behavioral and cognitive/behavioral principles to human problems in various settings is practiced. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5332 COUNSELING AND CRISIS INTERVENTIONS (4 credits) A practical, skills-based introduction to the development of interpersonal awareness, beginning counseling techniques, and crisis intervention techniques.

5337 GROUP PROCESSES (3 credits) The examination and practical application of principles and dynamics underlying group behavior from a psychological perspective. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5347 PSYCHOLOGICAL MEASUREMENT (3 credits) This course is designed to provide a basic understanding of psychometric theory and methods of psychological test construction, and to effect familiarity with established measures of personality, interests, intelligence, and academic achievement. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5357 INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits) Presentation and analysis of theoretical, technical, and applied aspects of psychology in work settings. Topics include: human resources activities (selection, training, and evaluation of personnel), work motivation, job satisfaction, leadership, organizational structure, group/team communication, working conditions. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5377 TYPICAL AND ATYPICAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE PRESCHOOL CHILD (2 credits) The study of the theories and research pertaining to the typical and atypical development of the preschool child in the intellectual, emotional, social, cultural, and physical areas.

5401 BASIC STATISTICS FOR RESEARCH (4 credits) Measures of central tendency, variability, and shape; t-tests; correlation; linear regression; chi-square tests; and one-way analysis of variance. Emphasis is on the use of appropriate statistical procedures for research using SPSS statistical software.

5403 ADVANCED STATISTICS AND RESEARCH DESIGN (4 credits) Advanced statistics, focusing on factorial analysis of variance and multiple regression using SPSS, as well as associated research designs. Emphasis on logic, applications, and communication. Prerequisites: PSY 5401 or consent of instructor.

5408 HUMAN SERVICES PROGRAM MANAGEMENT (3 credits) Theories and techniques of managing human service agencies including planning, administration, evaluation, and grant writing.

5467 PERSONALITY THEORIES (3 credits) Introduction to major theories of personality and related research.

5469 FAMILY SYSTEMS (3 credits) An introduction to family systems theory and accompanying therapy. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5487 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY (3 credits) Contemporary issues and theories in psychology and their historical developments. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

5587 ADVANCED TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY (2-4 credits) In-depth study of topics of current interest in psychology. Prerequisite: Grad status in Counseling Psychology or consent of instructor.

6002 COUNSELING RESEARCH METHODS (3 credits) The basic principles of designing, conducting, and reporting on psychological investigations concerning counseling issues. Prerequisite: PSY 5403 or SOC 5001.

6118 THEORIES OF COUNSELING AND PSYCHOTHERAPY (3 credits) This course surveys major concepts and practices of the contemporary therapeutic systems and addresses ethical and professional issues in counseling practice. This course is required in the first semester of graduate work. It is the first course in the program and is limited to students fully admitted into the program. Prerequisite: Full admission to the M.S. in Counseling Psychology.

6119 ADVANCED PSYCHOPATHOLOGY: DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT MODALITIES (3 credits) This course provides a framework for understanding the range of psychological disorders as presented in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR). Focuses on the description, etiology, assessment, and treatment of the major diagnostic categories based on an investigation of the current empirical literature. Prerequisite: PSY 6118.

6120 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (3 credits) This course focuses on how child psychopathology is normal development gone awry. The study of normal development is an essential piece of understanding childhood disturbances. It presents the latest information on infant mental health and diagnostics utilizing the DC: 0-3 and covers appropriate treatment modalities for infants and children. Prerequisites: PSY 6118 and PSY 6119.

6229 ASSESSMENT AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT (3 credits) Overview of theories of career development, career choice, and decision making, emphasizing assessment (abilities, personality, and vocational interests), vocational guidance strategies, and sources of occupational information. Prerequisite: Undergraduate measurement course.

6331 PRACTICUM IN COUNSELING AND SUPERVISION (3 credits) This laboratory course prepares students in advanced counseling skills prior to their field work. Students engage in videotaped simulated counseling sessions and receive supervision to ensure competencies before meeting actual clients. Students are also introduced to clinical supervision by co-supervising one student during the course. Prerequisite: One undergraduate basic helping skills course.

6332 ADVANCED PRACTICUM (3 credits) Students engage in supervised individual counseling sessions conducted in community settings. These sessions are audio/videotaped. Students also meet individually and in a group with the faculty supervisor. This course is for students intending to become licensed professional counselors. Prerequisites: PSY 6331 and consent of advisor.

6337 GROUP COUNSELING (3 credits) An integrated approach to traditional theories and concepts of group counseling and psychotherapy. Emphasizes practical knowledge and techniques for effective group leadership. Prerequisite: Admission to Counseling Psychology M.S. program.

6407 STUDENT AFFAIRS ADMINISTRATION (3 credits) Introduction to the administration of student affairs in higher education, focusing on the history, philosophical foundations, professional ethics, and standards of the college student development profession. Also studies the functional areas of student affairs and special issues related to those.

6408 ISSUES IN COLLEGE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT (3 credits) Examination of theoretical frameworks and perspectives for understanding college student development. Also explores how to apply theory to practice in working with college students, and contemporary college student issues.

6469 FAMILY THERAPY (3 credits) Introduction to the various theories of the family as a system. Along with the theoretical is a healthy dose of practical applications from the different perspectives, including assessment and therapy. Students conduct case analyses and participate in interviewing simulated families as part of the applied focus of the course. This is not a practicum. Prerequisite: Admission to Counseling Psychology M.S. program.

6777 PROFESSIONAL ETHICS: THEORY AND PRACTICE OF PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY (2 credits) Introduction to theories of ethics, the application of ethical principles in the professional practice of counseling, and specific areas of ethical concern in practicing with diverse populations. Addresses relevant theory, research, and legal decisions regarding specific areas of professional conduct, such as informed consent, confidentiality, duty to warn and protect, dual relationships, value differences between counselor and client, and oppression of minority groups. Students utilize this information by researching an institutional implementation of a professional code of ethics.

6778 COUNSELING IN A DIVERSE SOCIETY (2 credits) Introduction to issues of human diversity relevant to counseling professionals. Explores the impact of differences in communication, values, social structures, and sense of personal identity; issues of discrimination, stereotyping, and lack of awareness of differences; research and theory relevant to multicultural practices; institutionalized practices that discriminate based on ethnic, cultural, gender, and physical differences; and institutionalized practices that attempt to decrease such discrimination. Students will apply this information to their own counseling experiences.

6870 RESEARCH PROPOSAL SEMINAR (1 credit) This course helps students develop an advisor-approved topic, problem statement, and research proposal based on the problem statement. Students also conduct a relevant literature review. Prerequisite: PSY 6002.

6888 PERSONAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT (1 credit) Examination of the clinical implications of developmental processes, theories of development, and life transitions that pertain to students’ growth as individuals and as counselors within the critical contexts of gender, culture, family relationships, and prior experiences.

6970 INTERNSHIP IN COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY (9 credits) A planned program of supervised professional experience in a school, college, or community agency setting designed to develop competency in the counseling field. The nature and placement of the internship is determined by the student’s career goals and program of study. Because of the diversity of career goals, student characteristics, and learning experiences of each student, the internship must be individually developed by each student in cooperation with the advisor. Prerequisites: Completion of coursework and program faculty approval.