Designed to expose the student to how the scientific enterprise is applied to research on human development. A three-pronged focus includes research design, data collection, and the use of statistics in the analysis and interpretation of data.

Surveys physical, cognitive, social, moral and emotional development across the human lifespan. The course incorporates theories, methods, and research with both children and adults. Identifies moral/ethical issues and encourages the student to reflect on how such issues apply to his or her own life experiences.

Introduces the student to the field of psychobiology. Specific content will include basic concepts, major theoretical viewpoints, and research findings relating to a variety of topics, such as the structure and function of neurons, the anatomy of the nervous system, lateralization and language, sleep, the regulation of internal body states, emotional behaviors and stress, and recovery from brain damage.

Social Psychology is the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. This course will serve as a general introduction to many of the principles and concepts of Social Psychology and help students apply them in practical contexts. Students will review various sociological approaches in this field that may directly and indirectly affect social phenomena. The applied nature of the course will touch the array of topics from the individual to the group level of analysis. Social Psychology bridges the gap between disciplines of Psychology, which focuses primarily on the individual, and Sociology, which focuses primarily on the group/society, thus serving students well in their later applied work. This class will culminate with students generating an assessment instrument and interviewing a peer in order to reflect on social and cultural factors that shape their life experiences.

Application of principles and methods which address social issues and problems related to diverse populations. Topics addressed may include law and justice, health and health care, education, and inter-group relations. Engages the student in the applications of principles and methods of counseling and social services. The student develops abilities in the areas prevention and social level interventions. Systemic and ecological theories of human behavior as they pertain to the individual and community will be discussed. The student will develop skills in interviewing, assessment, and evaluation with diverse populations.

Study of traditional and contemporary personality theory, with emphasis on theory, research methods, and assessment. Consideration of the development of personality and of whether it can or does change across the lifespan, and a critical appraisal of key personality theories from developmental and other perspectives.

Introduces the student to various theoretical viewpoints that explain how we learn. The basic principles of classical and operant conditioning; observational learning; and cognitive, humanistic, and radical-conscientization theories will be discussed. How these theories can be applied in the everyday settings of home, school, and work will be an important focus.

Uses a case-finding approach in a study of biopsychosocial disorders across the lifespan, particularly their assessment and treatment. Traditional categories of psychological disturbance will be discussed as well as issues associated with the duality of illness and wellness, and the legal and ethical implications of mental dysfunction.

The practicum includes observation and hands-on experience within an appropriate agency. The student will develop and/or work on a larger institutional-wide project. It involves reflection and application of theory and research learned in the classroom to practical situations in the work setting. The student will apply counseling theory and methods utilizing traditional and multicultural perspectives to inform their practice. The practicum is designed to increase the student's knowledge related to the available resources in communities, churches, hospitals and social service agencies. The practicum is one full semester in length.