Course Descriptions
PSYC 510 - Psychopathology
3 credits
Study of psychopathology using the DSM-IV, including etiology, assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis. Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in abnormal psychology.
PSYC 512 - Systems of Counseling & Psychotherapy
3 credits
Major theories and interventions in counseling and psychotherapy.
PSYC 513 - Family Systems Theory
1 credit
The family systems perspective and the application of various schools of family systems theory to counseling.
PSYC 515 - Survey of Psychopharmacology
2 credits
Students gain an understanding of the role of pharmacology in the treatment of mental disorders, and become familiar with major classifications of psychotropic drugs and learn their modes of action.
PSYC 517 - Lifespan Human Development
3 credits
Current theories and research in cognitive, physical, social and emotional development over the life span. Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in child or lifespan development.
PSYC 518 - Gender & Sexuality
3 credits
Issues relating to gender identity, gender differences, gender socialization and related topics. An overview of physiological, psychological, and social-cultural variables associated with sexual identity, sexual behavior, and sexual dysfunction. Includes assessment and treatment of sexual abuse and its consequences.
PSYC 520 - Law & Ethics
2 credits
Law and ethics applicable to the professional practice of counseling and psychotherapy; scope of practice issues; mandated reporting laws including the assessment and reporting of child abuse.
PSYC 522 - Cultural Diversity
2 credits
Cultural variations in lifestyle and values, and the relationship of cultural issues to treatment procedures.
PSYC 524 - Substance Abuse and Dependency
3 credits
PSYC 524 Substance Abuse and Dependency (3) Meets the California licensure requirement for training in the detection and treatment of alcoholism and other chemical abuse and dependency.
PSYC 526 - Domestic Violence and Abuse
2 credits
PSYC 526 Domestic Violence and Abuse (2) Meets the California licensure requirement for training in assessment, detection, and intervention of domestic violence and abuse.
PSYC 530 - Diagnostic & Therapeutic Interviewing
3 credits
Knowledge and skills necessary for evaluations, diagnosis, preliminary case formulation, recommendations, and appropriate referrals. Communication skills are developed for effective therapeutic interactions.
PSYC 532 - Applied Behavior Analysis
3 credits
Principles and techniques for performing a functional analysis of problematic behavior using principles of single-case experimental design to develop and evaluate intervention strategies.
PSYC 534 - Group Therapy
2 credits
Examines group formats for therapeutic change.
PSYC 536 - Program Supervision & Evaluation
3 credits
Emphasizes procedures that the practicing clinical psychologist may use to set goals and objectives, document services, evaluate outcomes, perform cost/benefit analyses, and use available information to improve professional services. Includes analysis of current trends in mental health policy, exposure to community resources, and skills in staff training.
PSYC 540 - Principles & Techniques in Child Therapy
3 credits
Issues related to the assessment and treatment of childhood disorders; various psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of children.
PSYC 541 - Principles & Techniques in Adolescent Therapy
3 credits
Issues related to the assessment and treatment of adolescent disorders; various psychotherapeutic approaches to the treatment of adolescents.
PSYC 542 - Principles & Techniques in Marital Therapy
3 credits
Principles & Techniques in Marital Therapy Marital relationships; various approaches to marital therapy; assessment and intervention; issues of divorce.
PSYC 543 - Principles & Techniques in Family Therapy
3 credits
Family relationships; application of family therapy theory and techniques.
PSYC 544 - Principles of Psychiatric Rehabilitation
3 credits
Principles and philosophy of working with adults with serious mental illnesses. Use of functional assessment methods to analyze behavioral assets, excesses and deficits in order to define and plan rehabilitation goals.
PSYC 545 - Techniques in Psychiatric Rehabilitation
3 credits
Application of behavioral and social learning principles in working with adults with serious mental illnesses. Development of the ability to conduct skills training necessary for consumers to maintain independent living skills, interpersonal skills, social perception skills, problem-solving skills, and vocational skills.
PSYC 550 - Survey of Psychological Testing
3 credits
Introductory survey of assessment issues, acquainting students with techniques of assessment and an understanding of the use of testing and test results.
PSYC 561 - Research Synthesis & Evaluation
3 credits
Research methodology, with a focus on developing skills in utilizing the professional literature. Emphasis will be given to helping students become knowledgeable consumers of research. Prerequisite: Undergraduate course in statistics.
PSYC 562 - Advanced Statistics
3 credits
Advanced statistical methods, including univariate and multivariate analysis of variance, correlation, multiple regression, factor analysis, and other methods. Computer applications of statistical software for data analysis purposes will be emphasized. Prerequisites: Undergraduate statistics plus undergraduate experimental psychology or research methods.
PSYC 564 - Advanced Research Methods
3 credits
Research and evaluation methodology, including consideration of experimental, quasi-experimental, and other methods. Students write a detailed prospectus of a research project applying research methodology to a topic of interest. Prerequisite: PSYC 562
PSYC 565 - Research Practicum
3 credits
Applied knowledge base and research skills necessary for successful completion of a thesis. Requires completion of the first three chapters of the thesis. Prerequisites: PSYC 564
PSYC 566 - Thesis
3 credits
Supervised experience in conducting research for writing the master’s thesis.
PSYC 582 - Selected Topics
3 credits
Topics of current and particular interests or concern in counseling or clinical psychology. Students may enroll in more than one selected topics course.
PSYC 590 - Independent Study
1 credit
Approved research in an area not covered by course work listed in this catalog.
PSYC 591 - Counseling Practicum I
2 credits
Placement in the University’s Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Center. Completion of PSYC 591, 592 and 593 constitutes a 12- month practicum. Hours applicable to licensing requirement. Practicum fee in addition to tuition. Prerequisites: PSYC 530 and consent of center director.
PSYC 592 - Counseling Practicum II
2 credits
Placement in the University’s Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Center. Completion of PSYC 591, 592 and 593 constitutes a 12-month practicum. Hours applicable to licensing requirement. Practicum fee in addition to tuition. Prerequisite: PSYC 591
PSYC 593 - Counseling Practicum III
2 credits
Placement in the University’s Marriage, Family and Child Counseling Center. Completion of PSYC 591, 592 and 593 constitutes a 12- month practicum. Hours applicable to licensing requirement. Practicum fee in addition to tuition. Prerequisite: PSYC 592
The Program
Related Links
Discover the Program
Find out about degree options, admission requirements, financial aid and course offerings. Meet faculty and talk with admission counselors.
