Department of Psychology
For updated information, see our website at www.fhsu.edu/psych/.
The Department of Psychology offers courses (undergraduate and graduate) that provide a solid foundation in the science of behavior and mental processes. The undergraduate program prepares graduates who can compete effectively in the job market or who can go on to graduate study, if desired. The graduate programs serve essentially the same purposes, but at an advanced level.
The Department of Psychology is known for its faculty who are committed to achieving excellence in a number of areas including teaching, research, publishing, and community affairs, as well as other professional endeavors. While members of the faculty have varied interests that represent several active areas of psychology, each member fosters interaction with other colleagues. Such diversity is often viewed as a strength within the discipline and provides the student with a variety of viewpoints. Students who enter our programs are encouraged to become active participants in the dynamic and growing discipline of psychology. Faculty members are committed to the professional development of all psychology students. Upon declaring a major in psychology, each student is assigned an advisor. The student and advisor then develop a program of study that will best meet both the unique professional goals of the student, as well as fulfill departmental and university requirements.
Most classes are relatively small, so students are able to interact with professors should they need clarification of course material or other general advisement. At both the undergraduate and graduate level, students have the opportunity to work with faculty members and in some cases are supported by grants. Students are encouraged to publish or present their research at professional meetings. Students also have the opportunity to become members of Psi Chi, the national organization for psychology majors, and/or members of the Psychology Club, a local organization that sponsors social events that pertain to psychology. In total, the department offers a quality education in an environment with concerned professors who routinely use and encourage the use of advanced computer technology (a 25-machine computing facility is available in the department). Our programs provide a solid base for future employment opportunities, advanced coursework, and understanding behavior and mental processes.
Department of Psychology Faculty & Staff
See department page online for full listing
This course involves a survey of principles related to human and animal behavior. The focus will be on the evaluation of theories and methods of analyses, related research, and practical applications of principles of behavior.
A systematic study of the classification, description, and treatment of human psychological disorders. Students will examine mental health perspectives and emerging issues in the mental health field while developing skills and insights, such as self-awareness, empathy, interpersonal communication, and ethical decision-making, crucial for personal growth and success in diverse professional contexts.
This course involves the study of the individual in social interaction and social influence situations. The focus will be on the investigation of theoretical, empirical, and practical issues related to interpersonal behavior and group processes.
The subject matter will vary from semester to semester. Students pursue intensive study in one area of psychology.
This course examines the developmental, cognitive, and neurological underpinnings of violent criminal behaviors: including serial, mass and spree murder; domestic and international terrorism; genocide; and sexual assault of adults/children. Also discussed will be risk assessment, the diagnosis of psychopathy, and the limited role of mental health diagnoses in criminal behavior.
This course is designed as an introduction to evidence-based practices and the basic applied principles of the work done by Case Managers in a Mental Health Setting. Mental Health Case Management principles and approaches with SPMI designated adults and SED designated children and youth clients and their families to help assure that they can live in the most independent, productive, and dignified manner possible.
A survey course dealing with the theoretical assumptions of why changes in behavior occur during the growth and development of the individual.
A survey course dealing with the theoretical assumptions of why changes in behavior occur during the social and emotional growth and development of the individual.
This course examines the effects of the aging process and includes the influence of stereotypes, physiological and psychological changes, and environmental forces on the beliefs, self-esteem and actions of aging persons.
This course is a systematic exploration of the psychology of intimate relationships. Historical perspectives and recent research on topics such as, attraction, sexuality, jealousy, forgiveness, and relationship maintenance will be covered. Focus will be mostly on romantic relationships; however, how our relationships with others (e.g., friendships; family; work relationships) help us to form a foundation for our romantic partnerships will also be discussed.
This course involves a survey of principles related to the psychology of human sport performance and exercise. Many of these concepts and principles are applicable to not only sport and exercise, but to a wide range of human performance activities as well. The focus will be on the evaluation of theories and methods of analyses, related research, and practical applications of principles of sport psychology, exercise, and performance.
The purpose of this course is to review classical studies in JDM and critically examine the research evidence. In addition to developing critical thinking skills, this course will allow you to apply principles and findings of research studies to a decision task of your choice. You will develop professional oral presentation and short report writing skills at the end of the course
This course provides a conceptualization and overview of the varied forms of addictive behaviors and treatments, including gambling, online gaming, food addiction, pornography addiction, sex addiction, compulsive shopping, Internet addiction, and a variety of impulse control disorders, among others. Attention is given to the relationship between behavioral addictions and substance addictions across a number of domains, including their natural history, phenomenology, comorbidity, genetic predisposition, neurobiological mechanisms, and response to treatment.
Eating Disorders introduces the characteristics and criteria associated with a variety of forms of disordered eating. Special attention is dedicated to understanding eating disorders in specific groups and multicultural populations. Attention is also given to critical factors in the development and maintenance of eating disorders as well as the medical and physiological consequences of eating disorders. Finally, treatment and prevention strategies for strategies are explored.
Intensive inquiry into various areas of psychology.
An introduction to methods of analysis of research data in the behavioral and social sciences. Includes measurement problems, data description, frequency distributions, central tendency, variability, norms, correlation, hypothesis testing, decision making, and evaluation of the results of empirical investigations. Emphasis will be placed on real world applications of statistics.
A beginning course in the basic techniques in experimental methodology: how to formulate a problem, design a study to answer the question, organize the results and communicate them in a formal style.
This course covers a number of topics in neuropsychology, including the mapping of mental functioning onto the brain and the assessment of selected neurological difficulties.
This workshop is an in-service improvement activity, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, where the students will explore new skills, techniques and information related to a problem or area of interest or practical application.
This workshop is an in-service improvement activity, at either the undergraduate or graduate level, where the students will explore new skills, techniques and information related to a problem or area of interest or practical application.
Study of experimental methods in psychology. Provides experience in formulating experimental problems, designing experiments, collecting data, analyzing and interpreting data, and writing scientific reports.
Hypothesis testing and basic experimental design. Applications of t, f, and chi-square distributions.
A course designed to prepare you for professional licensure as a Licensed Masters Level Psychologist by studying for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP). A study package developed by the Association for Advanced Training in the Behavioral Sciences (AATBS) will cover the knowledge that most recent practice analyses have determined as foundational to the competent practice of psychology.
Intensive inquiry into various areas of psychology.
Subject of study varies with each offering. Includes, but not restricted to motivation, comparative and animal behavior, advanced social processes, learning, perception, and personality theory.
Completing this course will provide graduate school psychology candidates with a broad range of skills related to designing and implementing counseling and mental health services in the school setting. The course is designed to prepare students to provide direct school psychological services as related to Domain 4, Mental and Behavioral Health Services and Intervention, as defined by the National Association of School Psychologists Practice Model for Comprehensive and Integrated School Psychological Services. Students will develop skills related to evaluating social/emotional needs, developing prevention and intervention programs to meet the needs of all students through treatment plans and identification of evidence-based practices, and providing direct counseling services.
Intensive inquiry into various areas of psychology.
Successful completion of this course will provide candidates with knowledge and skills to complete problem-solving applications of law and professional ethics in the school setting, and to identify and use resources that support following legal requirements in the provision of school psychological services. The course is designed to assist in preparing students to apply laws and ethics in delivery of comprehensive and integrated services across general domains of school psychology practice.
Preparation of a portfolio as outlined by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) for national certification.
Empirical research resulting in a bound thesis. A student may enroll in this course a maximum of two times.