Graduate Coursework
PSYC 600: Introduction to Measurement and Statistics (3)-An introduction to measurement and statistical tools used in conducting research. Specific topics include: reliability and validity; research methods and statistical analysis; quantitative and qualitative methods; needs assessment and program evaluation; use of technology; and legal and ethical issues of research.
PSYC 601: Mindfulness in K-12 Settings (3)- This innovative graduate-credit course, which provides both online and on campus experiences, addresses foundational components of school-based mindfulness interventions for grades K-12. Class time will typically involve a short practice, a review of readings and comments, introduction of new material, and ideas for intervention and application.
PSYC 607: Assessment Procedures in Counseling (3)- A study of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation. Activities include administering, scoring, and interpreting tests of ability, interest, personality, and achievement for both children and adults. Students also assess case studies, perform a self-analysis, and review selected assessment procedures. Computer-assisted assessment and ethical issues are addressed.
PSYC 660: Counseling Theories (3)-A study of the philosophy and principles of various schools of counseling, and the techniques employed in the counseling process by practitioners in each of these schools.
PSYC 661: Counseling Techniques (3)- An opportunity to learn fundamental counseling skills that form the foundations of successful counseling practice. Students develop these skills through experiential learning activities, directed reading assignments, discussions and lectures, practice in small groups, and participation in critiques of videotaped microcounseling sessions
PSYC 614: Advanced Developmental Psychology (3)- An overview of the theories, and applications relevant to development of behavior and mental processes throughout the life span.
PSYC 640: School Counseling (3)-An introduction to the history, theory, philosophy, principles, organization, and personnel practices of school counseling. Specific topics include: developing and evaluating programs; intervening with individuals, groups, parents and schools; dealing with diverse students; and addressing legal, ethical and professional identity issues.
PSYC 669: Career Development (3)-The impact of career choice throughout the life span is explored. Vocational theories and a variety of approaches to career decision-making will be introduced. Several career-related assessment instruments will be used to help students develop skills in administration and interpretation.
PSYC 663: Substance Abuse Counseling (3)- A study of substance abuse to include related personal, social and physiological factors, and methods of rehabilitation and counseling for the chemically dependent.
PSYC 664: Counseling Process (3)-An experiential study of the relationship between counselor and client. Explores the phases of relationship from initiation to termination, including predictable crises and issues which normally arise. Analysis of resistance, transference and counter transference, dependency, and termination issues will be discussed. Attention will also be given to gender and diversity issues
PSYC 665: Group Counseling (3)- A study of the theories, techniques, dynamics, process and practice of group counseling. Students become members of a laboratory group and also conduct research into issues of group counseling. Each student pairs with a partner, creates an intervention plan, and facilitates the group process.
PSYC 685: Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Intervention Planning (3)- Training and practice in the following: making reliable and valid diagnoses of mental disorders; appropriately addressing the ethical and cultural issues involved; performing collaborative diagnostic interviews; participating in effective case conferences; and planning interventions to achieve therapeutic goals.
PSYC 695: Practicum (3)- The purpose of the School Counseling Practicum is to introduce students to the role and function of a professional school counselor and assist them in becoming familiar with the school as a work setting. Students will serve as "apprentices" in a local school under the guidance of a Virginia Department of Education licensed school counselor and will participate in a variety of activities including providing individual and group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, consultation and collaboration, and coordination of services.
PSYC 710: Counseling Strategies: Brief Counseling and Crisis Intervention (3)- This course is an introduction to the models and techniques of time-limited counseling and crisis intervention. Students learn the principles involved in helping clients toward resolution of their concerns, and practice the micro-skills involved in goal-oriented efficient brief counseling Using these skills, they then develop resolution-focused, immediate crisis intervention strategies. Specific crisis intervention practices include suicide prevention, outreach approaches, and disaster intervention.
PSYC 749: Multicultural Perspectives of Intervention (3)- Offers a cognitive and experiential study of sociological and psychological variables, such as race, gender and socioeconomic status, that influence the professional helping relationship. Culturally relevant models of counseling theory and practice are presented.
PSYC 790: Internship in School Counseling (3)- The school counseling internship provides an opportunity for students to implement and practice skills learned during academic coursework, while obtaining close supervision on and off site. Students will read current literature in the school counseling field and also will implement skills such as consultation, peer supervision, and program implementation/evaluation as outlined by ASCA. The internship requires a minimum of 300 clock hours each semester with a minimum of 120 clock hours of direct service work.
PSYC 790B: Internship in School Counseling (3)- The school counseling internship provides an opportunity for students to implement and practice skills learned during academic coursework, while obtaining close supervision on and off site. Students will read current literature in the school counseling field and also will implement skills such as consultation, peer supervision, and program implementation/evaluation as outlined by ASCA. The internship requires a minimum of 300 clock hours each semester with a minimum of 120 clock hours of direct service work.
Total Hours: 51
PSYC 601: Mindfulness in K-12 Settings (3)- This innovative graduate-credit course, which provides both online and on campus experiences, addresses foundational components of school-based mindfulness interventions for grades K-12. Class time will typically involve a short practice, a review of readings and comments, introduction of new material, and ideas for intervention and application.
PSYC 607: Assessment Procedures in Counseling (3)- A study of individual and group approaches to assessment and evaluation. Activities include administering, scoring, and interpreting tests of ability, interest, personality, and achievement for both children and adults. Students also assess case studies, perform a self-analysis, and review selected assessment procedures. Computer-assisted assessment and ethical issues are addressed.
PSYC 660: Counseling Theories (3)-A study of the philosophy and principles of various schools of counseling, and the techniques employed in the counseling process by practitioners in each of these schools.
PSYC 661: Counseling Techniques (3)- An opportunity to learn fundamental counseling skills that form the foundations of successful counseling practice. Students develop these skills through experiential learning activities, directed reading assignments, discussions and lectures, practice in small groups, and participation in critiques of videotaped microcounseling sessions
PSYC 614: Advanced Developmental Psychology (3)- An overview of the theories, and applications relevant to development of behavior and mental processes throughout the life span.
PSYC 640: School Counseling (3)-An introduction to the history, theory, philosophy, principles, organization, and personnel practices of school counseling. Specific topics include: developing and evaluating programs; intervening with individuals, groups, parents and schools; dealing with diverse students; and addressing legal, ethical and professional identity issues.
PSYC 669: Career Development (3)-The impact of career choice throughout the life span is explored. Vocational theories and a variety of approaches to career decision-making will be introduced. Several career-related assessment instruments will be used to help students develop skills in administration and interpretation.
PSYC 663: Substance Abuse Counseling (3)- A study of substance abuse to include related personal, social and physiological factors, and methods of rehabilitation and counseling for the chemically dependent.
PSYC 664: Counseling Process (3)-An experiential study of the relationship between counselor and client. Explores the phases of relationship from initiation to termination, including predictable crises and issues which normally arise. Analysis of resistance, transference and counter transference, dependency, and termination issues will be discussed. Attention will also be given to gender and diversity issues
PSYC 665: Group Counseling (3)- A study of the theories, techniques, dynamics, process and practice of group counseling. Students become members of a laboratory group and also conduct research into issues of group counseling. Each student pairs with a partner, creates an intervention plan, and facilitates the group process.
PSYC 685: Psychopathology: Diagnosis and Intervention Planning (3)- Training and practice in the following: making reliable and valid diagnoses of mental disorders; appropriately addressing the ethical and cultural issues involved; performing collaborative diagnostic interviews; participating in effective case conferences; and planning interventions to achieve therapeutic goals.
PSYC 695: Practicum (3)- The purpose of the School Counseling Practicum is to introduce students to the role and function of a professional school counselor and assist them in becoming familiar with the school as a work setting. Students will serve as "apprentices" in a local school under the guidance of a Virginia Department of Education licensed school counselor and will participate in a variety of activities including providing individual and group counseling, classroom guidance lessons, consultation and collaboration, and coordination of services.
PSYC 710: Counseling Strategies: Brief Counseling and Crisis Intervention (3)- This course is an introduction to the models and techniques of time-limited counseling and crisis intervention. Students learn the principles involved in helping clients toward resolution of their concerns, and practice the micro-skills involved in goal-oriented efficient brief counseling Using these skills, they then develop resolution-focused, immediate crisis intervention strategies. Specific crisis intervention practices include suicide prevention, outreach approaches, and disaster intervention.
PSYC 749: Multicultural Perspectives of Intervention (3)- Offers a cognitive and experiential study of sociological and psychological variables, such as race, gender and socioeconomic status, that influence the professional helping relationship. Culturally relevant models of counseling theory and practice are presented.
PSYC 790: Internship in School Counseling (3)- The school counseling internship provides an opportunity for students to implement and practice skills learned during academic coursework, while obtaining close supervision on and off site. Students will read current literature in the school counseling field and also will implement skills such as consultation, peer supervision, and program implementation/evaluation as outlined by ASCA. The internship requires a minimum of 300 clock hours each semester with a minimum of 120 clock hours of direct service work.
PSYC 790B: Internship in School Counseling (3)- The school counseling internship provides an opportunity for students to implement and practice skills learned during academic coursework, while obtaining close supervision on and off site. Students will read current literature in the school counseling field and also will implement skills such as consultation, peer supervision, and program implementation/evaluation as outlined by ASCA. The internship requires a minimum of 300 clock hours each semester with a minimum of 120 clock hours of direct service work.
Total Hours: 51
Relevant Undergraduate Coursework
EDUC 200: Foundations of American Education (3)-An examination of the relationship between the school as a social institution and the larger society. This is accomplished through a variety of ways, but mainly through a combination of philosophical, historical, and problem-oriented inquiry into that relationship. The assumption is that a teacher who has developed an understanding of the vital relationships between school and society is in a position to see his or her professional roles beyond the narrow confines of the classroom, and, out of such a perspective, will emerge a more sensitive and effective teacher
EDUC 320: The Social and Psychological Conditions of Learning (5)- A reflective exploration of the knower (the learner), knowing (learning), the known (knowledge), and the contexts in which knowledge is constructed through teaching/learning. Includes a field component in a public school classroom.
EDUC 360: Survey of Exceptional Children (3)- A course to familiarize the student with the nature, etiology, specific characteristics, and needs of the exceptional child. The course is designed to meet basic certification requirements in those states that require a minimum of three hours of course work in special education in order to be certified. It is equally relevant to early education, elementary education, secondary education, therapeutic recreation, psychology, and nursing.
PSYC 251: Research Methods in Psychology (3)- This course is an overview of research design in psychology. Topics covered include research ethics, reliability, and validity of psychological measures, observational and survey methods, quasiexperimental designs, and experimental design and control.
PSYC 309: Abnormal Psychology (3)- This course takes an integrative approach to the understanding of psychological disorders, exploring biological, psychological, and social influences and their interaction. Scientifically grounded methods of assessment and treatment are emphasized and cultural differences in psychological difficulties and their treatment will also be discussed.
PSYC 311: Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)- An introduction to theoretical systems and approaches to the prevention and treatment of psychological difficulties, with an emphasis on empirically supported interventions.
PSYC 331: Counseling Children (3)- This course focuses on the main components of an elementary school counseling program: counseling (both individual and small group), class guidance, and consultation. Included is information about how to use a variety of counseling techniques, an overview of relevant counseling approaches, childhood social-emotional developmental issues and situational concerns, evaluation and treatment planning, and legal and ethical issues specific to the elementary counseling setting.
PSYC 340: Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3)- This course consists of an introduction to the scientific study of human development over the lifespan.
PSYC 341: Infant/Child Development (3)- This course is designed to help students understand their own developmental past, present, and future which they may then use as parents or in their career paths involving infants and children. This course examines topics of classic and contemporary developmental theories, research, and concepts as they apply to the developing person from conception through childhood. These topics will focus on the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial perspectives of human development.
PSYC 405: Social Psychology (3)- A study of the interaction of individuals in group situations, the products of collective activity, and their influence upon the individual.
PSYC 415: Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)- This course is a survey of the psychological instruments available for the measurement of human behavior, beliefs, and attitudes.
PSYC 420: History and Systems of Psychology (3)- An overview of the historical and philosophical basis of psychology and the relationship of contemporary systems.
PSYC 461: Biopsychology (3)- This course involves a study of structure and function of the nervous system. Students will gain an appreciation for the biological basis of everyday behaviors and an understanding of the physiological correlates of many types of psychological pathology.
PSYC 484: Directed Readings (3)- As a first course in a series of two, the Directed Readings seminar is designed to prepare students for the senior thesis capstone course. In collaboration with a faculty mentor, the student will develop an idea for an original research project, conduct a review of the relevant literature, and generate an appropriate research design. The final product of the class will be an APA format paper describing the final design.
PSYC 485: Senior Thesis (3)- Students acquire and perform skills involved in conducting and reporting empirical research. These include the forming of hypotheses, designing research to test those hypotheses, analysis of the resulting data, and the writing up of a complete report of the research results following APA guidelines. This is the Department of Psychology’s capstone course, designed to foster and evaluate the students’ fundamental understanding of psychology as an empirical research science.
SOCI 303: The Family (3)- This course is an objective description and analysis of families. The course will examine the development and functions of traditional family forms as well as explore a variety of other family forms. Problems and issues facing contemporary families will be addressed. Diversity among American families will be emphasized.
EDUC 320: The Social and Psychological Conditions of Learning (5)- A reflective exploration of the knower (the learner), knowing (learning), the known (knowledge), and the contexts in which knowledge is constructed through teaching/learning. Includes a field component in a public school classroom.
EDUC 360: Survey of Exceptional Children (3)- A course to familiarize the student with the nature, etiology, specific characteristics, and needs of the exceptional child. The course is designed to meet basic certification requirements in those states that require a minimum of three hours of course work in special education in order to be certified. It is equally relevant to early education, elementary education, secondary education, therapeutic recreation, psychology, and nursing.
PSYC 251: Research Methods in Psychology (3)- This course is an overview of research design in psychology. Topics covered include research ethics, reliability, and validity of psychological measures, observational and survey methods, quasiexperimental designs, and experimental design and control.
PSYC 309: Abnormal Psychology (3)- This course takes an integrative approach to the understanding of psychological disorders, exploring biological, psychological, and social influences and their interaction. Scientifically grounded methods of assessment and treatment are emphasized and cultural differences in psychological difficulties and their treatment will also be discussed.
PSYC 311: Introduction to Clinical Psychology (3)- An introduction to theoretical systems and approaches to the prevention and treatment of psychological difficulties, with an emphasis on empirically supported interventions.
PSYC 331: Counseling Children (3)- This course focuses on the main components of an elementary school counseling program: counseling (both individual and small group), class guidance, and consultation. Included is information about how to use a variety of counseling techniques, an overview of relevant counseling approaches, childhood social-emotional developmental issues and situational concerns, evaluation and treatment planning, and legal and ethical issues specific to the elementary counseling setting.
PSYC 340: Lifespan Developmental Psychology (3)- This course consists of an introduction to the scientific study of human development over the lifespan.
PSYC 341: Infant/Child Development (3)- This course is designed to help students understand their own developmental past, present, and future which they may then use as parents or in their career paths involving infants and children. This course examines topics of classic and contemporary developmental theories, research, and concepts as they apply to the developing person from conception through childhood. These topics will focus on the biological, cognitive, and psychosocial perspectives of human development.
PSYC 405: Social Psychology (3)- A study of the interaction of individuals in group situations, the products of collective activity, and their influence upon the individual.
PSYC 415: Psychological Tests and Measurements (3)- This course is a survey of the psychological instruments available for the measurement of human behavior, beliefs, and attitudes.
PSYC 420: History and Systems of Psychology (3)- An overview of the historical and philosophical basis of psychology and the relationship of contemporary systems.
PSYC 461: Biopsychology (3)- This course involves a study of structure and function of the nervous system. Students will gain an appreciation for the biological basis of everyday behaviors and an understanding of the physiological correlates of many types of psychological pathology.
PSYC 484: Directed Readings (3)- As a first course in a series of two, the Directed Readings seminar is designed to prepare students for the senior thesis capstone course. In collaboration with a faculty mentor, the student will develop an idea for an original research project, conduct a review of the relevant literature, and generate an appropriate research design. The final product of the class will be an APA format paper describing the final design.
PSYC 485: Senior Thesis (3)- Students acquire and perform skills involved in conducting and reporting empirical research. These include the forming of hypotheses, designing research to test those hypotheses, analysis of the resulting data, and the writing up of a complete report of the research results following APA guidelines. This is the Department of Psychology’s capstone course, designed to foster and evaluate the students’ fundamental understanding of psychology as an empirical research science.
SOCI 303: The Family (3)- This course is an objective description and analysis of families. The course will examine the development and functions of traditional family forms as well as explore a variety of other family forms. Problems and issues facing contemporary families will be addressed. Diversity among American families will be emphasized.