Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Curriculum
Today's job market requires graduates to be more than just experts in their fields. They need to be able to apply and adapt a wide array of skills and experiences to fit the changing needs of society. To make sure our students have the knowledge and skills they need to compete in a competitive job market, our psychology curriculum has four main components.
Major Courses: Focus and Depth
These courses provide an opportunity to understand the psychology field in greater depth. In short, these are the "nuts and bolts" courses you'll need to land a job in the broad field of psychology.
General Education Core
As a career-oriented university with a strong tradition in the liberal arts, Post University is committed to providing you with a firm foundation in the sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities. The general education core at Post University provides you with the ability to make connections across disciplines so you're better prepared to respond to a diverse and constantly changing global marketplace.
The ability to choose those courses that pique your interest is an important feature of the Post General Education Core. Take a look below at the many options available to you.
Leadership Course
At Post, we are committed to preparing students to be successful in their careers and stand out among their peers. A critical element of this learning process is a leadership course that includes an interdisciplinary perspective on foundations underlying all organizations. These include management, leadership, domestic and international economics, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, marketing, e-commerce, information technology, human resource management, accounting, investments, money and personal finances. The skills learned are essential for success in any career, whether in a for-profit or non-profit business, or government organization. The ability to apply the principles learned in this course will help set Post University students apart as leaders in their fields.
Career and Self-Awareness Core
To be successful in life, people need to understand who they are and what they want to achieve. Our career program offers seminar classes designed to help students enhance self-awareness, build confidence and develop a strong sense of direction.
This collection of short courses offered during your academic studies is intended to provide you with the experiences to become a self-aware, lifelong learner. These courses include personal assessment tools with detailed diagnostic feedback including specific career information, computer simulations, self-study exercises as well as in-class discussion and discovery. All of these activities are supported in the classroom and online through interactive exercises, using a new individualized, career-based resource program available only at Post University.
Internship and Cooperative Education Opportunities
At Post, students can take advantage of a robust internship program and co-op opportunities where they have opportunities to participate in real-life work situations related to their field of study before they graduate.
Our program can give Post students a real edge over their competition. Not only do they get a chance to put their classroom learning to the test, but they also get opportunities to meet prospective employers, network with people in their field, test-drive their intended career, and build their resumes with concrete examples of how they've made the connection between theory and practice.
B.A. in Psychology Curriculum
| General Education | 60 crs | Leadership Course | 3 crs | |
| Common Core | 12 crs | LCS105 Elements of Organizations
LCS105 Elements of Organization - 3 Credits Students need a basic understanding of how organizations work in order to manage their personal and professional lives. This course provides an interdisciplinary perspective on the foundations underlying all organizations (businesses, non-profit and governmental organizations) specifically as they relate to the nature of: management and leadership, economics both domestically and internationally, ethics, social responsibility, entrepreneurship, human resource management, marketing/advertising, e-commerce, information technology, accounting, investments, money and personal finances. |
3 crs | |
| ENG110 College Writing
ENG110 College Writing - 3 Credits This course is designed to develop and refine the analytical/critical reading skills and the substantive writing skills of freshmen. This intensive writing class will focus on writing essays of varying length and expose students to the various rhetorical modes of writing that will contribute to their success in university courses and their chosen careers. |
3 crs | |||
| ENG120 College Writing II
ENG120 College Writing II - 3 Credits College Writing II looks to expand upon the writing skills attained in ENG110. As a student-centered course, students explore their own writing in peer, group, and self-review skill sessions. Students enhance self-editing skills and increase awareness of the revision skills needed in both college coursework and in careers. The course will further develop students' understanding of the writing process from pre-writing to final draft. This course encourages students to have their writing evaluated across the curriculum. The course culminates in a research essay and portfolio of original work. Prerequisite: ENG110 |
3 crs | Major, Core and Concentrations | 51 crs | |
| COM107 Intro to Communications
COM107 Intro to Communications - 3 credits This introductory course will focus on the knowledge and skills that students need to become competent communicators. This information and these skills will include speaking, listening, media literacy, computer-mediated communication, cultural sensitivity, workplace communication, group dynamics, and critical thinking. Students will prepare and present speeches and group projects that utilize media and technology. Emphasis will be place on personal, social and workplace interaction both individually and in group settings. |
3 crs | Designated Writing Course | 3 crs | |
| CIS112 Introduction to Computing
CIS112 Introduction to Computing - 3 Credits This course strives to meet the high level of computer literacy required of all students earning a degree from the university. Special emphasis is placed on the ethical use of computer technology for information analysis and communications. Computer units introduce the Internet, Windows, word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation software. Students who feel they have attained computer literacy and earn 70 percent on an exemption exam may substitute any other 3-credit course for this core requirement. Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination. No credit is granted if the requirement is waived. Students may prove competency by passing a waiver examination. No credit is granted if the requirement is waived. |
3 crs | PSY341 Research Method for the Soc Sc.
PSY341 Research Methodology for the Social Sciences - 3 Credits This course emphasizes the methods and techniques for research in psychology and sociology, including both laboratory and survey techniques. Emphasis is placed on the development of empirical questions from theory, research design and control, construction of survey instruments, statistical analysis and interpretation of results. Exercises include development of an original research project appropriate to the students' major field. Prerequisites: MAT220, and either PSY102 or SOC340 |
3 crs | |
| Liberal Arts | 24 crs | Major Core | 27 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY101 Fundamentals of Psychology I
PSY101 Fundamentals of Psychology I - 3 Credits This course examines the nature of psychology as a social and behavioral science. It surveys fundamental areas in behavior including research in psychology, the brain and behavior, learning, human development and socialization, intelligence, personality, health psychology, and social psychology. |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY102 Fundamentals of Psychology II
PSY102 Fundamentals of Psychology II - 3 Credits This course is a continuation of the concepts introduced in PSY101. It surveys such areas as sensation and perception, states of consciousness, memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and language, psychological disorders, and treatment of psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSY101. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY305 Theories of Personality
PSY305 Theories of Personality - 3 Credits This course surveys the major theories of personality in terms of their origins, underlying assumptions, and implications for psychology in general. Theorists considered include, but may not be limited to, Freud, Horney, Erikson, Kelly, Skinner, Rogers, Bandura. Factor analytic theory and biological typology are also covered. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY306 Abnormal Psychology
PSY306 Abnormal Psychology - 3 Credits This course examines the major theories of psychopathology. For each theory treated, consideration is given to the definition of abnormality, supportive research data, classification systems, and suggested intervention strategies. Prerequisite: PSY101 and Junior class standing |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY310 Learning Theory
PSY310 Learning Theory - 3 Credits This course surveys the historical antecedents of modern learning theory. Emphasis is placed on the influence of major theorists such as Pavlov, Watson, Skinner, Thorndike, and Hull. The course concludes with a survey of recent trends and developments in the field, including the applications of respondent and operant conditioning principles in therapy and behavior management programs. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY315 Psychological Tests & Measurements
PSY315 Psychological Tests and Measurements - 3 Credits This course examines the various tests used in the assessment of individuals. Considerable emphasis is given to such topics as the assumptions underlying the construction of tests, determination of validity, and the estimation of reliability. Prerequisites: PSY101 and permission of the instructor |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY340 Neuropsychology
PSY340 Neuropsychology - 3 Credits This course examines the neuropsychological bases of behavior. Attention is given to such topics as neuronal transmission, anatomy of the nervous system, evolution of the brain, emotion, learning and memory, lateralization and language, brain damage, psychopathology, and clinical neuropsychological evaluation. Prerequisites: PSY102; BIO120 Prerequisites: PSY102, BIO120 |
3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | PSY403 Sensation and Perception
PSY403 Sensation and Perception - 3 Credits This course studies the processes by which sensory information is extracted from the environment, organized, and integrated with past experience as well as the states of the organism to yield a person's perceptual experience of the world. Specific processes to be considered include visual acuity, color vision, perceptual organization and constancies, perception of depth, movement, and form. Attention is also given to distortions and illusions of perception and to the role of perceptual principles in drawings, painting, and photography. Prerequisites: PSY102; BIO120 |
3 crs | |
| PSY421 Proseminar
PSY421 Proseminar - 3 Credits This course provides the opportunity for students to design and conduct individual research projects under the supervision of a faculty member. Students are expected to present the design and results of their studies in the framework of a seminar. Prerequisite: Senior Pstchology major |
3 crs | |||
| Science | 3 crs | |||
| Elective | 3 crs | Concentration Courses | 12 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | |||
| Math | 6 crs | Elective | 3 crs | |
| MAT120 College Algebra
MAT120 College Algebra - 3 Credits This course provides a deeper understanding of the concepts of algebra including function applications, inequalities in two variables, matrix operations, linear programming, quadratic and polynomial applications, and solving rational and radical equations. This course is integrated with an online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Prerequisite: C or better in MAT102 or Department Permission. Prerequisite: C or better in MAT102 or Department permission |
3 crs | Elective | 3 crs | |
| MAT220 Statistics I
MAT220 Statistics - 3 Credits This course offers students an opportunity to experience statistics as it would occur in various settings. This course is integrated with a state of the art online program designed to assist students in achieving their goals of high level performance in and out of the classroom. Topics are presented through real life case studies and include an overview of the fundamentals of statistics, collective and descriptive statistic techniques, data collection and sampling, the normal distribution and probability, hypothesis testing, population inferences, simple linear regression, and correlation. An understanding of basic algebra is required. Course requires subscription to a supplementary online program. Scientific or graphing calculator and access to a spreadsheet program is recommended. |
3 crs | Level 300-400 Elective | 3 crs | |
| Unrestricted Electives | 15 crs | Directed Electives | 9 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | Elective | 3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | Elective | 3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | Elective | 3 crs | |
| Elective | 3 crs | |||
| Elective | 3 crs | Career and Self-Awareness | 6 crs | |
| CSA101 Exploring Self: Inside Out
CSA101 Exploring Self: Inside Out - 3 credits This course will focus on self-discovery and interaction with others to provide learners with the foundation for examining and further developing their own personal effectiveness. An environment of trust will be built within the class to enable individual and collective openness, discovery, and engagement in personal learning. The course will use experiential learning, personal reflection, and group interaction as primary approaches. This is a hybrid course, with classroom interaction time blended with online learning and interaction through the Blackboard learning management system. |
3 crs | |||
| CSA260 Professional Success Seminar
CSA260 Professional Success Seminar - 1 credits This course will enable students to develop their own individualized plans for personal, academic, and career success. Students will engage in self-evaluation exercises and highly interactive classroom activities to evaluate their own “fit” for certain careers. Students will also participate in resume and cover letter writing activities to prepare for the experiential learning of the next course. Students will establish short-term career goals and begin a career portfolio to be refined during successive semesters. |
1 cr | |||
| CSA400 Career Capstone
CSA400 Career Capstone - 2 credits This course is the culmination of the career and self-awareness series, a comprehensive program for career and life planning. The course prepares students for a transition from university life to independent work life. Students will learn valuable financial and money management skills. Students will explore life balance issues, life roles, and self-concept as they relate to their future plans. Students will explore employment issues, such as the changing nature of work, diversity, trends, and job outlook. The course will require students to engage in networking and a job search with the goal of employment upon graduation. In addition, students who are seeking to enter graduate school will engage in the application process, including interviewing practice, and admissions essay writing. Prerequisite: CSA260 Prerequisite: CSA260 |
2 crs | |||
| Subtotal | 60 crs | Subtotal | 60 crs | |
| Grand Total | 120 crs | |||
B.A. in Psychology Concentrations
| Human Development, Education, & Health | 12 crs | Organizational Studies | 12 crs | |
| PSY201 Child Development
PSY201 Child Development - 3 Credits This course emphasizes the psychological development of the child from birth to adolescence. Consideration is given to data, theories, and methods of studying child behavior. Emphasis is placed upon the general characteristics of various stages of development and upon general determinants of the developmental process. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | PSY220 Cross Cultural Psychology
PSY220 Multicultural Psychology - 3 Credits This course will explore how cultural differences in world view, communication, racial identity, gender identity, sexuality, immigration, and other cultural issues influence psychological research and other related phenomena. |
3 crs | |
| PSY203 Adolescent Psychology
PSY203 Adolescent Psychology - 3 Credits This course is an intensive study of the development of adolescents in terms of theory and research with special attention to the contemporary problems that confront them. Prerequisite: PSY101 Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | PSY301 Social Psychology
PSY301 Social Psychology - 3 Credits This course seeks to explore the behavior of the individual as it is determined by social situations. Among the topics covered are socialization, attitude formation and change, social perception and attribution, affiliation, achievement, and aggression. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |
| PSY260 Educational Psychology
PSY260 Educational Psychology - 3 Credits This survey course introduces students to the ways in which psychological aspects of the learning process are investigated and applied. Among the topics addressed are: research in educational psychology; student characteristics; applications of psychological theories to the development of instructional techniques; evaluating student performance; and special education. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | PSY307 Drugs and Behavior
PSY307 Drugs and Behavior - 3 Credits This course surveys drugs and their effects on human behavior, physiology, and society in general. The “non-drugs” (alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine); the psychotherapeutic drugs (antipsychotic, anti-anxiety agents, stimulants, and depressants); and the narcotics and hallucinogens, including marijuana and LSD, are thoroughly examined. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |
| PSY307 Drugs and Behavior
PSY307 Drugs and Behavior - 3 Credits This course surveys drugs and their effects on human behavior, physiology, and society in general. The “non-drugs” (alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine); the psychotherapeutic drugs (antipsychotic, anti-anxiety agents, stimulants, and depressants); and the narcotics and hallucinogens, including marijuana and LSD, are thoroughly examined. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | MGT405 Organizational Behavior
MGT405 Organizational Behavior - 3 Credits This course includes the study of individual and small group behavior in organizations and the interpretation of this behavior in the context of the managerial environment. Students will explore the nature of such concepts as influence, power and control, attitudes, communication, conflict, and interpersonal relations as a means of understanding of the dynamics of group behavior. Prerequisite: MGT105.
OR |
3 crs | |
| MKT404 Consumer Behavior MKT404 Consumer Behavior - 3 Credits This course examines marketing from the point of view of key behavioral science concepts, relevant consumer research, best practices and practical marketing applications with a customer focus. The course also analyzes motivation, personality, perception, learning, attitude formation, and the importance of group dynamics, social class, and culture on behavior in the marketplace. Prerequisite: MKT101. Prerequisite: MKT101 |
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| Forensic Psychology Minor | 15 crs | |||
| PSY102 Fundamentals of Psychology II*
PSY102 Fundamentals of Psychology II - 3 Credits This course is a continuation of the concepts introduced in PSY101. It surveys such areas as sensation and perception, states of consciousness, memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and language, psychological disorders, and treatment of psychological disorders. Prerequisite: PSY101. Prerequisite: PSY101 |
3 crs | |||
| PSY240 Forensic Psychology
PSY240 Forensic Psychology - 3 Credits This course surveys the production and application of psychological knowledge to the legal process and the relationship between Psychology and the Law. Various roles of Psychology, psychologists, and various aspects of human behavior that are related to legal processes and issues will be explored. Some topics to be explored are: eyewitness memory and testimony, the roles and responsibilities of forensic psychologists (e.g., as researcher, as trial consultant, as consultant to law enforcement, as expert witness, and activities of a psychologist in a police dept.), insanity & competency, sexual offending, domestic violence, battered woman syndrome, the role of the psychologist in child custody cases, sexual harassment, and psychological research on the death penalty. |
3 crs | |||
| PSY341 Research Methodology for the Social Sciences*
PSY341 Research Methodology for the Social Sciences - 3 Credits This course emphasizes the methods and techniques for research in psychology and sociology, including both laboratory and survey techniques. Emphasis is placed on the development of empirical questions from theory, research design and control, construction of survey instruments, statistical analysis and interpretation of results. Exercises include development of an original research project appropriate to the students' major field. Prerequisite: MAT220, and either PSY102 or SOC340 |
3 crs | |||
| PSY395 Special Topics in Forensics Psychology
PSY395 Special Topics in Forensics Psychology - 3 Credits This course addresses the practical application of special topics in forensic psychology. It provides a survey into the interface between psychology and the law. Students will gain an understanding of how mental health disorders may cause, aggravate or mitigate criminal or civil cases. Students will identify a special topic in forensic psychology and apply theoretical knowledge for research and connect their research to the impact on society. Prerequisites: PSY101 and PSY240 Prerequisites: PSY101 and PSY240 |
3 crs | |||
| Forensic Psych Elective | 3 crs | |||
| *PSY341 and PSY102 are part of the requirements for the degree plan. Electives are either PSY201, PSY203, PSY301, and PSY305 | ||||
Universities regularly make changes to the curriculum in order to offer quality and relevant degrees. Post University reserves the right to change the curriculum at any time. Any changes to the curriculum will be published as soon as the changes have been approved.