Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
Preparation for the Major
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Required Courses | ||
PSYC 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 230 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 260 | Statistics | 3 |
Total Units | 9 |
MATH 130 is strongly recommended.
Major Requirements
A minimum of 28 units of upper division coursework in psychology is required and must be distributed as follows:
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
Biological | 3 | |
Biological Psychology | ||
Clinical | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Behavior Disorders of Childhood | ||
Abnormal Psychology | ||
Psychological Assessment | ||
Health Psychology | ||
Health Psychology of Women and Ethnic Groups | ||
Methods of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy | ||
Cognitive | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Learning and Behavior | ||
Cognitive Psychology | ||
Developmental | 3 | |
Select one of the following: | ||
Developmental Psychology: Childhood and Adolescence | ||
Developmental Psychology: Adulthood and Aging | ||
Child Development Across Cultures | ||
Social | 3 | |
Social Psychology | ||
Capstone | 4 | |
Select one Capstone course from the following: | ||
Advanced Research Methods Animal Behavior Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Clinical Psychology Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Cognitive Psychology Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Developmental Psychology Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Health Psychology Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Conditioning and Learning Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Social Psychology Capstone | ||
Advanced Research Methods Capstone | ||
Electives | 9 | |
Upper-Division Electives selected from any course listed above, if not used to fulfill a requirement, or from the courses below. | ||
Advanced Statistics | ||
Cross-Cultural Psychology | ||
Organizational/Industrial Psychology | ||
Stereotyping, Prejudice and Discrimination | ||
Psychology of Gender | ||
Animal Behavior: Comparative Psychology and Ethology | ||
Evolutionary Psychology | ||
Behavior Genetics | ||
Psychology of Stress | ||
Sport Psychology | ||
History of Psychological Science | ||
Psychology and the Law | ||
Theories of Personality | ||
Explorations in Human Sexuality | ||
Social-Emotional Development | ||
Pre-Health Internship | ||
Teaching Assistant Experience | ||
Special Topics in Psychology | ||
Research Experience | ||
Internship in Psychology | ||
Independent Study | ||
Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience | ||
Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
Clinical Neuroscience | ||
Special Topics in Behavioral Neuroscience | ||
Current Approaches to Peer Assistance | ||
Animal Behavioral Ecology with Lab | ||
Animal Behavioral Ecology | ||
Senior Exit Exam | ||
Major Field Test in Psychology 1 | ||
Total Units | 28 |
1 | As part of the department’s assessment program, each graduating senior is required to take a major field test in psychology and senior exit survey (PSYC 492). A student who fails to do so may be restricted from graduating. |
The Social Science Teaching Credential
Students wishing to earn a social science teaching credential may do so while completing a major in psychology. The specific requirements for the teaching credential differ from the general requirements for the psychology major. Students interested in pursuing a social science teaching credential should consult the School of Leadership and Education Sciences.
Recommended Program of Study, Psychology
The recommended program of study is intended as a guide to students in planning their college program. It is not expected that students will adhere rigidly to the sequence of suggested courses. For example, a student may take FYW 150 in the second semester of the freshman year equally as well as in the first semester.
Freshman Year | ||
---|---|---|
Semester I | Units | |
PSYC 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
FYW 150 | First Year Writing | 3 |
MATH 115 or 130 | College Algebra Survey of Calculus | 3 |
CC | 6 | |
Semester II | Hours | |
PSYC 230 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
CC | 12 | |
Sophomore Year | ||
Semester I | Hours | |
PSYC 260 | Statistics | 3 |
CC | 12 | |
Semester II | Hours | |
Upper-Division PSYC | 3 | |
CC or electives | 12 | |
Junior Year | ||
Semester I | Hours | |
Upper-Division PSYC | 6 | |
CC or electives | 9 | |
Semester II | Hours | |
Upper-Division PSYC | 6 | |
CC or electives | 9 | |
Senior Year | ||
Semester I | Hours | |
Upper-Division PSYC | 3 | |
Psychology Capstone Course | 4 | |
CC or electives | 9 | |
Semester II | Hours | |
Upper-Division PSYC | 6 | |
CC or electives | 9 |
A minimum grade of C– in the 28 units of upper division course work in psychology used to complete the requirements for the major, and a minimum GPA of 2.00 in all upper division course work in psychology are required.
The electives chosen to complete the major requirements should be selected in consultation with your academic advisor with a view to achieving balance among the major areas of psychological knowledge. Students can take a maximum of 4 upper division pass/fail units towards the Psychology major (e.g., PSYC 490, 491, 496, 498), and a maximum of 6 are applicable to the 124 units required for graduation. For students interested in graduate work in psychology, taking additional courses, including laboratories, beyond those required for the major is an important consideration, as is obtaining field and research experience. Those who anticipate taking PSYC 499 should begin that work in the first semester of their senior year.
Note: Transfer students who wish to graduate as psychology or behavioral neuroscience majors must complete a minimum of 12 upper-division units in the Department of Psychological Sciences.
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
The Psychology Minor
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PSYC 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
PSYC 230 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3 |
In addition to PSYC 101 and PSYC 230, select 12 units of additional PSYC or NEUR courses, including at least 9 upper-division units.
Students with a Behavioral Neuroscience major are not eligible to minor in Psychology.
Students entering the University of San Diego and/or declaring a major during 2020-2021, should follow information contained in the printed course catalog (also known as the "catalog of record") published on April 1, 2020. Access the catalog of record at https://catalogs.sandiego.edu.
PSYC 101, PSYC 230, PSYC 260, PSYC 294, PSYC 305, PSYC 314, PSYC 316, PSYC 318, PSYC 322, PSYC 324, PSYC 326, PSYC 328, PSYC 330, PSYC 332, PSYC 336, PSYC 342, PSYC 344, PSYC 346, PSYC 347, PSYC 354, PSYC 355, PSYC 356, PSYC 357, PSYC 359, PSYC 360, PSYC 364, PSYC 372, PSYC 374, PSYC 377, PSYC 378, PSYC 414, PSYC 466, PSYC 470, PSYC 471, PSYC 472, PSYC 473, PSYC 474, PSYC 475, PSYC 476, PSYC 479, PSYC 490, PSYC 491, PSYC 492, PSYC 494, PSYC 496, PSYC 498, PSYC 499
Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only), Social/Behavioral Inquiry area
This core curriculum course provides an introduction to the science of psychology and includes the following topics: history of psychology, research methods in psychology, biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, development, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, emotion, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, and therapy. (every semester).
Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only)
Introduction to the principles and methods of psychological research through lecture, discussion, and participation in laboratory and field research projects. This course will cover multiple research designs including both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Every semester.
Core Attributes: Quantitative reasoning comp
Introduction to the analysis of research data in psychology. Topics include measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, prediction, and hypothesis testing.
PSYC 294 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 0.5-4 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
The purpose of this course is to provide the beginning undergraduate student with an opportunity to explore a variety of contemporary topics in psychology. These will be in-depth investigations on subjects of special interest to the instructor. Course may be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite vary with topic and/or instructor.
PSYC 305 | ADVANCED STATISTICS
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 260
This course will build on and extend student knowledge of analyses first introduced in the basic statistics course. After review of basic statistics, key issues to be explored include testing underlying assumptions of parametric statistics, transformations of data, nonparametric statistics, analysis of covariance, multiple regression, partial correlation, and multivariate analysis of variance. Students will learn to enter data on a computer and use a statistical program (SPSS) to perform analyses. Emphasis will be placed on choosing appropriate statistics, carrying out analyses, interpreting results, and reporting findings in APA style.
PSYC 314 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: CHILDHOOD AND ADOLESCENCE
Units: 3-4 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
The study of growth and development within physical, cognitive, and social domains of the normal individual from conception through adolescence. The influences of maturation and socialization are emphasized as well as the interdependence of the various domains of development. Community service may be required.
PSYC 316 | DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY: ADULTHOOD AND AGING
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
The study of human behavior and development into the adult years. Coverage includes theory and research about aging within physical, cognitive, and social domains from early adulthood through death. Addresses age-related issues as well as the influences of maturation and socialization on development. Community service may be required.
PSYC 318 | CHILD DEVELOPMENT ACROSS CULTURES
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course compares and contrast development among infants, children and adolescents across cultures. It reviews theoretical concepts and empirical findings regarding developmental changes and continuities among typical individuals reared within the U.S. It also examines cross-cultural variability and human universals in child development along with sociocultural factors that lead to variability in development among children from differing cultural groups.
PSYC 322 | SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
The study of how people think about, relate to, and are influenced by others. Topics include: group behavior; socialization; social interaction; attitude change; affiliation; aggression; altruism; person perception; and the role of psychological factors in social problems.
Core Attributes: Global Diversity level 2
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
An examination of human behavior in cultural context. Emphasis will be placed on the role of cultural factors influencing such patterns of behavior as perception, cognition, personality, emotion, development, group dynamics, mental and physical health, and language. As part of studying these cultural differences, you will also reflect and analyze how your own cultural background influences your perceptions of the world.
PSYC 326 | ORGANIZATIONAL/INDUSTRIAL PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
A study of the application of psychological principles in organizational settings. Topics include: organizational structure; personnel selection, social influence and human relations in organizations, leadership, and organizational change.
PSYC 328 | STEREOTYPING, PREJUDICE AND DISCRIMINATION
Units: 3
Examination of stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination from a social psychology perspective. Focus on theory and research about what causes stereotyping, prejudice and discrimination; why these social ills are so resistant to change and how they can be reduced.
PSYC 330 | PSYCHOLOGY OF GENDER
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
This course involves an overview of psychological research and theory concerning gender differences and similarities in the areas of in cognition, attitudes, personality, and social behavior and the causes of these differences. There is an emphasis on topics such as gender identity, gender stereotypes, sexism and discrimination, close relationships, and gender in the workplace.
PSYC 332 | LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
The study of learning in humans and animals. Topics include: theories of learning; classical conditioning; instrumental learning; observation learning; and perceptual-motor and verbal learning and cognition. Current research will be stressed.
PSYC 336 | COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260
Scientific study of how people process information. Topics include perception, attention, memory, imagery, language, concept formation, decision making, and problem solving. Both basic and applied issues will be addressed. The course will focus on current models, including information processing and neural networks.
PSYC 342 | BIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
Study of the biological bases of behavior, stressing evolutionary, genetic, neural, and hormonal processes. Topics include: anatomy and physiology of the nervous, sensory, and motor systems; and the biological bases of emotion, motivation, learning, memory, sleep, individual differences, and psychopathology. Current research will be stressed.
PSYC 344 | ANIMAL BEHAVIOR: COMPARATIVE PSYCHOLOGY AND ETHOLOGY
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
Study of animal behavior through a synthesis of the work of ethologists and comparative psychologists. Stresses the adaptive nature of behavior and its role in evolution. Topics include research strategies, classification of behavior, evolution and development of behavior, the concept of instinct, communication, and social behavior. Current research will be stressed. Students may not receive credit for taking both PSYC 344 and BIOL 438, BIOL 439, EOSC 438, or EOSC 439.
Core Attributes: First Yr Integration (LC Only)
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
The goal of this course is to examine and evaluate the evolutionary perspective as it relates to the study of behavior and mental processes. Interdisciplinary evidence will be explored to evaluate the presence of evolved psychological adaptations that characterize human nature. Applications of the evolutionary perspective will be explored in the context of many subfields within psychology, such as learning, memory, cognitive processing, development, personality, social behavior, disorders and more.
PSYC 347 | BEHAVIOR GENETICS
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
Explores the past and current status of the nature/nurture controversy in psychology as an introduction to the methods of research in behavior genetics. Hereditary influences on perception, learning, intelligence, temperament, personality, and psychopathology will be investigated through a consideration of current research in these areas.
PSYC 354 | BEHAVIOR DISORDERS OF CHILDHOOD
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course will examine the causes of emotional disorders in childhood and the various methods of treatment for childhood disorders.
PSYC 355 | ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Reviews the current literature on the etiology, prevalence, classification, and treatment considerations relating to abnormal behavior and mental disorders. Course assumes an integrated biopsychosocial perspective and focuses on adult psychopathology. Gender effects and cultural considerations as they relate to the study of abnormal behavior and adult mental disorders are examined.
PSYC 356 | PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260
Principles of psychological testing, selection, evaluation, and interpretation of test results.
Core Attributes: Community Service Learning, Advanced Integration
Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 230
An examination of the psychological variables contributing to the development and/or progress of disease, and of the effects of illness on injury and behavior. Areas to be considered include the impact of various types of stress on illness, pain mechanisms, psychophysiological disorders, psychological approaches to prevention and management, and treatment compliance.
Core Attributes: Domestic Diversity level 2
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Recent advances in health care have discovered the necessity for specific treatment, instruction, research, and preventive measures focusing on women and ethnic health. This course is designed to investigate the specific needs of these populations in maintaining and obtaining the best medical care for their physical health. The interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors with health and illness as they specifically apply to these populations is the focus of the course. The role of traditional medical practices, particularly Native American and Asian American health practices is also described.
Core Attributes: Community Service Learning, Advanced Integration
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Health psychology is a science that attempts to find out what makes people sick and the impact one’s behavior, biology and environment can have on your well-being and health. One key factor identified to be related to one’s quality of life and wellness is stress. Let’s face it; we all have been under stress at one point and time. Stress is often unavoidable and can be very damaging. However, very few people are aware of the impact stress has on their well-being and even less know how to do anything about it. This course is designed to provide you with an academic study of stress but most importantly, begin your development of life-long skills needed to enhance well-being.
PSYC 364 | SPORT PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course examines the psychological factors influencing the experience of sports. Topics include theoretical basis of competition, motivation, group dynamics, aggression, fan behavior, and social facilitation.
Core Attributes: Advanced Integration
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course explores the roots of modern psychological thought and methodology. It traces these roots from their origins in philosophy and the natural sciences through early developments in the field of psychology and on into its current form as a hub science. Taking a contextual approach to the history of psychology, the course explores how cultural and political forces shaped the science. Special attention is given to the recurring controversial issues that have fueled debate and motivated research on the nature and origins of human behavior and mental processes. Important goals of the course are to introduce students to sources of historical material in psychology and to involve students in research projects using those materials.
PSYC 374 | PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Research dealing with psychological factors in the legal system will be surveyed. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying psychological theory and methods to the criminal justice system in an attempt to understand the behavior of its participants.
PSYC 377 | THEORIES OF PERSONALITY
Units: 3-4
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course surveys the major theoretical schools of thought in the study of personality. Psychoanalytic, psychoanalytic-social, behavioral, cognitive, trait, social learning, and biological theories are examined.
Core Attributes: Advanced Integration, Domestic Diversity level 2
Sexuality is a fundamental part of everyone's life. During the past decade, discussions about sexual identity, sexual orientation, sexual behavior and gender issues have become increasingly common in society and education. Sexuality is an important issue of diversity and has been the basis of discrimination, a legacy of isolation, history of violence and exclusionary practices. This course provides an examination of the major variables affecting human sexuality including the physiological, psychological, and sociocultural variables associated with the development and manifestation of sexual identity, sexual behavior, and sexual disorders. The course will also examine the historical and societal factors that have led to inequities for those who do not represent the power hierarchy of being male and heterosexual.
PSYC 414 | SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Units: 3 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 314 or PSYC 316 or PSYC 318
This course focuses on the primary social relationships and experiences that humans have as they develop, including normative features of key social interactions and relationships, variability among individuals, and potential problems within these exchanges. It also addresses the impact of these social-emotional experiences on personality and socio-cognitive development as well as on concurrent or subsequent social relationships.
PSYC 466 | METHODS OF EVIDENCE-BASED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Units: 3
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This course will familiarize student with both the theory underlying various evidence-based psychosocial interventions as well as the practical techniques used in those interventions. Psychotherapy methods pertaining to children and adults and to a variety of clinical disorders will be reviewed, demonstrated, and role played. Application to a variety of presenting problems and client types will be discussed.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 344 (Can be taken Concurrently)
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in animal behavior. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an observational study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 (Can be taken Concurrently) and (PSYC 354 (Can be taken Concurrently) or PSYC 355 (Can be taken Concurrently))
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in clinical psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 336
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in cognitive psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and (PSYC 314 or PSYC 316 or PSYC 318)
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in developmental psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2CFYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and (PSYC 357 or PSYC 359)
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in health psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 101 or CORE 2CFYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 332 (Can be taken Concurrently)
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in learning. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content, a series of experimental modules in learning, and the completion of a research proposal (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and predicting results); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the proposal in a presentation. Students enrolled in NEUR 475 and PSYC 475 will work together on reading, discussion, and laboratory activities. PSYC 475 WILL complete the major APA-style research project and oral presentation, and students will earn the core attributes of advanced writing or oral presentation. Students may not receive credit for taking both PSYC 475 and NEUR 475.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260 and PSYC 322
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in social psychology. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation.
Core Attributes: Advanced writing competency, Oral communication competency
Prerequisites: (FYW 150 or ENGL 121 or CORE 2FYW) and PSYC 101 and PSYC 230 and PSYC 260
In the capstone course, senior psychology majors integrate what they have learned in their previous classes while deepening their knowledge in a particular domain within psychological sciences. In this class, students will study the empirical literature and the methodology used to investigate issues in a particular area of psychology, with rotating topics. The course will involve the discussion and application of research methods and statistics concepts through course content and the completion of a research project (extensive reading in the empirical literature, designing an experimental study, and collecting and analyzing data); writing and revising a scientific, APA style research paper; and orally communicating the project in a presentation. Additional prerequisites may apply depending on the course topic.
PSYC 490 | PRE-HEALTH INTERNSHIP
Units: 1 Repeatability: No
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This is a 1-unit pass-fail only course involving fieldwork under the joint supervision of your instructor and the trauma surgery medical staff at Scripps Hospital (currently under the direction of Dr. Michael Sise). For eligibility, students must be participants in the USD Pre-Health Program under the direction of Cassandra Gomez.
PSYC 491 | TEACHING ASSISTANT EXPERIENCE
Units: 1 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)
Students will gain experience in serving as a teaching assistant for a PSYC or NEUR course, helping students enrolled in a course by holding office hours and exam review sessions. 1 unit. P/F only. Repeatable. By invitation. Requires consent of the instructor.
PSYC 492 | MAJOR FIELD TEST IN PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 0
As part of the department's assessment program, each graduating senior is required to take a major field test in psychology and senior exit survey. A student who fails to do so may be restricted from graduating.
PSYC 494 | SPECIAL TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY
Units: 0.5-4 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)
The purpose of this course is to provide the advanced undergraduate student with an opportunity to explore a variety of contemporary topics in psychology. These will be in-depth investigations on subjects of special interest to the instructor. Course may be repeated with different topics.
Core Attributes: Law - Experiential
Experience in serving as a researcher in a project conducted by a faculty member. By invitation. P/F only. Requires the consent of the instructor.
Core Attributes: Law - Experiential
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
This is a pass-fail only course involving fieldwork under the joint supervision of your instructor and agency personnel. Junior standing is required unless the instructor grants approval. Students cannot be on academic probation and must obtain instructor consent to enroll. Course content will include volunteering or working at an approved placement or community agency, individual and/or small group supervision meetings, internship reflection paper, agency performance evaluations, and participation in an internship fair.
PSYC 499 | INDEPENDENT STUDY
Units: 1-3 Repeatability: Yes (Can be repeated for Credit)
Prerequisites: PSYC 101
Library, laboratory, or field research of the student's own design conducted under faculty supervision. A written application and final report are required. Requires the consent of the instructor.
Department of Psychological Sciences
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