Minor in Psychology
The minor in psychology is designed to allow students to choose classes that would enhance or contribute to their major field of study. For example, a criminal justice major might choose to take courses in the clinical area of psychology such as Abnormal Psychology while a biology major might choose to take courses such as Health Psychology or Physiology.
- Pamela Cingel, PhD in Educational Psychology
- Jodi Grace, PhD in Social Psychology
Benefits of the Minor
Because human interaction is a huge part of almost all careers, a minor in psychology can be a great supplement to a major. By learning how we think, feel and behave, students can be more effective in their interactions both personally and professionally. Another great reason to pursue a psychology minor is to better understand those around you. Having a background in psychology is helpful when interacting in relationships and understanding the people around you.
Curriculum (18 Credits -)
Students take PSY 2012 Introduction to Psychology and one additional 200 level course OR five upper level courses except for PSY 491, or PSY 497.
PSY 365 Sensation and Perception
A study of how the senses work and how humans perceive the world around them. This course includes a detailed examination of anatomical, physiological and behavioral aspects of the major senses. Clinical deficits in sensation/perception are studied.
PSY 400 Psychology of Adolescence
A survey of the intellectual, emotional and social development of the adolescent. Basic theories of adolescent psychology introduced to analyze and investigate behavior. Simulation problems demonstrated. Behavioral reactions examined and related to specific theories.
PSY 416 Psychology of Persuasion
A study of the reciprocal relationships between humans and their physical environment: how the individual perceives, conceptualizes, assesses, and responds to the environment. Topics include noise and air pollution, environmental hazards, climate and behavior, architectural design, and impact of the environment on individual work and leisure relations.
PSY 427 Grief Loss & Healing
This course offers students the opportunity to explore grief and loss, including anticipatory grief, unresolved grief, different types of death, etc. Personal values, beliefs, and attitudes about death are examined. Various techniques and interventions for working with the bereaved in counseling will be discussed.
PSY 435 Physiological Psychology
A study of the physiological basis of behavior. This course emphasizes on the neural and endocrine mechanisms involved in learning, emotion, perception, and other physiological processes.
PSY 446 Health Psychology
An examination of the relation between psychology and physical health. The course covers basic theory, research, and application of psychological principles to physical health. This includes examining the role of personality type, emotional reactio ns, social support, and other factors as they affect the immune system and other health- defense mechanisms. Special focus will also be given to the role of Eastern and Western cultural philosophies on health and well-being.
PSY 470 Psychology of Law
An overview of the role of psychological research in the legal system. Students will be asked to consider how psychology is intertwined with legal decisions of guilt, a defendant’s competency to stand trial, eyewitness behavior, jury selection, jury decision making, capital punishment, the insanity defense, and other relevant topics.
