Course Descriptions - Online B.A. in Psychology
The online bachelor's in psychology from the University of Saint Mary is a degree-completion program and typically takes students 18 months to complete. The 60-credit curriculum has been designed by experienced professionals in the field to balance traditional topics in psychology, such as social psychology, aging, and abnormal psychology, and applied practice courses, including research methods, statistical analysis, and professional ethics. Through this expansive attention, you will have the opportunity to build and sustain a knowledge base as a human services professional.
Core Courses
EN 310 Transfer Core (3 credits)
This course aims to bring students to an understanding of their liberal education, to prepare students for upper-level college study, and to become proficient in writing and critical thinking through the study of literature. Designed for transfer students.
PY 290 Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits)
A study of the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Personality development in cultural contexts is explored through current research. Field observations or interviews may be required.
PY 335 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Studies in the historical and contemporary perspectives of psychological disorders and human deviance and approaches to treatment.
PY 455 History and Systems of Psychology (3 credits)
Studies in the biography, development of schools of thought, theories, and perspectives of psychology toward an understanding of the streams of influence and prominent findings and analysis of contemporary developments.
PY 460 Social Psychology (3 credits)
The study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Such topics as attitudes, social beliefs, cultural and group influence, persuasion, conformity, prejudice, aggression, attraction, and altruism are considered.
PY 475 Personality Theories (3 credits)
An inquiry into the historical and contemporary perspectives of the psychological study of individual similarities and differences as factors in the development of an individual’s personality.
PYAPY 352 Professional Ethics (3 credits)
An exploration of the philosophies of professional ethics, which can be operative in helping professions. Approached developmentally, with the use of case studies, the course provides students with the opportunity to see/solve situations from various points of view as well as to clarify their own philosophy of life and the ethics that flow from that philosophy.
PYCR 585 Research Methods (3 credits)
Methods of studying social and psychological phenomena, with emphasis on understanding the scientific process, techniques of data collection, and writing research reports. Students are required to design, conduct, and report on small scale studies.
PYCR 586 Research Methods: Statistical Analysis (3 credits)
A practical application of research design methods in the field of behavioral sciences. Emphasis is placed on the integration of knowledge about the logic of research and the role of the student in seeking answers to questions within the subfields of psychology, sociology, and human services. Specific topics include steps involved in formulating a research project, collection off data, statistical analysis of data, and arriving at conclusions to the study.
PYCR 590 Behavioral Science Seminar (3 credits)
An integrative review and overview of key perspectives in the behavioral sciences, and related concerns from general education, consistent with the mission and goals of the university; application of these perspectives to making critical decisions about personal, societal, and ethical issues.
Upper Level Theology (3 credits)
Elective Courses
APY 250 Introduction to Human Services (3 credits)
An examination of the history and development of the helping professional, the knowledge and value base of human services, the shaping of social policy in human services, and an overview of contemporary human services in the United States. Interview techniques, basic counseling skills, problem identification and clarification, case management, and crisis intervention are also addressed.
APYCR 325 Introduction to Addictions (3 credits)
This course covers all areas of addictions and accompanying disorders in the individual, the family, and society. An introduction to the physical, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of addictions.
PY 240 Marriage and Family (3 credits)
A study of the relationships, processes, behaviors, functions, and structures involved in marriage and family over the lifespan.
PY 255 Aging: Issues and Perspectives (3 credits)
An introduction to gerontology; cross-cultural perspectives; physical, social, and psychological aspects of the aging process; services and programs for older adults; current research and theory on aging and adjustments to later life; issues and problems facing older persons.
PY 300 Special Studies (3 credits)
Individual or group study of topics or issues in psychology.
PY 315 Health Psychology (3 credits)
The study of the relationship between physical health and psychological adjustment, reflecting the views that both mind and body are determinants of health and illness. Examines ways in which psychological and behavioral medicine variables influence the onset, course, treatment, and prevention of illness and disease.
PY 320 Human Sexuality (3 credits)
An examination of human sexuality with emphasis on scientific findings, social issues, and implications for the individual and society.
PY 465 Industrial and Organizational Psychology (3 credits)
An examination of the psychological aspects of industry and organizations, including theory and research, organizational and management environments, productivity, leadership, and human resources.
PY 500 Advanced Studies (3 credits)
Individual or group studies of topics and issues in psychology.
PYPS 363 Political Psychology (3 credits)
An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of political psychology, spanning the traditional fields of political science and psychology. An exploration of both the influence of psychological processes on political behavior and the effect of the political system on thoughts, feelings, and motives of individuals. The course will cover both classical debates and current trends of research, covering such topics as group think, group dynamics, propaganda, public opinion, mass media in politics, and political extremists.