Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of a vast array of phenomena related to the actions and experiences of organisms. Psychologists study phenomena such as perception, memory, thought, behavior, and the psychological, social, physiological, and developmental processes that underlie these phenomena.
In addition to its commitment to scientific truth, psychology requires the application of knowledge and critical thinking/reasoning skills to assess, prevent, and resolve individual and social problems.
The study of psychology serves as a useful foundation for the pursuit of careers in business, law, medicine, social work, and other helping professions; or majors may pursue further study in psychology at the graduate level. The School of Behavioral and Social Sciences features five academic options:
- The 120-hour Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology program, focusing on a psychological science core with content in clinical/counseling, developmental, social, physiological/neurological, and other fields in psychology.
- The 45-hour Master of Arts Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science (MIBS), focusing on the scientific study of the broadly defined intersection between law and the social and behavioral sciences (e.g., forensic psychology, psychology and law). Please see the MA Program in Interdisciplinary Behavioral Science information under the Online Graduate Programs tab.
- The 12-hour graduate certificate program in Interdisciplinary Intelligence Studies, focusing on the nexus between forensic psychology/psychology and law and the U.S. Intelligence and Security community (offered in conjunction with the MIBS program).
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Psychology is defined as the study of the mind and human behavior. Psychologists engage with human behavior on a broad spectrum, ranging from biological responses to stimuli in the environment to global interactions. Psychology encompasses every academic discipline; all things are inherently psychological because humans interact with and create the environments, materials, cultures, societies, institutions, laws, and the very knowledge by which we understand and operate within our world. Within this spectrum opportunities for rewarding careers abound.
Requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology
To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology, students must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours, including 42 semester credit hours in Psychology. PSY 200 General Psychology, is required as part of the core requirements. PSY 215 Orientation to Psychology, which does not count toward the core major requirements, is also required for Psychology majors before students enroll in 300 or 400 level courses. The required courses for the Psychology core are BSS 300 Interdisc Applied Quant Method ; BSS 301 Research Methods for BSS; PSY 223 Theor. & Met. in Dev. Psych.; PSY 304 Experimental Psychology; PSY 320 History/Systems of Psychology; PSY 399 Seminar in Psychology; PSY 400 Abnormal Psychology or PSY 401 Personality Theory; PSY 402 Industrial Psychology; PSY 403 Social Psychology; a minimum of three hours of PSY 490 Psychology Practicum I or PSY 491 Psychology Practicum II or PSY 492 Psychology Practicum III, Psychology Practicum I, II, or III; and BSS 499 Senior Colloquium..
Course Sequencing
Students should plan to complete the following courses in sequence: Semester 1, PSY 200 General Psychology; Semester 2, PSY 215 Orientation to Psychology; Semester 3, BSS 300 Interdisc Applied Quant Method; Semester 4, PSY 301 Research Methods Fos BSS; Semester 5, PSY 304 Experimental Psychology; Semester 6, PSY 399 Seminar in Psychology; Semester 7, PSY 490 Psychology Practicum I; Semester 8, BSS 499 Senior Colloquium. These are the research core courses for the Bachelor of Science degree. Each course in the sequence builds on the knowledge and skills of previous courses. The purpose of this sequence is to introduce students to the field (General Psychology and Orientation to Psychology); introduce the foundations of research (Statistics, Research Methods, and Experimental Psychology); practice how to find and synthesize literature on specific research topics (Seminar in Psychology); practice designing and conducting an original research project ( Practicum); and preparing professional research presentations and papers for their original research project (Senior Colloquium).
Elective Concentrations
Elective concentrations are offered in Counseling/Clinical Psychology (6 hours, PSY 404 Psychological Assessment, and PSY 407 Theories in Psychotherapy), Educational/Developmental Psychology (6 hours from PSY 408 Learning and Motivation, PSY 409 Cognitive Psychology, and PSY 413 Social Cognition); and Experimental/Biological Psychology (PSY 410 Physiological Psychology and PSY 411 Sensation and Perception).
Sample Course Plan
The course plan below is an example of how you should plan to schedule your courses. Please note that the sample schedule does not total 120 hours. Once you have met your general education, psychology core, and psychology elective concentration credit hour requirements, you may apply any remaining hours from the 120 hour degree requirement toward a minor or certificate in any area you choose.
| Year 1 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Term 1 (Fall) | Hours | |
| PSY 200 | General Psychology | 3 |
| Hours | 3 | |
| Term 2 (Spring) | ||
| PSY 215 | Orientation to Psychology (Required for Psychology Majors) | 3 |
| PSY 223 | Theor. & Met. in Dev. Psych. | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Year 2 | ||
| Term 3 (Fall) | ||
| PSY 300 | Statistics for BSS (must complete MAT 115 with a C or higher before enrolling) | 3 |
| PSY 400 or PSY 401 |
Abnormal Psychology or Personality Theory |
3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Term 4 (Spring) | ||
| PSY 301 | Research Methods Fos BSS | 3 |
| PSY 320 | History/Systems of Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 402 | Industrial Psychology | 3 |
| Hours | 9 | |
| Year 3 | ||
| Term 5 (Fall) | ||
| PSY 304 | Experimental Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 403 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 408 or PSY 409 |
Learning and Motivation or Cognitive Psychology |
3 |
| PSY 404 or PSY 407 |
Psychological Assessment or Theories in Psychotherapy |
3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Term 6 (Spring) | ||
| PSY 399 | Seminar in Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 490 | Psychology Practicum I (may enroll in up to 6 hours; students need to complete only one of the three practicums.) | 1-6 |
| Hours | 4-9 | |
| Year 4 | ||
| Term 7 (Fall) | ||
| PSY 491 | Psychology Practicum II (may enroll in up to 6 hours; students need to complete only one of the three practicums.) | 1-6 |
| PSY 410 or PSY 411 |
Physiological Psychology or Sensation and Perception |
3 |
| Hours | 4-9 | |
| Term 8 (Spring) | ||
| PSY 499 | Senior Colloquium | 3 |
| PSY 492 | Psychology Practicum III (may enroll in up to 6 hours; students need to complete only one of the three practicums.) | 1-6 |
| Hours | 4-9 | |
| Total Hours | 48-63 | |
A first course in human behavior. Among the topics covered are heredity and environment, development of the individual, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, and abnormal behavior.
A course focused on preparing students who write in the discipline, meet and learn about psychology faculty research interests, introduction to research methods, and statistical analyses in the behavioral sciences.
Theories and research methods of developmental psychology, including psychoanalytic, cognitive, and behavioral methodologies. The development of language, personality, cognition, and social behavior are also explored. Credit: 3 semester hours.
This course serves as an introduction to the use of statistics as a method of describing and analyzing data from research in the behavioral and social sciences.
This course introduces the basic logic, knowledge, and skills of research design and methodology in the behavioral and social sciences.
Theories and research methods of developmental psychology, including psychoanalytic, cognitive, and behavioral methodologies. The development of language, personality, cognition, and social behavior are also explored.
May be taken concurrently with PSY 301. An introduction to laboratory procedures and the use of experimental designs to study psychological processes. A laboratory course.
Exploration of the history of psychology as a scientific approach to understanding behavior from the ancient Greeks to the present, with a focus on the last two centuries.
A specific area of psychology will be studied based on current trends and students needs. This course serves as a precursor to Senior Colloquium. Students begin work on their Senior Colloquium papers as part of this course.
A study of the nature and concept of abnormality; problems and schemes of classification; and the theories, symptoms, etiology, and treatment of deviant behavior.
Major theories of personality and personality development are closely examined, including psychodynamics, behavioral, trait, humanistic, cognitive, and other approaches.
Application of general principles of psychology to the industrial setting with emphasis on job analysis; worker analysis; work/fatigue accidents; human engineering; and worker effectiveness.
A study of social and individual dynamics, social roles, attitude formation and change with emphasis on behavioral variation and social control.
A survey course of broad categories into which psychological assessment instruments and techniques can be divided and the study of existing assessment instruments and techniques.
Approaches to the treatment of mental disorders as examined from a multidisciplinary prospective.
The examination of behavior through principles of classical, operant, and cognitive learning theories and research, and through theories and research regarding motivation.
An intensive study of the growing field of cognitive psychology. The course explores concepts of memory, attention, thinking, and language with reflections on information processing and artificial intelligence.
The study of the neurophysiological bases of behavior, with emphasis on neuroanatomy and the physiology of learning, motivation, emotion, and sensation.
Human sensory and perceptual processes will be examined. Major theories and experimental findings will be presented. Includes laboratory assignments.
This course explores the interface between social psychology and cognitive psychology. The topics examined include attribution theory, schemas, affect, behavior, and research methods in social cognition.
A directed reading, research, or pre-professional working/ learning experience for advanced students in psychology. Usually taken independently and designed in collaboration with the instructor.
A directed reading, research, or pre-professional working/ learning experience for advanced students in psychology. Usually taken independently and designed in collaboration with the instructor.
A directed reading, research, or pre-professional working/ learning experience for advanced students in psychology. Usually taken independently and designed in collaboration with the instructor.
A seminar for the discussion of specific topics concerning Rehabiltation Counseling offered by the University of Kentucky. May be repeated for credit no more than four times (12 credit hours).
This course is designed to develop analytical skills, interpretation and research; and to nurture intellectual self/reliance and critical thinking.
An introduction of, and initial preparation for, the profession of counseling. Behavioral and professional expectations of counselors will be emphasized. The course will offer an overview of theories and techniques of counseling and psychotherapy with emphasis on comprehensive analysis of each theory. Skills in intake assessment, treatment planning, brief and long-term models, crisis intervention, and prevention strategies will be developed. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
A study of counseling techniques that have been supported by systematic empirical research. Emphasis will be placed on applying specific empirically supported interventions to specific problems. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
An examination of intermediate statistical methods. Semester 1 will examine various forms of Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), in addition to a review of significance testing, and data screening. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An examination of intermediate statistical methods. Semester 2 examines various forms of correlational analyses including multiple types of regression and factor analysis, in addition to a review of significance testing, and data screening. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
An examination of the array of research methods used in the behavioral sciences and helping professions. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating psychological research and understanding its application to counseling. Semester I will address experimental methods. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An examination of the array of research methods used in the behavioral sciences and helping professions. Emphasis is placed on critically evaluating psychological research and understanding its application to counseling. Semester II will address survey research methods and program evaluation. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
. A history and overview of the standardized evaluation methods commonly used in the assessment of individuals and groups. Topics covered will be validity, reliability, and statistical concepts for the evaluation and interpretation of test data, as well as an overview of the various categories of psychological tests and the better-validated tests within each category. Students will gain skills in the ethical and professional selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used aptitude, achievement, and interest tests. Credits:
PSY 508 Group Dynamics and Group Counseling. An introduction to group dynamics and group counseling with emphasis on theoretical and practical issues. Included will be reviews of historical perspectives, popular treatment techniques, empirical evidence on treatment efficacy, ethical and legal issues, and integration considerations.
An emphasis on the development and enhancement of multi-cultural and ethnic awareness and how this impacts counseling. The course will be designed to help counselors maximize their effectiveness in working with clients from different cultures and sub-cultures, including counseling skills that are effective with clients with various disabilities, races, religions, sexual orientations, and economic backgrounds. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An introduction to methods used in counseling clients about career-related decisions. An overview of test instruments used to evaluate skills and aptitudes, methods to give guidance for training and job placement, and job interview strategies will be included. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
An advanced study of the theories and factors relevant to understanding human development throughout the lifespan, with emphasis on social, cognitive, and affective development, including implications for counseling strategies across the lifespan. CREDIT: THREE SEMESER HOURS
An intensive overview of legal, ethical, and professional issues in the provision of counseling services in a variety of settings. Will include a review of relevant laws, the American Counseling Association code of ethics and related codes as appropriate. Steps in ethical decision-making will be discussed and case studies will be presented. Students will gain an understanding of the need for ethical standards and learn how to follow ethical guidelines. Credit: 3 semester hours.
ntroductory experience in supervised counseling with clients in selected clinical settings. Students are supervised by the course instructor and a field supervisor and receive feedback from supervisors in order to develop counseling skills. Practicum is arranged with the Clinical Director in the semester prior to beginning the practicum. A minimum of 200 clock hours of supervised experience is required.
Advanced experience in supervised counseling with clients in selected clinical settings. This course should be taken during the last semester of the student’s program. The internship may be concurrent with other courses or may occur after coursework is completed. Students are supervised by the course instructor and a field supervisor and receive feedback from supervisors in order to enhance their counseling skills. Internship is arranged with the Clinical Director in the semester prior to beginning the internship. A minimum of 200 clock hours in an approved facility under the supervision of an appropriately trained and licensed mental health professional is required. Liability insurance is required. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
A review of the ways in which mental health issues interact with the law and the criminal justice system. Topics will include mental health testimony as it relates to civil commitment, the rights of mental patients, competency to stand trial, the insanity defense, the antisocial personality, child custody disputes and determinations, and consideration of the utility and limitations of mental health expertise as it relates to the legal system. Credit: 3 semester hours.
This course will focus on the ways in which behavioral and social science information is being used in court. The course will examine the empirical issues raised in criminal law, tort law, trademark law, etc. The use, misuse and nonuse of social science information in court will be considered. Will also apply behavioral and social science knowledge to the criminal and civil justice systems. Topics such as social psychology of justice institutions, environmental social science, socialization into roles and identity, collective behavior, research on juries, attitude formation and change, and criminal identification will be included. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
An introduction to the evaluation and classification of abnormal human behavior and psychiatric disorders according to current standards of classification, including instruction in the purpose and use of DSM-V. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
A survey of specific theoretical models and therapeutic techniques used in crisis intervention and their application to situations encountered in clinical practice including suicide, family and interpersonal violence, survival of disasters and catastrophes, and developmental crises experienced throughout the lifespan. Students will gain both knowledge and confidence in their ability to deal with crises. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
An introduction to the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of substance abuse and substance dependence, including the impact substance abuse and substance dependence can have on individual, marital, family, and vocational problems. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS.
A review of current models of treatment planning for the DSMV disorders most commonly encountered by Master’s-level counselors. CREDIT: THREE SEMESTER HOURS
Reviews the many approaches to the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders in the context of the various goals of offender dispositions. Will survey the contexts of offender treatment through the criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on prisons, jails, halfway houses and special treatment programs. Issues such as mandatory vs. voluntary treatment, confidentiality, and the agency and the individual client will be discussed. Students will review the range of therapeutic and other interventions utilized in dealing with offender populations, with attention to evaluations of their effectiveness. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An in- depth analysis of research on the psychological bases and dynamics of criminal, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. Review of historical and contemporary issues, such as the interface of the mental health system and the criminal system, civil commitment, diminished capacity, the insanity defense, sentencing, capital punishment, competency to stand trial, and the use of research in court. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Critical evaluation and examination of violence and aggression, their origins and determinants, and their impact on the individual and society. Application to forensic issues will be emphasized through the liberal use of clinical and research material. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Focuses on the major theories of criminal and aggressive behavior. Viewpoints from cognitive, psychodynamic, behavioral, social learning, descriptive and developmental theorists will be discussed and compared with current classification systems. Case examples will be used to illustrate the various theories. If time permits, selected specialized topics may be considered including alcohol and crime, sex crimes, juvenile delinquency, and women and crime. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Students will apply social psychological knowledge in the context of cultural sensitivity to the criminal and civil justice systems. Special focus will be placed on topics such as social psychology of justice institutions, environmental psychology, socialization into roles and identity, collective behavior, research on juries, attitude formation and change, and criminal identification. Coursework will also highlight the impact of psychological disorders, emphasizing the explicit linkage between socio-cultural change and the legal system. Credit: 3 semester hours.
Examines the types of abusable substances and the symptomology, etiology, and treatment of substance abuse. The relationship of substance abuse to criminal behavior and emotional functioning will be examined. Regulation, prevention strategies, and treatment strategies will be examined. The entire spectrum of substance abuse will be examined. Credit: 3 semester hours.
An intensive theoretical and clinical study of the victim, community attitudes toward victims, the interactions of the victim with the criminal justice system, and programs for psychological rehabilitation of the victim. Credit: 3 semester hours.
This course will be designed to accommodate course offerings on new or emerging topic areas. May be repeated for credit provided that the topic is different with each selection. Course content, requirements and/or prerequisites will be posted independently each term. Credit: 3 semester hours.
The M.A. comprehensive examinations will consist of three parts: (1) Theory; (2) Methods; (3) Substantive Area /Special Area. CREDIT: 3 SEMESTER HOURS.
The thesis will be an original, empirical research project. The student will work closely with an advisor, producing a work corresponding to the guidelines of the Publication Manual of the American Psychology Association. Students can register for this course in any of the semesters and continue till completion. Credit: 3-12 semester hours.