Teaching Psychology

Individuals interested in teaching in K-12 schools must complete a degree in the content area they want to teach plus the teacher preparation program through the Department of Curriculum and Instruction. Individuals must complete the teaching major/teaching track within that degree program, which may contain different course requirements than the academic major since the sequence of courses is designed to meet state standards. Upon completion of the degree program with the teaching track and the secondary licensure program, one will be eligible for a standard Montana teaching license in this content area.

Teacher Preparation in Psychology

Students who want to be licensed to teach psychology at the high school level must complete the BA degree requirements in psychology (general option). They also must complete a teaching major or minor in a second field of their choice and the professional licensure program in the College of Education. Students may also earn a teaching minor in psychology. See the Department of Curriculum and Instruction for information about admission to the Teacher Education Program and completion of these licensure programs.

To sign up for this option, you need to contact the Curriculum and Instruction Department. Do not fill out a major/minor form for graduation or the major/minor/concentration section of the major change form. Approvals for this option must come from the Curriculum and Instruction Department.  

Tracks will not appear on your UM transcript, diploma, university lists, student data system, or university publication and are used for advising purposes only. You do not fill out a major change for a track.

Bachelor of Arts - Psychology; Track: Teaching Psychology

College Humanities & Sciences

Catalog Year: 2015-2016

Degree Specific Credits: 46

Required Cumulative GPA: 2.0

Note: A minimum of 60 credits must be in non-psychology courses. Students who want to be licensed to teach psychology at the high school level must complete the BA degree requirements in psychology (general option). This major does not qualify as a single field endorsement. Individuals must complete a second teaching major or minor in another content area. Students must be formally admitted to the Teacher Education Program and complete all of the professional education licensure requirements. See the Department of Curriculum & Instruction in the College of Education and Human Sciences for more information. A major GPA of 2.75 is required to be eligible for student teaching.


Lower Core Courses

Rule: Must complete all of the following courses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description PSYX 100S - Intro to Psychology
Offered every term. Introduction to the scientific study of behavior in humans and other animals. Credit not allowed for both PSY 100S and PSYC 100S.
4 Credits
Show Description PSYX 120 - Research Methods I
Offered every term. Prereq., PSYX 100S. Experimental and other quantitative methods employed in the scientific study of behavior.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 222 - Psychological Statistics
Offered every term. Prereq., PSYX 120; M 115, M 162 or 171. Application of statistical techniques to psychological data. Credit not allowed for both PSYX 222 and SOCI 202.
3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 10 Total Credits Required

Foundation Courses

Rule: Must complete 4 of the following coiurses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description PSYX 230 - Developmental Psychology
Offered autumn, Spring, Summer. Prereq., PSYX 100S. The study of human physical, cognitive and psychosocial development throughout the life span. Content covers major theories, the influence of genetics, and the environment from a chronological aspect. Appropriate for Social work, Nursing, Addiction Studies, Education, and Psychology.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 233 - Fund of Psychology of Aging
Offered intermittently. An overview of theories and research findings in the psychology of adulthood and aging.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 340 - Abnormal Psychology
Offered every term. Prereq., PSYX 100S. Description and classification of abnormal behavior.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 360 - Social Psychology
Offered every term. Individual behavior as a function of interpersonal interaction.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 385 - Psychology of Personality
Offered intermittently Prereq., PSYX 100S. Introduction to theories and research in personality. Intensive survey of theoretical concepts and a detailed examination of experimental methods and experiments in the field of personality.
3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 12 Total Credits Required

Fundamentals Courses

Rule: Must complete 2 of the following courses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description PSYX 250N - Fund of Biological Psychology
Offered every term.  Prereq., PSYX 100S.  Introduction to the relationships between biological structures and mechanisms and their corresponding psychological processes and events.  Origins and adaptations of structures and behaviors as well as the methods used to study these relationships.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 270 - Fund Psychology of Learning
Offered autumn. Prereq., PSYX 100S. Basic theory and research on the nature of animal learning and behavior.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 280 - Fund of Memory and Cognition
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSYX 100S. The acquisition and uses of knowledge. An examination of research and theories of human learning, memory, and thinking.
3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 6 Total Credits Required

Upper Division Electives

Rule: Must complete 4 3-credit courses from the following list

Note: May not include PSYX 392, PSYX 398, or PSYX 499.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description COUN 485 - Counseling Theories
Offered autumn.  Prereq., PSYX 100S.  Same as PSYX 442 and SW 485. Introduction to the primary theories that constitute the intellectual foundation for common counseling and psychotherapy techniques, with a special focus on gender, interpersonal influence strategies, and diversity issues.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 320 - Research Methods III
Offered every term. Prereq., PSYX 222. An appreciation of the experimental approach to the scientific study of behavior through student-conducted experiments.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 339 - Curr Tpcs/Development Psyc
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSYC 240S or 245. Topical reviews of theories, research and applications in developmental psychology.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 345 - Child & Adolescent Psych Dis
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSYX 100S and 230. Study of causes, characteristics, assessment and treatment of emotional, social and intellectual disorders. The age span studied will range from infancy through adolescence.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 348 - Psychology of Family Violence
Offered spring. Prereq., PSYX 100S. Same as WGS 385. Exploration of theoretical explanations for the presence of violence in American families; research and interventions in such areas as child physical and sexual abuse, battering of women, marital rape, spousal homicide, etc.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 352 - Comparative Psychology
Offered autumn. Prereq., PSYX 250N. Advanced evaluation and analysis of animal behavior through the synthesis of theory, research, and methods found in comparative psychology, behavioral biology, ethology, and sociobiology.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 356 - Human Neuropsychology
Offered spring. Prereq., PSYX 250N. Study of the organization of the nervous system, functional neuroanatomy, neuropathology, neurological disorders, behavioral neurology, and clinical neuropsychology.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 362 - Multicultural Psychology
Offered autumn even-numbered years. Current theories and research on culture, race, and ethnicity, and how the sociocultural context influences psychological processes.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 376 - Prin Cognit Behav Mod
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSYX 270S. Study of basic principles, assumptions, methodology and applications of behavior modification. Discussion of current literature relevant to behavioral assessment and treatment of major psychological disorders.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 377 - Personalized Student Instr
Offered every term. Prereq., consent of instr. Experience with the personalized student instruction method of teaching, gained through participating as a proctor in the introductory psychology course.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 378 - Intro to Clinical Psyc
Offered intermittently. Prereq., PSYX 340. Clinical psychology as a science and a profession. Theoretical models and techniques of assessment and intervention. Case illustrations.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 383 - Health Psychology
Prereq., PSYX 100S and PSYX 250N. This course will provide an overview of the growing field of health psychology, with particular attention to the biological, psychological, and social determinants of health. The course will also provide overviews of major illnesses for which psychologists can and do play a major role and will examine the tools and techniques that clinical health psychologists employ in medical settings.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 390 - Adv Supervised Research
(R-3) Offered every term. Prereq., 12 credits in psychology including PSYX 297 and consent of instr.
1 To 3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 391 - Special Topics
(R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., nine credits in psychology and consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
1 To 6 Credits
Show Description PSYX 400 - History & System in Psychology
Offered every term. Prereq., 15 credits in psychology. Origin and development of basic concepts and methods in scientific psychology.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 441 - Addiction Studies
Offered intermittently. Same as SOCI 433 and SW 423. Examination of chemical dependency and behavioral compulsion, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling, eating disorders, sexual addictions. Ecosystems perspective on etiology, treatment, prevention, family dynamics, community response, and societal contributors.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 442 - Counseling Theories in Context
Offered autumn. Prereq., PSYX 100S. Same as COUN 485 and SW 485. This course introduces students to the primary theories that constitute the intellectual foundation for common counseling and psychotherapy techniques, with a special focus on gender, interpersonal influence strategies and diversity issues.
3 Credits
Show Description PSYX 491 - Special Topics
(R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq.,12 credits in psychology and consent of instr. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
1 To 6 Credits
Show Description PSYX 494 - Seminar/Workshop
(R-6) Offered intermittently. Prereq., nine credits in psychology and consent of instr. Topics of current interest with critical examination of the literature.
1 To 6 Credits
Show Description S W 423 - Addiction Studies
Offered spring. Same as PSYX 441 and SOCI 433. Examination of chemical dependency and behavioral compulsions, including alcohol and other drugs, gambling, eating disorders, sexual addictions. Ecosystems perspective on etiology, treatment, prevention, family dynamics, community response, and societal contributors. Students engage in a service learning community project which is integrated into the classroom through initial training, regular reflection, and other activities.
3 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 12 Total Credits Required

Teaching Psychology

Rule: Must complete the following course

Note: The EDU 497 course number is used for multiple courses. Students should register for EDU 497 Methods: 5-12 Social Studies.

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description EDU 497 - Teaching and Assessing
(R-15) Offered autumn and/or spring. Prerequisite: Admission to the Teacher Education Program. This course number is used for multiple elementary and secondary methods courses. Check the class schedule or with your advisor regarding appropriate sections. 5-8 Mathematics: 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 3 courses and is restricted to students who have completed coursework in Levels 1 & 2. Methods of teaching, assessing, and evaluating mathematics in the 5-8 middle grades including number and operations, rational numbers, ratio and proportion, measurement, algebra, expressions and equations, geometry, probability, statistics, and functions. K-8 Social Studies: 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 3 courses and is restricted to students who have completed coursework in Levels 1 & 2. Emphasis on developing teaching and assessing social studies teaching/learning opportunities that incorporate literature, primary sources and other developmentally appropriate activities. Overarching themes address diversity, integration across the curriculum and understanding state and national curriculum standards. K-8 Science: 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 3 courses and is restricted to students who have completed coursework in Levels 1 & 2. Emphasis on developing, teaching, and assessing science teaching/learning opportunities that are inquiry-based, developmentally appropriate, integrated across the curriculum, and aligned with state and national curriculum standards. 4-8 Reading: 3 cr. Offered autumn and spring. This class must be taken concurrently with Level 3 courses and is restricted to students who have completed coursework in Levels 1 & 2. Preparation for teaching reading in a 4-8 setting so that all students are successful. Emphasis on reading to learn. Focus on using assessment to guide instruction, learning from trade books, textbooks, and electronic texts, activating prior knowledge, studying texts, and developing student enthusiasm for reading. 5-12 Science: 3 cr. Offered autumn. Methods of teaching science in the middle and secondary school. This course emphasizes the use of inquiry, problem-solving, appropriate use of technology, and assessment techniques that align with state and national curriculum standards. 5-12 Social Studies: 3 cr. Offered autumn. Foundations and purpose of the middle and secondary social studies curriculum. Elements of curricular design, including instructional methods, materials and assessment. 5-12 Mathematics: 4 cr. Offered autumn. Methods for teaching mathematics in grades 5-12 focusing on presentation of mathematics concepts and procedures through models, problem solving, and technology. Development of instructional strategies and classroom organizational models, discourse in the classroom, and multiple means for assessing student progress. 5-12 Business Subjects: 4 cr. Offered autumn. Methods for teaching business subjects in grades 5-12 focusing on content-specific topics in business, marketing, and information technology to include: instructional planning; effective teaching strategies (F2F & online); multiple means for assessing student progress; classroom management; and the relationship of the content area to standards-based curricula.
0 To 4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 3 Total Credits Required

Math Electives

Rule: Must complete 1 of the following courses

Show All Course Descriptions Course Credits
Show Description M 115 - Probability and Linear Math
Offered every term. Prereq. M 090 with a grade of B- or better, or M 095, or ALEKS placement >= 3, or ACT score of 22, or SAT score of 520. Systems of linear equations and matrix algebra. Introduction to probability with emphasis on models and probabilistic reasoning. Examples of applications of the material in many fields.
3 Credits
Show Description M 121 - College Algebra
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 095 or ALEKS placement >= 4. Intended to strengthen algebra skills. The study of functions and their inverses; polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. Credit not allowed for both M 121, and M 151.
3 Credits
Show Description M 151 - Precalculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 4. A one semester preparation for calculus (as an alternative to M 121-122. Functions of one real variable are introduced in general and then applied to the usual elementary functions, namely polynomial and rational functions, exponential and logarithmic functions, trigonometric functions, and miscellaneous others. Inverse functions, polar coordinates and trigonometric identities are included. Credit not allowed for both M 151 and M 121 or 122.
4 Credits
Show Description M 162 - Applied Calculus
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., ALEKS placement >= 5 or one of M 121, 122 or 151. Introductory course surveying the principal ideas of differential and integral calculus with emphasis on applications and computer software. Mathematical modeling in discrete and continuous settings. Intended primarily for students who do not plan to take higher calculus.
4 Credits
Show Description M 171 - Calculus I
Offered autumn and spring. Prereq., M 122 or 151 or ALEKS placement >= 5.  Differential calculus, including limits, continuous functions, Intermediate Value Theorem, tangents, linear approximation, inverse functions, implicit differentiation, extreme values and the Mean Value Theorem.  Integral Calculus including antiderivatives, definite integrals, and the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus.
4 Credits
Minimum Required Grade: C 3 Total Credits Required