Department of Psychology
Page 119-124
Lynne Koester, Chair
Psychology is the science of the behavior of humans and other animals. The psychologist, using scientific methods, seeks to understand the causes and purposes of behavior. Psychologists pursue their research and its application in academia, business, government, health, military and social service. The department offers the Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Admission Requirements
To be admitted to any emphasis of the psychology major, a student must satisfy the following requirements:
1) completion of 30 credits overall
2) completion of 6 credits in psychology courses
In addition, to be admitted to the pre-professional emphasis of the psychology major, students also must have:
3) a minimum overall GPA of 3.0
Students who intend to major in psychology but who have not yet met the above requirements are admitted to the program as pre-psychology majors. Prior to meeting the above requirements for admission pre- psychology students should go to University College in Corbin Hall for advising.
Special Degree Requirements
Refer to graduation requirements listed previously in the catalog. See index.
To earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, the student must complete a minimum of 30 credits in psychology and must complete one of the three emphases. Students are not restricted to the courses listed under any emphasis, although one emphasis must be completed by majors.
Majors are required to remain in periodic contact with departmental advisors to facilitate advanced and individual program planning, to deal with impending difficulties, and as a communication channel between student and department.
Students who are particularly interested in child, adult or family development should investigate the human and family development minor. See index.
General Emphasis
The general emphasis is intended for students who have a major interest in psychology, but do not intend to pursue graduate training in psychology.
- Psyc 100S_Introduction to Psychology
- Psyc 120_Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
- Psyc 220_Psychological Statistics
- Psyc 330S_Abnormal Psychology
- One of:
- Psyc 235S_Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology
- Psyc 336S_Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders
- Psyc 337_Principles of Cognitive Behavior Modification
- Psyc 365_Cognition
- Psyc 456_Advanced Personality Theory
- Psyc 240S_Developmental Psychology
- One of:
- Psyc 350S_Social Psychology
- Psyc 351S_Psychology of
- Personality
- Psyc 260S_Fundamentals of Learning
- Psyc 270N_Fundamentals of Biological Psychology
- One of:
- Psyc 371_Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology
- Psyc 372_Intermediate Behavioral Biology
- Psyc 373_Intermediate Sensory Systems and Perception
- One of:
- Math 117_Probability, Linear Math
- Math 152_Calculus I
Pre-Professional Emphasis
The pre-professional emphasis provides the student with an adequate foundation for graduate studies in psychology.
The requirements for the pre-professional emphasis are the same as those for the general emphasis plus:
- Psyc 320_Advanced Psychological Research Methods
- Psyc 397_Supervised Research (2 credits)
The pre-professional emphasis students should understand that psychology is a science of unusual breadth. A psychologist should understand scientific processes in general, and basics of closely related scientific disciplines. The following courses are recommended to students preparing for graduate training in psychology. Not all of the courses listed are equally important for all subfields within psychology, so it is advisable for students to consult with advisors in selecting those most crucial. An indication of possible applicability is included with each suggested course.
- Biology_cell and molecular biology and genetics. (physiological, behavioral biology, developmental)
- Chemistry_survey of chemistry through biochemistry.
- Computer Science_mastery of one language: e.g., FORTRAN or Pascal for quantitative fields; LISP or PROLOG for artificial intelligence (all)
- Mathematics_Calculus (all)
- Physics_physics including sound and light (all laboratory fields)
- Zoology_human physiology through the nervous system and endocrinology
Technician Emphasis
The technician emphasis is intended for those students who wish to work at the bachelor degree level as behavioral technicians in group homes or state institutions for the developmentally disabled or emotionally disturbed.
- Psyc 100S_Introduction to Psychology
- Psyc 120_Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
- Psyc 220_Psychological Statistics
- Psyc 240S_Developmental Psychology
- Psyc 260S_Fundamentals of Learning
- Psyc 337_Principles of Cognitive Behavior Modification
- Psyc 397_Supervised Research
- Psyc 438_Behavioral Technology
- Psyc 498_Practicum in Behavioral Technology (3 cr. in junior year)
- Psyc 498_Practicum in Behavioral Technology (9 cr. in senior year)
Teacher Preparation in Psychology
Major Teaching Field of Psychology: For an endorsement in the major teaching field of Psychology, a student must complete the requirements for the B.A. degree with a major in Psychology, General Emphasis. Students also must complete C&I 428, gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog).
Students are advised that the demand in Montana high schools for teaching of courses in this field is limited. Students should complete the required second endorsement (major or minor) in a field other than Drama, Economics, Geography, Journalism or Sociology.
Minor Teaching Field of Psychology: For an endorsement in the minor teaching field of Psychology, a student must complete the requirements for the psychology minor as given in the section, Requirements for a Minor. Students also must complete C&I 428, gain admission to Teacher Education and Student Teaching and meet the requirements for certification as a secondary teacher (see the School of Education section of this catalog).
Suggested Course of Study
First Year
- Psyc 100S_Introduction to Psychology
- Psyc 120_Introduction toPsychological Research Methods
- Math 117_Probability and Linear Math or 150 or 152_Calculus
- *Enex 101_Composition
- Four General Education courses
- Two elective courses
*Semester of enrollment depends on beginning letter of student's last name.
Second Year
- Psyc 220_Psychological Statistics
- Three other 200-level psychology courses
- Four General Education courses
- Two elective courses
Requirements for a Minor
To earn a minor in psychology the student must complete a minimum of 21 credits of psychology including:
- Psyc 100S_Introduction to Psychology
- Psyc 120_Introduction to Psychological Research Methods
- One of:
- Psyc 240S_Developmental Psychology
- Psyc 350S_Social Psychology
- Psyc 351S_Psychology of Personality
- One of:
- Psyc 235S_Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology
- Psyc 330S_Abnormal Psychology
- Psyc 336S_Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders
- Psyc 337_Principles of Cognitive Behavior Modification
- Two of:
- Psyc 260S_Fundamentals of Learning
- Psyc 270N_Fundamentals of Biological Psychology
- Psyc 371_Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology
- Psyc 372_Intermediate Behavioral Biology
- Psyc 373_Intermediate Sensory Systems and Perception
- At least six of the 21 credits must be at the 300-level or above.
Courses
U = for undergraduate credit only, UG = for undergraduate or graduate credit, G = for graduate credit. R after the credit indicates the course may be repeated for credit to the maximum indicated after the R.
- U 100S Introduction to Psychology 4 cr. Introduction to the scientific study of behavior in humans and other animals.
- U 114S Psychology of Adjustment 3 cr. Prereq., 100S. An overview of environmental, social, and personal factors which influence psychological adjustment to individuals, families, and organizations. Current research, strategies, and major theories regarding psychological adjustment are emphasized.
- U 115S The Psychology of Loving Relations 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. The dynamics, development, and behaviors of intimate human relations as they emerge from infancy through adulthood.
- U 116S The Psychology of Parent-Child Relations 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Theory, research, and practice of parenting. Common issues of parent-child relations will be presented.
- U 120 Introduction to Psychological Research Methods 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Experimental and quantitative methods employed in the scientific study of behavior.
- U 195 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
- U 201 Personalized Student Instruction 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S, consent of instr., and 3.0 GPA. Experience with the personalized student instruction method of teaching, gained through participating as a proctor in the introductory psychology course.
- U 220 Psychological Statistics 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S, 120; Math 117, 150 or 152. Application of statistical techniques to psychological data. Credit not allowed for both Psyc 220 and Soc 202.
- U 235S Fundamentals of Clinical Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Clinical psychology as a science and a profession. Theoretical models and techniques of assessment and intervention. Case illustrations.
- U 240S Developmental Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. An overview of research findings on development throughout the lifespan, with emphasis on application.
- U 260S Fundamentals of Learning 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Basic theory and research on the nature of animal learning and behavior.
- U 270N Fundamentals of Biological Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 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.
- U 294 Seminar_Honors 1 cr. (R-3) Prereq., consent of instr.; coreq., another psychology course. Taken in conjunction with another psychology course to provide additional content and discussion for honors students. Consent of the corequisite course instructor is required for this course.
- U 295 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., Psyc 100S. Experimental offerings of visiting professors, experimental offerings of new courses, or one-time offerings of current topics.
- UG 320 Advanced Psychological Research Methods 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S, 120, and 220 and pre-professional emphasis. An appreciation of the experimental approach to the scientific study of behavior through student-conducted experiments.
- UG 330S Abnormal Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Description and classification of abnormal orientations, with emphasis on their psychological dynamics.
- UG 336S Child and Adolescent Psychological Disorders 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Study of causes, characteristics, assessment and treatment of emotional, social and intellectual disorders. The age span studied will range from infancy through adolescence.
- UG 337 Principles of Cognitive Behavior Modification 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Offered alternate years. 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.
- U 345 Social and Emotional Development 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 240S. Theories and research in emotional and social development.
- U 346 Cognitive Development 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 240S. Theories and research in intellectual development.
- U 350S Social Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Individual behavior as a function of interpersonal interaction. Not equivalent to Soc 210S.
- UG 351S Psychology of Personality 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 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.
- U 355 Psychology of Sex Roles 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. Sex roles and sex differences are examined from a social psychological perspective.
- UG 356 Theories and Research in Social Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 350S. Offered alternate years. Further consideration of selected topics in social psychology, with emphasis on theoretical analysis and current literature.
- UG 357 Personnel Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. The application of psychological research and theory to the problems of human resource utilization as applied to the personnel function; research methodology; individual and cultural differences; job analysis; the legal environment; pre-employment evaluation techniques; worker selection, training, evaluation, and satisfaction.
- UG 365S Cognition 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S. The acquisition and uses of knowledge. An examination of research and theories of human learning, memory, and thinking.
- UG 371 Fundamentals of Human Neuropsychology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 270. Study of the organization of the nervous system, functional neuroanatomy, neuropathology, neurological disorders, behavioral neurology, and clinical neuropsychology.
- UG 372 Intermediate Behavioral Biology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 270N. Advanced evaluation and analysis of animal behavior through the synthesis of theory, research, and methods found in comparative psychology, behavioral biology, ethology, and sociobiology.
- UG 373 Intermediate Sensory Systems and Perception 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 270N. An examination of sensory system processes and their relations to perception. Visual and auditory systems emphasized.
- U 395 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) 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.
- UG 396 Independent Study 3 cr. (R-6) Prereq., junior or senior standing and consent of instr.
- U 397 Supervised Research Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., nine credits in psychology and consent of instr.
- U 398 Cooperative Education Experience Variable cr. (R-9) Prereq., consent of department chair. Extended classroom experience which provides practical application of classroom learning during placements off campus. Prior approval must be obtained from the faculty supervisor and the Cooperative Education Office.
- UG 400 History and Systems of Psychology 3 cr. Prereq., 15 credits in psychology. Origin and development of basic concepts and methods in scientific psychology.
- UG 425 Advanced Psychological Measurement 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 220. Offered alternate years. Methodology in attitude, ability and personality measurement with particular reference to scaling models, test construction, reliability, validity,
- U 438 Behavioral Technology 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 337. Fundamental topics in behavioral assessment and intervention. Emphasis on operant analysis, reliability assessment, ethical considerations and professional problems.
- UG 456 Advanced Personality Theory 3 cr. Prereq., Psyc 100S and 330S. Offered alternate years. Major current temperament, character, and personality formulations used in clinical, developmental, and social psychology are examined. Emphases are placed on their theoretical and methodological origins, and their potential applications for understanding and enhancing human functioning. Methods of measuring personality critically reviewed.
- U 493 Omnibus Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., consent of instr. Academic credit for non-traditional educational experiences. Prior approval of a Psychology Department faculty member is required. Independent work under the University omnibus option. See index.
- UG 494 Senior Seminar Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., nine credits in psychology and consent of instr. Topics of current interest with critical examination of the literature.
- UG 495 Special Topics Variable cr. (R-6) 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.
- U 498 Practicum in Behavioral Technology Variable cr. (R-12) Prereq., Psyc 337 and junior or senior standing. Field work in institution or group home setting as a behavioral technologist. Three credits to be taken during the junior year; nine credits to be taken during the senior year.
- U 499 Baccalareate Thesis Variable cr. (R-6) Prereq., junior or senior standing and consent of instr.