2022-2023 Academic Catalog

Dec 11, 2024

2022-2023 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Psychology, BS

Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration	Cognition and Perception Concentration
Clinical Psychology Concentration	Industrial Organization Concentration

Program Description:

The Bachelor of Science (BS) curriculum offers students an array of courses in psychological theory supported by coursework in research methodology, statistics, and writing. Students will also select among a variety of elective courses including those related to counseling and psychotherapy, forensic psychology, neuroscience, as well as applied areas in human performance and effectiveness. Relative to the BA degree, the BS degree requires additional coursework in research methodology and computing. In addition, the BS offers four concentrations showcasing our faculty's unique areas of expertise in: (1) Behavioral Neuroscience, (2) Industrial Organizational Psychology, (3) Cognition and Perception, and (4) Clinical Psychology. Students considering graduate school or careers in one of these areas are strongly encouraged to apply. Similar to the BA degree, the BS also offers flexibility for students to supplement their education with additional courses outside of psychology. This enables students to customize their degree to meet their individual goals. Graduates prepared with knowledge of human behavior who are adaptable and willing to learn, socially skilled and focused on problem solving, will have the greatest flexibility in pursuing the jobs and careers of their choice given the demands of employers in the 21st century.

Admission Requirements:

To be admitted as a Bachelor of Science major into the department of psychology, students must earn at least 15 semester hours and have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 and complete an introduction to psychology course earning a grade of at least a C. Admission decisions will be based on Wright State courses, transfer courses, or both. Once accepted by the department, students are encouraged to meet with an academic advisor to learn more about curriculum choices, degree completion requirements, graduate school, and career opportunities. Because of the breadth of psychology, a variety of educational options are available; therefore, students should continue to work with the psychology undergraduate program advisors to facilitate progress towards their degree.

Learning Outcomes

The B.S. curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to achieve five outcomes.

Describe current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology with an emphasis in topics related to cognition and perception
Demonstrate fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
Integrate and communicate psychological knowledge
Apply advanced research design, mathematical/statistical, and computing skills needed to critically evaluate and conduct research in a self-selected area of psychology

Psychology Honors Program

The Psychology Honor's Program is a highly competitive and prestigious opportunity for students to learn about the science of psychology. Working closely with a department of psychology faculty member, students take the lead in conducting a research project. Through this supervised experience, students learn first-hand how scientists investigate psychological phenomena.

Students interested in being admitted to the psychology honors program should identify a potential faculty mentor and then apply in their junior year. After acceptance, students enroll in one departmental honors seminar each academic year. Part-time students must complete one honors seminar prior to graduation. All students must complete an honors thesis, for which academic credit is granted.

For additional information:

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours

Element 1 - Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2 - Mathematics: 4 Hours

STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4 required

Element 3 - Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4 - Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5 - Social Sciences: 7 Hours

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4 required

Element 6 - Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 27-30 Hours

Students must take either (PSY 3010 and PSY 3020) or PSY 3030

PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3030 - Research Methods in Psychology I & II Credit Hour(s): 5
PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4

6 Core Courses (at least 2 courses from Row 1 and Row 2, 1 from Row 3, and 1 more from any other row: 18 Hours

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 22-25 Hours

Two capstone courses (PSY 4100 - PSY 4900) Credit Hour(s): 6
Psychology Electives Credit Hour(s): 11-14

Special Methods: 4 Hours

Must take one of the special methods courses

PSY 3130 - Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3230 - Cognition and Learning Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3330 - Personality Research Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3430 - Developmental Psychology Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3530 - Social Psychology Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3630 - Conditioning and Learning Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3730 - Perception Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3830 - Cognitive Neuroscience Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3930 - Behavioral Neuroscience Methods Credit Hour(s): 4

Careers: 1 Hour

One course from

PSY 2020 - Careers in Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1
PSY 2030 - Careers in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1

IV. Related Course Requirements: 4 Hours

MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4

V. General Electives: 24 Hours

Total: 120

Graduation Planning Strategy

The Graduation Planning Strategy (GPS) has been created to illustrate one option to complete degree requirements within a particular time frame. Students are encouraged to meet with their academic advisor to adjust this plan based on credit already earned, individual needs or curricular changes that may not be reflected in this year’s catalog.

Behavioral Neuroscience Concentration

Program Description:

Behavioral Neuroscience (BNS) is the study of biology of behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the behavioral, neural, and physiological processes involved in perception, learning, memory, cognition, motivation, and emotion. Behavioral neuroscientists study the brain in relation to behavior, its evolution, development, functions, abnormalities, and repair, as well as interactions with the immune system, cardiovascular system, endocrine systems, and energy regulation systems.

Psychology majors interested in applying to the BNS Concentration must be classified as Bachelor of Science (BS) degree-seeking students. In addition, students must have completed at least 64 semester credits, including PSY 3910 , Behavioral Neuroscience I. An overall grade point average (GPA) and psychology GPA of at least 3.2 are also required for admission into and graduation with the concentration. Graduates of the BNS concentration are excellent candidates for graduate work and careers in neuroscience, psychology, and other health science programs including medicine, laboratory science, and public health administration.

Degree Requirements:

The BNS Concentration curriculum is designed to achieve five outcomes:

Be familiar with current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology with an emphasis on topics related to neuroscience
Have fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
Have skills in integrating and communicating psychological knowledge
Have advance research design, mathematical/statistical, and computing skills needed to critically evaluate and conduct research in areas related to neuroscience

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours

STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts/Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 7 Hours

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

BIO 1120 - Cells and Genes Credit Hour(s): 4 or
CHM 1210 - General Chemistry I Credit Hour(s): 3 and
CHM 1210L - General Chemistry Lab I Credit Hour(s): 2
AND
BIO 1150 - Organisms and Ecosystems Credit Hour(s): 4 or
CHM 1220 - General Chemistry II Credit Hour(s): 3 and
CHM 1220L - General Chemistry Lab II Credit Hour(s): 2
Required

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 27-30 Hours

Students must take either (PSY 3010 and PSY 3020) or PSY 3030

PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3030 - Research Methods in Psychology I & II Credit Hour(s): 5
PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4

6 Core Courses (at least 2 from Row 1 and 2 from Row 2 and 1 from Row 3) and 1 more from any row: 18 Hours

In this concentration, PSY 3910 is required, and four courses must be selected from the eight other courses designated with a “*”.

Row 1:

PSY 3210 - Cognition and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3610 - Conditioning and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3710 - Perception Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3910 - Behavioral Neuroscience I Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3820 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3920 - Behavioral Neuroscience II Credit Hour(s): 3

Row 2:

PSY 3110 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3310 - Personality Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3410 - Lifespan Development Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3510 - Social Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3

Row 3:

PSY 3040 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3600 - Human Factors Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3070 - Tests and Measures Credit Hour(s): 3 *
PSY 3090 - Psychology of Health Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3 *

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 23-26 Hours

PSY 3920 - Behavioral Neuroscience II Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3930 - Behavioral Neuroscience Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
*Two BNS Capstone courses
PSY 4900 - Behavioral Neuroscience Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4910 - Psychobiology of Stress Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4920 - Clinical Neuroscience Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4930 - Behavioral Neuroscience Education Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4940 - Animal Behavior Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4941 - Animal Behavior Capstone with Field Study Abroad Credit Hour(s): 5
PSY 4950 - Sexuality and Endocrinology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4960 - Fetal Behavior Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
Psychology Electives: Choose three from:
PSY 2110 - Human Sexuality Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2910 - Drugs and Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2920 - Hormones and Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2940 - Mind, Body, Consciousness and Reality Credit Hour(s): 3
Take one of the Careers courses
PSY 2020 - Careers in Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1
PSY 2030 - Careers in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1

IV. Related Course Requirements: 4 Hours

MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4

V. General Electives: 23 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Clinical Psychology Concentration

Program Description:

Clinical Psychology is the study of abnormal behaviors and mental processes. It focuses on the study of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change. Clinical psychology integrates the science of psychology with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse and complicated human problems.

Psychology majors interested in applying to the Clinical Psychology Concentration must be classified as Bachelor of Science (BS) degree-seeking students. In addition, students must have completed at least 60 semester credits, including Abnormal Psychology 3110. An overall grade point average (GPA) and psychology GPA of at least 3.2 are also required for admission into and graduation with the concentration. Graduates of the Clinical Psychology concentration are excellent candidates for graduate work.

The Clinical Psychology Concentration curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to achieve five outcomes.

1. Be familiar with current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology with an emphasis on topics related to clinical psychology

2. Have fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science

3. Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms

4. Have skills in integrating and communicating psychological knowledge

5. Have advanced research design, mathematical/statistical, and computing skills needed to critically evaluate and conduct research in areas related to clinical psychology.

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours

Required:

STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 7 Hours

Required:

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Required:

BIO 1120 - Cells and Genes Credit Hour(s): 4
BIO 1150 - Organisms and Ecosystems Credit Hour(s): 4

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 26 Hours

MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3070 - Tests and Measures Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3110 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3310 - Personality Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3410 - Lifespan Development Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3510 - Social Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3910 - Behavioral Neuroscience I Credit Hour(s): 3
And select one from:
PSY 3210 - Cognition and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3610 - Conditioning and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3710 - Perception Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3820 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3
Note: PSY 3210, 3710, or 3820 are encouraged
Choose one of the Careers courses
PSY 2020 - Careers in Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1
PSY 2030 - Careers in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1

III. Research Methods and Statistics: 13-16 Hours

Students must take either (PSY 3010 and PSY 3020) or PSY 3030

PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3030 - Research Methods in Psychology I & II Credit Hour(s): 5
PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4
Select one from:
PSY 3130 - Qualitative Methods in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3330 - Personality Research Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3430 - Developmental Psychology Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3530 - Social Psychology Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3930 - Behavioral Neuroscience Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3830 - Cognitive Neuroscience Methods Credit Hour(s): 4

IV. Capstone Courses: 6 Hours

Select 2 courses from:

PSY 4110 - Positive Psychology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4270 - Advanced Topics in Cognitive Neuroscience Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4300 - Abnormal Psychology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4310 - Clinical Psychology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4320 - Developmental Psychopathology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4360 - Developmental Psychology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4370 - Psychology of Aging Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4900 - Behavioral Neuroscience Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4910 - Psychobiology of Stress Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4950 - Sexuality and Endocrinology Capstone Credit Hour(s): 3
Recommended: PSY 4300, 4310, and 4320.

V. Psychology Electives: 8-11 Hours

PSY 2110 - Human Sexuality Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2160 - Counseling Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2420 - Psychology of Men and Women Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2430 - Psychological Issues in Aging Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2510 - Stereotyping and Prejudice Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2520 - Forensic Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2610 - Behavior Modification Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2810 - Psychology of Incarceration Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2830 - Chemical Dependency Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2910 - Drugs and Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2920 - Hormones and Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 2940 - Mind, Body, Consciousness and Reality Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3090 - Psychology of Health Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3210 - Cognition and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3610 - Conditioning and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3710 - Perception Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3820 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 4030 - Practicum in Applied Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3

VI. General Electives: 24 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Graduation Planning Strategy

Clinical Psychology Concentration, Psychology BS (GPS)

Cognition and Perception Concentration

Program Description:

The Cognition and Perception (CAP) concentration focuses on how the brain works when it interacts with the environment. Scientists who work in this area have been making a diverse array of discoveries over the past few decades. In fact, the projected growth in this area is only expected to increase. Among the more important insights, researchers have shown that humans do not passively register information. They actively select and interpret what to perceive, remember, decide, and act upon. These processes occur along with immediate and long-term goals and constraints, whether interacting with people, the environment, or technology. Understanding these processes have wide ranging applications in education, industry, and government.

Psychology majors interested in applying to the CAP Concentration must be classified as Bachelor of Science (BS) degree-seeking students. In addition, students must have completed at least 48 semester credits, including PSY 3210 , Cognition and Learning, PSY 3710 , Perception, and PSY 3010 , Research Methods I. An overall grade point average (GPA) and psychology GPA of at least 3.2 are also required for admission into and graduation with the concentration. Graduates of the CAP Concentration are excellent candidates for careers and graduate work in cognition, perception, and human factors or engineering psychology.

The CAP Curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to achieve five outcomes:

Be familiar with current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology with an emphasis on topics related to cognition and perception
Have fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
Have skills in integrating and communicating psychological knowledge
Have advanced research design, mathematical/statistical, and computing skills needed to critically evaluate and conduct research in areas related to cognition and perception

Program Requirements:

I. Wright State Core: 40 Hours

Element 1: Communication: 6 Hours

Element 2: Mathematics: 4 Hours

STT 1600 - Statistical Concepts Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 3: Global Traditions: 6 Hours

Element 4: Arts and Humanities: 3 Hours

Element 5: Social Sciences: 7 Hours

PSY 1010 - Introduction to Psychology Credit Hour(s): 4

Element 6: Natural Sciences: 8 Hours

Additional Core Courses: 6 Hours

II. Departmental Core Requirements: 27-30 Hours

Students must take either (PSY 3010 and PSY 3020) or PSY 3030

PSY 3010 - Research Methods in Psychology I Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3020 - Research Methods in Psychology II Credit Hour(s): 4
PSY 3030 - Research Methods in Psychology I & II Credit Hour(s): 5
PSY 4020 - Advanced Topics in Research Methods and Experimental Design Credit Hour(s): 4

6 Core Courses (at least 2 from Row 1 and 2 from Row 2 and 1 from Row 3): 18 Hours

Row 1:

*In this concentration, PSY 3210 and PSY 3710 are required.

PSY 3210 - Cognition and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3610 - Conditioning and Learning Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3710 - Perception Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3910 - Behavioral Neuroscience I Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3820 - Introduction to Cognitive Neuroscience Credit Hour(s): 3

Row 2:

PSY 3110 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3310 - Personality Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3410 - Lifespan Development Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3510 - Social Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3

Row 3:

PSY 3040 - Industrial and Organizational Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3600 - Human Factors Psychology Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3070 - Tests and Measures Credit Hour(s): 3
PSY 3090 - Psychology of Health Behavior Credit Hour(s): 3

III. Departmental Requirements and Electives: 19-22 Hours

Two capstone courses (PSY 4200 - PSY 4290 , PSY 4600 -PSY 4790 ) Credit Hour(s): 6
PSY 3230 - Cognition and Learning Methods Credit Hour(s): 4 or
PSY 3730 - Perception Methods Credit Hour(s): 4
Choose one of the Careers courses
PSY 2020 - Careers in Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1
PSY 2030 - Careers in Clinical Psychology Credit Hour(s): 1
Psychology Electives Credit Hour(s): 8-11

IV. Related Course Requirements: 8 Hours

MTH 1280 - College Algebra Credit Hour(s): 4
CS 1160 - Introduction to Computer Programming Credit Hour(s): 4

V. General Electives: 23 Hours

Total: 120 Hours

Industrial/Organizational Concentration

Program Description:

Industrial/Organizational (I/O) Psychology is the study of psychological processes related to the workplace. Experts in the field focus on topics including selection, legal issues and diversity, organizational behavior, training, motivation, leadership, job attitudes, teams and group processes organizational structure, and organizational change. I/O Psychologists contribute to an organization’s success by improving the performance and well-being of its people. There is a strong quantitative focus in I/O since such knowledge and skills are needed to design and validate selection tests. Other areas of psychology, such as social, cognitive, and developmental psychology, have influenced I/O Psychology by helping to increase the understanding of how people function in the workplace.

Psychology majors interested in applying to the I/O Concentration must be classified as Bachelor of Science (BS) degree-seeking students. In addition, students must have completed at least 60 semester credits, including PSY 3040 , Industrial Organizational Psychology, with a minimal grade of C. An overall grade point average (GPA) and psychology GPA of at least 3.2 are also required for admission into and graduation with the concentration. Graduates of the I/O Concentration are excellent candidates for graduate work and careers in industrial and organizational psychology. They may also work in industry, government, or education.

The I/O curriculum is designed to provide opportunities to achieve five outcomes:

Be familiar with current theory and research in diverse areas of psychology with an emphasis on topics related to industrial and organizational psychology
Have fundamental research design and mathematical/statistical skills needed to understand psychological science
Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms
Have skills in integrating and communicating psychological knowledge
Have advanced research design, mathematical/statistical, and computing skills needed to critically evaluate and conduct research in areas related to industrial and organizational psychology.