Overview and Program Requirements

Psychology is the major to consider if studying the area of science that explores how people and animals think, feel and act is of interest. Psychology majors complete course work that explores behavior, emotions, cognitive processes and the factors that influence them from a variety of perspectives. Psychologists study behavior at both a cellular (e.g. examining the role of the brain and the nervous system) and at a more global level (e.g. examining the influences of culture).

As psychology majors students will enhance their problem-solving, critical thinking, writing and oral expression skills as they learn to use the tools available to behavioral scientists.

Popular types of graduate programs pursued by graduates of our program have been counseling, school psychology, education, clinical psychology, psychological science, social work, forensic psychology/criminal justice, industrial/organizational psychology, behavior analysis, law school and college administration.

TEPU’s Psychology program provides the perfect balance of applied ethics, psychology theory, and student-centered learning. Together, these help you understand, predict, and analyze human behavior, including how individuals think, relate to others, act, feel, and develop.

To accomplish this, the program focuses on four broad goals:

Promotes within each student greater self-awareness, a concern for others and a respect for the uniqueness and dignity of each person

Teaches skills related to research, such as conducting research, critically assessing others' research, and communicating effectively in both oral and written forms

Educates students to understand both the scientific and humanistic perspectives in behavioral science and to apply this knowledge to counseling practice.

Cultivates in students the desire to develop an ethical professional identity.

Program Learning Outcomes means that Students will demonstrate:

knowledge of the major concepts, theories, and empirical findings in the core content areas of psychology.

Knowledge of methodological, analytical, and research skills appropriate to the field of psychology.

Knowledge of the sociocultural and contextual nature of psychology.

Knowledge of ethics involved in conducting research and working in the field of psychology.

Skills needed for post baccalaureate employment, graduate, or professional school.

Program Delivery

This program is delivered entirely online.

Online learning

Online courses consist of assigned readings, synchronous or asynchronous lectures, interactive discussions, and individual and team assignments.

You’re expected to meet deadlines and contribute meaningfully to your class. Your contributions are a big part of everyone’s learning.

In this program, you'll take 60 credits, and can complete them at your own pace, depending on your own life and schedule. Some students finish in as few as two and a half years, while others take up to the maximum seven years to complete their degree.

Online courses in this program are typically eight to 10 weeks long. Each online course requires approximately 20 hours of work per week.

Course choices

You can also earn some of your elective course credits for this degree at many other recognized universities and colleges across. We co-operate to give you the chance to take a broader range of courses and hone your skills in your specific field of interest.

Course Description

Psychology

COURSES FOR UNDERGRADUATE CREDIT

PSY 300 Introduction to Psychology (3 credit hours)

Introduction to major topics, theories, and research methods of psychology. Topics covered include the biological basis of behavior, human development, learning, memory, intelligence, perception, motivation, cognition and consciousness, emotion, personality, social behavior, abnormal behavior and methods of therapy.

PSY 310 Research Methods in Psychology (3 credit hours)

Examination of basic research methods in psychology. Emphasis on the logic of psychological research, the formulation and testing of hypotheses, research design, sampling procedures, data collection and analysis, and the ethics of conducting research. Offered every academic year. Prerequisites:

PSY 305 Psychological Testing and Measurement (3 credit hours)

Basic principles, applications, and issues as related to psychological testing and assessment; review and evaluation of widely used tests in major areas of application: intelligence, personality, achievement, aptitude, and vocational.

PSY 310 Psychology of Prejudice and Discrimination (3 credit hours)

This course focuses on psychological theories and research studies of prejudice and discrimination. The nature of discrimination is examined in relation to prejudice behavior and the variables which influence the psychological development, adjustment and coping strategies of ethnic minority groups in the United States and African related settings. The development of prejudice in children is examined. Economic, educational, political, and legal issues are analyzed for their psychological impact specifically on Americans of African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American descent. However, other ethnic minority groups are included.

PSYC 315 Developmental Psychology (3 credit hours)

This course examines human development across the lifespan, from conception through death by focusing on theories and methods of psychological research, including physical, cognitive, social, and emotional changes throughout the lifespan. Emphasis on development as an on-going process understanding the interaction of development issues: nature vs. nurture, continuity vs. discontinuity, and stability vs. instability. This course is designed as a foundation for careers in educational, social, psychological, and medical fields as well as providing a better understanding of one's own development process.

PSY 320 Psychopathology/Abnormal Psychology (credit hours)

The course examines the characteristics of psychological disorders. For each disorder, multiple theoretical explanations are examined, including the psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, biological, socio-cultural and humanistic. Secondary consideration is given to the treatments derived from the theories examined.

PSY 325 Social Psychology (3 credit hours)

Study of human interaction, with emphasis on how thoughts, feelings, and behavior of individuals are influenced by actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. Focus of course is on social factors that influence human behavior; ourselves and other people, institutions and social and physical structures people create. A review of various perspectives unique to social psychologists including attitude formation, interpersonal attraction, and aggression is examined.

PSY 400 Introduction to Human Sexuality (3 credit hours)

Human Sexuality is a broad field in which many cultural, psychological, and physiological variables interact in relation to sexual development, attitudes, and behaviors. Methods of scientific psychology are utilized to improve understanding of a broad range of behaviors ranging from healthy to dysfunctional within mainstream modern world cultures as well as African cultures. Discussion of differing cultural and moral perspectives is utilized to assist students in making a critical assessment of the nature of the sexual self as well as intimate human relationships within their own community and the world.

PSY 405 Professional Preparation in Psychology (3 credit hours)

Familiarizes students with career options in psychology, helps students clarify personal interests and career goals, and prepares them for job searching or admission to graduate school.

PSY 410 Introduction to Biological Psychology ( 3 credit hours)

An overview of the biological foundations of attributes of the brain including consciousness, memory, language, and perception.

PSY 415 Evolutionary Psychology (3 credit hours) 

Students analyze the biological events that shape human behavior. Topics include evolution and social, sexual, and aggressive behavior.

PSY 420 Introduction to Memory (3 credit hours)

Students review research and theory in memory.

PSY 425 Introduction to Learning (3 credits hours) 

Students review the fundamental principles of learning and their applications to human behavior.

PSY 335 Introduction to Social Psychology (3 credit hours)

Students are introduced to the study of social behavior and to contemporary theory and research in the field.

Includes social perception and cognition, attraction and liking, social influence, group dynamics, and attitude formation and change.

PSY 435 Introduction to Personality Psychology (3 credit hours)

Students are introduced to history, concepts, models and methods in personality theory and research.

PSY 440 Sensation and Perception (3 credit hours) 

How do our nervous systems turn light and sound energy into recognition of the things that surround us? Do we always perceive things in the same way or do individual experiences change the way that people experience the world? We will explore these questions, and many others, throughout the term.

PSY 430 Cognitive Psychology (3 credit hours)

A survey of basic perceptual and cognitive processes including attention, sensation, perception, pattern recognition, learning, and memory.

PSY 445 Longevity and Aging (3 credit hours)

An overview of the neuropsychological, physiological, clinical and personological aspects of the later phases of life. Normal and abnormal patterns of aging are examined. Topics include research from neuropsychology, neuroanatomy, personality, clinical psychology, gerontology, and geriatrics.

PSY 450 Cultural Psychology (3 credit hours) 

Students will focus on human psychology across cultures, with the aim of raising understanding of human commonality and diversity. To what extent is social behavior different or the same across the world? What theories can we use to understand the thoughts, feelings, actions, and beliefs of people across cultures?

PSY 335 Positive Psychology (3 credit hours) 

A wide-ranging series of presentations covering the application of “positive” psychological concepts and principles to personal growth and well-being. Topics include communication, relationships, support, and authenticity.

PSY 450 Community Psychology (3 credit hours)

A review of the theoretical and empirical foundations of community psychology. The course explores the development of psychosocial environments, methods of assessing community characteristics and their relevance to mental health, and perspectives in community development and social change. Students will be introduced to applied psychology in relation to consultation, epidemiology, and prevention methods.

PSY 340 Environmental Psychology (3 credit hours)

The study of behavior in its relation to the environment. Topics include personal space, crowding, the city, architectural design, and behavior.

PSYC 305 Psychopathology: History and Theories (3 credit hours) 

A focus on the essentials of history, theories of etiology, assessment, diagnosis, and methods of treatment.

PSY 455 Drugs and Behavior (3 credit hours) 

Effects of psychoactive drugs on normal and abnormal behavior and on consciousness. Explanations are in terms of brain functioning. Discussion of methods used in the study of drug effects on animals and humans.

PSYC 345 Health Psychology (3 credit hours) 

An examination of the psychological factors involved in health, illness, and treatment. Topics include health research methods, health promotion, modification of health behaviors, stress, coping, social support, and personality.

PSYC 460 Industrial & Organizational Psychology (3 credit hours)

Introduction to methods and problems in industrial/organizational psychology. Representative topics will be drawn from the area of organizational behavior, personnel psychology, human factors, and consumer behavior.

PSY 465 Occupational Health Psychology ( 3 credit hours) 

This course examines current issues pertinent in occupational health psychology including workplace stress, violence in the workplace, and occupational safety. In addition to these content areas, the course will consider relevant legislation, preventive strategies, and the management of occupational health and safety issues in today’s workplaces.

PSY 470 Human Factors and Performance (3 credit hours)

An examination of human performance in technological environments including the design of tools, systems, and environments.

PSY 475 Psychology of Leadership (3 credit hours) 

An examination of leadership theories in the context of organizational systems, Special topics include, but are not limited to, women and leadership, team leadership, and leadership ethics. Practical applications are considered with respect to leadership in organizations.

PSYC 480 Behavioral Analysis and Change ( 3 credit hours )

A review of the principles, procedures, and empirical and theoretical underpinnings of behavior modification.

This course will examine the biological, psychological, and social impact of various types of acquired and developmental disabilities. This course is divided into three parts: (1) review genetic and environmental factors associated with developmental disabilities; (2) review of the physiological aspects of various types of acquired and developmental disabilities and the outcome; and (3) address the historical, political, ethical issues dealing with persons with disabilities.

PSY 355 Group Dynamics and Intergroup Relations (3 credit hours)

An examination of key topics in social psychology of group dynamics and intergroup relations. These include conceptualizations of groups and group behavior, the roots and consequences of prejudice and stereotyping, theories of intergroup relations, social identity, and responses to discrimination.

PSYC 360 Political Psychology (3 credit hours) 

Students explore several key approaches to understanding the psychology of political behavior and the psychological origins of political beliefs and actions from a variety of perspectives.

PSYC 350 Psychology and Law ( 3 credit hours)

Students are introduced to the psychological science relevant to legal procedures, including the reliability of eyewitness testimony, the role of experts in the courts, subject apprehension and interview, deception-detection, and jury decision making.

PSYC 485 Forensic Psychology (3 credit hours)

A review of psychological methods, research and theory that is applied to legal system tasks, an introduction to forensic assessment, and treatment in a legal context.

PSY 365 Applied Psychology (3 credit hours)

Overview of various areas traditionally studied within applied psychology. Topic areas covered include work/occupational psychology, as well as areas related to legal issues, health, environment, education, counseling and abnormal behavior.

PSY 370 Psychology and Law (3 credit hours)

Study of psychological theory and empirical research as it relates to the law. Topics include witness memory, suspect identification, lineup procedures, false confessions, lie detection, juror cognition, and jury decision.

PSY 375 Psychology of Personality (3 credit hours)

Introduction to major theoretical models of personality and to applications derived from these theories, and an overview of empirical findings in selected topics in personality.

PSY 380 Behavior Modification (3 credit hours)

Behavioral approach to behavior change based upon learning principles. Emphasizes analysis of ongoing behavior and the means of implementing change in a variety of everyday situations.

PSY 490 Psychology of Music (3 credit hours)

Introduction to the scientific study of psychology of music. Topics include physics of sound and psychoacoustics, pitch and rhythm representation, development of musical intelligence, emotion and meaning in music, functions of music in society, and music therapy.

PSY 380 Research Methods (3 credit hours)

Introduction to fundamentals of psychological inquiry. Emphasis on experimental research but all major approaches (correlational, field, clinical, phenomenological) considered.

PSY 385 Community Psychology (3 credit hours)

This course introduces psychological theories and research on the effects of the physical and social environments on human behavior.

PSY 385 Biopsychology (3 credit hours)

Introduction to the biological basis of behavior. Consideration of the roles of brain function, hormones, heredity, and evolutionary history as they relate to sex differences, psychopathology, language, emotion, memory, sleep, and sensation/perception.

PSY 495 Health Psychology (3 credit hours)

Overview of the contribution of social, personality, and clinical psychology to: a) an understanding of the psycho-social variables affecting physical illness and disease; b) the development of assessment and intervention strategies for comprehensive illness management and rehabilitation; and c) the promotion and maintenance of health-enhancing behavior.

PSY 390 Organizational Psychology (3 credit hours)

Work motivation, job satisfaction, work group influences, and the structure of work; explores the most influential theories in the field and the most widely-used applications of theories.

AFS 300 Leadership in African Communities (3 credit hours) 

Historical, cultural, and political examination of the dynamics of leadership in African American communities. Focus on structure of Leadership in the context of gender, ideology, and style. Interdisciplinary examination of impact of leaders on broader American society.

AFS 305 Africana Studies and Community Involvement (3 credit hours) 

First part of a two-semester service-learning experience. Provides interdisciplinary and experientially based opportunity for students to engage in community and classroom-based experiences that examine issues of relevance to African American people (or communities in the African Diaspora). Students apply and examine concepts addressed in class to their own practical experience in service to others. Development of interpersonal and professional skills. Focus on the values, beliefs, attitudes, and ideas that are central to definitions of democracy, social justice, civic resiliency, self-help, and public life.

ETHICS  300 Communication Ethics (3 credit hours) 

 Ethical issues in public and private communication; role of communication in expressing and realizing individual and social values.

ETHICS 315 (3 credit hours) 

An Exploration of Some Moral Qualities

Asks what we fundamentally require of ourselves and others if we are to live together in morally acceptable ways by discussing moral qualities as they appear in various arenas. Topics include autonomy, respect, integrity, and trust.

ETHICS 320 (3 credit hours) 

Justice Matters: An Exploration of Justice as a Social

Asks what makes social policies and institutions morally acceptable, primarily through a discussion about justice and injustice. Topics include relativism, the sources of competing conceptions of justice and equality, cost-benefit analysis, distributive justice, and beneficence.

ETHIC 330 (3 credit hours) 

Ethical and Professional Standards

Ethical issues relevant to teaching, research, and application of ethical behavior in personal and public life.

ETHICS 325 (3 credit hours) 

 Ethics, Justice, and Rights in World Literature (3) Concepts of ethics, justice, and rights, appearing in world literature and/or film. This course is a practical overview of key issues, questions, and concepts in applied ethics. Special emphases are placed on the historical development of ethical thinking, a variety of ethical approaches and on multicultural aspects of ethics. Students will also examine a variety of personal, social, and professional ethical issues and problems and learn methods of resolving them using critical thinking skills, sound ethical reasoning and legal and professional codes. Students are provided an active learning experience, increased student interaction and opportunities for independent research into ethical issues of personal interest.