Full-Time Faculty: Harvey A. Pines, Chair; Dewey J. Bayer, Marguerite D. Kermis, Judith E. Larkin, Michael Noonan , Susan K. Putnam, Neva E.J. Sanders, Donald L. Tollefson.
Psychologists are people trained in the scientific study of behavior. They are involved in research, teaching, counseling, and consulting and may be found in work settings as diverse as factories and laboratories, clinics and hospital wards, nursery schools and universities, governmental and military agencies, and community organizations and classrooms. The discipline of psychology makes an important contribution to a liberal arts education. It overlaps with both the biological and social sciences as well as with the humanities in that all these disciplines are concerned with the understanding of human experience. By approaching these concerns in a context of scientific inquiry, psychology helps to clarify the problems of human interaction in our complex society. It also offers an important opportunity to gain knowledge of one’s self and one’s relationship with others.
A major in Psychology offers an excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers after graduation. It is estimated that positions as a psychologist will increase 64% by the year 2005. Requirements for becoming a professional psychologist involve training beyond the B.A. degree. The undergraduate degree in Psychology serves as a foundation for continuing graduate work towards a master’s or doctoral degree. However, it is important to know that many of our majors do NOT become professional psychologists, but instead they combine psychology with electives or concentrations in other departments, such as Biology, Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, English, Management/Marketing, Physical Education, and Political Science. These combinations provide excellent preparation for a wide variety of careers where knowing about people and how to deal with them is important. Training in psychology can provide a better understanding of human behavior and its motivation, develop problem solving and communication skills, and enhance social and leadership abilities. These skills are increasingly valued in business and other organizations.
In a recent survey of our graduating majors, students singled out the accessibility and quality of the faculty and our internship program as two of the most outstanding features of the Psychology Department. Our program of off-campus internships and research opportunities with faculty provides students with hands-on experience to supplement their classroom learning. Specially designed programs in Animal Behavior, Forensic Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, School Psychology, Sports Psychology, and Gerontology, as well as other professionally directed experiences, help students obtain specialized training and plan post-graduate careers.
The Psychology Department’s research facilities include extensive animal behavior labs, an observation complex with two-way mirrors, and closed circuit television for recording and viewing training sessions in counseling. Facilities for conducting social and cognitive psychology experiments are also available. Students can participate in a wide variety of different scholastic and social activities related to psychology: Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology), Psychology Club, Zoological Society, Gerontology Club, and the Psychology Department Newsletter.
Admission
Minimum requirements for graduating as a Psychology major are a C average (2.00 G.P.A.) in PSY 101-102, a C average (2.00 G.P.A.) in Psychology courses, and a C average (2.00 G.P.A.) in college courses. Students wishing to become Psychology majors should fill out a Psychology Major Declaration Form in the Psychology Department (HSC 209) and inform the Registrar of their intention to major in Psychology.
Psychology Curriculum:
| 1. |
ENG 101, ENG 102, PHI 101, RST 101 |
(4 courses) |
(12) |
| 2. |
Area Studies: One course from Area VII and two courses |
|
|
| |
from each of these areas: |
|
|
| |
I, III, IV, V, VI, VIII2 |
(13 courses) |
(39) |
| 3. |
Major course requirements: |
(10 courses) |
|
| |
PSY 101 |
Introduction to Psychology I |
(3) |
| |
PSY 102 |
Introduction to Psychology II |
(3) |
| |
PSY 201 |
Basic Statistics for Behavioral Sciences |
(3) |
| |
PSY 202 |
Experimental Psychology |
(3) |
| |
Core I (Development-Social-Industrial): one course |
|
|
| |
to be chosen from the following: PSY 203, 204, 229, |
|
|
| |
307, 318, 320, 329, 333, 365 |
|
(3) |
| |
Core II (Personality-Abnormal-Counseling): one course to |
|
|
| |
be chosen from the following: PSY 235, 302, 303, |
|
|
| |
334, 345, 373, 449 |
|
(3) |
| |
Core III (Learning/Cognition-Physiological-Animal |
|
|
| |
Behavior): one course to be chosen from the following: |
|
|
| |
PSY 315, 317, 324, 325, 352, 355, 395, |
|
|
| |
431, 480, 481 |
|
(3) |
| |
Psychology electives: three courses. |
|
|
| |
Students taking a psychology minor should consider |
|
|
| |
a practicum (PSY 498 A-G) in their Senior year. |
|
(9) |
| |
Note: A total of only six credit hours from PSY 495, 497 |
|
|
| |
498, and 499 collectively may be counted toward the |
|
|
| |
30 credit hours for the Psychology major. Additional |
|
|
| |
hours of these courses may be taken as free electives. |
|
|
| 4. |
Electives |
(13 courses) |
(39) |
| Total |
|
(40 courses) |
(120) |
Most graduate schools, as well as professional employment, seek a strong liberal-arts background rather than an unusually intense concentration in psychology at the undergraduate level. Specific recommendations beyond those given above depend on the area of specialization within the field.
Recommended Schedule:
| Fall |
|
Spring |
|
| Freshman Year |
|
|
|
| ENG 101 |
3 |
ENG 102 |
3 |
| PSY 101 |
3 |
PSY 102 |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
Total |
15 |
| Sophomore Year |
|
|
|
| RST 101 |
3 |
PHI 101 |
3 |
| PSY 201 |
5 |
PSY 202 |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Psychology core |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Psychology core |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
Total |
15 |
| Junior Year |
|
|
|
| Psychology core |
3 |
Psychology elective |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
AS |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
Total |
15 |
| Senior Year |
|
|
|
| Psychology elective |
3 |
Psychology elective |
|
| Psychology elective |
|
or Elective |
3 |
| or Elective |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| AS |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Elective |
3 |
Elective |
3 |
| Total |
15 |
Total |
15 |
| |
|
Total |
120 |
Minors
The General Psychology minor is for students not majoring in Psychology.
General Psychology Minor
| PSY 101 |
Introduction to Psychology I |
(3) |
| PSY 102 |
Introduction to Psychology II |
(3) |
| Psychology electives: four Psychology courses approved |
|
|
| by the student's Psychology Department adviser |
|
(12) |
| Total |
(6 courses) |
(18) |
The Animal Behavior minor, which is open to majors and non-majors, focuses on how behaviors relate to the biology and ecology of a species, how behaviors evolve, and how the behavior of each species adapts it for survival. This program is geared toward those who wish to pursue graduate studies in animal behavior or who hope to pursue careers working with animals. The College's animal behavior laboratory has semi-natural environments and animal groupings and is the center for on-going behavioral research. Eligible students can serve as interns through this program in the Canisius labs and/or at the Buffalo Zoo.
Animal Behavior Minor
| PSY/BIO 315 |
Comparative Animal Behavior |
(3) |
| PSY/BIO 315L |
Comparative Animal Behavior Lab |
(1) |
| PSY/BIO 316 |
Social Organization of Mammals |
(4) |
| PSY/BIO 316L |
Social Organization of Mammals Lab |
(0) |
| PSY/BIO 317 |
Sex, Evolution, and Behavior |
(3) |
| PSY 352 |
Learning |
(3) |
| PSY/BIO 325 |
Reproductive Biopsychology |
|
| OR |
|
(3) |
| PSY/BIO 355 |
Behavioral Neuroscience |
|
| PSY 498A |
Practicum: Animal Focus |
|
| OR |
|
(3) |
| PSY 499 |
Independent Study: |
|
| |
Animal Behavior Research |
|
| Total |
(6 courses) |
(20) |
The Clinical/Counseling Psychology minor is appropriate for individuals planning careers in Psychology (Clinical/Counseling), Social Work, or Counseling Education and is open to majors and non-majors with the needed prerequisites. Students learn about the therapeutic services provided in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. Clinical/Counseling Psychology Minor:
(Note: Non-majors must complete the following prerequisites before beginning the minor: PSY 101, PSY 102, and PSY 201)
| PSY 303 |
Abnormal Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 395 |
Assessment in the Behavioral Sciences |
(3) |
| PSY 452 |
Theories and Techniques of Counseling |
(3) |
| PSY 498 |
Practicum: Clinical/Counseling Psychology |
(3) |
| Any TWO of the Following Courses: |
| PSY 203 |
Developmental Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 307 |
Adolescent Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 235 |
Health Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 373 |
Behavioral Modificaion |
(3) |
| PSY 382 |
Drugs and Behavior |
(3) |
| PSY 397 |
Neurobiology of Mental Disorders |
(3) |
| Total |
(6 courses) |
(18) |
The Forensic Psychology minor, open to both majors and non-majors, focus on the application of psychology to law and criminal justice, including the clinical, applied, and research activities where these disciplines intersect. A background in forensic psychology is relevant to treating law violators with mental health disturbances, careers involving criminal behavior, law enforcement, corrections, family law, law and public policy.
Forensic Psychology Minor:
(Note: Non-majors must complete the following prerequisites before beginning the minor: PSY 101, PSY 102, PSY 201 or equivalent Area VII statistics course, and PSY 202 or equivalent research methods course.)
| PSY/CRJ 303 |
Abnormal Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY/CRJ 307 |
Adolescent Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY/CRJ 369 |
Forensic Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY/CRJ 227 |
Criminal Justice I |
(3) |
| PSY/CRJ 228 |
Criminal Justice II |
(3) |
| Psychology elective: one of the following courses: |
|
|
| PSY 256, PSY 320, PSY/CRJ 334, PSY 373, PSY/CRJ 382, |
|
|
| PSY 395, PSY 449, PSY 498F. |
|
(3) |
| Criminal Justice elective: one of the following courses: |
|
|
| CRJ 337, CRJ 343, CRJ 344, CRJ 351, CRJ 353, CRJ 355 |
|
|
| CRJ 356, CRJ 357, CRJ 381, CRJ 449, CRJ 450, CRJ 482 |
|
(3) |
| Total |
(7 courses) |
(21) |
The Industrial/Organizational Psychology minor is open to majors in Psychology or Management/Marketing. This interdisciplinary collaboration is concerned with the workings of industrial and non-industrial organizations. Students interested in a career as a psychologist working in a business or similar organizational environment learn about selection and placement, organization development, training, personnel research, consumer psychology, and engineering psychology.
Industrial/Organizational Psychology Minor:
| PSY 229 |
Industrial/Organizational Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 318 |
Social Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 329 |
Leadership and Motivation |
(3) |
| PSY 395 |
Assessment in the Behavioral Sciences |
(3) |
| MGT 360 |
Organizational Behavior3 |
|
| |
Or |
(3) |
| MGT 464 |
Current Topics in Human Resources |
|
| MGT 364 |
Human Resources Management |
(3) |
| MGT 367 |
Employee and Labor Relations |
(3) |
| Total |
(7 courses) |
(21) |
The School Psychology minor focuses on the role of psychology in the field of education. Students gain knowledge of psychological development, applied behavior change, and different types of psychological and educational assessment. This minor, which is of special value to students interested in education, testing, or working with children, is open to majors and to non-majors who take the prerequisite courses.
School Psychology Minor:
| (Note: Non-majors must complete PSY 101, 102, and 201 before beginning the minor.) |
| PSY 203 |
Developmental Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 370 |
School Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 373 |
Behavior Modification |
(3) |
| PSY 395 |
Assessment in the Behavioral Sciences |
(3) |
| PSY 498D |
Practicum: School Psychology |
(3) |
| Restricted elective: one course in Education or Sociology selected in consultation with adviser |
(3) |
| Total |
(6 courses; 9 for non-majors) |
(18 or 27) |
The Sports Psychology minor focuses on how psychological factors affect behavior in sports and athletics and on how participation in these activities affects the athlete. Students study social perception, motivation, group dynamics, development of motor skills, leadership, aggression, and other topics essential to working with teams and individual athletes for careers in coaching, education, research/teaching, or counseling.
Sports Psychology Minor:
| (Note: Non-majors must complete PSY 101, 102, 201, and 202before beginning the minor.) |
| PSY 318 |
Social Psychology |
(3) |
| PSY 329 |
Leadership and Motivation |
(3) |
| PSY 373 |
Behavior Modification |
(3) |
| PEM 351 |
Coaching Theory and Techniques |
(3) |
| PEM 361 |
Psychological and Sociological Aspects of Sport |
(3) |
| PEM 381 |
Motor Learning |
(3) |
| Total |
(6 courses; 9 for P.E. majors) |
(18 or 25) |
Other Programs:
Psychology/Biology Dual Major: A dual major in Psychology and Biology exists for students with an interest in both fields and seeking a combined educational program. Cross-listed courses are available to serve simultaneously as electives in both departments.
Psychology/Criminal Justice Dual Major:
Students interested in forensic psychology or the application of psychology to the legal and criminal justice systems may wish to combine Psychology and Criminal Justice courses into a dual major. Cross-listed PSY/CRJ courses (Abnormal, Counseling, Drugs and Behavior, and Forensic Psychology) facilitate this dual major and an accompanying minor in Forensic Psychology. Detailed information may be obtained from the Psychology Department.
Psychology/English Dual Majors:
Psychology and English both have human experience as their subject matter and both strive to develop students’ abilities to think critically, logically, and creatively. Studied together these disciplines enrich students’ abilities to create and understand characterizations of personality and normal and abnormal behavior, increase their understanding of the impact of social forces on the individual, and help them gain a greater appreciation of individual differences (e.g., children versus adults) in cognitive and emotional functioning.
Gerontology Certificate/Minor:
Students interested in working in the field of aging may wish to consider the Gerontology Certificate program, a 30-hour concentration leading to a Specialist in Aging certificate, which may be taken in conjunction with a major in Psychology. An 18-hour minor is also available. Detailed information may be obtained from the Psychology Department, from Dr. Schmidtke, or from the office of Adult Academic Services.
Neuroscience: A Neuroscience minor administered in the Biology Department is pertinent to those Psychology majors interested in brain-behavior relationships.
Zoo Biology: The Zoo Biology minor administered in the Biology Department may be attractive to those Psychology majors interested in zoo-based careers working with animals.
COURSES: 2001-2003
Note: PSY 101-102, or permission of the instructor, is a prerequisite for all courses on the 200 level or higher.
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology I6 3
The study of behavior from a psychological perspective. Topics include: motivation and emotion, thinking and language, learning, memory, and physiological bases of behavior. Methods of psychological inquiry. (AS II)
PSY 102 Introduction to Psychology II6 3
The study of behavior from a psychological perspective. Topics include: human development, social behavior, psychological testing- personality, psychopathology and psychotherapy, and intelligence. Methods of psychological inquiry. May be taken before PSY 101. (AS II)
PSY 201 Basic Statistics for Behavioral Sciences 3
Descriptive statistics, probability, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing, and inferential statistics. SPSS for Windows. (AS VII)
PSY 202 Experimental Psychology 3
Research designs used in behavioral sciences, with emphasis on principles of control. Design and execution of project required.
Prerequisite: PSY 201.
PSY 203 Developmental Psychology 3
Important factors in the psychological development of the child. Social, biological, and historical antecedents of behavior. Birth through puberty.
PSY 229 Industrial/Organizational Psychology 3
Selection and evaluation of personnel, facilitation of group dynamics on the job, leadership, worker motivation, and effects of workplace environment on performance and morale.
PSY 235 Health Psychology 3
Psychology of health-related behaviors, including coping with stress and ill health, physician-patient relationships, compliance with medication, and psychological influences on specific disorders. Students conduct personal stress assessments and design interventions.
PSY 302 Personality Theory 3
Major contemporary systems for describing and predicting human behavior: Freudian, neo-Freudian (Adler, Sullivan, Jung), behavioristic, mathematical, humanistic, and existential. (AS II) 2001-2002 only
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status.
PSY 303 (CRJ 303) Abnormal Psychology 3
Overview of psychopathology: history, assessment, causes, DSM-IV, clinical symptoms, and treatment. Review of major DSM-IV disorders with an emphasis on adults.
PSY 307 (CRJ 307) Adolescent Psychology 3
Physiological, psychological, and emotional factors in achieving maturity. Extension of theoretical orientation to adolescent problems. Emphasis on real world problems and solutions.
PSY 315 (BIO 315) Comparative Animal Behavior 3
Behavior of a wide range of species. Similarities and contrasts with humans examined. 2001-2002 only
PSY 315L (BIO 315L) Comparative Animal Behavior Laboratory 1
Lab and field exercises illustrate concepts from class.
Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in PSY 315. 2001-2002 only
PSY 317 (BIO 317) Sex, Evolution, and Behavior 3
Focus is on how evolutionary perspective accounts for male-female differences in life style and behavior across diverse animal species, including humans. 2001-2002 only
PSY 318 (WST 380) Social Psychology 3
The self in social interaction: social perception and cognition, development and maintenance of relationships, attitudes, prejudice, social influence, group dynamics, and related gender issues. (AS II) 2001-2002 only
PSY 320 Cross-Cultural Perspectives in Psychology 3
Similarities and differences in individual and social functioning in various cultures and ethnic groups. Impact of social, economic, ecological, and biological variables. Formerly PSY 420. (AS II) (ICD)
PSY 321 (GRN 321, SOC 321) Ethics and Human Services 3
See GRN 321.
PSY 324 (CST 324) Cognitive Psychology 3
The psychological processes that enable us to acquire, store, retrieve, and use knowledge. Topics include: perception, memory, language, thinking, decision making. Applications in psychology, computer science, business, education. 2001-2002 only
PSY 325 (BIO 325) Reproductive Biopsychology 3
Neuro-endocrine mechanisms underlying sexual behavior, pregnancy, and parental care. Equal focus on animal and human behavior. 2001-2002 only
PSY 329 Leadership and Motivation 3
Determinants of leadership effectiveness, factors influencing effectiveness in maintaining leadership position, influencing followers, and accomplishing group objectives. Emphasis on communication competencies, group interaction, experiential learning.
Prerequisite: Junior or Senior status.
PSY 333 (GRN 333, SOC 333) Foundations of Social Gerontology 3
See GRN 333.
PSY 334 (GRN 334, CRJ 334) Community Psychology 3
Effects of social and non-social environments on emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Psychological reactions and adjustments to the nature of community life. Deals with social problems such as AIDS, alcoholism, and child and elder abuse. 2001-2002 only
PSY 350 (BIO 350) Zoo Biology 4
The roles of zoos in conservation, education, and research. Environmental, genetic, nutritional, and psychological factors in the management of captive animal populations and species survival plans. Lab is required. 2001-2002 only
PSY 350L (BIO 350L) Zoo Biology Lab 0
Laboratory exercises in enrichment and numerous experimental field trips to nearby zoos and aquariums. 2001-2002 only
PSY 352 Learning 3
Animal conditioning research and human learning and memory research with emphasis on both theory and principles. Lab data collection on animals required.
Prerequisite: PSY 201-202 or permission of instructor. 2001-2002 only
PSY 369 (CRJ 369) Forensic Psychology 3
Psychology's role in legal system; criminal behavior; trial process (competency evaluation, psychologists as expert witnesses, jury
selection, jury deliberation, insanity defense); law enforcement and corrections; family law (divorce, domestic violence, child custody).
PSY 370 School Psychology 3
Psychological principles as applied to school environments. Assessment, classroom environments, consultation, and planning. Visits to schools.
Prerequisite: PSY 201-202; PSY 373 recommended.
PSY 373 Behavior Modification 3
Application of conditioning principles to changing human behavior and cognitions; emphasis on practical problems.
Prerequisite: Psychology majors or permission of instructor.
PSY 391 Biopsychology of Stress 3
This course examines the physiological and psychological components and effects of stress, including the involvement of the nervous, immune, and endocrine systems.
PSY 395 Assessment in the Behavioral Sciences 3
Overview of measures of intelligence, personality, achievement, and aptitude for clinical, industrial, and research use. Students construct and validate psychological tests.
Prerequisite: PSY 201. 2001-2002 only
PSY 397 Neurobiology of Mental Disorders 3
This course examines the role of the central nervous system and other biological factors underlying the symptoms, etiology, and treatment of various mental disorders.
PSY 431 (CSI 431) Sensation/Perception 3
Anatomy and physiology of sensory systems as related to perceptual processes. Mechanisms of analysis and interpretation by the brain/mind. 2001-2002 only
PSY 452 Theories and Techniques of Counseling 3
Theoretical foundations of counseling and psychotherapy with an emphasis on the mastery of technique and practical applications. Assessment and treatment planning to facilitate cognitive, emotional and behavioral change for a variety of patient populations.
PSY 495 Research Seminar in Psychology7 3
Opportunity for students interested in designing and conducting empirical research to collaborate with faculty in research activities leading to undergraduate or professional conference presentations and possible publication.
Prerequisite: PSY 201-202, PSY 497. Junior or senior status, and permission of instructor.
PSY 497 Advanced Experimental Research7 3
Intended for advanced students with the interest, prerequisites, and commitment to experimental research. Involves students in hands-on data collection and statistical analysis.
Prerequisite: PSY 201-202. Junior or senior status, and permission of instructor.
PSY 498 Psychology Practicum7 1-3
Internships in: animal behavior, clinical counseling psychology, forensic psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, counseling, school psychology, sports psychology, and leadership mentoring. Joint supervision by staff members and agency personnel. Registration requirements vary; six credit maximum.
Prerequisite: Permission of chair and relevant staff member.
PSY 499 Independent Study7 1-3
Research or directed study under the supervision of a staff member. Up to three credits per semester for maximum of six credits.
Prerequisite: Permission of chair and relevant staff member.