Chairperson: Dr. Shedrick McCall
Location: Hunter-McDaniel Bldg, Room 102Sa
Contact Information: 804-524-5095 | smccall@vsu.edu

Department Overview
 

The Department offers a program of general psychology on the undergraduate level. The Psychology Department also offers a Master’s program in Psychology and a Doctoral program in Health Psychology (see the Graduate Catalog for more information).

The department has several active research laboratories including a Cardiovascular Health laboratory, a Cognitive Behavioral laboratory, a Human Clinical laboratory, a Developmental Psychology laboratory, a Psychoneuroimmunology of Risk and Disease a Psychosocial Stress laboratory and a Behavioral and Community Health Laboratory. The Psychology Department faculty engages its students in research and prepare them to present at national, regional, and local conferences/symposia.

Through a departmental advisory system, the faculty aids the major to identify and pursue his or her area of greatest interest. Students who plan to prepare for school psychology, psychiatric or medical social work, guidance and counseling, vocational rehabilitation, clinical psychology, child development, law, criminal justice, medicine, religion, public service, or college teaching and research will identify the psychology offerings to be fundamental to their goals.

The Department hosts a chapter of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in Psychology, which encourages and promotes high scholastic attainment. In addition, the Department sponsors a Psychology Club where membership is open to all psychology majors.

Mission Statement
 

The mission of the Psychology Department is to teach a diverse student population to adopt a scientific approach to the acquisition of knowledge in the major areas of psychology and to prepare them for global leadership, graduate study, and service in culturally diverse communities.

Department Goals
 

The Department seeks to achieve its mission through the following objectives:

• Provide fundamental training in the science of psychology, thus preparing psychology majors for advanced study in the field
• Contribute to the education of a diverse student population by providing an understanding of the scientific approach to the study of human behavior
• Offer instruction in the principles and applications of psychology to diverse students and other departments that require psychology in their programs.

Program Listings

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology 

The undergraduate psychology program emphasizes general psychology which gives students a basic understanding of all areas of psychology and provides a foundation of pre-professional education for a variety of vocations. Students will have the opportunity to work with highly qualified faculty and doctoral students to do research in Health Psychology. Research topics include but are not limited to substance use epidemiology, cognitive health, HIV, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, and hypertension as well as effective health promotion education and planning. 

Minor in Psychology

The Minor in Psychology provides students with a foundational understanding of human behavior and mental processes, enhancing any major field of study. It develops critical thinking, research skills, and interpersonal awareness applicable to careers in health, education, business, and social services. The minor requires a minimum of 18 credit hours in psychology coursework, selected in consultation with an academic advisor.

Major

• Psychology, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Minor

• Minor in Psychology

PSYCHOLOGY
Course Descriptions

PSYC 101 DISCOVERING PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                     
A general education course designed to give students an understanding of the scientific approach to the study
of human behavior and to develop an appreciation for the breadth and variety of psychological approaches.

PSYC 110 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours      
A basic course in psychology for majors, serving as the foundation for subsequent courses. The course is
designed to give students an understanding of the scientific approach to the study of human behavior and
to help students develop an appreciation for the breadth and variety of psychological theories. Required of
all psychology majors.

PSYC 111 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                         
A basic course in psychology, serving as the foundation for subsequent courses on specialized topics.
Required of all psychology majors.

  PSYC 117 THE PSYCHOLOGY OF EARLY CHILDHOOD - 3 semester hours                                
  A course designed to emphasize personality development of young children at the pre-school and primary
  levels.
  Prerequisite: Psychology 212

  PSYC 210 ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours
  Characteristics of behavior during the adolescent phase  of development; personal social adjustments of the
  individual between childhood and adulthood. 

  PSYC 212 HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT - 3 semester hours
  A course designed primarily for students preparing to teach in elementary and secondary schools. It aids
  students in developing fundamental understanding of the patterns and sequence of development from
  conception through the adolescent period. Students are required to observe children under guidance and to
  apply methods of child study.

  PSYC 214 SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours   
  An introduction to the current concepts and theories that attempt to explain the behavior of the individual
  in society. Major topics include culture and personality, social roles, leadership, prejudice and propaganda.
  Review and analysis of current concepts and experimentation in the field.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 110 or PSYC 111

PSYC 216 DEVELOPMENTAL  PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                                      
This is a course that aims to develop a comprehensive theoretical base in developmental psychology.
Complex processes of human development throughout the life span will be analyzed in systematic form
and the major premises of developmental theorists will be critically examined. Supplemented by required
observation and participation in the Human Development and Learning Laboratory.

PSYC 305 PRACTICUM - 8 HRS. PRACTICE - 2 semester hours
Supervised field experience in mental health.

PSYC 309 EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY LABORATORY - 1 semester hour                                                     
Experiments conducted that illustrate techniques of control and statistical analysis in various areas of
psychology. Focuses on human performance and equipment and laboratory procedures used in the
measuring of this performance. Must be taken concurrently with PSYC 310.
Prerequisite: PSYC 315 - Quantitative Methods

  PSYC 401 TOPICS IN PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                                  
  Involves a critical discussion of current theoretical and experimental issues in four areas of psychology:
  African-American experiences, Spiritual Experiences, Adulthood and Aging, and Selected Issues in
  Psychology. One topic will be offered each semester, and the course may be repeated once for credit.

  PSYC 402 BLACK PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                                   
  This course provides an introduction to the theory, research, and practice relative to the study of
  psychosocial experience from the unique worldview framework of the history and culture of African people.  
  Emphasis will be given to such issues as the African/African-American and European/European-American
  worldviews and the manner in which cross cultural systems of social reality impact the Black experience in
  America, theories of African/Black personality, psychological health and mental disorder, family and social
  relationships, community functioning and cultural infrastructure development, and the nature, function and
  impact of White/European supremacy domination.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor

  PSYC 403 PSYCHOLOGY OF THE SPRITUAL EXPERIENCE - 3 semester hours                     
  This course introduces students to the study and interpretation of spiritual experiences throughout the
  history of psychology, and explores what is now called Transpersonal Psychology. Historically, this subject
  matter has included religious and ""mystical"" experiences, and altered states of consciousness. Students
  will be exposed to the thoughts on these topics by major figures in psychology, philosophy, and theology,
  including Freud, James, Jung, Huxley, Wilber, Maslow, Frankl, Campbell, and Tillich.
  Prerequisite:  Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor

  PSYC 404 PSYCHOLOGY OF RELATIONSHIPS - 3 semester hours                                          
  This course is an in-depth study of relationship science. It includes coverage of the major issues involved in
  attraction, the basic processes that underlie intimate relationships (such as communication and
  interdependency), common relationship issues (such as jealousy, betrayal, & conflict), intimacy, and
  relationship management & loss. This course will also introduce students to the standard methods employed
  in studying intimate relationships.
  Prerequisites: Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor

  PSYC 405 FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours                                                             
  The topics studied by forensic psychologists vary widely. They range from the effects of drugs on behavior,
  to criminal behavior, juvenile delinquency, psychopathology, and profiling serial killers, just to name a few. 
  The goal of this course is to introduce students to some representative areas of forensic psychology and to
  explore how forensic psychologists contribute to the legal system. Students are introduced to the methods
  used by forensic psychologists to explain behavior by examining a number of studies devoted to topics
  related to forensic psychology.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and PSYC 316 Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor                                  

  PSYC 406 OBESITY IN CHILDHOOD - 3 semester hours                                                   
  The course will introduce students to psychosocial factors that contribute to childhood obesity.  Students
  will develop an understanding of why childhood obesity is a risk factor for chronic illnesses.  The course
  will involve extensive use of empirical studies.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 216 and PSYC 310 Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor

  PSYC 407 HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY – 3 semester hours                                                           
  This introduction to health psychology provides a general overview of the discipline of health psychology,
  including its origins, concepts and methods.  A number of types of intervention efforts will be explored,
  including risk factor modification, secondary preventive/rehabilitative efforts for chronic illness
  and community/ public health interventions. Some of the major areas and topics in health psychology are
  explored, such as stress, chronic and acute diseases, substance use and abuse.  Students will acquire skills
  and knowledge that should enhance their critical thinking and understanding the relationship of thought’s,
  emotions, motivations, and actions on human health.  Students will learn to apply health promotion and
  disease prevention theory, concepts and methods to real life situations.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 101 and Jr. or Sr. Standing and consent of Instructor

  PSYC 410 INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGICAL TESTING - 4 semester hours   
  Focuses on supervised intellectual assessment of children and adults using such instruments as WAIS,
  WISC, WPPSI and Stanford-Binet. Relevant literature on the concept of intelligence and test construction
  is required reading.
  Prerequisites: PSYC 216 and department permission

  PSYC 411 DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES FOR EXCEPTIONAL CHILDREN - 4 semester hours    
  A study of psycho-diagnostic procedures useful in evaluating the abilities of exceptional children and youth.
  includes how to select and administer appropriate tests of intelligence, personality, and specific disabilities,
  and how to utilize the findings in planning pupil experience.
  Prerequisite: Psychology 410

  PSYC 412 PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours        
  A study of the physiological systems of the human organism as a basis for psychological reactions,
  with special reference to the endocrine and central nervous systems.
  Prerequisites: Biology 315 and 316

  PSYC 413 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours     
  The history of scientific psychology through a critical analysis of the major psychological systems, stressing
  the problems, methods, and contribution of each and the philosophical and physiological foundations of the
  discipline.
  Prerequisite: Senior or graduate status

  PSYC 414 PERCEPTION - 3 semester           
  The various theories of perception and the experimental research relating to them.

  PSYC 415 CULTURE AND PERSONALITY - 3 semester hours                                                      
  A course designed to enhance the general education of students regardless of their majors. A cross- culture
  approach to the study of personality and national character by examining the value systems, institutions,
  culture traits and child rearing practices of diverse cultures.
  Prerequisite: Junior status or above

  PSYC 416 THE TEACHING OF PSYCHOLOGY IN SECONDARY SCHOOL - 3 semester hours     
  Focuses on methods and materials of instruction in psychology at the secondary level, with emphasis on the
  design of laboratory activities. The implementation of ethical principles and arrangement of major topics
  within psychology under the core areas. Students will explore lecture, discussion inquiry, audiovisual
  presentations, core history analysis, role playing, simulation, field work, demonstration, experiments,
  research projects as techniques for making abstract conceptions of psychology more accessible.

PSYC 417 PSYCHOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE PRIMARY YEARS - 3 semester hours         
A course designed for teachers seeking certification in early childhood education (K-3), and for those
students pursuing the master’s degree in early childhood education. Aims to develop an understanding of
psychological growth and personality development during the first decade of life. Not open to students
having credit for Psychology 117.

PSYC 418 PSYCHOLOGY OF THE DISADVANTAGED - 3 semester hours       
A course examining the dynamics of the behavior of disadvantaged groups. After an analysis of major
historical revolutions, the focus is turned to contemporary groups who occupy disadvantaged positions
in American society.
Prerequisite: Upper class or graduate status

PSYC 419 INTRODUCTION TO SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours       
A course designed to acquaint the student with educational policies and procedures and the role of the
school psychologist.

  PSYC 420 DRUGS AND BEHAVIOR - 3 semester hours         
  A course designed to aid students in understanding the chemistry of certain drugs and their effects upon the
  organism as well as the psychological changes that accompany them, and to aid service providers in dealing
  constructively with the problem.
  Prerequisite: Junior status and above

  PSYC 421 LANGUAGE AND COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT - 3 semester hours 
  An overview of recent advances in the understanding of language acquisition and cognitive development
  in the child. It emphasizes several major theoretical positions and associated empirical works.
  Prerequisite: Junior status and above

PSYC 424 RESEARCH IN PSYCHOLOGY - 3 semester hours
A course designed to provide the student with the opportunity to pursue an original research project through
independent study. Emphasis is placed upon planning and conducting research, analyzing and interpreting
data, and communicating about research.
Prerequisite: Department permission

PSYC 429 CRISIS INTERVENTION STRATEGIES - 3 semester hours  
A course designed primarily to give students an opportunity to learn how to select and utilize psychological
knowledge for the determination of appropriate strategies for crisis intervention situations. The course is
supplemented by field work in selected agencies.

  PSYC 430 THE CLINICAL INTERVIEW - 3 semester hours
  A seminar designed to provide an understanding of the relationship of theory to practical experience and
  skill-building in the use of the interview process. Emphasis is upon employing the interview to establish
  and maintain support with human service recipients.
  Prerequisite: Consent of instructor