Program Overview
Discover our online B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health
Make a difference as a mental health expert when you earn your online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health from Avila University. In our cutting-edge coursework, you will learn about the role of behavioral science in mental health, receptive and expressive communication, conflict resolution, and social psychology. Take advantage of an invaluable field placement experience with a seminar focused on the development of professional behavior.
Whether you are preparing for graduate school or the workforce, our comprehensive curriculum and real-world field experience will provide you with the human-centered expertise required to flourish in any organization. Reach your potential with a values-based university that provides affordable, accessible, and 100% online education.
Career opportunities:
- Human Resource Specialist
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Advocate
- Marketing Research
- Human Resource Specialist
- Case Manager
- Mental Health Advocate
- Marketing Research
$290
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
Tuition
Our budget-friendly tuition is pay-as-you-go
The B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health online program tuition is the same affordable, pay-as-you-go rate for all U.S. residents. Fees are included in the total tuition, and financial aid may be available.
Plus, a Prior Learning Assessment evaluates knowledge gained outside traditional academic environments and may help reduce your tuition and time to completion.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. Psychology – Mental Health | $290 | $870 |
Transfer Your Credits for Lower Tuition
Use our Tuition Estimator to see how affordable your degree could be. Slide the notch to the number of credits you've already earned—which may qualify for transfer credit—to get an estimate of what your degree might cost.
Transcripts sent from other colleges and universities will be evaluated, and accepted credits will be added to the student’s Avila record. The Tuition Estimator is not a guarantee or predictor of the number of credit hours that will be accepted. Amount of transfer credits accepted varies by program. View the desired program’s webpage for information about its transfer credit parameters.
Tuition breakdown:
$290
Per Credit Hour
Calendar
These are the dates you need to know
Ideal for working professionals, the B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health online program features 8-week courses and multiple start dates each year so you can begin at the time that works best for you. View the full calendar for all upcoming starts and corresponding deadlines.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 2025 | 1/6/25 | 12/20/24 | 12/20/24 | 1/3/25 | 1/6/25 | 3/2/25 | 8 weeks |
| Spring 2 2025 | 3/3/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/26/25 | 2/28/25 | 3/3/25 | 5/4/25 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
2/26/25
Apply Date
3/3/25
Class Starts
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?
Admissions
How to apply for our mental health psychology degree online
We’ve simplified the admission process to help you get started quickly and easily. You can find all requirements for admission to the Avila online B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health below.
Admission Requirements:
- Official transcripts
- 2.0 GPA in prior coursework
- Transfer up to 90 credits
In order to be eligible to receive a bachelor’s degree from Avila University, you must have the following:
- High school diploma
- Minimum 2.0 GPA on college coursework or 2.0 GPA on high school conferred transcript
- Official transcripts from all institutions previously attended
Submit all official transcripts to:
Email: [email protected]
Mail: Undergraduate Admissions
Avila University
11901 Wornall Road
Kansas City, MO 64145
Courses
See what you’ll learn in your online B.A. in Psychology – Mental Health coursework
In order to earn the online B.A. in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health, you will complete 120 credit hours, including 35 credit hours of general education requirements, 33 credit hours of major requirements, 15 credit hours of concentration courses, and 37 credit hours of electives.
CO 110: Fundamentals of Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introductory and practical approach to the process of developing, understanding and refining communication skills. In this class, we will focus on several communication areas, including but not limited to: perception of self, language, interpersonal communication, cultural communication, small group dynamics, and public speaking skills. This is a Skills Level course. FA, SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Develop and maintain interpersonal, small group and public communication skills for use in a career and social context.
- Apply verbal and non-verbal components of oral communication to real life situations.
EN 111: Composition I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development of a robust composition process centered on considerations of audience and purpose. Introduction to argument, including collegiate research practices and integration of reputable sources. Intense practice in close reading for understanding and analysis. Includes refinement of writing mechanics necessary for academic discourse in Standard American English. This is a skills level course. Prerequisite: EN 095 with a grade of "C" or better or appropriate placement exam scores. FA, SP
Course objectives:
- Use the computer to generate multiple drafts and demonstrate writing as a process.
- Strengthen skills in the construction and logical development of a clear and concise thesis.
AR 183: Survey Art II: From the Renaissance to Modernism
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of major artists, artwork, styles, and techniques, from the Renaissance through the 20th Century with the primary focus on the major Western art movements (including architecture) and the relationship between the social function of art and its form, content, and context. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Arts. SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify and explain the significance of major works of art.
- Recognize & describe the aesthetic elements which mark selected periods & artists.
BI 111: General Biology - Cell & Genes w/Lab
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
A survey of cell theory (cellular structure and function) and molecular genetics that illustrates the nature and limits of science and two of the fundamental concepts of the life sciences. Elements of evolutionary theory will be discussed throughout the course and examples from all kingdoms of life will be used. Laboratory will introduce students to methods of microscopy, modeling, and experimental design and analysis. This course will identify key theories of science, including contributions and limitations of scientific discovery. 3 hours lecture, 3 hours laboratory per week. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Natural Science. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Identify the basic molecules of life and to predict their properties and reactions.
- Connect the genetics of all biological life and understand the basic flow of genetic information.
EN 278: Global Lit
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Through the lens of literature, this course explores the flows of people and their culture and labor across borders. Each text is examined in terms of its artistic and political dimensions with a focus on identity, gender politics, and historical revision. Rather than discrete nations and single cultures, the course concentrates on movement, hybridity, and multiplicity. In addition to physical movement, the course examines other possessions that move across the borders including information, language, traditions, and beliefs, examining ways in which people remember, reimagine, and reshape their sense of self and community. Prerequisite: EN 111 or EN 112. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Literature/Rhetoric. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Appreciate the aesthetic qualities of literary texts and develop an awareness of influential critical and interpretive methods
- Analyze and interpret works from different historical and cultural traditions using appropriate critical terms of literary analysis and responding to questions about genre, style, and content or theme
HI 204: American Experience II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a survey of major political, social, cultural, and economic changes in United States history from 1865 to the present, with emphasis on the development of industrial society, consumerism, the expanding role of the United States in world affairs, as well as civil rights and other social movements. Meets the lower-division requirement for American History in the history major. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, History.
Course objectives:
- Knowledge: Identify and characterize the major questions of United States and World history in terms of continuity and change using relevant political, economic, social, religious, and cultural institutions, traditions, and beliefs.
- Theory: Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of race, gender, class, ethnicity, or religion on the experiences of ordinary and extraordinary people of the past using current historical theory and methodology.
MA 117: Mathematical Modeling and Reasoning
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 4
The purpose of this course is to provide a comprehensive overview of the skills required to navigate the mathematical demands of modern life and prepare students for a deeper understanding of information presented in mathematical terms. Emphasis is placed on improving students’ ability to draw conclusions, make decisions, and communicate effectively in mathematical situations that depend upon multiple factors. 2020 Core: Liberal Arts, Mathematics. SP, SU.
Course objectives:
- Perform operation with real numbers. Evaluate algebraic expressions.
- Solve and apply linear equations and inequalities.
PL 255: Ethics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a critical examination of a range of major ethical theories, where students will systematically reason through and discuss major ethical notions as well as notions of ethical agency. Questions that might be covered include but are not limited to: How do we as members of communities live? How ought we live? What are the differences between good and bad choices? Why should I act other than what is in my self-interest? Do I have duties to myself and others? If so, what are those duties? What kinds of actions are morally significant or irrelevant to moral thinking? 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Philosophy. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Obtain knowledge of basic ethical theories and how they apply to all areas of live: personal, professional and societal.
- Recognize the differences between moral absolutism, relativism and pluralism.
SO 101: Intro to Sociology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology. The course emphasizes how a scientific approach can be used to understand the social world, with a particular focus on inequality, social institutions, and social change. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Social Sciences. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Develop an understanding of the sociological perspective
- Compare and contrast the major concepts, ideas and methods of sociology
RS 117: World Religions
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers both a historical and critical look at human religious experience through a study of the world’s many religious traditions. Topics include: the varieties of religious belief and the historical/political experiences that inspired them, including ideas of the holy and sacred, scriptures, myths, symbols, rituals, and morality. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire, Global Studies. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Religious Studies, Global Studies. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Learn the primary features of the major world religious systems, with special focus on scriptures, social and cultural formations, history, myths and rituals, ethics, and the category “sacred”
- Learn to interrogate the methodologies used in discussing the categories of “world religions” and “religious experience,” with particular focus on the role that dominant narratives and elite discourses play in the formation of these systems
IS 311 (IS/GS): Peace Studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an interdisciplinary (religious studies, communication, philosophy, sociology, history, and economics) approach to achieving peace on a personal, local, national, and international level. The focus is on developing practical strategies for creating peace and living peacefully in a global society. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Contribute, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Studies.
Course objectives:
- Examine the development of peace research and peace studies over the last 50 years.
- Understand the breadth and scope of the interdisciplinary field of peace studies.
EN 112: Composition II: Rhetorical Argument
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Expansion of writing skills with training in academic research, proper citation, and reasoned argument. Emphasis on persuasive composition, including critical analysis of arguments and rhetorically attentive arguments from evidence. Refinement of a mature writing process centered in revision practices. Includes close reading for understanding, analysis, evaluation, and response. May not be taken concurrently with EN111. This is a skills level course. Prerequisite: EN 111 with a grade of “C” or better or appropriate placement exam scores. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Acquire. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Write a clear, well developed, effectively organized, and convincingly reasoned paper.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the values of many diverse Americans and of the writing strategies successful authors use to communicate ideas clearly through reading and responding.
PY 101: General Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the theories, methods, and perspectives that psychologists use to describe and explain behavior and mental processes. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. 2020 CORE: Liberal Arts, Social Sciences. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
1.1a: Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes.
1.1b: Explain why psychology is a science with the primary objectives of describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes.
1.2a: Identify key characteristics of major content domains in psychology (e.g., cognition and learning, developmental, biological, and sociocultural).
2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
2.1b: Use psychology concepts to explain personal experiences and recognize the potential for flaws in behavioral explanations based on simplistic, personal theories.
2.1a: Describe the value and limitations of using theories to explain behavioral phenomena.
2.1b: Describe common fallacies in thinking (e.g. confirmation bias, post hoc explanations, implying causation from correlation) that impair accurate conclusions and predictions.
2.2b: Describe what kinds of additional information beyond personal experience are acceptable in developing behavioral explanations (i.e., popular press reports vs. scientific findings).
3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
3.1a Describe key regulations in the APA Ethics Code for protection of human or nonhuman research participants.
5: Professional Development
5.1d Describe how psychology’s content applies to business, health care, educational, and other workplace settings.
CO/PY212: Conflict Resolution
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course focuses on various strategies for dealing with conflict in a positive manner. It is designed to help students develop the skills necessary to resolve conflicts and have successful outcomes. The skills of listening, assertion, problem solving, and conflict management are emphasized. Prerequisite: CO 110. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SU.
Course objectives:
- Understand the positive value of conflict.
- Discern the types of responses to conflict and understand one's personal response.
- Have knowledge of the concept of zero sum and win/win outcomes.
- Understand the relationship of communication skills and building positive conflicts.
- Identify the communication behaviors that result in more successful outcomes of conflicts.
- Demonstrate an ability to integrate theoretical foundation to real world situations.
PY 208: Lifespan Development
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A survey of the main patterns of growth and development of the person over the lifespan; emphasis on the social, intellectual, emotional, cognitive, and physical development of the person. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
1: Knowledge Base in Psychology
1.1a. Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes (APA Knowledge Base in Psychology). Specific to this course emphasis will be on the use of developmental terminology, content, and theories.
1.1d Recognize the power of the context in shaping conclusions about individual behavior (APA Knowledge Base in Psychology).
1.3B. Evaluate how the mind and body interact to influence psychological and physical health (APA Knowledge Base in Psychology).
1.3a Describe examples of relevant and practical applications of psychological principles to everyday life (APA Knowledge Base in Psychology). Specific to this course emphasis will be on the applications of developmental principles.
2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
2.1A Describe the value and limitation of using theories to explain behavioral phenomena (APA Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking)
2.4a Describe research methods used by psychologists including their respective advantages and disadvantages (APA Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking). Specific to this course emphasis will be placed on research methods commonly used in developmental research
3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
3.1a Describe key regulations in the APA Ethics Code for protection of human or nonhuman research participants (APA Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World).
PY 216: Social Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the nature and causes of individuals’ thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in social situations. Topics include social cognition, perception of others’ intentions, attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and the power of a group to influence individual behavior. Prerequisite: PY 101 or SO 101. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA
Course objectives:
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
- Describe applications of psychology.
- Demonstrate psychology information literacy.
- Engage in critical thinking to solve psychological problems and issues.
- Interpret, design and conduct basic psychological research.
- Demonstrate effective writing for various audiences.
- Exhibit effective presentation skills for various audiences.
- Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
- Enhance teamwork capacity.
- Articulate how psychological principles can be used to explain social issues, address pressing societal needs and inform public policy.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to individuals and cultures.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to issues of power, privilege and discrimination.
PY 224: Psychology of Communication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A hands-on examination of individual differences in receptive and expressive communication, with a focus upon increasing awareness of self in the context of group interactions.
Course objectives:
- Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
- Describe applications of psychology.
- Engage in critical thinking to solve psychological problems and issues.
- Demonstrate effective writing for various audiences.
- Exhibit effective presentation skills for various audiences.
- Interact effectively with others.
- Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation. Discover the intrapersonal, interpersonal and systemic forces and factors that impact and influence human behavior.
- Utilize human relations strategies - thinking and relating skills - to improve interactions with other.
- Develop “transferable skills” to enhance personal and professional growth and development in the family, work place and community.
- Discover and develop actions that promote valuing diversity.
- Strengthen personal adaptation to change and other “hardiness” skills.
PY 261: Psychological Statistics and Methods I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will learn the foundations of scientific research in psychology, emphasizing the role of psychology as a science, the role of scientific reasoning in everyday life, ethical issues in behavioral research, qualitative research, observational research, and survey design. Students will begin to develop proficiency in SPSS data entry and management, descriptive statistical analysis and reporting, the visual display of data, APA style essentials, and academic writing, reading, and oral communication in psychology. Prerequisites: PY 101 and one of the following: MA 115, MA 120, MA 125, MA 155 or MA 241. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Acquire. FA.
Course objectives:
- Explain why psychology is a science with the primary objectives of describing, understanding, predicting, and controlling behavior and mental processes.
- Describe the value and limitation of using theories to explain behavioral phenomena.
- Describe common fallacies in thinking (e.g., confirmation bias, post hoc explanations, implying causation from correlation) that impair accurate conclusions and predictions.
- Read and summarize complex ideas accurately, including future directions, from psychological sources and research. Homework, Literature Review
- Describe the characteristics and relative value of different information sources (e.g., primary vs. secondary, peer reviewed vs. nonreviewed, empirical vs. nonempirical).
- Identify and navigate psychology databases and other legitimate sources of psychology information.
- Interpret complex statistical findings and graphs in the context of their level of statistical significance, including the influence of effect size, and explain these findings using common language.
- Describe research methods used by psychologists including their respective advantages and disadvantages.
- Define and explain the purpose of key research concepts that characterize psychological research (e.g., hypothesis, operational definition).
- Replicate or design and conduct simple scientific studies (e.g., correlational or two-factor) to confirm a hypothesis based on operational definitions.
- Describe key regulations in the APA Ethics Code for protection of human or nonhuman research participants.
- Identify obvious violations of ethical standards in psychological contexts.
- Write using APA style.
- Deliver brief presentations within appropriate constraints (e.g., time limit, appropriate to audience).
- Develop and execute strategies for exceeding project criteria or, in the absence of such criteria, to meet their own project performance criteria.
- Use SPSS to enter, transform, and analyze data.
- Write an APA-style literature review.
PY 262: Psychological Statistics and Methods II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Students will learn the fundamentals of experimental, quasi-experimental, and advanced experimental design in psychology. Additionally, students will develop proficiency in using SPSS for basic inferential statistical analysis while further mastering APA style and academic writing, reading, and oral communication in psychology. Prerequisite: PY 261. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Transform. SP.
Course objectives:
- Apply scholarly data in an empirical analysis using SPSS and present results in a discipline-specific format.
- Employ skeptical, evaluative and logical approaches in processing information and drawing conclusions Demonstrate a mastery of APA-style.
- Demonstrate how to analyze and summarize data and carry out appropriate testing and estimation while at the same time providing personal predictions reflecting human diversity and individual uniqueness.
- Understand difference between mathematical linearity/nonlinearity and statistical linearity/nonlinearity and why it is important.
- Demonstrate an understanding of experimental, correlational, longitudinal, single-case, and quasi-experimental research, know when each would be used and why, and highlight the advantages and disadvantages of each.
- Demonstrate proficiency in basic inferential statistical analysis by hand.
- Demonstrate proficiency in inferential statistical analysis and reports.
PY 425: Senior Seminar in Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is the capstone for psychology majors and will review current trends and cutting edge research as well as historical antecedents to understanding the role of psychology in the 21st century. Students will leave with knowledge and skills on how to use their degree in the world of work. Prerequisites: PY 261 and PY 262. FA.
Course objectives:
- Describe the nature of the client-helper relationship.
- Explain the concepts and principles that underlie popular theories of change and treatment.
- Describe common pitfalls encountered when dealing with clients, as well as identify pitfalls new clinicians need to be aware of regarding self, when dealing with others in crisis.
- Apply current models of treatment to a variety of client issues, demonstrating an ability to manage client coping along their journey towards positive, healthy change.
- Identify problems and develop viable solutions for those problems, whether they be client or helper centered.
- Use logical approaches in processing information and forming conclusions, when creating treatment plans and goals/objectives for clients.
- Make and evaluate decisions based on current best practices and research based evidence in the field.
CO/PY321: Leadership
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course has a two-fold emphasis. It is first an overview of theories about leadership, including the traits, skills, and behaviors associated with those theories. Secondly, it focuses on one’s personal leadership, whether at work, in the community, within groups, or in any other form of organization. Students learn about the evolution of theories on leadership and relate those theories to case studies and their own leadership. Throughout the course, they explore the meaning of leadership to their own goals and assess their interests, values, priorities, and qualities that support or test those goals. Students use the knowledge gained in this course to plan for their own development as a leader so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges of new opportunities and a changing world. 2015 CORE: Belief & Reason, Contribute.
Course objectives:
- Identify the principal theories that describe leadership behavior.
- Identify the models for analyzing leadership behavior and leadership effectiveness.
- Synthesize various theories and self-assessment activities into a plan for development that is applicable in modern organizations.
PY 373 (CE/GS): Diversity in the Workplace
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This interactive course increases your understanding of a variety of models of individual, cultural, and social group identities, focusing on several contemporary frameworks for understanding differences. Special emphasis is placed on providing the skills and competencies necessary for working with multicultural, inclusive teams. Prerequisite: PY 101. 2015 CORE: Creativity & Culture, Contribute, Global Studies, Community Engagement. FA, SP, SU.
PY 201: Personality Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The scientific study of individual differences, integrating theory and research. Prerequisite: PY 101. SP.
Course objectives:
- Have knowledge of the theories which describe individual and group behavior.
- Demonstrate sensitivity to individuals and groups.
- Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes.
- Analyze one's own thinking processes; including how one's experiences, feelings, ideas, and intuition affect thinking.
- Employ skeptical, evaluative, and logical approaches in processing information and drawing conclusions.
- Have knowledge of the theories which describe individual and group personality processes.
- Use basic psychological terminology, concepts, and theories in psychology to explain behavior and mental processes of personality.
- Use and evaluate theories to explain and predict behavior, including advantages and limitations in the selected frameworks.
- Describe the value of using the scientific method for studying psychological phenomena.
- Identify and challenge flawed sources of information.
PY 210: Abnormal Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general overview of the etiology, characteristics, and determinants of deviations from normal behavior; general information about therapeutic approaches; the study of the role of behavioral sciences in community mental health action. Prerequisite: PY 101. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Use logical approaches in processing information and forming conclusions.
- Make and evaluate decisions based on set criteria and projections.
PY 383: The Psychology of Substance Use and Disorders
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The focus of this course is to investigate and understand the addictive process: that is, the origin, course, maintenance, and consequences of uncontrolled thought, feeling, or behavior. Addictions to be studied will include food, cigarette, alcohol, legal/illegal drugs, and gambling. The students will be exposed to the impact of addictive behavior upon individuals, families, and larger social groups. Prerequisite: PY 101. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute. SP, odd years.
Course objectives:
- Describe the nature of the client-helper relationship.
- Explain the concepts and principles that underlie popular theories of change and treatment.
- Describe common pitfalls encountered when dealing with clients, as well as identify pitfalls new clinicians need to be aware of regarding self, when dealing with others in crisis.
- Apply current models of treatment to a variety of client issues, demonstrating an ability to manage client coping along their journey towards positive, healthy change.
- Identify problems and develop viable solutions for those problems, whether they be client or helper centered.
- Use logical approaches in processing information and forming conclusions, when creating treatment plans and goals/objectives for clients.
- Make and evaluate decisions based on current best practices and research-based evidence in the field.
- Assessed through examinations and/or through class discussion, homework assignments, or projects.
- Explain how substance abuse is affected by biological, genetic, pharmacologic, social, cultural, emotional, and psychological factors.
- Develop a basic understanding of the nature of addictions, as they apply to a variety of substances, behaviors, and activities.
- Describe the different types of drugs currently being used for illicit purposes.
- Discuss issues around substances, such as the medical use of cannabis.
- Identify problems around issues such as the opiate crisis and explore viable solutions for those problems.
- Use logical approaches in identifying substance abuse related problems, explore treatment options and the viability of those options.
- Make and evaluate treatment decisions based on a variety of treatment modalities, and current research in the field.
PY 371: Cognitive Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A general overview of the etiology, characteristics, and determinants of deviations from normal behavior; general information about therapeutic approaches; the study of the role of behavioral sciences in community mental health action. Prerequisite: PY 101. 2015 CORE: Social Justice & Civic Life, Transform. FA, SP.
Course objectives:
- Employ active listening techniques, including summarizing, paraphrasing, questioning and nonverbal response.
- Make a clear, well-organized verbal presentation
- Employ skeptical, evaluative, and logical approaches in processing information and drawing conclusions
- Analyze one’s own thinking processes, including how one’s experiences, feelings, ideas, and intuition affect thinking.
- Critically examine the relationship between belief and reason and the integration and influence of each.
- Know the foundational elements (concepts, terms, theories, figures, methodologies, and historical contributions) in cognitive psychology.
- Learn how researchers in the field of cognitive psychology can study mental processes that cannot be directly observed (i.e. attention, memory).
- Know the key vocabulary and concepts in the field well enough to discuss them with an audience, both written and oral.
- Use knowledge of cognitive psychology to help others.
PY 485: Field Experience in Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course combines a field placement experience with a seminar focused on the development of professional behavior. Meets the Capstone requirement for the School of Professional Studies Psychology degree. Prerequisites: PY 425 and instructor approval. 2015 CORE: Explorations of Nature, Contribute, Community Engagement. SP.
Course objectives:
- Apply psychological principles in a work setting.
- Demonstrate knowledge of major psychological concepts, theoretical perspectives, and research.
- Employ skeptical, evaluative, and logical approaches in processing information and drawing conclusions.
