Department of Psychology

College of the Sciences and Mathematics

Wayne Building, 5th Floor
125 W. Rosedale Avenue
West Chester University
West Chester, PA 19383
610-436-2532
Department of Psychology
Dr. Kahen, Chairperson
Dr. Mitchell, Assistant Chairperson
Dr. Clarke, Director of Clinical Training of the Clinical Psy.D. Program
Dr. Mishra, Graduate Coordinator - I/O & General Programs
Bridgid Fitzgerald, Graduate Administrative Assistant

Programs of Study

Master's Level

The Department of Psychology offers the master of science (M.S.) degree with concentrations in general psychology and industrial/organizational psychology.

  • Master of Science in Psychology (36-39 semester hours)

  • Psychology Post-Master's Certificate in Clinical Mental Health in Preparation for Counseling Licensure

Doctoral Level

The Department of Psychology offers a doctoral degree (Psy.D.) in clinical psychology. This is a full-time, 5-year program (Fall, Spring, and Summer) which follows a practitioner-scholar model, preparing students for leadership roles as culturally competent psychologists. The program provides significant training in assessment and therapeutic interventions through didactic coursework and supervised clinical training experiences beginning in the first year of the program. West Chester University Psy.D. graduates will be eligible to pursue a license as a clinical psychologist, to supervise graduate student training in mental health related disciplines, and to teach undergraduate and graduate students in topics related to clinical psychology.

The Curriculum

Students complete a minimum of 114 credit hours across five years, with the fifth year dedicated to a full-time clinical internship. Students choose a clinical specialization in Child and Adolescent Mental Health or Trauma. Elective courses (12 credits) and practicum training experiences in years 3 and 4 of the program provide depth of training and expertise in specialty areas.

WCU Community Mental Health Services/Psy.D. Training Clinic

This state of the art training facility located on the WCU campus and affiliated with the Department of Psychology offers a range of assessment and therapy services for a diverse socioeconomic population. Supervised by licensed clinical psychologists, WCU Psy.D. students provide clinical services to children, families, and adults in the community. Psy.D. students complete 5 semesters of practicum training in the WCU Community Mental Health Clinic and have the option of completing their advanced practicum work by continuing at this clinic or by training at other approved practicum locations.

American Psychological Association Accreditation

APA has granted the Psy.D. program accreditation on contingency through July 21, 2024. Questions related to the program’s accredited status should be directed to the Commission on Accreditation:
Office of Program Consultation and Accreditation
American Psychological Association
750 1st Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002
Phone: (202) 336-5979 / E-mail: apaaccred@apa.org
Web: https://accreditation.apa.org/

All applicants to one of West Chester University’s graduate programs will be held to the graduate admissions requirements. When applicable, additional requirements for admission into specific department program(s) may be listed below.

Admissions Requirements for the M.S. in Psychology*

The minimum admission standards for the Department of Psychology are an undergraduate GPA of 3.0, a psychology GPA for three or more courses of 3.25, GRE scores of 500 on both verbal and quantitative areas, and three letters of reference. An interview with the department admissions committee also may be required. Typically, admissions are made on a once-a-year basis with March 1 serving as the application deadline. Students accepted into a concentration may, with the approval of the graduate committee, transfer to another concentration. A few applicants who do not fully meet the outlined admission requirements may be admitted on a provisional basis depending on their maturity, relevant work experiences, and academic promise.

*

The GRE is being waived for Fall 2021 applicants.

Admissions Requirements for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology*

Admission Timeline:

Admissions to the Psy.D. program are made for Fall only, with a December 15 deadline for completed applications. Applications received after this deadline will be reviewed only on a space-available basis. An on-campus interview is required of all successful applicants before an admission decision is made. Not all applicants will be invited for an on-campus interview. Applicants will be notified by January 31 of an invitation to interview, and the on-campus interview day is the third Friday in February. Applicants will be informed of admissions decisions on or around March 1. Student matriculation decisions are due by April 15, at which time a $400 deposit is required.

Admission Requirements:

The following undergraduate or graduate level courses are required in preparation for the WCU Psy.D. Program:

  • Introduction to Psychology
  • Statistics
  • Research Methods
  • Abnormal Psychology
  • Personality Psychology

GRE, Major, and GPA Requirements:

  • GRE General test (Verbal and Quantitative sections) required in last 5 years, even for applicants with a previous graduate degree
  • Minimum GRE Scores Strongly Recommended: 153 (V) and 148 (Q)
  • The GRE Psychology Subject Test is not required
  • Undergraduate Psychology Major is required OR a major from a related discipline UNLESS the applicant has already obtained a graduate degree in Psychology
  • Minimum BA/BS GPA of 3.0; for applicants with a Master’s degree, a GPA of 3.3 for the graduate program
*

The GRE is being waived for Fall 2021 applicants.

All graduate students are held to the academic policies and procedures outlined in the graduate catalog. Students are encouraged to review departmental handbooks for program tips, suggested course sequences, and explanations of procedures. When applicable, additional policies for specific department programs may be listed below.

Degree Completion Policy for the Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology

Students will complete course work in years 1 and 2, then defend their dissertation proposal and complete course work in year 3, thus earning their M.S. degree in Psychology. Students will then complete course work in year 4, defend their dissertation, and in year 5, complete a full time 12-month internship in order to earn a Psy.D.

Faculty will review student progress annually as described below:

  • At the end of the first year, all students are evaluated by the Psy.D. Program Committee. Any problems noted, suggesting an inability to effectively complete the program, will be addressed formally with the student, and the student will be placed on probation. Midway through the second year, any student on probation is re-evaluated and provided feedback on their progress (or lack thereof). (ANY student may be re-evaluated at this point if a concern has developed following the initial 1st year evaluation.) At the end of the 2nd year, all students are again evaluated. Those who are evaluated favorably will continue with the program and upon successful completion of the dissertation proposal and the comprehensive exam are awarded their Master’s degree. Those who are evaluated unfavorably will be dismissed from the program. The Psy.D. Program Committee will determine whether it is appropriate to let the student complete the dissertation proposal and comprehensive exam in order to earn the Master’s degree.
  • Following the successful completion of the dissertation proposal, students apply for degree candidacy. Degree candidacy can be denied and students removed from the program at this point.
  • All students are evaluated following the comprehensive exam (i.e., end of year 3). Any student can be removed from the program for failing the comprehensive exam.

Professors

Eleanor Brown (2005)

B.A., Haverford College; Ph.D., University of Delaware

Angela Clarke (2007)

Director of Clinical Training, Clinical Psy.D. Program

B.S., M.A., Ph.D., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Susan Gans (1997)

B.A., New York University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Chicago

Erin Michelle Hill (2013)

B.A., Laurentian University; M.A., Carleton University; Ph.D., Auckland University of Technology

Lauri Hyers (2004)

B.A., Chapman College; Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University

Vanessa Kahen (1999)

Chairperson, Psychology

B.S., University of Washington, Seattle; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Berkeley

Sandra L. Kerr (1994)

B.A., Boston College; M.A., Ph.D., State University of New York at Stony Brook

Loretta Rieser-Danner (1997)

B.S., Pennsylvania State University; Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin

Aaron S. Rundus (2011)

B.A., University of South Florida; M.S., Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Geeta Shivde (2005)

B.A., Oberlin College; M.S., Ph.D., University of Oregon

Jasmin Tahmaseb-McConatha (1990)

B.A., University of Utah; M.S., Jacksonville State University; Ph.D., University of Georgia

Stefani Yorges (1996)

B.A., Hastings College; M.S., Ph.D., Purdue University

Deanne U. Zotter (1991)

B.A., Bloomsburg University; M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

Associate Professors

Rebecca L. Chancellor (2013)

B.A., University of Nevada; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Janet Chang (2016)

B.A., Swarthmore College; M.A., Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Michael J Gawrysiak (2017)

B.A., Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Ph.D., University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Vipanchi Mishra (2014)

Graduate Coordinator, Psychology

B.A., M.A., University of Delhi; M.S., University of Hartford; Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY

Karen J. Mitchell (2014)

Assistant Chairperson, Psychology

B.A., Pennsylvania State University; M.A., Ph.D., Kent State University

Lia O'brien (2017)

B.A., University of Kansas; Ph.D., Temple University

Assistant Professors

Kristen R Breit (2020)

B.A., Chapman University; M.A., San Diego State University; Ph.D., Purdue University

Lauren D. Brumley (2021)

B.A., University of North Carolina; M.A., Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania

Stevie N Grassetti (2018)

B.A., Pennsylvania State University; M.A., University of Tennessee; Ph.D., University of Delaware

Megan T Nolan (2018)

B.S., Pennsylvania State University; M.A., Ph.D., University of Akron

Michael J Roche (2020)

B.S., M.S., Ph.D., The Pennsylvania State University

PSY

PSY 506. Learning And Cognition. 3 Credits.

Survey and critical review of existing theories of learning and relevant research data.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 510. Graduate Research in Psychology. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to allow graduate psychology students an opportunity to learn about and engage in psychological research, independent of required or optional thesis research. Most 510 research participation will be of a collaborative nature, with students working closely with a departmental faculty member.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 512. Psychology Of Personality. 3 Credits.

The interaction and effects of forces that influence personality development. Normal and neurotic development are contrasted. Principles of personality measurement are explored.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 514. Group Interventions II. 3 Credits.

Continuation of PSY 513 at an advanced level with emphasis on clinical sociometry, the social atom concept, auxiliary ego techniques, and directing. Instruction will include both didactic and experiential modes.

PSY 521. Issues in Autism: Diagnosis and Behavioral Treatments. 3 Credits.

Study of the assessment and treatment of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders, related disorders, and associated problems. Detailed coverage of current validated assessment and treatment practices, with emphasis on behavior analytic procedures. Instruction will occur via current books, periodicals, testing materials, videos, and role-play activities.
Distance education offering may be available.

PSY 524. Psychometrics: Measurement and Evaluation. 3 Credits.

A survey of measurement theory in psychology with emphasis on the logic of measurement, scaling models, statistical methods, construction of valid and reliable measures.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 524 requires a prerequisite of PSY 601.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Summer.

PSY 530. Human Sexual Behavior. 3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.

PSY 540. Multicultural Psychology. 3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 546. Advanced Systems Analysis. 3 Credits.

Systems analysis applied to the design, development, and management of human performance systems within organizations.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 547. Interpersonal Relationships within Groups. 3 Credits.

A study of processes and factors in establishing, maintaining, and terminating relationships via the use of group methods. This class is designed as an introductory course, integrating theory and practice of psychodrama and cognitive behavioral therapy as a psychotherapeutic modality. Emphasis is placed on understanding the basic psychodramatic and cognitive behavioral techniques from a theoretical perspective with emphasis placed on how to use these basic techniques in applied situations.
Typically offered in Summer.

PSY 560. Advanced Industrial Psychology. 3 Credits.

Advanced survey of theory, research, and applications in major topical areas of industrial psychology. Topics include job analysis, employee recruitment, employee selection, selection decisions, performance appraisal, uses and development of psychological tests.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 562. Organizational Psychology. 3 Credits.

Advanced survey of theory and research on the behavior of individuals and groups in organizations. Topics include job attitudes, leadership, work motivation, organizational culture, teams and group processes.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 565. Psychology Of Women. 3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 566. Seminar In Indust & Organizat Psychology. 3 Credits.

Recent technical, legal, social, and ethical aspects of the field are covered. Affirmative action and assessment, equal opportunity, minorities and women in the work force, and other pertinent issues are emphasized.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 566 requires prerequisites of PSY 601 and PSY 602 and PSY 524 and PSY 560 and PSY 562.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 567. Psychology & Training. 3 Credits.

This course is focused on psychological principles and methods used for planning and analysis of training performance in organizations. Topics include training needs assessment, methods of training, transfer of training effects as well as design and experimental evaluation of training techniques.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 568. Psychopharmacology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to the mechanisms of action, effects and side effects of those psychoative drugs most commonly encountered by mental health practitioners. Both psychotherapeutic drugs and drugs of abuse will be discussed. The course will focus on the implications of these drugs for our understanding of the neurochemical basis of both noraml and abnormal behavior.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.

PSY 569. Ethics and Professional Skills in Organizational Practice. 3 Credits.

Tools, techniques, and practices required for successfully applying Industrial/Organizational psychology knowledge within organizations.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 569 requires a prerequisite of PSY 560 or PSY 562.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 570. Applied Psychology Practicum. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to give students hands-on consulting experience working with non-profits in the local community. Students will meet weekly with the course instructor and will be fully engaged in the design, data collection, intervention, and change management process for ongoing projects. In addition, they will also learn to critically evaluate empirical research, conduct data analysis, interpret the findings, and communicate them via an initial proposal and final summary report.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 571. Workplace Stress and Health. 3 Credits.

Advanced survey of processes, theories, research, and practical applications related to stress and health in the workplace. Topics include workplace stress interventions, corporate wellness programs, and work-life integration.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 572. Introduction to People Analytics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to metrics, analysis, measurement, and data interpretation critical to human resource (people) analytics. Students will learn various quantitative decision-making techniques and methods for common personnel management issues such as talent acquisition, training evaluation, performance management, employee attitudes and engagement, HR effectiveness, and financial return-on-investment.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 573. Assessment and Performance Prediction in the Workplace. 3 Credits.

This course considers conceptual and practical issues and procedures for personality and performance prediction and assessment in the workplace. Assessment methods and rating formats are discussed in relation to issues of criteria relevance, legal considerations, and the distinction between subjective ratings and objective measures of performance. Focus is on the design of valid and efficient programs for assessment and prediction of job performance of individuals for the purposes of selection, development, and promotion. The course will be focused on personality assessment, cognitive ability assessment, emotional intelligence, leadership, knowledge and skills measures, workplace environment assessment and assessment of physical performance. Emphasis will be placed on the administration, scoring, and interpretation of assessment instruments. Students will learn to identify and characterize behavioral styles as a way to assess and develop individual competencies for different organizational purposes.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.

PSY 575. Disruptive Behavior Through the Lifespan. 3 Credits.

This course offers a clinical focus on "disruptive behavior" by highlighting diagnostic and treatment considerations for Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, and Antisocial Personality Disorder. The course is a learning collaborative in which graduate-level students learn from each other and the course instructor. They will learn to identify factors that contribute to continuity and discontinuity in disruptive behavior across the lifespan through discussion of case studies, theoretical work, and empirical papers. They will also reflect on their own thoughts and feelings about clients presenting with disruptive behaviors while learning how to address disruptive behavior in clinical settings. The course is designed for graduate-level students who have a background in psychology or a related field.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Summer and Winter.

PSY 581. Eating Disorders. 3 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.

PSY 590. Topical Seminar in Psychology. 1-3 Credits.

Special topics in psychology not offered under existing regularly offered courses.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 600. Research Report. 1-3 Credits.

This course is designed to provide graduate psychology students with structure, support, and mentorship in their specific area of interest as they develop their own research proposal, including a critical literature review, specific aims and hypotheses informed by the literature, and appropriate research methodology. This course may be used as a starting point for a thesis or dissertation.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 601. Introduction to Statistics/Research Methods. 3 Credits.

Critical examination of research methods in psychology, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, correlational methods, and survey methods. Students will receive practical experience in the design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of data, and in preparation of written reports for research projects.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 602. Advanced Statistical Methods. 3 Credits.

Critical examination of advanced research methods in psychology, including experimental and quasi-experimental designs, correlational methods, and survey methods. Students will receive practical experience in the design, implementation, analysis, and interpretation of data, and in preparation of written reports for research projects.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 602 requires prerequisite of PSY 601.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 604. History and Systems of Psychology. 3 Credits.

An integrated overview of the history of psychology as well as the systems, theories, and fundamental issues with which psychologists have concerned themselves in the past, recent, and current stages of the science.
Typically offered in Summer.

PSY 605. Biological Bases of Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course provides an overview of the anatomical, physiological, endocrinological and psychopharmacological underpinnings of behavior, including emotion, learning, memory, movement, and neurobehavioral dysfunction.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 607. Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course emphasizes cognitive and affective processes that influence behavior, and the interaction of emotion and cognition. Areas of emphasis include attention, memory, decision making, emotion regulation and disorders of emotion.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 608. Developmental Bases of Behavior. 3 Credits.

Study of developmental theories explaining typical human development. Emphasis on current theoretical issues involved in the effects of early experience and environment.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 609. Advanced Social Psychology. 3 Credits.

Emphasizes contemporary approaches to the study of social behavior including cognitive, social, and experimental and quasi-experimental research methodology.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 610. Thesis. 3 Credits.

An original empirical study.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 630. Internship in Industrial/Organizational. 3 Credits.

Supervised professional participation in applied psychological activities within a business or organizational setting.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 680. Advanced Health Psychology. 3 Credits.

An in-depth study of the behavioral, biolgoical, psychological and social factors in physical health and illness. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary health psychology research and current areas of focus in the field.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 700. Adult Psychopathology. 3 Credits.

Advanced study of abnormal human behavior and a description of pertinent types, including symptoms, causes, and treatment. Current and recent theoretical approaches and research findings relevant to the etiology and treatment of these disorders.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 701. Child and Adolescent Psychopathology. 3 Credits.

Advanced study of abnormal child and adolescent behavior and a description of pertinent types, including symptoms, causes, and treatment. Current and recent theoretical approaches and research findings relevant to the etiology and treatment of these disorders.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 701 requires a prerequisite of PSY 700.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 705. Multicultural Clinical Psychology. 3 Credits.

This course provides students an overview of multiculturalism in the practice of clinical psychology. The focus of this course is on the role of culture, viewed broadly in terms of multiple social identities (e.g., class, race, age, gender, sexual orientation) and the intersection of these identities, in understanding human behavior, particularly in the context of therapeutic interactions.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 708. Ethical, Legal, and Professional Issues in Psychotherapy. 3 Credits.

The focus of this course is on the ethical practice of counseling/psychotherapy. Ethical standards of the American Psychological Association, the American Counseling Association, and Pennsylvania law will guide discussion of the ethical and legal issues that may arise for psychotherapists during their various professional activities.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 710. Psychotherapy I: Cognitive and Behavior Therapy. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to familiarize students with the cognitive model from an applied and theoretical therapeutic perspective. Students will become acquainted with some of the commonly used assessment tools and various intervention techniques in cognitive behavioral treatment. The course is viewed as a practice-application environment utilizing basic CBT techniques emphasizing collaborative components of the cognitive model.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 712. Psychotherapy II: Interpersonal and Psychodynamic Theory. 3 Credits.

This course will provide students the opportunity to learn skills necessary for conducting individual psychotherapy using interpersonal and psychodynamic theories.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 712 requires prerequisite of PSY 710.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 714. Psychotherapy III: Child and Family Therapy. 3 Credits.

This course will provide students the opportunity to learn skills necessary for conducting psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and families. Theoretical considerations, principles, techniques, and problems involved in psychotherapy with children, adolescents, and families will be discussed. Contemporary theories of psychotherapy encompass a wide range of thought, differing models of mind, and competing clinical perspectives. In this course we will contrast and evaluate various psychotherapy models for treating children and adolescents, including psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, narrative, and family systems approaches.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 714 requires prerequisites of PSY 710 and PSY 712.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 716. Psychotherapy IV: Group Dynamics/Group Interventions. 3 Credits.

This course introduces students to the practice of group psychotherapy from a variety of theoretical orientations.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 716 requires prerequisites of PSY 710, PSY 712, and PSY 714.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 720. Assessment I: Intellectual Assessment. 3 Credits.

Historical development, administration, scoring, and interpretation of the Wechsler scales.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 721. Assessment II: Personality Assessment. 3 Credits.

History and theory of personality testing. Introduction to administration, scoring, and interpretation of projective and objective techniques.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 730. Clinical Skills Practicum. 3 Credits.

The focus of this course is on the effective practice of individual counseling/psychotherapy. The primary emphasis in the course is on process issues that are typically encountered by many psychotherapists, regardless of their specific theoretical orientation.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 730 requires prerequisites of PSY 700 and PSY 710.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 731. Clinical Supervision. 1 Credit.

For students working in the WCU Community Mental Health Clinic. This course provides face-to-face, individual supervision with a member of the WCU Clinical Psychology faculty. By working closely with their supervisors, students will develop their assessment and psychotherapy skills, will learn appropriate professional conduct, and will develop into ethical and effective mental health practitioners.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 731 requires prerequisite of PSY 730.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 732. Consultation and Supervision in Clinical Practice. 3 Credits.

This course will provide students with an overview of the theory, research, and practice of clinical supervision and consultation within a multicultural framework. Students will develop skills that will help them become effective and ethical supervisors and consultants.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 732 requires a prerequisite of PSY 708.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 733. Psychology Clinic Practicum. 2 Credits.

For students working in the WCU Community Mental Health Clinic. This course will provide supervised, educational, graduate-level experience in an outpatient mental health setting in the intake process, assessment, diagnosis, report writing, and individual, family, and/or group psychotherapy.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 733 requires prerequisite of PSY 730.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 734. Advanced Clinical Practicum. 2-3 Credits.

Supervised professional participation in applied psychological activities, or projects in cooperating agencies and institutions.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 734 requires prerequisite of PSY 730.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 740. Research Practicum. 3 Credits.

This course gives graduate psychology students an opportunity to learn about and engage in psychological research to augment the dissertation research by assisting students in learning the process of developing a research program and a dissertation proposal.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 740 requires prerequisites of PSY 601 and PSY 602.
Typically offered in Fall & Spring.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 742. Program Evaluation. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to introduce advanced graduate students to a variety of approaches to program evaluation and a range of skills required to develop and implement an evaluation. Topics include needs analysis, statement of objectives, definition and verification of treatment, operational measures, evaluation design, analysis/interpretation of data, and report writing.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring & Summer.

PSY 750. Community Interventions. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the examination of interventions, including prevention programs, for contemporary social problems. Students will learn skills needed to conduct community assessment, intervention, and evaluation. Emphasis will be placed on contextual analyses, community strengths, and culturally-appropriate solutions.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 752. Clinical Neuropsychology. 3 Credits.

This course provides an introduction to the subspecialty of clinical neuropsychology, with a focus on understanding brain-behavior relationships using culturally and ethically informed neuropsychological assessment methods.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 752 requires prerequisite of PSY 605 and PSY 721.
Typically offered in Summer.

PSY 760. Adolescence and Emerging Adulthood. 3 Credits.

Key topics of adolescence and emerging adulthood. Focus will be on the (a) biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and psychological changes of these age periods, (b) contexts of development, such as families, peers, and schools, and (c) ways in which individual development is related to income, gender, sexual orientation, and racial/ethnic group membership.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 760 requires prerequisite of PSY 608 and PSY 701.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 761. Infant Mental Health. 3 Credits.

This course provides an introduction to infant mental health, a growing area of psychological research and practice. Among other topics, we will cover development and context, risk and protective factors, assessment, psychopathology or significant difficulties, and prevention and intervention.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 761 requires prerequisite of PSY 608 and PSY 701.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 770. Trauma and Treatment. 3 Credits.

This course reviews the history, etiology, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of trauma-related dysfunction, particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), acute stress disorder (ASD), and common comorbid conditions.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 770 requires prerequisites of PSY 700, PSY 710, and PSY 712.
Typically offered in Fall.

PSY 780. Trauma Interventions for Children and Adolescents. 3 Credits.

Critical examination of etiology and treatment issues related to psychology studies in traumatic stress for children. Review of empirical research and psychotherapeutic principles for mitigating the negative consequences of trauma in children.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 780 requires prerequisites of PSY 701, PSY 710, PSY 712, and PSY 714.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Distance education offering may be available.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 781. Ecological Contexts of Trauma. 3 Credits.

This course focuses on the ecological contexts of psychological trauma, ranging from microsystem influences such as family and friends to macrosystem influences such as the broader culture and its systems of oppression. Consideration of ecological context is important for understanding how to define traumatic events, why these events occur, why some social groups are disproportionately likely to experience them, and how we might promote recovery for individuals and communities as well as prevent or reduce the occurrence of future trauma.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 781 requires prerequisites of PSY 605, PSY 609, PSY 700, and PSY 701.
Typically offered in Spring.

PSY 800. Dissertation. 3 Credits.

An empirical research study with an oral defense approved by at least 2 faculty members from the WCU Psychology Department.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 800 requires prerequisite of PSY 740.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.

PSY 890. Pre-Doctoral Clinical Internship. 1-6 Credits.

Contact department for more information about this course.
Pre / Co requisites: PSY 890 requires prerequisite of PSY 734 and permission of program director.
Consent: Permission of the Department required to add.
Typically offered in Fall, Spring & Summer.
Repeatable for Credit.