Psychology 
Academic Year
2011-2012
School
School of Humanities and Social Science
School Web site
School Dean
Janet Dizinno, Ph.D.
hssdean@stmarytx.edu
Department
Psychology
Department Chair
Patricia Owen, Ph.D.
powen@stmarytx.edu
Description of Program/Major
Individuals who are interested in studying human behavior and enjoy working with people often consider the psychology major.
The St. Mary's University psychology program offers students opportunities to learn about psychological theory, research and application. The curriculum is designed to train students to think critically and logically about topics in learning, biopsychology, statistics, experimental design, and abnormal and social psychology. Students also design their own social science research and present their findings at a research conference.
Psychology majors at St. Mary's University benefit from small classes, personal advising, and highly qualified faculty recognized for their teaching. Research, service and career preparation are all emphasized to fully prepare psychology majors for postgraduate life.The faculty is committed to mentoring psychology students to promote a growth-oriented community grounded in faith and engaged in the pursuit of knowledge.
Degree Requirements
Core Curriculum (SMC)
St. Mary's University Core (30 Hours)
All St. Mary's Core SMC13## "Reflection" courses must be completed before registering for SMC23## "Practice" courses. "Reflection" courses can be taken in any order followed by "Practice" courses in any order.
| SMC 1301 | Foundations of Civilization | 3 |
| SMC 1311 | Foundations of Reflection: Self (Formerly PL 1310) | 3 |
| SMC 1312 | Foundations of Reflection: Nature | 3 |
| SMC 1313 | Foundations of Reflection: Others | 3 |
| SMC 1314 | Foundations of Reflection: God (Formerly TH 2301) | 3 |
| SMC 2301 | Foundations of Practice: Ethics (Formerly PL 2332) | 3 |
| SMC 2302 | Foundations of Practice: Civic Engagement and Social Action | 3 |
| SMC 2303 | Foundations of Practice: Fine Arts and Creative Process (Formerly FA 1101, FA 1102, FA 1103) | 3 |
| SMC 2304 | Foundations of Practice: Literature | 3 |
| SMC 4301 | Capstone Seminar: Prospects for Community and Civilization | 3 |
School Specific Core (SSC)
School of Humanities and Social Sciences School Specific Core (30 Hours)
| Speech | SE 1321 (for international students), SE 1341, SE 2333, SE 3391 | 3 |
| Composition and Rhetoric (grade of "C" or better) | EN 1311, EN 1313 (for international students) | 3 |
| Mathematics | MT 1301, MT 1302, MT 1303, MT 1305, MT 1306, MT 1411, MT 2412 | 3 |
| Foreign Languages | Six hours at the sophomore level (2311, 2312) in a Foreign Language previously studied for a minimum of one year; Or, 6 hours of introductory level (1311, 1312) in a Foreign Language not previously studied; Or, 12 hours of CLEP credit for a language previously studied. | 6 |
| History | HS 1301, HS 1302, HS 1303, HS 1351, HS 1352, HS 3312 (or any HS courses pending AC approval) | 3 |
| Science | BL 1301, BL 1302, BL 3311, BL 3312, CH 1303, CH 1304, CH 1401, CH 1402, EG 2300, ES 1300, ES 1303, ES 1304, ES 1373, PY 1300, PY 1310, PY 1401, PY 1402 | 3 |
| Theology | Advanced Theology 33XX, HU 3303 | 3 |
| Fine Arts | AR, DM, MU | 3 |
| Literature | EN 23XX | 3 |
Four Year Degree Plan
Department Courses and Descriptions
Department Courses and Descriptions
PS 1301 General Psychology (3)
Introductory study of human nature and behavior. (PSYC2301)
PS 2353 Personality (3)
Nature, development, structure, and dynamics of personality. Prerequisite: PS1301 (PSYC2316)
PS 2355 Development (3)
Human development in terms of heredity, environment, maturation, learning, and other concepts. (formerly PS3355)
PS 2399 Topics in Psychology (3)
Elective course only used for transfer work.
PS 3164 Sophomore Colloquium (1)
An exploration of psychology as a science and profession. Focuses on the career fields included within the discipline. Participation in sophomore weekend experience required. Writing Intensive class. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3183 Experimental Psychology Lab (1)
Introduction to the principles and methods of experimental psychology. Selected experiments in perception, cognition, and social psychology. Independent project required. Prerequisite: PS 1301, 3381. Concurrent enrollment in PS 3383 (Lecture) is required.
PS 3265 Junior Colloquium (2)
An examination of the academic, ethical, legal, and practical issues associated with the profession of psychology. Prepares majors for graduate study and careers in the discipline. Writing Intensive class. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3331 Abnormal Psychology I (3)
Introduction to historical and contemporary concepts and evidence concerning psychopathology. Prerequisite: PS 1301, 3341
PS 3337 Human Sexuality (3)
A psychological overview of human sexuality emphasizing socio-psychological, physiological, and ethical aspects.
PS 3341 Physiological Psychology (3)
The biological events which underlie human behavior. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3343 Perception (3)
Sensory experience and basic cognitive organization. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3361 Industrial Psychology (3)
Psychological factors in personnel and organizational psychology. Prerequisite: PS1301.
PS 3371 Motivation (3)
Biological and cultural factors in motivation. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3372 Undergraduate Field Placement (3)
On an individual basis students will be placed in community agencies or institutions which have recognized in-service training programs. Periodic conferences will be required. Prerequisite: PS 1301, 3383 and GPA 3.0 or better.
PS 3373 Learning (3)
Fundamental principles and theories of learning as approached from the behavioral and cognitive perspective. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3381 Introductory Statistics (3)
An introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics designed for the student of Psychology. Prerequisite: completion of the university mathematics requirement and PS1301.
PS 3383 Experimental Psychology (3)
Introduction to the principles and methods of experimental psychology. Selected experiments in perception, cognition, and social psychology. Independent project required. Prerequisite: PS 1301, 3381. Concurrent enrollment in PS 3183 (Lab) is required.
PS 3385 Multivariate Statistics (3)
Sampling, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, multiple regression analysis, multiple discriminate analysis, factor analysis. Hands-on experience in the use of various statistical computer programs. Prerequisite: 3381. (same as SE3385)
PS 3386 Human Factors (3)
Human capabilities and limitations that affect the design of human-machine systems. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3390 Social Psychology:Theor&Applic (3)
A scientifically based study of the ways in which the presence of others influences individuals' affect, cognition, and behaviors. The course includes an extensive investigation of common methodologies and recent research. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 3391 History and Systems (3)
A study of the historical, philosophical, and scientific ideas which are the basis of contemporary psychology. Prerequisite: PS1301
PS 4163 Advanced Topics for Undergraduates (1)
Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor. Maybe repeated for additional credit.
PS 4263 Advanced Topics for Undergraduates (2)
Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor. Maybe repeated for additional credit.
PS 4300 Internship in Psychology (3)
A supervised activity which allows the student to apply educational experiences in an institutional/organizational setting.
PS 4363 Advanced Topics for Undergraduates (3)
Special studies designed for selected undergraduate students with permission of instructor. Maybe repeated for additional credit.
Department Faculty
Psychology Faculty Website
Department Website
Psychology Website