Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 5001 - Clinical Skills (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to foundational clinical skills used in counseling, psychotherapy, and trauma-informed helping relationships. Emphasis is placed on therapeutic communication, interviewing, rapport building, active listening, reflection, case conceptualization, documentation, crisis response, and the development of a professional therapeutic alliance. Students will apply evidence-based helping skills through structured practice, simulated counseling experiences, online skills demonstrations, peer feedback, and case-based assignments. The course also introduces students to the role of theory, trauma-informed practice, and professional self-awareness in effective clinical work. Prerequisite: Admission to the Graduate Psychology Program.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5002 - Professional Ethics in Trauma Psychology (3 Credits)

This course examines ethical, legal, and professional issues relevant to trauma psychology, counseling, clinical practice, research, consultation, and field-based work. Students will explore professional ethical codes, laws, regulations, confidentiality, informed consent, boundaries, cultural responsiveness, mandated reporting, documentation, supervision, consultation, and ethical decision-making models. Emphasis is placed on applying ethical principles to trauma-informed practice, research, and professional dilemmas involving individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities affected by trauma.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5003 - Trauma and Psychopathology (3 Credits)

This course examines the relationship between trauma exposure and the development, presentation, classification, and treatment of psychopathology. Students will study major theories of psychopathology, including biological, psychological, developmental, and sociocultural perspectives, with emphasis on trauma-related disorders, complex trauma, developmental trauma, comorbidity, resilience, and differential diagnosis. The course also examines diagnostic classification systems, their strengths and limitations, and the role of diversity, culture, lifespan development, and context in case formulation, diagnosis, and treatment planning.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5004 - Evidence-Based Theories of Psychopathology (3 Credits)

This course examines major evidence-based theories used to explain, classify, assess, and treat psychopathology. Students will explore biological, psychological, developmental, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, systemic, and sociocultural models of abnormal behavior, with attention to how these theories inform diagnosis, case conceptualization, intervention planning, and treatment selection. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between theory, empirical research, DSM-5-TR diagnostic categories, differential diagnosis, comorbidity, cultural context, and evidence-based practice.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5005 - Diversity Training (3 Credits)

This course examines the role of diversity, culture, identity, power, privilege, equity, and inclusion in trauma psychology and mental health practice. Students will explore how trauma exposure, symptom expression, access to care, diagnosis, treatment engagement, and recovery may be shaped by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, religion, disability, age, immigration status, community context, and historical and systemic factors. Emphasis is placed on developing culturally responsive, ethically informed, and trauma-informed approaches to assessment, intervention, consultation, advocacy, and professional practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5010 - Quantitative Methods (3 Credits)

This course provides an applied introduction to quantitative methods, psychological assessment, and clinical evaluation in trauma-informed and counseling-related settings. Students will review descriptive and inferential statistics, measurement concepts, reliability, validity, assessment interpretation, progress monitoring, and the strengths and limitations of evaluation methods. Emphasis is placed on selecting appropriate methods of evaluation, interpreting quantitative and assessment data, using statistical software, communicating findings in APA style, and applying data-informed decision-making to research, clinical interviewing, assessment, and treatment planning. Prerequisite: Undergraduate statistics course or permission of the program.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5020 - Diagnosis and Assessment of Individuals (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the principles and practices of psychological diagnosis and assessment. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic interviewing, case formulation, use of the DSM-5-TR, selection of appropriate assessment methods, interpretation of assessment information, ethical and cultural considerations, reliability and validity, documentation, and communication of diagnostic impressions. Students will examine the strengths and limitations of diagnostic systems and assessment tools while developing skills in integrating clinical interview data, behavioral observations, collateral information, and standardized measures to inform treatment planning.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 5098 - Psychology Practicum Site Preparation I (1 Credit)

This pre-practicum course prepares students for the process of identifying, securing, and beginning their first supervised practicum placement. Emphasis is placed on practicum readiness, site selection, professional documentation, interviewing with potential sites, understanding supervision expectations, reviewing ethical and legal responsibilities, and preparing for trauma-informed work with diverse individuals, families, groups, and communities.

Lecture hours: 1

Offered: Spring

PSYC 5099 - Practicum I (5 Credits)

This supervised practicum provides students with the opportunity to apply graduate-level knowledge and clinical skills in an approved field placement serving socially and culturally diverse populations. Students will complete a minimum of 300 clock hours under qualified supervision. Practicum activities may include clinical interviewing, assessment, case conceptualization, documentation, treatment planning, intervention, consultation, multidisciplinary collaboration, ethical decision-making, and professional communication. Students are expected to follow the ethical standards of the profession, comply with site policies and procedures, demonstrate trauma-informed practice, and integrate current diagnostic classification systems and research-informed approaches as appropriate to the practicum setting.

Lecture hours: 5

Offered: Summer

PSYC 5509 - Introduction to Behavior Modification (3 Credits)

Introduction to the principles underlying behavior modification and behavior analysis as they apply to various settings. Applied behavior projects will be required. Emphasis will be placed on empirical findings.

PSYC 5515 - Educational Psychology (3 Credits)

Introduction to the application of psychological theory of educational problems, including the methods of learning and instruction. (This course is a prerequisite for advanced course in related areas.)

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring, Summer, and Fall

PSYC 5520 - Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)

Examination of dynamics of psychological development throughout the human life cycle with emphasis on the period from infancy through adolescence. Various theoretical perspectives, as well as related research are studied. (This course is a prerequisite for more advanced courses in related areas.)

PSYC 5529 - Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)

PSYC 5530 - Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

Study of theory and research on behavior and development of adolescents and youth with emphasis on the implications of these data for education and socialization over the transitional period from childhood in contemporary American society.

PSYC 5550 - Theories of Learning (3 Credits)

A study of various theories of learning using tapes, film, lectures, and class discussion.

PSYC 5552 - Conditional of Learning (3 Credits)

PSYC 5555 - Conditions of Learning (3 Credits)

A study of the fundamental principles of human learning. The practical implications in education, including learning processes involved in conditioning, verbal learning, transfer, memory, concept formation, perceptual learning, problem solving, thinking, language, and motor learning.

Lecture hours: 3

PSYC 6001 - Science and Practice of Trauma (3 Credits)

This course examines the current science and applied practice of the traumatic stress field. Students will review contemporary research on trauma exposure, traumatic stress responses, resilience, risk and protective factors, trauma assessment, evidence-based interventions, professional practice, and relational and systems-level responses to trauma. Emphasis is placed on integrating scientific knowledge with trauma-informed assessment, intervention planning, ethical professionalism, cultural responsiveness, and work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities affected by trauma.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6002 - Biological Bases of Behavior – Trauma Emphasis (3 Credits)

This course examines the biological foundations of behavior with emphasis on the relationship between brain systems, physiological processes, trauma exposure, and psychological functioning. Students will explore neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, stress-response systems, genetics, neurodevelopment, emotion regulation, memory, sleep, and the role of the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems in behavior. Special attention is given to the biological impact of trauma, resilience, trauma-related psychopathology, and implications for assessment, treatment planning, and trauma-informed practice.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6003 - Trauma, Grief, and Loss (3 Credits)

This course examines grief, bereavement, and loss in the context of trauma, traumatic death, violence, disaster, illness, suicide, homicide, and other sudden or life-altering events. Students will explore major grief theories, trauma-informed models of bereavement, complicated grief, disenfranchised grief, cultural and spiritual factors, family and community responses to loss, and the interaction between traumatic stress and mourning. Emphasis is placed on evaluating grief responses, recognizing risk and protective factors, and developing ethical, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches to supporting individuals, families, and communities affected by traumatic loss.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6004 - Psychopharmacology and Psychotropic Drugs (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the basic principles of psychopharmacology and the major classes of psychotropic medications used in mental health treatment. Students will examine pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, neurotransmitter systems, medication indications, side effects, adherence, medication-assisted treatment, and common medications used to treat mood, anxiety, trauma-related, psychotic, sleep, and substance-related disorders. Emphasis is placed on developing medication literacy, understanding the role of psychotropic drugs in trauma-informed care, recognizing the limits of non-prescribing professional roles, and collaborating ethically and effectively with prescribing professionals.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6005 - Trauma Theories and Systems (3 Credits)

This course examines major theoretical foundations, systems perspectives, and contemporary models used to understand and respond to trauma. Students will explore historical and current theories of psychotherapy, trauma, resilience, attachment, family systems, ecological systems, community trauma, and relational and sociocultural responses to traumatic stress. Emphasis is placed on integrating theory with trauma-informed case conceptualization, systems-level assessment, intervention planning, consultation, and culturally responsive practice.

Prerequisites: PSYC 5001 and PSYC 5002

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6007 - Trauma Across the Lifespan (3 Credits)

This course examines trauma exposure, response, risk, resilience, and recovery across the lifespan. Students will explore the developmental impact of trauma in infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and later life, with attention to neurodevelopment, attachment, identity, relationships, family systems, community context, and long-term health and behavioral outcomes. The course also examines trauma-related considerations among survivors, individuals who cause harm, families, caregivers, and communities. Emphasis is placed on developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed assessment, prevention, intervention, and treatment planning.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6010 - Group Psychotherapy (3 Credits)

This course provides an advanced examination of group psychotherapy with emphasis on trauma-informed group practice. Students will study major theories of group counseling and psychotherapy, stages of group development, leadership roles, group dynamics, screening and selection, ethical and multicultural considerations, crisis management, and evidence-based interventions for trauma-focused groups. Emphasis is placed on developing the knowledge and applied skills necessary to plan, facilitate, evaluate, and adapt therapeutic groups for individuals and communities affected by trauma.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6098 - Psychology Practicum Site Preparation II (1 Credit)

This pre-practicum course prepares students for the process of identifying, securing, and beginning their second supervised practicum placement. Emphasis is placed on advanced practicum readiness, professional goal setting, site selection, supervision planning, documentation requirements, ethical and legal responsibilities, and continued development of trauma-informed professional identity and practice with diverse populations.

Lecture hours: 1

Offered: Spring

PSYC 6099 - Practicum II (5 Credits)

This advanced supervised practicum provides students with continued opportunities to apply graduate-level knowledge, clinical skills, trauma-informed practice, and professional competencies in an approved field placement serving socially and culturally diverse populations. Students will complete a minimum of 300 clock hours under qualified supervision. Practicum activities may include clinical interviewing, assessment, case conceptualization, documentation, treatment planning, intervention, consultation, multidisciplinary collaboration, ethical decision-making, and evaluation of client or program progress. Students are expected to demonstrate increasing professional independence, comply with site policies and procedures, apply current diagnostic classification systems as appropriate, and integrate ethical, culturally responsive, and research-informed approaches within the practicum setting.

Lecture hours: 5

Offered: Summer

PSYC 6990 - Lifestyle & Career Development (3 Credits)

This course supports students in the Master’s in Trauma Psychology program as they develop professional identity, career direction, and sustainable practices for work in trauma-focused settings. Students will explore career pathways, credentialing and licensure considerations, professional networking, consultation, supervision, ethical decision-making, self-care, burnout prevention, vicarious trauma, compassion fatigue, and work-life integration. Emphasis is placed on aligning personal values, wellness practices, and professional goals in order to support long-term effectiveness, resilience, and ethical practice in trauma-related careers.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall

PSYC 6992 - Trauma Seminar (3 Credits)

This advanced seminar provides an in-depth examination of a selected topic in trauma psychology, traumatic stress, trauma-informed practice, or trauma treatment. Specific seminar topics may vary by term and may include areas such as complex trauma, disaster response, interpersonal violence, community trauma, military and veteran trauma, child and adolescent trauma, historical trauma, trauma-focused interventions, or emerging issues in trauma science and practice. Emphasis is placed on advanced scholarship, critical analysis, professional application, and integration of current research with trauma-informed practice.

Lecture hours: 3

Offered: Spring and Fall