Psychology

The psychology major enhances the liberal arts orientation of the University of Great Falls through its scientific approach to the study of human mental processes. The curriculum in psychology is designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the discipline of psychology. Psychology bridges the gap between the biological and social sciences. Due to this unique bridge, the study of psychology brings students into contact with the facts and theories of their biological heritage, the history of Western thought regarding persons within their environment, and with the development of scientific methods to study the many facets of human activity. Courses in psychology emphasize self-understanding and self-evaluation as well as knowledge of scientific theory and recent data in the field. Students interested in any field in education, human services, or any of the helping professions increase their understanding of their clientele with psychology courses. The bachelor's degree program prepares students for positions in the corrections, welfare, and mental health fields, and for entrance into graduate programs in psychology, law, business administration, counseling, and the health care fields.

 

Competency Objectives

Students who earn a major in Psychology will

• Demonstrate competency with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

• Know and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.

• Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

• Know and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.

• Demonstrate the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

• Demonstrate the ability to use computers and other technology appropriate to the science and practice of psychology.

• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, including writing assignments, discussions, and oral presentations.

• Recognize, understand, and distinguish among the diverse socio-cultural and international perspectives of other peoples.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the many reasons for their own and others’ behaviors, will apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

• Develop realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings.

Course-name and number	CR
PSY 200 - General Psychology	3
PSY 201 - Personality Theory	3
PSY 212 - Human Growth and Development	3
PSY 352 - Abnormal Psychology	3
PSY 422 - Experimental Psychology	3
SCS 330 - Social Psychology	3
or
PSY 355 - Priniciples of Conditioning & Learning	3
SCS 312 - Social Research Methods	4
Approved Electives	12
Total credits for major	34

 

Download Your Psychology Degree Planning Sheet

 

Competency Objectives

Students who earn a Minor in Psychology will

• Demonstrate competency with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

• Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

• Demonstrate the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

• Demonstrate the ability to use computers and other technology appropriate to the science and practice of psychology.

• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, including writing assignments, discussions, and oral presentations.

• Recognize, understand, and distinguish among the diverse socio-cultural and international perspectives of other peoples.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the many reasons for their own and others’ behaviors, will apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

Course-name and number	CR
PSY 200 - General Psychology	3
PSY 201 - Personality Theory	3
PSY 212 - Human Growth and Development	3
PSY 352 - Abnormal Psychology	3
Approved electives	9
Total credits for minor	21

 

Download Your Psychology Minor Planning Sheet

 

Must be combined with a major in Psychology or Sociology

The Addictions Counseling concentration emphasizes a solid knowledge base in the area of addiction studies. Growth in self-awareness and therapeutic skills leads to professional and ethical practice. Although the field of addiction is broad – covering psychoactive substance use, abuse and dependency, gambling, eating disorders, relationships, sexual, and a variety of other behaviors, the program at the University of Great Falls emphasizes treatment and intervention for the chemically dependent. Students seeking state licensure must be in recovery, with full two years of abstinence, prior to enrolling in clinical experiences.

Students who wish to prepare for licensure as an addictions counselor in the State of Montana must successfully complete clinical courses and supervised internship hours required by the State. A combination of psychology and addictions courses will prepare the student for state certification providing successful completion of required coursework and completion of the clinical requirements for licensure.

 

Competency Objectives

Students who earn a minor in Addictions Counseling will

• Demonstrate competency with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

• Demonstrate the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

• Demonstrate the ability to use computers and other technology appropriate to the science and practice of psychology.

• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, including writing assignments, discussions, and oral presentations.

• Recognize, understand, and distinguish among the diverse socio-cultural and international perspectives of other peoples.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the many reasons for their own and others’ behaviors, and will apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

Course-name and number	CR
ADC 145 - Addiction Theory	3
ADC 146 - Pharmacology	3
ADC 164 - Record Documentation	3
ADC 174 - Clinical Issues in Counseling	3
ADC 261 - Assessment and Appraisal	3
HSV 326 - Ethics in Human Services	3
PSY 241 - Introduction to Counseling	3
PSY 340 - Techniques of Counseling	3
PSY 498 - Group Counseling	3
Total credits for concentration	27

 

Download Your Addications Counseling Concentration Planning Sheet

 

Competency Objectives

Students who earn a concentration in Counseling will

• Demonstrate competency with the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical trends in psychology.

• Use critical and creative thinking, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

• Demonstrate the ability to weigh evidence, tolerate ambiguity, act ethically, and reflect other values that are the underpinnings of psychology as a science.

• Demonstrate the ability to use computers and other technology appropriate to the science and practice of psychology.

• Communicate effectively in a variety of formats, including writing assignments, discussions, and oral presentations.

• Recognize, understand, and distinguish among the diverse socio-cultural and international perspectives of other peoples.

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the many reasons for their own and others’ behaviors, and will apply effective strategies for self-management and self-improvement.

Course-name and number	CR
PSY 241 - Introduction to Counseling	3
PSY 340 - Techniques of Counseling	3
PSY 450 - Neuropsychology	3
PSY 497 - Field Experience in Psychology	3
PSY 498 - Group Counseling	3
HSV 326 - Ethics in Human Services	3
Approved elective	3
Total credits for concentration	21

 

Download Your Counseling Concentration Planning Sheet

 

Must be combined with a major in Criminal Justice, Psychology, or Sociology

The concentration in Human Services is an interdisciplinary program that provides a framework for students who wish to prepare for careers in the human service field. The concentration ensures grounding in the behavioral sciences as well as practical skill based training. Career opportunities are available in public agencies and private non-profit organizations.

Competency Objectives

Students who earn a concentration in Human Services will

• Identify and define “key” terms utilized within the criminal justice discipline.

• Describe and discuss the applicable major theories involved in the criminal justice discipline.

• Describe and discuss the applicable historical development and evolution of the criminal justice field.

• Interpret, appraise, and evaluate contemporary literature of the criminal justice discipline.

• Demonstrate professional behavior by taking examinations when scheduled; e.g., turning in papers when due and regular class attendance.

• Effectively communicate knowledge into writing by preparing reports, subject relat4ed papers and/or essay questions.

• Effectively research issues, trends, and history of the criminal justice field/discipline.

• Recognize ethical dilemmas within the criminal justice system, and be able to interpret what would be the proper course(s) of action.

• Discuss and identify the different areas within civil law and procedures involved in civil law suits.

• Effectively communicate through written and verbal presentations historical developments of the correctional system and theories behind punishment.

• Recognize and discuss how personal and cultural differences affect behavior and communication in American society.

• Evaluate and distinguish current social science research methodology through hypothesis development, analysis of findings, and to compare and contrast types of social research methods.

• Apply “key” terms utilized within the criminal justice discipline and apply the research and literature of the discipline demonstrating an upper-level scholarly ability.

Course-name and number	CR
HSV 241 - Human Relations in Society	3
HSV 262 - Introduction to Rehabilitative Services	3
HSV 326 - Ethics in Human Services	3
HSV 394 - Casework Methods and Practices	3
HSV 494 - Case Management for Human Services	3
Approved electives	6
Total credits for concentration	21

 

Download Your Human Services Concentration Degree Planning Sheet

 

Human Services Courses

HSV	241	Human Relations in Society. This course will focus on dealing with people from all walks of life and communicating effectively with them. Practical experience and “hands on” participation will be a major portion of this course. Prerequisite: ENG 117 or equivalent, Sophomore standing or instructor consent Expected to be offered: Spring semesters; Distance Learning: Spring semesters, odd years 3 credits
HSV	262	Introduction to Rehabilitative Services. Agencies and organizations which provide services to disabled, disadvantaged, and handicapped people. Careers involving work with physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially disadvantaged. Expected to be offered: Fall semesters, odd years; Distance Learning: Fall semesters, even years 3 credits
HSV	326	Ethics in Human Services. Designed to help students deal with professional, legal, and ethical issues that affect the practice of counseling and related helping professions. Investigates the issues of responsible practice through discussion of and reflection on ethical codes from various professional organizations with legal considerations applied to specific cases. Expected to be offered: Spring semesters, even years; Distance Learning: Fall 2005, Spring semesters, odd years 3 credits
HSV	394	Casework Methods and Practices. This course is designed to familiarize and acquaint the student with concepts, procedures, and dynamics involved in casework methods and awareness of community networking in the field of human services. Prerequisite: ENG 117 or equivalent and HSV 241 or PSY 241 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters, odd years; Distance Learning: Fall semesters, even years 3 credits
HSV	397	Field Projects. Provides field experience in the available areas of human services. Designed to integrate theory with practice in order to develop appropriate skill, knowledge, attitudes, and professional identification. Students may enroll for two semesters. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Expected to be offered: Fall and spring semesters; Distance Learning: Fall and spring semesters 3 credits
HSV	494	Case Management for Human Services. The purpose of this course will be to explore the concepts of case management and its importance to the helping professional. The Behavioral Sciences will be the Mode of Inquiry used to examine the case management approach to dealing with the multiple problem client. Prerequisite: ENG 117 or equivalent and HSV 394 or consent of instructor Expected to be offered: Spring semesters, odd years; Distance Learning: Spring semesters, even years 3 credits
HSV	495	Internship. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor 1-15 credits

 

PsychologyCourses

PSY	200	General Psychology. An introduction to all the major areas of psychology. An exploration of the subject of psychology with the emphasis on human experiences and an understanding of these experiences. Expected to be offered: Spring semesters; Distance Learning: Fall semesters 3 credits
PSY	201	Personality Theory. Principles of the development and maintenance of a healthy, integrated, functioning personality; emphasis on the classification of personality disintegration. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Spring semesters, odd years; Distance Learning: Spring semesters, even years 3 credits
PSY	212	Human Growth and Development. Development of the individual from birth through the life stages. An analysis of the emotional, social, intellectual, and motor spheres; provides understanding of origins and growth of personality. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Spring semesters, even years; Distance Learning: Spring semesters, odd years 3 credits
PSY	241	Introduction to Counseling. An introductory course which surveys the major concepts and practices of contemporary counseling systems and addresses ethical, professional, and personal issues in counseling practice. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters; Distance Learning: Spring semesters 3 credits
PSY	340	Techniques of Counseling. Theories of counseling applied in a variety of settings with emphasis on functioning effectively and ethically in a multicultural society; includes interviewing, crisis intervention, problem solving, and decision making. Prerequisite: PSY 241 Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 3 credits
PSY	352	Abnormal Psychology. Study of disordered behavior; covers the entire range of abnormal behavior and explanation for these behaviors. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Spring semesters, Summers, odd years; Distance Learning: Fall semesters 3 credits
PSY	355	Principles of Conditioning and Learning. This course presents models and theories of classical and operant conditioning. In addition to presenting the history of the empirical study of learning, it focuses on contemporary research and applications of associative and instrumental learning, with particular attention paid to the applications of both forms of learning in real-world contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered:Fall 2005, Spring 2007 3 credits
PSY	392	Special Problems in Psychology. This course provides the students the opportunity to explore specific areas of interest in the complex field of the study of human behavior. 3 credits
PSY	400	Psychology of the Exceptional Child. Pathological concepts of children’s problems – mental, social, emotional, and psychological. 3 credits
PSY	422	Experimental Psychology. This course is an introduction to and an overview of the basic principles of experimentation and psychological research. The emphases in the course are on significant researrch studies that formed the discipline and on the cycles of discovery and validation, hypothesis generation, study designs, data collection, and data interpretation. Development of an applied research tudy is the cornerstone of the course. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters, odd years; Distance Learning: Fall semesters, even years 3 credits
PSY	450	Neuropsychology. This course focuses on the history and current understanding of the brain and human behavior. It examines the history and development of conceptual views of the structure and functions of the central nervous system and the autonomic nervous system. It also examines conditions that compromise brain functions and behavior. Particular attention is paid to the empirical data and newer models of brain-behavior relations. Prerequisite: PSY 200 Expected to be offered: Fall semesters; Distance Learning: Spring semesters 3 credits
PSY	495	Internship. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 1-15 credits
PSY	497	Field Experience in Psychology. Practical application of psychology concepts and theory, assisting students to integrate theory and practice, and to develop skills and knowledge in a professional setting. Prerequisite: PSY 340 Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 3 credits
PSY	498	Group Counseling. Study of group dynamics and theory, including participation in group experiences, simulations, and role-playing. Prerequisite: PSY 340 and senior standing Expected to be offered: Fall and Spring semesters 3 credits