Psychology

Professional Studies Building, Room 430
201-200-3309
http://www.njcu.edu/department/psychology

Faculty members of the Psychology Department are involved in a number of research projects supported by grants and other related sources. Students are given opportunities to collaborate with faculty members on research projects.

Andrew Getzfeld, Chairperson
Professor of Psychology
Vassar College, B.A.; University of Wisconsin, M.S.S.W.; University of Tennessee, Ph.D.

Joan Bailey
Professor of Psychology
Hunter College, B.A.; The Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Ph.D.

Patrice J. Dow-Nelson
Professor of Psychology
Hunter College, B.A., City University of New York, M.A., Ph.D.

Ansley LaMar
Professor of Psychology
Hunter College, B.A.; City University of New York, Ph.D.

James Lennon
Professor of Psychology
Manhattan College, B.A.; State University of New York, New Paltz, M.A.; State University of New York, Albany, Ph.D.

Frank Nascimento
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, B.A., M.A.; New Jersey City University, M.A. and Professional Diploma in School Psychology; Fairleigh Dickinson University, Psy.D.

William Wattenmaker
Associate Professor of Psychology
University of Pittsburg, B.A.; University of Illinois, M.A., Ph.D.

Peri O. Yuksel-Sokman
Assistant Professor of Psychology
John Jay College of Criminal Justice, B.A., B.S.; The Graduate Center of City University of New York, Ph.D.

Wei Zhang
Assistant Professor of Psychology
South China University of Technology, B.A. English; Pace University, M.A. Psychology; The Graduate Center of City University of New York (CUNY), Ph.D. and M.Phil. Psychology (Cognition, Brain and Behavior)

Various discipline-specific concentrations that will prepare students for multiple fields of employment or areas of additional graduate study are noted below. Course requirements for each concentration are explained in detail. The requirements for graduation, in addition to completion of the major area, are listed on "Completing a Graduate Program."

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 601 Psychology of Learn and Cognition (3 Credits)

This course teaches theories of cognition and learning. The implications of these theories as they relate to intellectual functioning are presented.

PSYC 602 Psychology Of Personality (3 Credits)

The significance of different personality theories and their relation to practice in the mental health disciplines are studied. The implications for personality assessment and intervention procedures are emphasized.

PSYC 603 Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)

Theories and processes of human development are evaluated with emphasis on the relationships between physical, intellectual, social, and emotional aspects. This course integrates concepts derived from learning, clinical, cultural, and sociological studies with general behavior theory.

PSYC 604 Tests & Measurements (3 Credits)

This course trains students in the principles of educational and psychological testing. Opportunities for studying the administration, scoring, and evaluation of group tests of intelligence, achievement, aptitude, and personality are provided. Emphasis is placed on the interpretation of psychological and educational tests and the implications of their findings.

PSYC 605 Intro To Counseling (3 Credits)

The work of the counselor in a variety of settings is examined. The history, philosophy, principles, and systems of individual and group counseling are explored. Local resources and community agencies are identified. Selected counseling theories and intervention strategies are discussed with reference to actual case material.

PSYC 606 Research Methodology and Applications (3 Credits)

This is an introductory course in both descriptive and inferential statistics. Topics discussed include: measures of central tendency and variability; minimal and normal probability models; elementary co relational techniques; sampling distribution theory and tests of significance, chi square and other introductory nonparametric techniques; and introduction to analysis of variance.

PSYC 608 Interviewing & Counseling (3 Credits)

In this course students develop interviewing and counseling skills, which enable them to identify an individual's needs within a broad, life-history framework. Its aim is to show how such skills can help establish an atmosphere conducive to productive counseling.

PSYC 609 Pers Maladjusts Child&Adoles (3 Credits)

This course studies the major topics of abnormal psychology with special reference to school-age children and youth. It covers the broad areas of identification, causation, treatment, and the educational problems of the emotionally and socially maladjusted child.

PSYC 611 Psychology of Human Relations (3 Credits)

An in-depth examination of the dynamic forces which affect group relationships is offered. Historic, psychological and sociological factors are considered. In a seminar atmosphere, students are helped to examine their own attitudes as well as to study forces operating in inter-group relations in their own communities today.

PSYC 612 Principles of Behavior Modification (3 Credits)

This course offers a study of the basic concepts of behavior modification systems, which apply the principles of learning theory to behavioral problems.

PSYC 615 Therapeutic Intervention Techniques I: Alcohol and Substance Abuse (3 Credits)

This course provides an advanced survey of the methods, interventions, and treatment paradigms currently employed in the counseling of children, adolescents, and their families with alcohol and/or substance abuse-related problems.

PSYC 616 Therapeutic Intervention Techniques: Consultation in Educational Settings (3 Credits)

This course enables students to explore the various techniques and pragmatic approaches employed by psychologists in educational settings. This course includes parameters of various consultation models in reference to groups and cognitive behavioral areas as they relate to school environs, administrative issues, and practice-related concerns applicable to students, teachers, Interdisciplinary child study team members and parents. The organization and culture of a school are addressed as the context for pragmatic approaches within the practitioner-scientist model of service intervention. Applied psychotherapeutic techniques, cognitive-behavioral approaches, and classroom practice is reviewed. In terms of the Reflective Urban Practitioner Model, students acquire knowledge to enable them to refine their pragmatic intervention skills.

PSYC 618 Adolescent Psychology (3 Credits)

This course offers a study of the physical, intellectual, and cultural backgrounds of adolescent behavior. Adolescent attitudes, character and morals, and motivations are analyzed in relation to their implications for learning.

PSYC 620 Trauma and Crisis Intervention (3 Credits)

This course prepares graduate candidates to take on a leadership role in crisis prevention and intervention planning and develop interventions to help the recovery process for P-12 students. Furthermore, this course prepares candidates to build counseling skills based on trauma informed care.

PSYC 621 Applied Social Psychology (3 Credits)

This course serves as an introduction to the field of applied social psychology. Special attention is paid to the methods of social research and how they have been used in the design and evaluation of programs, which have been implemented to facilitate productive changes in various types of groups.

PSYC 623 Research Thesis (3 Credits)

Scientific projects (empirical and/or case studies) are customarily required for this course. Students are assigned a thesis advisor with expertise in research methodology and the area under study.

PSYC 624 Counseling in Elementary School (3 Credits)

Philosophy, functions, research, and organization of counseling in elementary education are studied. The specific role of the elementary school specialist as counselor, consultant and coordinator in elementary school guidance is developed. Special emphasis is given to the team approach. Case studies are utilized to illustrate theoretical background and practical application. Concepts, dimensions and current practices are investigated through relevant and current research.

PSYC 625 Group Process and Procedures in Group Counseling (3 Credits)

This course increases students' understanding of growth processes, which occur in different types of group settings, particularly in-group counseling. Group procedures are part of the course and the goal is to enable students to function as group counselors. Emphasis is placed on the dynamics in dealing with students at all levels of school settings. Prerequisite: Permission of instructor.

PSYC 626 Ethics Law and Professional Issues (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the Ethical Principles of Psychologists of the American Psychological Association, as well as standard providers of psychological services and codes of ethics from other mental health professionals. State and federal laws as well as case law affecting the work of psychological service providers are considered. Considerations of social justice, equity, and human diversity (central to the Ethical Principles of Psychologists) is given special emphasis. In addition, this course teaches the process of ethical decision-making, taking into consideration real-life situations faced by psychologists. Students become aware of the nature of the ethical dilemmas they face; integrate knowledge of laws and ethical codes; develop an awareness of Issues faced by psychologists in treatment settings; and advance their skills in ethical decision making.

PSYC 627 Role and Function of the School Psychologist (3 Credits)

This course is an entry level introduction to the profession for students admitted to the School Psychology Program. Students gain an understanding of the role and functions of the school psychologist , education law, special education regulations, issues related to multiculturalism and diversity. Students gain up to 45 hours of practicum experience as participant /observers in school psychology practice.

PSYC 628 Psychology of Learning for the Helping Professions (3 Credits)

Basic, generally accepted principles and concepts from the broad field of learning theory are studied with emphasis on their usefulness as a guide to planning, teaching, and educational counseling.

PSYC 629 Multicultural Counseling (3 Credits)

This course introduces counselor trainees and practicing counselors to issues related to working with a culturally diverse clientele. In this course, students discuss the sociopolitical issues related to cross-cultural counseling and gain knowledge of the theory and skills that are needed to be effective cross-cultural counselors.

PSYC 630 Independent Study (3 Credits)

PSYC 631 Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)

The overall goal of this course is to provide the student with introductory psychopharmacology of various medications, drugs, and alcohol. Agents to be covered include antidepressants, antipsychotics, anxiolytics (anti-anxiety agents), anticonvulsants, stimulants, narcotic analgesics (opiates), hallucinogens (psychedelics), sedatives and alcohol. This course will presume knowledge of introductory biological concepts and basic pharmacological concepts.

PSYC 632 Family Therapy and Referral Networks (3 Credits)

This course introduces the student to the historical development of family systems therapy, its concept and practice. Specific techniques and family/system assessment and intervention are discussed and practiced. Special problems of family therapy are considered. Other concerns include feminist and multicultural issues, AIDS counseling, and family therapy with stepfamilies.

PSYC 636 Advanced Practices in Group Counseling: Supervision (3 Credits)

Course provides a generic framework for supervision of group psychotherapists. It is intended for students already involved, or soon to be engaged in facilitating groups. Clinical supervision is typically viewed as the integration of professional identity and competency. We will address the modern day dilemmas facing facilitators of groups.

PSYC 650 Psychology of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (3 Credits)

This course provides an introductory level survey of the concepts, issues, and research on prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of alcohol and substance abuse-related issues.

PSYC 663 Career Counseling and Development (3 Credits)

This course familiarizes the potential counselor with the reference materials, resources, and procedures needed to guide students in educational and vocational decision-making. The wide range of possibilities from which, students at all levels must make their choices is explored. Techniques for helping individuals assess their own potential and make realistic decisions are studied. Theories of career development and choice are examined in detail. Various methods of motivating students to become involved in career selection are studied.

PSYC 675 Statistics (3 Credits)

This course describes the statistical tools used in psychological research and their application in experimental design. The course reviews basic statistical concepts, including probability, variance,and standard deviation in sample distributions, as well as the application of basic analytical tools, such as correlation, Chi square and t-tests. Students also learn about factorial design, analysis of variance, post hoc tests, analysis of covariance, multiple regression, and factor analysis, which are regularly used in empirical studies. Stunts will learn how to organize data using statistical software for efficient and comprehensive analysis of variables.

PSYC 686 Counseling Case Studies (3 Credits)

This course introduces the students to the multiaxial assessment and diagnostic techniques associated with the DSM-IV. Special emphasis is placed on biological and psychological disorders from the section on Disorders Usually First Diagnosed in Infancy, Childhood, or Adolescence.

PSYC 690 Practicum in Counseling (3 Credits)

Course is designed to provide students with an intensive school counseling practicum experience. Students will be provided with an opportunity to observe first-hand, the roles and responsibilities inherent in the work of counselors, thereby enabling them to apply the skills and knowledge gained in prior course work.

PSYC 694 Internship I (3 Credits)

Students are placed in a wide range of counseling internships with respect to stated interests and career options. The practicum provides students with a realistic assessment of the work of a counselor. Students are expected to integrate the various components of the M.A. in counseling program and to demonstrate skill through a host of assessment techniques. Experiences include: planning, placement and follow-up; counseling on many different levels; career and educational counseling; self-assessment; program assessment; and professional development.

PSYC 695 Internship II (3 Credits)

This practicum includes experience in planning, placement and follow-up; counseling on many different levels; career and educational counseling; self-assessment; program assessment; and professional development. Also, the practicum includes a requirement that students complete a community resources survey indigenous to their geographical placement. Prerequisite: PSYC694 Supervised Practicum in Counseling I.

PSYC 703 Independent Study In Psycholog (3 Credits)

This is a specialization and research course. Prerequisite: Matriculation and membership in the School Psychology Program.

PSYC 704 Cognitive Assessment and Intervention (3 Credits)

This is a clinical course in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of individual intelligence tests, which includes demonstration and participation. Each student is required to demonstrate competence in the use of the Stanford-Binet, the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-revised, and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-revised. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program.

Co-Requisite(s): PSYC 7042-Assessment Laboratory

PSYC 705 Pract In The Psycho.Eval Spec (3 Credits)

This course presents various methods of evaluating the intellectual functioning of the blind, the deaf, and the neuorologically impaired. It also includes methods of evaluating the intellectual functioning of the non-English speaking individual and measures of adaptive behavior. Laboratory experiences form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program and PSYC704 Individual Intelligence Testing.

PSYC 706 Personality Assessment (3 Credits)

This course covers the theories underlying the use of projective techniques and gives an overview of some of the more commonly used projective techniques. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program.

PSYC 708 Sem In Sch Psych Extern I (3 Credits)

In this sequence of externship/seminar courses, students learn how to integrate testing, interviewing, and counseling skills learned in preceding courses. Students work under supervision with children and adolescents. In addition to developing diagnostic skills, students learn how to relate diagnostic findings to educational recommendations, counseling with parents, and remedial procedures. They are guided in an appropriate selection of tests, write clinical reports, and attend child study team conferences with other professionals. In conjunction with this sequence, students are placed in approved school settings. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program.

PSYC 709 Semin Sch Psyc Extern II (3 Credits)

In this sequence of externship/seminar courses, students learn how to integrate testing, interviewing, and counseling skills learned in preceding courses. Students work under supervision with children and adolescents. In addition to developing diagnostic skills, students learn how to relate diagnostic findings to educational recommendations, counseling with parents, and remedial procedures. They are guided in an appropriate selection of tests, write clinical reports, and attend child study team conferences with other professionals. In conjunction with this sequence, students are placed in approved school settings. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program.

PSYC 710 Clinical Externship I (3 Credits)

Students work during the summer in an approved hospital or other clinical facility. Two separate settings are required: an infant stimulation program servicing children 0-3 years of age and a substance abuse program servicing adolescents and/or young adults. Prerequisite: Advanced standing in the Professional Diploma in School Psychology program.

PSYC 715 Consultation and Program Evaluation (3 Credits)

This course will prepare students to: (a) develop instructional, behavioral, and organizational consultation skills in educational and human service settings, (b) utilize research and statistical evaluation tools, and (c) apply these tools to program evaluation in educational and human service settings. Students will gain experience in using consultation and evaluation skills in applied settings up to 35 clock hours of practicum experience .

PSYC 720 Academic Assessment and Interventions in School Settings (3 Credits)

This course prepares graduate candidates to assess academic skills and develop interventions that build academic competence and resilience in P-12 students. The class will promote and provide practice in research validated instructional, academic, and motivational interventions.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 604 and PSYC 675

PSYC 2704 Laboratory:Cognitive Assessment & Intervention (2 Credits)

These courses introduce standard measures of human intelligence and academic functioning and provide corrective feedback in the administration, scoring and interpreting of cognitive and academic measures. Theories of intelligence are evaluated with emphasis on the interplay of cultural factors with school learning. Additionally, students will design and evaluate appropriate interventions to remediate identified academic deficits. The course is offered in association with the Assessment Laboratory, meant to ensure rigorous compliance to standardization procedures.

Co-Requisite(s): PSYC 704-Cognitive Assessment and Intervention