Psychology

Professional Studies Building, Room 430
201-200-3309

The Psychology Department prepares students for numerous and varied career options. Among the possibilities: Psychology majors go on to teach, conduct research, serve as consultants, and diagnose and treat people. They work in an assortment of settings, such as schools, corporations, nonprofit organizations and government agencies.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. The Department hosts an active psychology club and a chapter of the Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology.

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 undergraduate/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 "Undergraduate Degree Requirements."

Psychology (PSYC)

PSYC 1XX Psychology Transfer Credit (0 Credits)

PSYC 2XX Psychology Transfer Credit (0 Credits)

PSYC 100 The Psychology of Self-Development (3 Credits)

In this course, students will develop greater self-awareness and personal growth through the study of personality and the coping mechanisms necessary for adjustment to everyday stresses and frustrations. They will also develop a deeper understanding of the psychological, and social factors that shape and influence their thoughts and behaviors and the thoughts and behaviors of others.

PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)

This course provides a general survey of psychological theories, principles and research. Topics include: biological foundations of behavior, sensation, perception, learning, personality theory and social psychology.

PSYC 150 Developmental: Birth Through Adolescence (3 Credits)

Course provides a general survey of behavior from birth through childhood, with emphasis on the effects of heredity and experience on human growth. The physical, social, and emotional development of the child are among the areas investigated.

PSYC 152 Development Adolescence to Adulthood (3 Credits)

This course provides a general survey of behavior during preadolescence, adolescence, adulthood and senescence, with emphasis given to the biological, social, and emotional changes that occur during these developmental periods.

PSYC 154 Lifespan developmental psychology for the nursing profession (3 Credits)

Lifespan development introduces nursing candidates to typical and atypical physical, cognitive, and psychosocial stages of development across the lifespan. Learning objectives include understanding the interaction of nature and nurture, historical theories of development and practical issues such as identifying hormonal and body image changes associated with patient development, patient-nurse communication,

PSYC 160 Social Psychology (3 Credits)

This course offers an introduction to the scientific study of interpersonal and intergroup interaction. Emphasis is placed on topics such as attitude formation and change, interpersonal attraction, conformity, and aggression.

PSYC 230 Statistics for Social Sciences (3 Credits)

This course offers students an introduction to the quantitative methods necessary to conduct elementary scientific research. Both descriptive and inferential statistics are covered including measures of central tendency, t-test, correlation, and non-parametric methods.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 and MATH 102, or MATH 112, or MATH 114, or MATH 140, or MATH 164.

PSYC 235 Experimental Psychology (4 Credits)

This course is an introduction to scientific methodology and experimental techniques used to study areas such as sensation, perception, motivation, learning, and complex cognitive processes. Methods of control, threats to validity, and interpretation of research findings are considered.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 230 Statistics in the Social Science

PSYC 261 Psychological Stress and Coping for First Responders (3 Credits)

This course focuses on the mental health wellbeing of emergency response professionals. Beginning with an exploration of the psychological characteristics of those who choose a career as a first responder, students will learn about the impact of repeated and continued exposure to traumatic situations on the mind and body. The course concludes with a survey of mental health interventions for first responders.

PSYC 300 Psychopathology of Childhood & Adolescence (3 Credits)

This is a course, which focuses on abnormal behavior in childhood and adolescence. Basic types of malfunctioning are considered including those related to psychological, physiological, and social conditions.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 150 Developmental: Birth through Adolescence or PSYC 152 Developmental: Adolescence and Adulthood and 3 credits in psychology

PSYC 301 Abnormal Psychology (3 Credits)

This course is a systematic presentation of the psychology of abnormal behavior. Consideration will be given to the history of the mental health movement and to the causes, classification, and treatment of mental disorders.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 Intro to Psychology

PSYC 315 Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counseling I (3 Credits)

This course is the first part of a two-semester course focusing on the treatment of individuals with substance abuse problems. Specifically, this course addresses the following issues: assessment of alcohol/drug problem utilizing the Addiction Severity Index and genogram; clinical aspects of alcohol, and commonly abused drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin and inhalants; and major theories of addiction.

PSYC 317 Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling II (3 Credits)

This course is the second part of a two-semester course focusing on the treatment of individuals with substance abuse problems. Specifically, this course will focus on the theories, techniques and application of individual, group and family therapies in the treatment of alcohol/drug abuse; self-help groups; and current treatment settings.

Pre-Requisite: PSYC 315 Drug & Alcohol Abuse Counseling I

PSYC 330 Tests and Measurements (3 Credits)

By administering and taking a battery of standardized psychological tests, the student acquires an understanding of the most commonly used group achievement, intelligence, aptitude, personality and interests tests. The statistical basis of testing is also considered.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 230 Statistics in the Social Science

PSYC 336 Senior Research Seminar (3 Credits)

This course offers students a further introduction to the scientific method and the basic research techniques used in the social sciences. Students learn to conduct survey research and design experimental and quasi-experimental studies.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235 Experimental Psychology and Senior Student Status

PSYC 339 Introduction to School Psychology (3 Credits)

This course introduces undergraduate students to the field of School Psychology. Topics include a historical and legislative overview of the profession, a survey of assessment measures used to evaluate children in schools, and the role and function of School Psychologists in P-12 settings. Furthermore, this course prepares students for the possibility of pursuing future graduate studies in School Psychology.

PSYC 340 Physiological Psychology (3 Credits)

This course acquaints the student with the major positions in Perception through lecture and demonstration. It deals with the means by which complex forms of audio and visual stimulation are organized, and the neurophysiology of sensation.

Pre-requisite: PSYC 235 Experiemental Psychology

PSYC 341 Perception (3 Credits)

This course acquaints the student with the major positions in perception through lecture and demonstration. It deals with the means by which complex forms of audio and visual stimuli are organized and the neurophysiology of sensation.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235

PSYC 342 Motivation (3 Credits)

This course deals with an integrated and systematic presentation of traditional and contemporary motivational theories and research. Motivational constructs are used to enhance the students' understandings of areas such as learning, aggression, and sexuality.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235

PSYC 343 Learning (3 Credits)

This course is a systematic presentation of theories and research pertaining to human and animal learning. Special attention is paid to the principles of conditioning and the integration of behavioral, psycho physiological, comparative, and developmental data on learning.

Pre-requisite: PSYC 235 Experimental Psychology

PSYC 344 Cognitive Psychology (3 Credits)

This course offers a systematic presentation of the psychological theories and research pertaining to thinking and other complex cognitive processes. Focus is placed on all forms of knowing: attending, remembering, reasoning, imagining, planning, problem solving, decision-making, and communicating ideas. Factors with affect encoding, storage, retrieval, and processing within these forms of knowing are discussed.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235

PSYC 345 Personality Theory (3 Credits)

This course offers a challenging investigation of personality development gained through the examination of the major psychoanalytic, behavioral, social psychological, and existential theories of personality.

Pre-Requisite(s): 9 credits in Psychology

PSYC 347 Positive Psychology (3 Credits)

Positive Psychology is an emerging subfield that addresses important questions about how we lead our lives, find happiness and satisfaction, and deal with life's challenges. Firmly rooted in modern research and theory building, students will study, among other things, hope, resilience, and the physical and mental benefits of positive emotions.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 Intro To Psychology

PSYC 350 Advanced Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)

This course is designed to build on the basic concepts of developmental psychology by examination and integration of personality, social, and cognitive psychology from the developmental perspective.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 150 Developmental: Birth through Adolescence or PSYC 152 Developmental: Adolecsence

PSYC 360 Advanced Social Psychology (3 Credits)

This course offers an advanced treatment of social psychological theories and research techniques. Traditional areas in social psychology are explored. The course emphasizes the design and evaluation of social psychological solutions to social problems.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 160

PSYC 370 Techniques in Behavior Modification (3 Credits)

This course provides a survey of learning based approaches to behavior management and change. The course covers principles of conditioning, social reinforcement, and token economies. Application of behavior control techniques in institutional settings is also considered. A field Experience may be offered.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235

PSYC 372 Introduction To Counseling (3 Credits)

This course revolves around the discussion of theories and techniques of counseling with emphasis on developing listening, attending, and observational skills.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 and 6 credits in psychology

PSYC 376 Group Dynamics (3 Credits)

This course is a study of interpersonal behavior and group processes using the human relations laboratory approach. Students learn about themselves and others through direct participation, discussion and evaluation within the group setting.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 AND Upper level Psychology course

PSYC 380 Industrial Psychology (3 Credits)

This course offers a survey of the scientific literature concerned with the application and evaluation of the methods and findings of psychology to the solution of industrial problems. Areas of concern include personnel practices and employee morale.

Pre-requisite: PSYC 235 Experimental Psychology

PSYC 398 Visual Perception and Creativity (3 Credits)

This course is designed to create an awareness of the psychological aspects of creativity as expressed in various visual forms. Students participate in group activities utilizing numerous materials. Creativity is also stimulated through the use of films and slides.

Pre-Requisite(s): 6 credits in Psychology

PSYC 400 Psychology of Sexual Orientation (3 Credits)

PSYC 401 Mental Hygiene (2 Credits)

PSYC 410 Advanced General Psychology (3 Credits)

This course is an in-depth and critical consideration of the most significant concepts, principles, theories, methodologies, issues and insights in the field of psychology.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 110 Introduction to Psychology and 6 credits in psychology or permission of the instructor

PSYC 412 History and Systems (3 Credits)

This course is a study of the evolution of psychology as it developed from its early philosophical roots to its present status as a science. The contributions of a variety of systems and theories are included.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235

PSYC 414 Contemporary Issues in Psychology (3 Credits)

This course aims to clarify some of the basic issues regarding the nature of psychology. Psychology's empirical methodology and criteria for truth and ethics regarding the application of psychological knowledge are discussed.

Pre-requisite: PSYC 235 Experimental Psychology OR Permission of the Instructor

PSYC 420 Seminar: Honors Research (3 Credits)

This seminar provides a group of advanced students with the opportunity to intensively explore a topic of special interest. Emphasis is placed on the production and critical evaluation of student papers.

Pre-Requisite(s): Permission of the instructor and appropriate 300 level courses

PSYC 427 Seminar: Clinical Psychology (3 Credits)

This seminar deals with an elaboration and integration of the knowledge and skills encompassed in the sequence of courses required for the Mental Health Specialization. Through class discussion and fieldwork, students are exposed to the issues and skills required for a professional career in mental health.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 372 Introduction to Counseling

PSYC 433 Independent Study (3 Credits)

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to do in-depth readings in an area of psychology. The student works in close collaboration with a professor.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 235 AND appropriate 300 level course

PSYC 438 Independent Research (3 Credits)

This course is designed to give the student an opportunity to conduct an original research project in an area of psychology. The student works in close collaboration with a professor and department guidelines. Pre-requisite: PSYC 336 Research Method in Psychology.

Pre-Requisite(s): Permission of Instructor and appropriate 300 level courses

PSYC 472 Advanced Counseling (3 Credits)

Advanced Counseling presents an opportunity to further develop the counseling skills of listening, observing and attending, in addition to learning more advanced helping skills (e.g. focusing).

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 372

PSYC 475 Psychopharmacology (3 Credits)

PSYC 480 Field Experience (Mental Health) (3 Credits)

This course offers practical experience under supervision, in an urban agency, institution, or organization. Placements have been selected to provide students with the best available opportunity to master integrate, and apply concepts that have been learned in other courses.

PSYC 485 Field Experience Developmental (3 Credits)

This course offers practical experience under supervision, in an urban agency, institution, or organization. Placements have been selected to provide students with the best available opportunity to master integrate, and apply concepts that have been learned in other courses.

Pre-Requisite(s): PSYC 350 Advanced Developmental Psychology or premission of the instructor

PSYC 487 Field Experience: Behavioral Research (3 Credits)

PSYC 490 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 Credits)

By engaging in focused discussion and reading seminal works, students will be introduced to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. They will also develop an understanding of the similarities and variability of human behavior across cultures and in a global context.

PSYC 1433 Independent Study Psychology (1 Credit)

PSYC 1438 Independent Research (1 Credit)

PSYC 1480 Field Experiment (Mental Health) (1 Credit)

This course offers practical experience under supervision, in an urban agency, institution, or organization. Placements have been selected to provide students with the best available opportunity to master integrate, and apply concepts that have been learned in other courses.

PSYC 2480 Field Experiment (Mental Health) (2 Credits)

This course offers practical experience under supervision, in an urban agency, institution, or organization. Placements have been selected to provide students with the best available opportunity to master integrate, and apply concepts that have been learned in other courses.