Courses
| Course Name/Number | Description | Credits |
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PSYC 601
Special Topics in Psychology |
Consideration of selected topics in psychology for advanced graduate students. Some of these topics include qualitative methods, clinical interventions in behavioral medicine, seminars in cognitive psychology and applied developmental psychology. | 1-3 |
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PSYC 604
Biological Bases of Behavioral Development |
An introduction to theory and research dealing with biological perspectives in behavioral development. Topics to be covered include hominid evolution, genetics and behavior, pre-natal and post-natal determinants of behavior, neuro-endocrine and mediation, organization of behavior, behavioral ecology and socio-biology. | 3 |
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PSYC 605
Learning and Cognition |
A systematic survey of research and theory about learning and cognition from a variety of perspectives. Topics include reinforcement, discrimination, respondent conditioning, attention, memory and language. Special attention is given to the role of these processes in problems of human behavior. | 3 |
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PSYC 606
Adult Psychopathology |
Examination of major forms of adult psychopathology. Research and theory on psychological and biological mechanisms of selected disorders and current approaches to their diagnosis and classification are emphasized. | 3 |
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PSYC 607
Developmental Psychopathology |
This course introduces major theoretical models of development and developmental psychopathology and examines how these models influence current research and practice in child clinical psychology and applied developmental psychology. This course examines general models used to understand psychopathology in children, as well as models that are more diagnosis-specific. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. | 3 |
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PSYC 611
Data Analytic Procedures I |
The purpose of the course is to train students in the theory and uses of simple and complex analyses of variance and in the uses of multiple regression analyses as a hypothesis-testing procedure. | 3 |
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PSYC 611L
Data Analytic Procedures I Laboratory |
PreReq: PSYC 611 |
1 |
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PSYC 615
Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis |
This course treats behavioral interventions for establishing, strengthening and maintaining functional behavior (e.g., communication skills) and reducing aberrant behavior (e.g., self-injury), and it examines the experimental foundations of assessment and intervention methods, including research on multiple sources of behavior. By integrating clinical research and practice, it also prepares students for the practicum and intervention sequences in the Applied Behavior Analysis Program. PreReq: PSYC 605. |
3 |
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PSYC 616
Measurement in Applied Behavior Analysis |
This course provides a basic understanding of systematic data collection and analysis methods used in applied behavior analysis to make informed (data-driven) clinical decisions. The course covers behavioral assessment strategies and topics, including sampling and observation methods, inter-observer agreement and behavioral inter- viewing. It also covers data-analysis methods for systematically answering clinical questions with individual clients, including functional analysis, graphical data analysis and reversal, multiple-baseline and multi-element designs. PreReq: PSYC 615. |
3 |
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PSYC 620
Methods of Assessment I |
This course is a clinically oriented introduction to intellectual and personality assessment of children and adults. The course provides instruction in the theory, administration, scoring, interpretation and report writing of the WISC-III and WAIS-III, as well as an introduction to self-report inventories, clinical interviewing and observational techniques. Assessment of familial dysfunction also will be addressed. | 3 |
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PSYC 621
Methods of Assessment II |
This course will cover the theory, rationale and use of projective techniques and the use and rationale of standardized personality tests in describing and predicting patterns of human behavior. Focus is on the use of these techniques with both children and adults. | 3 |
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PSYC 622
Clinical Intervention I |
This course acquaints students with the theories, research and techniques of psychodynamic, humanistic, cognitive and behavioral therapies. The application of these therapies in treating aggressive, anxious, depressed and other maladaptive behaviors in children, adolescents and adults is addressed by reviewing appropriate literature and participating in course-linked practica. | 3 |
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PSYC 623
Clinical Intervention II |
In this course, students are taught techniques to establish therapeutic relationships, enhance motivation to change, and facilitate behavioral and cognitive change in adult clients. Empirical research is reviewed on involvement in and outcome of psychological interventions in individual, relationship and group therapeutic modalities. PreReq: PSYC 622 |
3 |
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PSYC 624
Principles of Consultation |
This course provides a basic grounding in the nature of consultation performed by psychologists and other specialists in social processes. Readings and class discussion explore a range of approaches: mental health consultation, process consultation, organizational development and conflict resolution. Class activities may include case study, critical incident method, structured exercises, role-plays and simulations. | 3 |
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PSYC 625
Critique of Psychotherapy Research |
This course provides a historical review of psychotherapy research and the underlying conceptual and methodological issues. A critical analysis of process and outcome research on psychoanalytic, cognitive and behavioral therapies. An evaluation of the teaching of psycho-therapeutic skills. PreReq: Consent of instructor |
3 |
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PSYC 635
Community Psychology |
This course provides an introduction to the theory, practice and research concerned with the interventions of community psychology. A major goal is to articulate how psychologists intervene at the level of small groups, organizations, institutions and communities to reduce stress, to enhance the quality of life and to prevent the onset of emotional/behavioral disorders. The course includes lectures, small group discussions and guest presenters. | 3 |
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PSYC 636
Primary Prevention |
This course covers the theoretical, empirical and applied underpinnings of primary prevention. Topics include etiology, levels of intervention, research design, parenting interventions, inter-personal problem-solving skills in children, social-support systems, modification of high-risk lifestyles and macro-environmental stress. | 3 |
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PSYC 641
Theories of Development |
This course provides a critical examination of the major historical and contemporary theories of human development. Included will be broad, general theoretical approaches, as well as theories that address specific topic areas within development. Specific theorists such as Binet, Piaget, Vygotsky, Freud and Erikson will be reviewed, in addition to core issues such as information processing, epigenesis, systems theory and the uses of biological analogies. | 3 |
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PSYC 645
Social Psychology |
This course provides an in-depth presentation of theory and research on the relationship between the individual and the social environment. Topics within the major sub-areas of social perception and attribution, attitudes and attitude change, group processes, aggression and inter-personal influence will be discussed. The course also will consider social-psychological perspectives on applied problems. PreReq: Consent of instructor |
3 |
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PSYC 646
Clinical Neuro-psychology |
This course considers interactions between nervous-system activity and human behavior and is concerned with evaluating nervous- system functions in the control of normal and abnormal behavior. Particular attention is paid to changes in the neuro-physiological and biochemical processes that accompany behavior pathologies generally encountered in clinical settings. | 3 |
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PSYC 647
Neuro-psychological Assessment |
This course provides a survey of assessment procedures used to evaluate suspected or known central nervous-system dysfunction. Areas covered include describing the nature of neuro-psychological deficits, using interview and test data to assist in diagnosis, the longitudinal evaluation of changes using neuro-psychological function, and assessing the effects of medical and behavioral interventions. PreReq: PSYC 620 and PSYC 646 |
3 |
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PSYC 649
Foundations of Behavioral Medicine |
This course is a survey of behavioral approaches and techniques relevant to understanding physical health illness and their application to prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation. Topics covered include socio-cultural influences upon health and disease; psychosomatic medicine; stress management; pain management; substance abuse; placebo factors and behavioral approaches to prevention, treatment and rehabilitation. | 3 |
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PSYC 650
Child Clinical Psychology |
This course covers the etiology, symptomatology, assessment and treatment of psychopathology in children and adolescents. A variety of treatment approaches (e.g., behavior modification, cognitive therapies and family therapy) will be presented, and students will learn how to apply these techniques to such problem areas as anxiety, depression, hyperactivity, non-compliance and aggression. PreReq: PSYC 607, PSYC 622, PSYC 623 and consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 651
Cognitive Development |
This course provides an in-depth examination of current research and theory in cognitive development. Representative topics include problem-solving, memory, concept formation, perception, metacognition, communication and social cognition. Theoretical perspectives include those of Piaget, Vygotsky and contemporary information processing theorists. Emphasis is on the relevance of basic theory and research for understanding problems of cognitive development. | 3 |
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PSYC 652
Learning Problems |
This course focuses on problems of children in learning situations, including the nature and validity of diagnosing of these problems, as well as treatments and assessing treatment. Neurological, perceptual, cognitive, emotional and motivational explanations for deficits will be explored in the context of normal development. | 3 |
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PSYC 653
Cultural Aspects of Human Development |
This course examines selected issues and approaches at the interface between culture and human development, such as the linguistic relativity hypothesis, culture contact and social change, bilingualism and bi-culturation, gender and sexuality, parental behavior and ideas, cognitive style, the socialization of academic abilities and values, home-school relations and moral development, methodological strategies in cultural and cross-cultural research, meaning systems and hermeneutics, and indigenous and national psychologies. Applications are considered to contemporary problems of social-service policy and practice in various societies, as is cultural bias in psychological assessment. | 3 |
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PSYC 655
Advanced Topics in Applied Behavior Analysis |
This course offers advanced coverage of special topics, including interventions concerned with communication skills in the developmentally disabled, management of self-injury and other dangerous behavior problems, feeding disorders, autism, etc. Students will demonstrate skills in literature search and integration of the literature by writing reviews and giving presentations on specific topics. PreReq: PSYC 616 |
3 |
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PSYC 656
Applied Social Psychology |
This course covers the application of theories and findings of experimental social psychology to individual and social problems. Examples of topics covered: the role of dissonance, reactance and attribution processes in behavior change in applied settings; intrinsic motivation; misattribution techniques and the alleviation of dysfunctional behavior; issues in attitude behavior congruence; media influences; and value self-confrontation and behavior change. | 3 |
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PSYC 665
Drugs and Behavior |
The course integrates contemporary theory and empirical observations from neurophysiology, biochemistry and psychology as each interfaces with problems relating drug action and behavioral consequences. It focuses on current research relating biogenic amines, behavior and central nervous system action and chemical alteration in drug-induced states and chronic or acute behavioral disorders. PreReq: Consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 675
Psychology and the Law |
This course introduces students to critical behavioral issues as they are reflected in the courts and penal institutions. Topics include the implications of psychological theory and research for evaluating legal testimony, for cross-examination procedures and for jury selection, plus the McNaghten Rule, the concept of personal responsibility and the penal institution as an instrument designed to alter behavior. The course will involve lectures and a practicum. Note: Also listed as LAW 526. PreReq: Consent of instructor |
3 |
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PSYC 680
Personality |
A comparative survey of major personality theories will serve as a background for an analysis of basic issues in personality structure, development and processes. Empirical research on clinically relevant personality topics, such as the origins and control of aggressive behavior and stress and coping strategies, will be reviewed. | 3 |
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PSYC 686
Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology |
This course examines the ethical principles that are fundamental to the scientific exploration of psychological questions and to the practice or application of psychology in promoting human health and wellbeing. Problems and issues to be addressed include applicating psychology to individuals of different ages and cultures, couples, families and larger groups, including organizations and local, national and international communities; the legal system; health and mental health delivery systems; and education and policy making. In addition, issues relating to the integrity of research, including informed consent; analog, animal and clinical studies; data management; authorship and publication practices and conflicts of interest will be discussed. Also highlighted will be issues of ethnic and cultural sensitivity, sexual harassment, dual relationships, intellectual property and peer review. | 3 |
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PSYC 690
Field Experience |
1-3 credits each semester | 1-3 |
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PSYC 691
Field Experience |
1-2 credits each semester | 1-2 |
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PSYC 692
Field Experience |
1-2 credits each semester | 1-2 |
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PSYC 693
Practicum I in Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions |
This sequence provides students with basic competencies relevant to increasing functional behavior (e.g., communication skills) and decreasing maladaptive behavior (e.g., self-injury). Experience with basic behavioral interventions will include procedures such as shaping and chaining, arranging differential consequences of behavior and manipulating antecedent stimuli. Pass/fail grading only. PreReq: PSYC 615 |
3 |
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PSYC 694
Practicum II in Applied Behavior Analysis Interventions |
This sequence provides students with basic competencies relevant to increasing functional behavior (e.g., communication skills) and decreasing maladaptive behavior (e.g., self-injury). Experience with basic behavioral interventions will include procedures such as shaping and chaining, arranging differential consequences of behavior and manipulating antecedent stimuli. Pass/fail grading only. PreReq: PSYC 615 |
3 |
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PSYC 695
Advanced Seminar in Human Services Psychology |
Selected topics in human services psychology. PreReq: Consent of instructor |
3 |
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PSYC 696
Graduate Seminar in Teaching of Psychology |
This course is intended for graduate students interested in learning how to teach at the college level. Students will receive both formal instruction in general teaching principles and course development methods, as well as more individual instruction/ supervision geared to specific course development. Note: Students teaching a course independently for the first time at UMBC are expected to enroll in PSYC 696, ideally in the semester prior to teaching the course. They must have either a master's degree or two years of graduate work. Credits: 1 per semester; 2 total | 1 |
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PSYC 697
Directed Research Experience |
Students receive one to three graduate credits for participation in ongoing faculty research projects. Credits: 1-3 per semester; 6 total PreReq: Consent of instructor. |
1-3 |
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PSYC 699
Directed Independent Study |
Directed Independent Study | 1-3 |
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PSYC 710
Research Methods in Psychology |
Examination of various methods and models of research in developmental and human services psychology and the applications and assumptions associated with them. Students critique research studies and complete a research proposal. | 3 |
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PSYC 711
Data Analytic Procedures II |
Applications of multi-variate methods of data analysis in psychological research. Topics include multi-variate descriptive statistics, multi-variate multiple regression, multi-variate analysis of variance and covariance and factor analysis. PreReq: PSYC 611 or consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 711L
Data Analytic Procedures II Laboratory |
Data Analytic Procedures II Laboratory | 1 |
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PSYC 715
Measurement of Behavior |
Course content includes basic measurement theory; essentials of test evaluation, including reliability, validity and utility; methodology of test construction and development; and using and interpreting test scores. The course enables students to evaluate existing assessment instruments in psychology and to propose, implement and evaluate innovative procedures when necessary. PreReq: PSYC 611. |
3 |
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PSYC 720
Infant Assessment |
An in-depth examination of the theoretical and applied issues relating to assessing children up to age three, with specific focus on assessments of intellectual development, socio-emotional development, adaptive behavior and family functioning. Although the course is tailored for developmental psychologists in applied arenas, the approach taken is inter-disciplinary, with discussions included on how specific norm- and criterion-referenced assessments have been used to intervene with high-risk and developmentally delayed infants. Note: It is expected that students enrolling in PSYC 720 also will enroll in PSYC 691. PreReq: PSYC 651 and PSYC 781 or consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 721
Assessment of Children |
This course focuses on assessing children from pre-school through high school. Assessment of cognitive skills will be emphasized, and social/behavioral issues also will be considered. The over-arching goal of this course is to help students understand the theories and research underlying the assessment of children and to apply this knowledge to the task of evaluating children. | 3 |
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PSYC 730
Parenting |
This course focuses on the parenting subsystem and the biological, familial and socio-cultural factors that influence it. Topics range from issues in the transition to parenthood, psycho-biological underpinnings of parenting, parenting and the cultural context and fathers and parenting in an assortment of high-risk contexts. | 3 |
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PSYC 736
Applied Psychology and Public Policy |
This course examines major public policy issues relevant to applied developmental and human services psychology. Federal and, to a lesser degree, state policies, policy making constituencies and policymaking processes will be reviewed. | 3 |
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PSYC 741
Topics in Behavioral Medicine |
An in-depth survey of topics reflecting current research and theory in the field of behavioral medicine. In this ongoing seminar series, behavioral medicine faculty, students and local guest speakers will present their behavioral medicine research and/or critical reviews of specialty areas in behavioral medicine. The topics chosen will vary each semester. Note: May be repeated for credit. PreReq: Consent of instructor. |
1 |
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PSYC 780
Language Development |
This course examines the development of linguistic skills from the pre-verbal babbling of the infant through the language used by the adult. Topics will include syntax, semantics, communication and pragmatics. Particular attention will be given to the mechanisms and processes that foster language development. PreReq: One graduate course in cognitive developmental psychology and consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 781
Social Development |
This course provides a life-span approach to social and personality development. Particular emphasis will be given to various theoretical explanations of infant and early-childhood development. Also included will be an examination of the relationship between cognitive and social development. | 3 |
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PSYC 782
Reading and Reading Disabilities |
This course examines the cognitive, linguistic and perceptual processes involved in reading, with particular attention to the development of decoding and comprehension skills. The nature and potential causes of various reading disabilities also will be explored. | 3 |
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PSYC 783
Children's Mathematical Thinking |
This course will cover theories and research in the development of children's and adolescents' mathematical reasoning processes. Topics may include mathematical reasoning, conservation of number and early predictors of mathematical thought. PreReq: Cognitive Development or consent of instructor. |
3 |
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PSYC 784
Intervention in Infancy and Early Childhood |
This course surveys theories, methods and issues in early intervention. Topics will include the description of selected home- and center-based programs, the evaluation of program effects and the role of parental involvement. | 3 |
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PSYC 786
Psychological Aspects of Aging |
Psychological and biological changes associated with aging are examined. The topics of the course include theories of aging, research methods in aging, learning, memory, intelligence and problem-solving, personality, stress and coping and illness. Emphasis is placed on the contributions of longitudinal studies to understanding the individual aging process. PreReq: PSYC 611. |
3 |
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PSYC 787
Schooling and Development |
The primary focus of the course is on the relationship between formal cognitive socialization, principally schooling and the cognitive development of individuals being socialized. The course will review both micro-structural analyses (such as classroom interactional ethnographies) and macrostructural analyses (such as cross-cultural differences or the effects of literacy on thought). | 3 |
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PSYC 793
Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis I |
[3 per semester, 3 total]
This capstone field placement teaches independent intervention skills essential to applied behavior analysis. Under supervision, the student is assigned a client and conducts all stages of an intervention with the client from assessing to designing a treatment program through treatment delivery and its evaluation. The sequence is completed with a presentation and written report of the treatment and its outcome. (In the Applied Behavior Analysis program, this sequence serves in place of a master's thesis.) Pass/fail grading only. PreReq: PSYC 616 and PSYC 693-694. Co- or prerequisite: PSYC 655. |
3 |
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PSYC 794
Interventions in Applied Behavior Analysis II |
This capstone field placement teaches independent intervention skills essential to applied behavior analysis. Under supervision, the student is assigned a client and conducts all stages of an intervention with the client from assessing to designing a treatment program through treatment delivery and its evaluation. The sequence is completed with a presentation and written report of the treatment and its outcome. (In the Applied Behavior Analysis program, this sequence serves in place of a master's thesis.) Pass/fail grading only. PreReq: PSYC 616 and PSYC 693-694. Co- or prerequisite: PSYC 655. |
3 |
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PSYC 796
Field Experience in Teaching of Psychology |
This course is intended for graduate students interested in learning how to teach at the college level. Students will apply principles they have learned in PSYC 696: Seminar in Graduate Teaching of Psychology and receive guidance/supervision in independent teaching of a course. Note: Students teaching a course independently for the first time at UMBC are expected to enroll concurrently in PSYC 796. Students must have either a master's degree or two years of graduate work. PreReq: PSYC 696. |
1 |
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PSYC 799
Master's Thesis Research |
Master's thesis research under the direction of a faculty member. Note: Six credit hours are required for the master's degree. | 1-6 |
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PSYC 898
Pre-Doctoral Dissertation Research |
Research under direction of faculty advisor taken prior to declaration of candidacy. | 1-6 |
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PSYC 899
Doctoral Dissertation Research |
Research on the doctoral dissertation under direction of faculty advisor. Note: A minimum of 12 credit hours is required for the doctoral degree. | 6 |
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