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Carlow University · Courses

PY

26 courses with the subject PY, each shown exactly as we captured it from the college's catalog, with every element we hold. Where the wording looks broken, that is our reading of the catalog, not the college's text.

PY 101Introduction to Psychology [3

At least nine credits from the following list: • PY 122 Lifespan Development [3 credits] • PY 230 Biological Bases of Behavior [3 credits] (PY 101) • PY 280 Cognitive Psychology [3 credits] (PY 101) • PY 290 Elementary Statistics and Lab [4 credits] • PY 320 Qualitative Research Methods [3 credits] (PY 101, pre- or co-requisite: SSC 321) • PY 325 Experimental Psychology [4 credits] (PY 290 and SSC 321 with a grade of B) • PY 340 Social Psychology [3 credits] (PY 101) At least three credits from the following list: • PY 203 Personality Theory [3 credits] (PY 101) • PY 209 Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health [3 credits] (PY 101) • PY 285 Intro to Counseling [3 credits] (PY 101) Three credits in any PY course. At least nine credits must be at the 200 level or higher. Transfer students must take at least nine credits at Carlow University. Note: Only courses with a “PY” designation count toward the minor in psychology. FAMILY DYNAMICS ENRICHMENT CERTIFICATE The Family Dynamic Enrichment Certificate is designed for existing students as well as any direct care staff already working in agency settings that provide community services to children and families. The certificate serves to expand students’ knowledge of family relational dynamics and enhance their therapeutic and communication skills to facilitate family healing and growth. This certificate also provides a convenient launch for anyone wanting to pursue an undergraduate degree in psychology, criminology, social work, education, or to augment any other major. This certificate further provides an opportunity for students to become certified as a Facilitator/Instructor of the Nurturing Parenting Program; a nationally recognized program designed for the prevention and treatment of child abuse (www.nurturingparenting.com). In addition, this certificate provides Child Abuse Mandated Reporter Certification through training offered through Family Support Alliance of PA. Students pursuing this certificate will be well grounded in counseling skills, family systems dynamics, all aspects of child abuse from prevention to treatment as well as in depth coverage of relational attachment and the impact that both nurturance and trauma have upon such vital familial relationships. Requirements: PY 285, PY 380, PY 440 and PY 441 (12 credits) ACCELERATED PROGRAM TO MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY (MAP) Undergraduate students with a major in Psychology, Art Therapy, Social Work, or Criminology are invited to apply to Carlow’s Master of Arts in Psychology Program (MAP) prior to graduation. Seniors admitted to this program would be permitted to take up to 6 credits while they are still undergraduate students from the following courses: • PYM 701: Personality & Symptomology • PYM 702: Applications of Cognitive and Behavioral Treatment 101

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 122Lifespan Development

An examination of the patterns of growth, change, and stability in behavior that occur across the human lifespan. Starting with conception, the course explores the biological, psychosocial, and cognitive theories that help us observe and explain human behavior from life’s beginnings through the end of life. 3 credits

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 155Designing Your Life I; Orientation to Psychology

156

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 203Personality Theory3

Analyses of personality theories with emphasis on understanding and improving behavior are presented. Various ways to cope with and learn from stress and how to foster growth are also explored.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101
PY 205Child Psychology3

An examination of the basic principles and theories of development from conception to middle childhood. Emphasizes social, emotional, and cognitive development.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 or PY 122
PY 206Adolescent Psychology3

A comprehensive investigation of the bio-psycho-social development of the adolescent, with an emphasis on diversity. Major theoretical approaches are presented along with current research.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 or PY 122
PY 209Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health3

An overview of psychological disorders. Diagnosis, etiology, and modern treatments are explored. A bio-psycho-social perspective is emphasized with special attention given to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 3 credits PY 216 (EC 206) Child Development: Ages Six to Nine This course addresses the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development of children in grades PreK through four. The student is introduced to major concepts and theories of child development and the scholarship and research that inform these concepts and theories. The course is designed to promote connections between one’s understanding of child development and how that understanding informs those who work with this age group.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101
PY 220Wellness and Resilience3

The purpose of this course is to teach undergraduate students the skills for having resilience in the face of commonly experienced stressors and difficulties. Resilience is the ability to both survive and thrive. Resilience is not only about your ability to positively adapt in the face of challenging circumstances (survive), it is also about learning the positive skills, strategies and routines that enable you to live a happy, fulfilling, and successful life (thrive). This course will provide you with a personalized set of strategies and skills for self- care and optimize your academic and social experiences while at Carlow University and beyond. 3 credits PY 230I/230 (BIO 230I/230) Biological Bases of Behavior Biological Bases presents an in-depth focus on neuroanatomy, the nervous system, and other biological processes relevant to human thought and behavior. Students will learn the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems, with a specific focus on how biological systems influence psychological functions and vice versa. Students will become familiar with the terminology and research methods of both biology and psychology and will be introduced to exciting interdisciplinary neuroscience fields.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101.
PY 235Special Topics in Psychology

An analysis of selected topics in communication. The course is organized in any given semester to study particular subject matter or to take advantage of special competence by an individual faculty member. May be repeated for credit as content changes. 3 credits 157

Subject
PY
Type
course
Repeatable
May be repeated for credit as content changes.
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 255Designing Your Life II: Career Formation3

This course focuses on the practical details of “designing one’s life” in terms of career formation. Topics will include personal qualities tied to life success, mentors and networking, resume preparation, and career readiness. 1 credit PY 265 (WS 265) Psychology of Women An overview of theories and current research on the psychological nature of women, specifically related to the adult life cycle of women from adolescence through maturity. Adult female life will be examined with particular emphasis on critical periods of development as these developments affect the emotional life of the modern woman. 3 credits PY 270 (SO 270, SW 270) Cultural Humility in Social Work This course provides an introduction to anti-racism, diversity, equity and inclusion (ADEI) in practice for social workers and other professionals. Students will gain knowledge about the pervasive impact of white supremacy and privilege in society and how to use knowledge, awareness and skills to engage in anti-racist and anti-oppressive practice. This requires practicing cultural humility, which involves being self-reflective as well as learning about how different identities intersect to shape one's life as well as those of others. Empowerment and a recognition that clients and communities are experts of their own lives is the foundation of this approach.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101. PY 101
PY 280Cognitive Psychology3

An exploration of the basic concepts and contemporary topics in cognitive psychology. Topics to be covered include perception, attention, pattern recognition, consciousness, and memory; and the representation of knowledge, language, cognitive development, thinking, and artificial intelligence. Traditionally, cognitive psychologists have studied these topics without full consideration of the biological mechanisms underlying each of these areas. In this course students will also examine the current research from within the area of cognitive neuroscience for a better understanding of the role these biological mechanisms play in cognition.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 WITH A GRADE OF C- OR HIGHER OR PERMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR.
PY 285Introduction to Counseling

An introduction to the basic principles of and various approaches toward counseling. Emphasis on supervised role-playing and on how to begin to become therapeutically effective. 3 credits PY/SW 488 PY 286 (EN 286) Psychology of Literature This course explores the connection between psychological concepts and literary texts. Students will examine myths, fairy tales, contemporary fiction, drama, and poetry from literary and psychological perspectives, analyzing parallels between psychodynamic theory and authors' characters and, at times, authors' lives. This interdisciplinary approach encourages students to discover and articulate how psychology and literature reflect the core concepts that define humanity. Lecture topics and literary works will address issues such as social alienation, the nature of evil, family dynamics, the construction of myth, and the nature of love. 3 credits

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101. THIS COURSE IS A PREREQUISITE FOR ALL OTHER COUNSELING COURSES—PY 380, PY 420, PY 430, PY 440, AND
PY 290Elementary Statistics and Lab4

An introduction to the calculation and interpretation of statistics for the behavioral sciences including measures of central tendency, variability, correlation, and such inferential techniques as the t-test, analysis of variance, and regression. The lab component of this course entails using statistical software to conduct statistical analyses.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
4
Credits (max)
4
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 320Qualitative Research Methods

An introduction to the theory and application of qualitative research methods commonly used in psychology and related social science fields. Students will explore the nature of qualitative research, the existing theoretical grounding for qualitative research, learn a 158

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 325Experimental Psychology

Experimental Psychology is a hands-on upper-level research course. Students will develop skills in applying each step of the scientific method, with particular attention to the experimental method. A primary focus of the course will be for the student to plan and complete a research project that contributes new knowledge to the field. For the “lab” component of the course, each student will be assigned to an Integrated Research Team, working with other undergraduate and graduate students and a faculty member on a research project. The Integrated Research Team is a fall-spring experience to ensure sufficient time to meaningfully complete the research project. Students will receive an “in progress” (IP) grade at the end of the fall semester and a final letter grade at the end of the spring semester following completion of the research experience. 4 credits

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 290 AND SSC 321 with a minimum grade of B
PY 340Social Psychology3

An exploration of the behavior of the individual in the context of multiple social influences and groups (family, school, neighborhood, and society at large). Topics include social perception and cognition; attitude and attitude change; attraction, affiliation, and love; pro- social and antisocial behavior; violence and aggression; prejudice and discrimination; stereotyping, sex roles; and public opinion. 3 credits PY 352 (SW 352) Forensic Psychology An introduction to the science or act of attempting to determine criminal culpability based on an individual’s current level of psychological functioning at the time of an offense. It also focuses on an individual’s psychological functioning relative to criminal acts with which the offender has been charged.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 WITH A GRADE OF C- OR HIGHER OR PERMISSION OF THE DEPARTMENT CHAIR. PY 101
PY 355Designing Your Life III: Vocation & Avocation1

This course emphasizes a framework for approaching career and life from a design perspective taking into consideration such issues as living one’s vocation as well as avocation. Finding and experiencing meaning-making in work and life; the importance of happiness; and the significance of understanding and implementing Flow theory will be discussed. In addition, key considerations regarding graduate school, future specialized training, and employment in the field of psychology and counseling are emphasized.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
1
Credits (max)
1
Credit unit
credit
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101
PY 380Family Counseling3

An overview of the fundamental concepts of general systems theory from which family therapy has developed. Although principles from other major theories are discussed, the primary theoretical approach taught is Bowenian Family Systems Theory. The emphasis is on looking at both functional and dysfunctional aspects of family systems and observing rigid, repetitive sequences of behavior, the crossing of hierarchical levels of organization, the lack of clear individual and family boundaries, and pathological verbal and nonverbal communication patterns. Family dynamics are discussed as these relate to and influence the individual development of each family member. 3 credits PY 404 (SW 404) Grief and Loss Across the Lifespan A consideration of the current state of social science knowledge of the grief and loss, death and dying experience of individuals and families throughout the lifespan. Students explore the individual and family dynamics of death, loss, grief and bereavement. Death rituals and practices of various belief systems are discussed as well as the belief systems and cultural practices of students. Skills and techniques and techniques for coping and healing are also reviewed.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 285 WITH A GRADE OF C- OR HIGHER. PY 101 or PY 122
PY 410Advanced Research Seminar

159

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 438Substance Abuse Counseling
Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 440Child Abuse Prevention & Treatment
Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 441Parenting: Nurturance Attachment, Trauma Theory and Practice3

This course will investigate parenting from both a nurturing and maltreatment perspective. Areas that will be explored are the dynamics of the parent/child relationships; social issues and concerns that impact parenting; how parent/child relationships evolve developmentally (birth through adolescence); various parenting styles and implications; the neuroscience of human relationships. This course will also offer Nurturing Parenting Program Facilitator Training certification.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 and PY 122 or EC 205 and EC 206/PY 216
PY 442Children’s Play

This course provides a basic understanding of the dynamics of children’s play using a framework of social and emotional development. Students will also gain an understanding of basic play communication skills, which will allow them to connect with children and demonstrate empathy through the process of play. 3 credits 160

Subject
PY
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
PY 455Knowledge of Psychology3

This online course covers key content across the subfields of psychology in order to complete psychology majors’ understanding of the field of psychology as well as prepare them for upcoming assessments such as the psychology GRE. 1 credit PRE/COREQUISITES PY 122, PY 203, PY 230 or PY 230I, PY 280, PY 290, PY 340, SSC 321 PY 488 (SW 488) Intimate Partner Violence Seminar An overview of the knowledge and skills needed to understand the various forms of abuse, violence and harm perpetrated by a current or former intimate partner including, married, same-sex, or unmarried couples, or ex-partners. Particularly examines the research and literature on intimate partner violence to develop competencies in prevention, intervention and resources, and the implications for programs and policies to assist the victim and the abuser.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
3
Credits (max)
3
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 101 PY 285 or SW 302
PY 490Senior Thesis I1.5

The purpose of the senior thesis is to allow our upper-level psychology majors the opportunity to further develop their research skills. To that end, the student works with a faculty member to develop a research project. This project requires the student to identify a topic, complete a review of the salient literature, propose a research question or hypothesis, and conduct a study designed to examine or test that research question or hypothesis. The student works in collaboration with the faculty member throughout the project. PY 490 Senior Thesis I is the first of a two-semester sequence for the senior thesis. By the end of PY 490, students should have completed a literature review, designed the study, and obtained IRB approval (if applicable). To enroll in PY 490, the student must first submit a thesis proposal form (available from the program director) and receive approval. Student enrolling in PY-490 must commit to enrolling in PY-491 in the following semester to complete the project.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
1.5
Credits (max)
1.5
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
SSC 321 with a minimum grade of A- and permission from the program director
PY 491Senior Thesis II1.5

The purpose of the senior thesis is to allow our upper-level psychology majors the opportunity to further develop their research skills. To that end, the student works with a faculty member to develop a research project. This project requires the student to identify a topic, complete a review of the salient literature, propose a research question or hypothesis, and conduct a study designed to examine or test that research question or hypothesis. The student works in collaboration with the faculty member throughout the project. PY 491 Senior Thesis II is a continuation of PY 490 Senior Thesis I. By the end of PY 491, students should have collected the data, conducted statistical analyses on the data (if applicable), and written an APA-style thesis paper.

Subject
PY
Credits (min)
1.5
Credits (max)
1.5
Credit unit
credits
Type
course
Edition
2026-2027-undergraduate
Source
www.carlow.edu
Prerequisite
PY 490

Source: Carlow University's catalog, linked per course · table learning_unit · CourseShelf publish 59