PSYCH

or PSYCH 100HHonors Introductory Psychology

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Psychology is a scholarly discipline, a scientific field, and a professional activity. Its overall focus is the scientific study of behavior and experience, and of associated mental and physiological processes. As a scholarly discipline, psychology represents a major field of study in academic settings, with an emphasis on theories and principles of behavior and experience. As a science, psychology is a domain of research in which investigators analytically and systematically study behavior and experience to develop theories and principles and to understand their application to real-world situations. As a profession, psychology involves the practical application of knowledge, skills, and techniques for enhancing well-being and quality of life, as well as solving or preventing individual and social problems. This course, which serves as a prerequisite for most upper-level psychology courses, provides an overview of the field of psychology, including research, theory, and application, and promotes thinking about how students can apply psychology to enhance their lives. Specific topics include the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning, cognition, motivation and emotion, development, social cognition and social influence, personality and individual differences, and mental disorders and therapy. Evaluation is primarily through exams, papers, projects, or presentations and assesses psychological knowledge, skills, conceptual thinking, and critical analysis. After taking this course, students should be able to make more-informed decisions about participating in future psychology courses and have a better understanding of both psychology as a science and human behavior. Introductory Psychology is required for the Psychology major and minor. This honors version of the course is designed to provide the opportunity for students to engage with the material at greater depth and with greater emphasis on the scientific basis for the content. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4757 General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to general psychology; principles of human behavior and their applications. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Overview of history and methods of psychology as a science and profession; applications and ethical issues in psychology. PSYCH 105 Psychology as a Science and Profession (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. The purpose of this course is to introduce Psychology majors and prospective majors to basic principles of research and practice in scientific psychology. The course provides a survey of the subfields of psychology, their history, and their current importance in both academic and applied settings. The focus is on common principles and issues important across these subfields. Students will learn how psychological research is conducted, survey applications of psychological research, consider ethical issues in psychological research and practice, and learn about careers in a variety of subfields in psychology. Students will be evaluated on the basis of multiple-choice exams (75%), in-class activities (10%), and short writing assignments (15%). The course will be required for the Psychology B.A. and Psychology B.S. (all options) majors, but will not be a prerequisite for any other course. The course will be offered each fall and spring semester in large sections of 300-350 students. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Creativity is an essential component of people's lives. It plays a critical part in advancing our society via art, design, and science. However, what is creativity? What contributes to it? Moreover, how can one become more creative? The goal of this introductory course is to answer these questions by integrating art and psychology. The course begins with a discussion of what is creativity. In the process, the class will discuss how context, culture, and narrative play a key role in answering this question. Next, the course will examine who is creative. Here, the class will discuss what, if anything, contributes toward a creative personality, what role developmental factors play in the creative process, and if there is a link between mental illness and creativity. Lastly, the course will discuss the creative process. Here, students will learn how the brain and body help people process, understand, and create information, how emotions influence thought and are conveyed to others, how motivational processes can both encourage and hinder creative endeavors, and how inter- and intra-personal processes can facilitate and destroy creative

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

"Knowing Right from Wrong" provides a comprehensive understanding of the nature of moral ideas, beliefs, and behaviors in contemporary contexts. What roles do nature and nurture play in the development of moral sensibilities? How do moral emotions and moral reasoning interact to produce moral behavior? What defines moral character and how does it influence what we do? Is it possible to derive what ought to be done from what is known about the world? How do we respond when moral demands compete with another? How do our moral convictions color our perceptions of world events? Can individuals and groups with differing moral commitments communicate with one another and live together peacefully? The course integrates perspectives from philosophy, psychology, and sociology, and prepares students to think about (and act in) a world in which morality (and its linked concepts, such as judgment of others) plays an increasingly important social and political role. The course treats morality as both an aspirational concept and as an actual social practice, and focuses on three major themes: (1) the origins and development of moral reasoning and ethical systems, (2) the influence of moral emotions and moral intuitions on moral reasoning and behavior, and (3) the influence of social and contextual factors on moral behavior and expression. Integrating the philosopher's interest in ethics, with the psychologist's interest in the mind and body, and the sociologist's interest in groups, the course provides a comprehensive introduction to morality in contemporary society, and the ways in which it shapes the lives of people in everyday situations. Cross-listed with: PHIL 120N, SOC 120N Bachelor of Arts: Humanities Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Humanities (GH) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

is intended to be an introduction to environmental attitudes and behavior research within the social sciences, especially the fields of social and environmental psychology. This course allows students to understand the varied psychological processes, including individual attitudes, societal values, and personality traits, that shape a person's interactions with and feelings toward the physical environment within the context of global climate change. Drawing on methodology and theory in the areas of attitude change, social cognition, environmental perception, pro-social behavior, and emotions, this course will provide students with insight into how individual and group actions and mental processes can impact beliefs and actions toward global climate change while also providing a foundation for ways to alter those behaviors in meaningful ways. General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

and Violence

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

and Violence

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course will investigate the distinctiveness of Homo sapiens, using fossil and non-human animal comparisons to highlight how modern humans are both similar to and different from other species. Basic elements from the fields of biology, genetics, anatomy, physiology, ecology, cognition, neuroscience, social psychology, and anthropology will be integrated for a complete and robust picture of humans and their place in the animal world. Furthermore, students will expand upon this integration of fields to make inferences about how an individual's or society's perspective on human uniqueness, or the lack thereof, impacts decisions and behaviors relevant to research ethics, environmental policy, educational policy, religion, and/or social issues. Cross-listed with: BIOL 169N General Education: Natural Sciences (GN) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4759

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course serves as an introduction to the integration of psychology and film analysis, with a focus upon mental health. PSYCH 175N / COMM 175N seeks to help students understand the extent to which cinema can influence our perceptions of mental illness, and how the experience of mental illness can influence cinema. Students will be guided to critically analyze and discover how cinema can build or break the stigma and stereotypes regarding various types of mental illnesses and their treatments. The course is designed to familiarize students with various mental disorders (e.g., autism, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, dissociative identity disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and dementia), aspects of their treatment (e.g., psychotherapy, medication, and ECT), and the creative ways in which filmmakers can choose to portray mental illness and its treatment (e.g., camera angles, lighting, music, costuming, casting, editing, method acting, and marketing) across cinema formats (e.g., in feature, independent, and documentary films). Students will be guided to consider how the cinema has shaped their own perceptions of mental illness, and how they could guide a filmmaker to generate a creative, compelling, and accurate portrayal of various types of mental illness and their treatments. PSYCH 175N / COMM 175N emphasizes integrative thinking, and seeks to help students develop critical reading, viewing, and thinking skills. The course incorporates lectures and assigned readings with the viewing of feature films during a weekly practicum period. Most lectures incorporate case examples and video clips to help students exercise their critical thinking skills. Introductory lectures provide a critical social and historical context for each week's film screening. Follow-up lectures and discussions offer critical and integrative analysis. Course assessment includes both objective measures and essay exams. PSYCH 175N / COMM 175N is an Interdomain General Education course that incorporates student learning criteria from both the arts (GA) and the social sciences (GS). It assumes to prior exposure to psychology or to film studies. As such, the course is designed to have broad accessibility, primarily for introductory level students. Cross-listed with: COMM 175N General Education: Arts (GA) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or STAT 200 Elementary Statistics Select 12 credits of 200-level PSYCH courses 12 At least 3 credits must be from each group a, b, and c: a.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course explores the complex relationship between mental illness and criminal justice involvement. Students will examine the historical context of mental health treatment, the criminalization of mental disorders, and the overrepresentation of individuals with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system. The course will cover modern developments and reforms, including diversion programs and mental health courts, and emphasize the importance of cross-system collaboration between mental health services and criminal justice agencies. Recommended Preparation: PSYCH 270 Cross-listed with: CRIM 204, CRIMJ 204 General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or HDFS 129 Introduction to Human Development and Family

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 This course provides a comprehensive understanding of resilience from both a biological and psychological perspective. It provides students with an integrative approach to understand the dynamic interplay between nature and nurture in understanding children's at-risk behaviors as well as understanding children's resilient behaviors. The study of resilience will be examined with a systems approach using a strengths-based framework of positive youth development. Topics will include brain development, the biology of stress, environmental factors influencing resilience, children's mental health, growth mindset, and the science of resiliency. Specific attention will be directed towards understanding the neuroplasticity of resilience. Content will be presented using interactive lectures, in-class activities, readings, and small group discussions. After taking this course, students will increase their understanding of how specific environmental factors interact with biological underpinnings to affect children's levels of resilient and at-risk behaviors (e.g., depression). Strategies to optimize children's positive developmental outcomes will be emphasized throughout. This course includes a service learning component where students have the opportunity to apply newly acquired skills to mentor children in supervised school/community settings.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the history and development of Community Psychology as field. In addition, you will be exposed to key concepts and values associated with Community Psychology, as well as examples of Community Psychology in action. You will learn about multiple levels of intervention, including the individual, small group, community, and societal levels, as well as the interrelationship between these levels. You will also learn to examine psychological phenomena in context. Course Goals: In this course, you will: 1. understand what Community Psychology is, including being able to explain the seven core values of Community Psychology; 2. develop a deeper understanding of what working with communities entails; 3. analyze what kinds of issues Community Psychologists must be aware of when working with diverse populations; 4. analyze how human diversity impacts our everyday life; 5. evaluate problems that might arise around human diversity and pose possible solutions to problems. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Recommended Preparations: PSYCH 270

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Introduction to Social Psychology discusses how people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are influenced by other people (real or imagined). The course will provide an overview of the field, potentially covering such topics as: attitudes, persuasion, person perception, automatic vs. conscious thought, the self, prosocial behavior, aggression, interpersonal attribution, conformity, obedience, culture, groups, prejudice and discrimination from a psychological perspective. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course will act as an overview of the many ways that religious and spiritual beliefs can and do influence our daily lives, including an individual's attitudes, motivations, cognitions, emotions, and behaviors (and vice versa). We will explore concepts of religion and various religiou perspectives as they relate to psychology, and the social and cultural implications of religion. The focus of this course will not be on any religious affiliation in particular, but instead on how people view religion and spirituality and use those beliefs in both positive and negative ways. Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4761 Do not expect that we will answer such questions as "Does God exist" or "Which religion is right?" This is not what the course is about. We will, however, explore the psychological factors related to believing, or not believing, in "God" and to following particular religious traditions. The course mostly involves mini-lectures, presentations, quizzes, readings, and seminar-based classroom discussions, and some videos. You will be strongly encouraged to think about and share your opinions, beliefs, and experiences. By the end of the course you will have an increased understanding of the complexity, richness and psychological basis for religious beliefs and behaviors, be better able to understand your own religious life, explore the importance of religious phenomena for the field of psychology, analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a psychological approach to studying and interpreting religion, and understand the interaction of personal and social dimensions of religion. Hopefully students will also think more critically about how religious and spiritual beliefs influence actions in their everyday lives. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The focus of this course in general is on the psychological study of gender in historical and contemporary perspective. The historical roots of gender studies in women's studies, as a correction to a traditional focus on male and masculine perspectives, will be covered. Through both traditional and feminist research methods, psychologists have sought to clarify what is general among genders, and what may be individualized to specific persons or groups. Conceptions of gender and gender identity are examined in relation to other social identities in the United States, and beyond the US with cross-cultural comparisons. Historical changes in the US and outside the US are also discussed. Major topics include the role of gender in development, self-concept, social relations, and mental health. Relevant major theories of gender development and behavior are covered, such as gender schema theory. Emphasis of study is upon those experiences that are specifically related to gender, such as stereotypes and expectations of femininity and masculinity, violence against women, economic and work-related constraints, and pregnancy and childbirth. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences United States Cultures (US) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Soc Resp and Ethic Reason

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Select 3 credits of a structured practicum, internship or an approved research experience (PSYCH 294, PSYCH 296, PSYCH 494, PSYCH 495, or PSYCH 496 may be applied to this requirement) Select 3 additional credits of psychology courses at the 200, 300, or 400-level in consultation with your adviser Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 2399 Select 9 credits of 400-level psychology courses from any 9 3 combination of categories in consultation with adviser (except PSYCH 494, PSYCH 495, PSYCH 496)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Personality psychology involves examining theories of human nature and evaluating them in an empirical fashion. Personality psychology begins with the observation that each person is (to paraphrase Harvard psychologists Kluckhohn and Murray) in certain respects (a) like all other persons, (b) like some other persons, and (c) like no other person. In other words, personality psychology concerns itself with the study of (a) universal aspects of human nature, (b) psychological traits and types, and (c) individual uniqueness. Principal goals of the discipline include constructing descriptive taxonomies of personality, inquiring into the evolutionary and developmental origins of human universals and individual differences, and assessing theimpact of personality on the life course. This course aims to cultivate in students a breadth of understanding through an analysis of some of the major intellectual statements concerning human nature. Psychoanalysis, humanism, existentialism, symbolic interactionism, biological, and neuropsychological are primary perspectives that may be examined. Questions considered within the course include: How can we determine what might be a part of fundamental human nature? What are the relative contributions of conscious rationality andunconscious irrationality to human behavior? Can human behavior be explained by a finite set of motives? Do explanations in psychology differ in kind from explanations in the natural sciences? Can personality be quantified? Short-answer examinations and class participation are used to evaluate the degree to which students have successfully comprehended course material. Students should understand why it is difficult for a theorist to create a view of human nature that transcends the theorist's own personality and cultural/historical context, and how empirical research can help overcome these obstacles. Students are to learn how to identify and evaluate the assumptions (either implicit or explicit) about human nature and individual differences that underlie any social or behavioral science. By the end of the course, students should be able to describe the basic tenets of the major theories, to be able to compare and contrast the theories, and to be able to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each theory.A good understanding of the course material will prepare students for advanced study in personality theory and measurement, as well providing a useful context for courses in abnormal, clinical, developmental, health, historical/philosophical, industrial/organizational and social psychology, as well as for courses in other social sciences, certain humanities, and some applied fields such as business which at least tacitly presuppose some view of personality. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

The introduction to well-being and positive psychology involves the application of empirically derived principles of psychology to address everyday experiences and focuses on ways to enhance one's life. More specifically, students will be introduced to the field and learn that positive psychology encompasses much more than the study of happiness, a common misconception. Students will learn to embraces strengths, fosters personal growth, and enhance well-being based on scientific research. As part of a scholarly discipline, scientific field, and professional activity, the overall focus of the course is the study of the psychological processes that relate to enhancing one's life.As an important area of psychological science, positive psychology is an area of research in which investigators develop and systematically test theories about the "good life." As part of a profession, it involves the application of this empirically gained knowledge to enable people to cultivate areas of their lives that will lead to greater contentment and fulfillment. This course provides an overview of the field of positive psychology. It introduces the field by exploring its history and considers its place in the field of psychology more generally. Topics discussed include but are not limited to positive emotions, positive thinking, character strengths, values, relationships (intimate and friendships), and the meaning of life. Cultural considerations within the field are also explored. Content is presented through a combination of lectures, readings, active learning activities, and demonstrations. Assessment is based on objective exams and writing assignments (which includes the use of scientific research to support personal experiences). Discussion and questions are encouraged in all sections to facilitate students¿ understanding of the material. After taking this course, students should have a better understanding of the field of positive psychology and what it encompasses and will acquire tools for applying the concepts learned to their own lives. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Creative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Credits Engineering 3 PSYCH 253 Introduction to Psychology of Perception 3 3 PSYCH 256 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology 3 3 PSYCH 301W Basic Research Methods in Psychology 4

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Within human factors engineering, a critical component to the design of products is understanding the physical and cognitive elements of the human. Within artistic design are fundamental elements to all visual expression. Thus, every artist, designer and visual communicator needs an awareness of formal elements and principles, variations within forms, relationships among forms. We must be aware of the impact evoked within viewers and users by formal conditions. This course and topics within it are inherently interdisciplinary in nature and could not be accomplished as effectively on their own. Without art, we cannot understand the design process effectively. Without human factors psychology, we cannot understand the human behavior effectively. Human factors is a discipline within psychology that deals with how humans interact and understand their world. This is necessary in product design. Art focuses on the creative process of design and is essential as well. General Education: Arts (GA) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or PSYCH 256 Introduction to Cognitive Psychology Select one of the following: 3

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Certificate Learning Objectives • Students will have a basic understanding of economic theory as it applies to decision-making (e.g., marginal utility and rational vs. irrational decision-making). • Students will demonstrate basic understanding of psychological theories (e.g., decision making, problem solving, and learning theories). • Students will demonstrate the ability to apply social psychology to research and real-world situations. • Student will demonstrate the ability to apply cognitive psychology to research and real-world situations. • Students will have an advanced understanding of the interconnectedness of psychological, economic, and financial concepts as they relate to financial decision making.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

BBH 203 or PSYCH 260ANeurological Bases of Human Behavior

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 2405 3 Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better: Select 9 credits in psychology, engineering and business-related 9 courses from the departmental list - Human Factors and Design Option and in consultation with adviser The 3 PSYCH credits for Additional Courses in the Human Factors and 9 Design Option may not count in both the Human Factors and Design Option and towards the Supporting Courses and Related Areas in the Common Requirements for the Major. 18 Psychology in the Workplace Option (18 credits) Code Title Credits

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or PSYCH 461 Advanced Conditioning and Learning Select 3 credits from applications in psychology: 3 Category 6 (Applied Experience)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course is an introduction to the field of cognitive and learning sciences. It provides an integrative approach to how we learn and remember with particular emphases on the scientific approach to the concepts and application of the theory to education. Learning science is an interdisciplinary field that examines learning from many perspectives and applies the knowledge gained from such studies to improving learning, instruction, and learning environments. This field draws upon contributions from areas of psychology (cognitive, developmental, educational and biological psychology), neuroscience, computer science, as well as sociology and anthropology. Learning scientists use a scientific approach to understand learning, those who do the learning, and the context in which learning occurs. Many learning scientists also seek to apply this information to improve the learning environment, educational practices, and inform educational policies. In this course, students will learn the foundations of learning theory, the important neurological bases of learning, and current information on relevant aspects of cognition, Material will demonstrate the application of this information to educational settings. Course content will be presented in lectures, readings, activities, and demonstrations. As a science-based laboratory course, students will study the scientific method and complete a series of laboratory exercises. This course is designed for primarily for education and psychology majors. It will fulfill the laboratory requirement for education majors. For psychology majors

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course considers the cognitive and communicative abilities of animals, especially primates, as compared with humans. PSYCH 268 Animal Minds (3) This course covers select topics in animal cognition and communication. This course will focus mostly on the behavioral level. It will focus on observations and controlled behavioral experiments rather than on neurophysiological experiments (though it will cover some mechanisms that are implicated through behavioral research). One of the main goals of this course is to discuss how we can scientifically approach the study of animal minds. One of the recurring themes of the course will be methodological: how can we pose a question to a being that does not have language? Another goal of the course is to teach critical thinking about experiments in this field. It will discuss how to run a well-controlled experiment and closely examine the claims that are made by each experimenter. Through a class project, students will gain some experience trying to observe behavior and designing experiments.This course addresses an active research area in psychology, of broad interest to students in Psychology and other disciplines. Because of this broad appeal, no background in psychology is assumed, and no prerequisite is required. The course will fulfill a 200- level requirement for students in the PSY majors and minors. Students typically will be evaluated by two midterm exams (25% each), a final exam (35%), and a research project (15%). The course will typically be offered once each academic year with an enrollment limit of 50.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of evolutionary perspectives in current psychological research.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

(GN) *1

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course explores psychological principles and strategies for understanding and managing personal and social challenges in everyday life. Topics include stress management, coping mechanisms, emotional resilience, interpersonal relationships, and self-concept development. Through lectures, discussions, and practical applications, students will learn to enhance their psychological well-being, foster healthy relationships, and navigate life's transitions effectively. Suitable for students from all disciplines, this course emphasizes personal growth and the application of psychology to real-world scenarios. Recommended Preparations: PSYCH 100 or HDFS 129 or BBH 101 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Health and Wellness (GHW) General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) General Education - Integrative: Interdomain GenEd Learning Objective: Effective Communication GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course introduces the concepts and methods used to study people within and as they relate to the world of work. This is a survey course tha provides an introduction to many topics ranging from determining what individuals do in their jobs, to the design and operation of organizations. Topics include (but are not necessarily limited to): recruitment, selection training, teamwork, employee motivation, leadership, and organizational culture. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education: Social and Behavioral Scien (GS) GenEd Learning Objective: Crit and Analytical Think GenEd Learning Objective: Integrative Thinking GenEd Learning Objective: Key Literacies

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Supervised off-campus nongroup instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity required. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Creative projects, including research and design, which are supervised on an individual basis and which fall outside the scope of formal courses.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject which may be topical or of special interest. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Individual study and seminar in selected phases of psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: Invitation of Program Honors

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

t , This is an advanced undergraduate-level research methods course for honors students. The course will emphasize the basics of research (generating researchable ideas, hypothesis testing, scientific writing, reliability and validity) and major types of research. It is assumed that students have had an introductory class in statistical methods (or quantitative methods) and introductory psychology courses prior to their participation in this course. The primary goals of this course are for students to (1) learn how to critique and generate research, (2) develop critical thinking and communication skills, and (3) generate and develop independent research projects. Attempts to achieve these goals require knowledge of basic concepts, techniques, language and logic of research methods and data analyses in psychology. This course is structured around the belief that one of the best ways to obtain these objectives is through active participation in the research process. The course is designed incrementally, so that skills learned early in the course are critical for success at subsequent assignments..In the end, a successful student will be (a) able to communicate and think critically about research, (b) have experience designing research and analyzing data, and (c) will have confidence in one's ability to generate interesting and testable research ideas. As a result, the successful student will be well prepared for advanced psychology courses and prepared to complete one's honors thesis. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or HDFS 312W Empirical Inquiry in Human Development SOC 1 Introductory Sociology 3 or SOC 5 Society's Problems: Causes, Consequences, and

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

4

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

3 PSYCH 420 Advanced Social Psychology 3 3 PSYCH 421 Self and Social Judgment 3 3 PSYCH 423 Social Psychology of Interpersonal/Intergroup 3 3 Relationships 3 PSYCH 458 Visual Cognition 3 • Note that this assumes PSYCH 100 will be chosen from Additional Courses, as it is a prerequisite for many of these classes. 1-6 Security and Risk Code Title Credits

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or PSYCH 494

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

* Natural Science Option 3 Elective 3 * General Education Course 3 PSYCH 400 Level 3-6 Elective 3 15 12-15 Total Credits 116-119 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures). Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 3257 W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 3 credits in arts/humanities from department list 3 Select 6 credits in natural sciences from department list 6

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

6

Credits (max)

6

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Advanced methodology focusing on the logic and practice of research culminating in the completion of a student designed research project. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 301W Writing Across the Curriculum

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

4

Credits (max)

4

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Advanced methodology focusing on the logic and practice of research in a selected content area of psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) and PSYCH 301W Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Examination of the theories and practice of program evaluation; emphasis on applied work utilizing a wide range of evaluation approaches. PSYCH 408 Program Evaluation (3) This course will introduce the student to the basic procedures and design methodologies of program evaluation. The student will learn about the purposes of evaluation, types, applications, and ethical issues involved in evaluation. A history of programmatic theory design will be reviewed with the purpose of clarifying the linkages between goals, objectives, and the hypothesized relationships between specific programmatic elements and desired outcomes. The student will be challenged to identify and understand the normative assumptions specific to organizations about their basic program design, implementation, and assessment processes.Students will be evaluated by a combination of the following: evaluation proposal, short written assignments, exams, oral presentation, and attendance. The prerequisites for this course include satisfactory completion of PSYCH 100, SOC 001, PSYCH 200, STAT 200, and PSY 201. This course presupposes critical thinking skills and basic competencies in statistics and research methods.For the Psychology major (PSHBS or PSHBA) at Penn State Erie, this course is important for students who will be entering graduate school or going into practice in the areas including, but not limited to: community psychology, social psychology, industrial- organizational psychology, sports psychology, or the general social services field. This course can count towards: a) the advanced course requirement, b) the special interest course requirement, or c) elective credit. Psychology minors at Penn State Erie can apply this course toward the 15 credits in psychology beyond the PSYCH 100 requirement. Students in other majors should consult with their academic advisers to determine how this course fits into their program of study.This course will n be offered once annually (fall semester). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: (PSYCH 100 or SOC 1) and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) and PSYCH 301W

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Study of the psychology of the growing person from conception through adolescence, focusing more on periods up to middle childhood. PSYCH 410 Child Development (3) PSYCH 410 Child Development is intended for undergraduate students majoring in psychology, education and related disciplines. The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the theories and the influences on child development from conception through adolescence. Students will be introduced to research concerns in developmental psychology, including descriptions of research designs and ethical considerations in research with children and adolescents. Course content will include an in depth review of prevailing theories and influences on development from conception through adolescence. Application of the principles and influences will be applied to the physical, cognitive, and social development of children.Requirements for the course will include objective examinations as well as written assignments. Written assignments will involve comparisons and critiques of major developmental theories. Examples of such assignments include descriptions of the key points of a major developmental theory or process of child development, detailed description of an observation of a child and how the child's behavior relates to a major developmental theory, descriptions of how application of developmental theory apply to the student's chosen major or occupation, or comparisons and critiques of developmental theory. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and 6 credits of PSYCH

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

or HDFS 239 Adolescent Development Requirements for the Option Select an option 33-51 Requirements for the Option Bilingual Education Teaching Option (48-51 credits) Code Title Credits

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Development of reasoning and related cognitive skills, such as perceptio and language. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 212

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Development of social and personality attributes. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 212

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Development of social and personality attributes.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Special topics in developmental psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 413 or PSYCH 414 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Processes of development and change of behavior from early adulthood through old age, emphasizing theory, method, and empirical research. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: HDFS 249 and (HDFS 312W or PSYCH 301W) and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200 or 3 credits in STAT) and (6 credits in HDFS or PSYCH or SOC) Cross-listed with: HDFS 445 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

, 3 Credits Students study relationships between humans and the natural world and psychological factors contributing to environmental problems and sustainable solutions. PSYCH 419 Psychology and a Sustainable World (3) This course examines psychological dimensions of humans' connection to the natural world, causes of human contributions to environmental problems, and psychological approaches for encouraging sustainable behavior. The course draws on the new field of conservation psychology and responds to the University's commitment to becoming a leader in sustainability education. This course is designed for upper-level undergraduate students to satisfy requirements for Psychology degree programs, the Psychology minor, and the Sustainability Leadership minor. Major topics covered include psychological foundations of environmental problems (psychological understanding of unsustainable behavior, psychological perspectives on ethical dimensions of environmental problems, people's place in nature, psychological approaches to promoting sustainable behavior), and the application of psychological principles to specific environmental topics (consumerism and sustainable lifestyles, population overshoot, climate change, land use, water use, energy use, food production and consumption, pollution and waste). Students will be able to apply concepts, theories, and findings n to change cognition, motivation, and behavior, with the goal of reducing negative human impacts on the environment. They will be able to write and communicate about their work in the form of a final paper and a class presentation that conform to the standards of psychological research. Assessment methods include weekly journal assignments that document students' application of lecture and reading material to their experiences with nature, their observations about their own negative impacts on the environment, and their actions to reduce negative impacts on the environment. In addition, students will develop a conservation intervention program that targets a specific problem on campus or in a community, for which students review relevant literature, design an intervention program, give a presentation of the program, and submit a final paper on the program. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 221

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In depth study of selected research areas in human social behavior. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 221

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Individual's perceptions, evaluations, and decision-making strategies about themselves, others, and social situations or issues. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 221 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Psychological influences on human sexual behavior such as love, sexual orientation, gender, intercourse, contraception, sexually transmitted diseases, dysfunctions, and paraphilias. PSYCH 422 Human Sexuality (3) PSYCH 422, Human Sexuality, is intended to examine the influence of psychological factors on human sexual behavior. Information on male & female anatomy, on the roles/influences of hormones, and on conception/pregnancy will be covered as well as information on gender, sexual orientation, communication, love, sexual harassment, paraphilias, sexually explicit material, and sexual dysfunction.Evaluation will be by means of exams (60% of grade), papers (15% of grade), small group projects (10% of grade), and a poster presentation (15% of grade). The prerequisite for this course is satisfactory completion of PSYCH 100. As the course presupposes critical thinking skills and an awareness of research methods in psychology, it is an advanced undergraduate level course requiring junior/senior level standing.For the Psychology major (PSHBS or PSHBA) at Penn State Erie, this course can count either toward (a) the diversity basic course requirement, (b) the advanced course requirement, (c) the special interest course requirement, or (d) elective credit. Psychology minors at Penn State Erie can apply this course toward the 15 credits in psychology beyond PSYCH 100 requirement. Students in other majors should consult with their academic advisors to determine how this course fits into their program of study.No special facilities are required for this course, though students will need t prepare a poster for presentation.This course is expected to be offered at least once every four semesters. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 231 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In-depth study of relationships among individuals (e.g., intimate relationships) or groups (e.g., prejudice, cooperation, competition, aggression, and negotiation). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 221 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Application of social psychological theories and research methods to field settings and to the study of social issues. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 221 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4769

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Reviews, critiques, and applies major historical and contemporary psychological theories of emotion experience, understanding, and expression. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 232 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 260) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Relations between language and cognition; cognitive implications of normal and impaired language development; cognition and bilingualism. LING (PSYCH 426) 429 Language and Thought (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. Is language a special and uniquely human ability that develops and functions independently of other cognitive processes? Do individuals who speak different languages also have different concepts about the meaning of objects and ideas? Does language development depend on exposure to spoken language? In this course we will examine the relation between language and thought by considering evidence on language and cognition in both children and adults. Topics to be covered include the typical development and use of language as well as language and cognition in individuals whose language and/or cognition is impaired in some form. The latter include individuals with aphasia who have sustained brain damage following stroke or head injury, schizophrenics whose language reflects aspects of their disorder, children diagnosed with Williams Syndrome who appear to have good or even precocious language abilities in the face of severe cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's patients in whom semantic memory has begun to deteriorate. The course will also discuss the acquisition of sign language among deaf individuals and the o consequences of bilingualism for children raised with two languages and for adults with proficiency in more than a single language.The purpose of this course is to provide a survey of current scholarship on the relation of language and thought, including a review of recent developments in the primary literature. The necessary background is covered in introductory Psychology and Linguistics courses, which serve as alternative prerequisites. Students will learn about the consequences of typical and impaired development for relations between cognition and language ability. It is distinguished from PSYCH 457, Psychology of Language, by a focus on the implications of language, language development, and language impairment, for cognitive processes. It covers some topics also addressed by current courses in Linguistics and in Communications Sciences and Disorders, but is distinguished from those courses by its focus on perspectives and theories from cognitive psychology. This course may be used toward the 400-level PSY requirements of the PSYBA and PSYBS majors, and toward the PSY minor. Students typically will be assessed on the basis of class participation and discussion (20%), four papers (total 60%), and an in- class presentation based on reading original research literature (20%). The course typically will be offered once each year at the University Park campus with an enrollment limit of 50. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 or LING 1 or LING 100 Cross-listed with: LING 429 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

How children learn their first language; psycholinguistic aspects of lexical, syntactic, semantic, and phonological development. LING 446 (PSYCH 427) L1 Acquisition (3) (BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements.This course focuses on how children learn their first language from the theoretical perspectives of imitation theories, social construction theories, and innateness theories. In addition, the course covers the various stages of language acquisition including phonological (sound system), morphological (word meaning), syntactical (grammar) and semantic (meaning) development from birth to adulthood. Other related subfields covered in the course include the acquisition of Pidgin and Creole languages, bilingual and multilingual acquisition, and language acquisition and linguistic change. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 or LING 100 Cross-listed with: LING 446 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course focuses on the central role of culture, race, and ethnicity in the human condition. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 232 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences United States Cultures (US)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Upper level course examining the core psychological principles as they apply to the topic of games. GAME 434 / PSYCH 434 Psychology of Gaming (3) This course looks at how the field of psychology can be applied to understand and improve the world of games. This requires the application of theories and research based in experimental, cognitive and several other disciplines within psychology, including but not limited to cognitive, social, motivation & emotion, and experimental psychology. By applying different theories within these disciplines we can start to understand how humans interact with games and in turn how games have evolved as a result. This course addresses an active research area in psychology, of broad interest to students in Psychology and other disciplines. The course will fulfill a 400-level requirement for students in the PSYCH majors and minors as well as those in the GAME minor. Students typically will be evaluated by exams, research project, in-class activities, homework, and article discussions. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Cross-listed with: GAME 434

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

to Psychology

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Personality theories and their application to social and personality development and personality dynamics. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 269 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Historical antecedents to scientific psychology; development of contemporary psychological theories and research areas from the formal establishment of psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Overview of the field with an emphasis on how psychological research contributes to an understanding of health and behavior. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 232 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 261 or PSYCH 270) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Select two of the following: 6

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Covers etiology, classification, intervention (treatment and education), ethical and legal issues related to individuals with developmental disabilities. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Methods and results of experimental psychology pertinent to problems which involve man-machine relationships. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 200 or PSYCH 253 or PSYCH 256 or STAT 200) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Relations between psychological theory and research and the law, legal processes, and social policy. PSYCH 445 Forensic Psychology (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. This course focuses on the interplay between psychological theory and research and the law, legal processes, and social policy. Students will be exposed to the dilemmas faced in the law and how overlap with the knowledge base and expertise of psychologists. Students will learn about the roles psychologists might play in the court system and the history of their involvement. This will include roles of consultant, policy evaluator, expert witness, assessor, and advocate. Legal issues that emerge in psychological practice will also be covered (e.g., limits to confidentiality, duty to warn, consent issues). Students will gain an understanding of the basic theories of the law and how psychological theories may intersect with these. The emphasis of discussion will be on those affecting children, youth and families. These will include topics such as divorce, child maltreatment, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence, and social welfare. Other topics of the law will also be highlighted (insanity plea, civil commitment). Particular attention will be paid to issues dealing with race, ethnicity, and social class and law and social policy.This course expands the PSY curriculum at the 400-level to include a popular and socially significant topic, and will fulfill a 400-level PSY requirement for Psychology majors and minors. It addresses in detail legal and social policy implications of topics covered in other psychology courses. Significant background in psychology is assumed; thus PSYCH 270 (Introduction to Abnormal Psychology) is a prerequisite. Students typically will be assessed on the basis of three exams (20% each), a paper (30%), and class participation (10%). Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

In this course, students will examine means, motives, and makings of female serial killers. We will discuss perpetrators, crimes, and victims to delve into the psychology of the female perpetrator of serial homicide. Factors discussed include traumagenic experiences, mental illness, substance use, brain and neurological considerations, evolutionary psychology, and historical, gender, and cultural influences. We will also compare the backgrounds and crimes of female serial killers to those of male serial killers to elucidate similarities and differences. Course work is based on scientific readings, valid, nonbiased media reports, court documents, and other well-referenced resources.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Prerequisite

PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W and fourth-semester standing

This course provides an introduction to specific counseling and helping skills used by various counseling/psychotherapy models across the major theoretical orientations. During the course, an emphasis will be placed on the skills and techniques that a counselor uses to establish and maintain an effective counseling relationship. In both content and process, the focus is on integration of theory with practice through experiential learning. Students will learn and apply skills that range Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4771 from basic attending and listening skills to interviewing skills. In order to facilitate learning, a variety of instructional strategies are to be used including: 1) Lectures and demonstration by the instructor, 2) video- taping of students as they are practicing their skills and providing feedback, 3) small group work for the purpose of practicing skills, analyzing other students' performances, and sharing reactions to the counseling process, and 4) completion of exercises/worksheets handed out in class. Upon successfully completing this course, the learner is expected to be able to engage in basic counseling and interviewing, demonstrate ethical counseling principles relevant to the content of the course, describe a model that represents the counseling process, including the stages of counseling, assess the role of nonverbal communication in counseling, identify and demonstrate basic listening skills, probing, interpretation skills, challenging skills, summarizing skills, and informing skills, assess the use of each basic skill in a multicultural environment, evaluate personal and peer mastery of basic skills, and conduct a brief one-session counseling intervention that facilitates client development and change. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Basic and applied science of action, from psychological, computational, and physiological perspectives. PSYCH 451 Psychology of Action (3) In all walks of life, people must adaptively control their physical movements. Whether in industrial settings, on the highway, in the kitchen, in the studio, in the concert hall, or on the football field, skillful physical action is essential. This course will focus on the means by which skilled physical behaviors are learned, planned, and controlled. The course will focus on a broad range of basic behaviors (e.g., reaching, walking, looking, speaking, and typewriting) as analyzed from several perspectives (physiologically, psycho-logically, and computationally). Basic science as well as practical applications will be emphasized, as will links between movement control and other, related topics such as perception, cognitive development, and robotics.This course addresses topics in an active research area in cognitive psychology. It assumes some prior knowledge of cognitive psychology, requiring PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 256 as a prerequisite. The course will cover some topics addressed in several Kinesiology courses, but does so from the perspective of cognitive psychology. It will fulfill a 400-level PSY requirement for Psychology majors and minors. Students typically will be assessed on the basis of midterm (25%) and final (35%) exams, brief writing assignments and in-class activities (15%) and research papers or projects (25%). The course will normally be offered once each academic year. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 256

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

General survey of learning and memory processes as revealed in experimental work with animals and humans. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 256

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Cognitive Neuroscience strives to understand the brain bases of cognition. This course is intended to provide an overview of the cognitive

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

y Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 0-3 credits 0-3

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Overview of psychological research and theory on language processes, including speech perception, word recognition, meaning representation, comprehension, and language acquisition. LING (PSYCH) 457 Psychology of Language (3)(BA) This course meets the Bachelor of Arts degree requirements. How do we process language? Why do we easily adjust to a speaker with a foreign accent? How do young children come to speak the language to which they are exposed? Why is it difficult to learn a second language as an adult? This course focuses on the cognitive processes engaged by language use. Topics to be covered include speech perception, word recognition, representation of word meaning, comprehension of sentences, spoken production of words and sentences, and first and second language acquisition. In addition, the role of language in the study of thought and the role of biological mechanisms in theories of language learning will be discussed, as well as ways in which research on the language of special populations (e.g., deaf signers, dyslexics, aphasics) can inform theories of language processing and representation. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 or LING 100 Cross-listed with: LING 457 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

e Course available at Harrisburg campus • Note that this assumes PSYCH 100 will be chosen from Additional Courses, as it is a prerequisite for many of these classes.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Behavior from standpoint of phylogenetic growth and development; biological implications; comparison of different types of animals, including man. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 or PSYCH 260 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

An examination of basic learning processes that have been determined within the context of classical, instrumental, and operant learning situations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 253 or PSYCH 256 or PSYCH 261)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Study of the biological bases of behavior and experience, including the anatomy and physiology of the brain and nervous system. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 260 or BIOL 110)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of gene mechanisms and gene-environment interactions in the determination of behavior; emphasis on deviant human behavior. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (ANTH 21 or BISC 2 or BIOL 133 or BIOL 222) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This seminar will provide a critical study of evil from a psychological science perspective: how to define evil; popular perceptions about evil; the motivations people have to commit evil acts; the situational and personal factors that remove restraints to commit evil acts; and, the process of healing (forgiveness/reconciliation) after evil. By reading primary and secondary literature, we will critically think about these important, empirical questions about human nature. This course will wrestle with provocative questions about human nature. Are humans basically motivated to be good, evil, or both? Who should we trust more in recounting evil actions: victims or perpetrators (or neither)? Does "pure evil" exist? Can we ever completely stop evil from happening? How do we heal after experiencing evil? Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Recommended Preparation: PSYCH 200 and PSYCH 301W

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

It is essential in understanding human behavior for students to include the darker side, murder - without conscience. This course will enable students to understand the definition of murder, within various classifications of it used in the United States, in particular the phenomenon of serial and mass murder. Students will be able to examine and understand within a historical context the cultural development of monsters, demons and evil and this relationship to serial and mass murder. Importantly, students will explore the biological and genetic foundations of human behavior, develop an understanding of the Diagnostic and Statistical manual (DSM-V) spectrum of personality disorders and how these disorders relate to violent behavior. Hare's PCL-R (Psychopathy Check List- Revised) factors will be examined alongside the examination of serial murder committed by legally insane offenders. Some, but not all serial killers have documented cases of mental illness (e.g. schizophrenia), personality disorders (e.g. borderline and antisocial), and psychopathy, albeit most mass murderers suffer from various psychoses. In addition, students will be able to understand sociological theories as they pertain to violent behavior and include factors such as, the role of the family, sexual and physical abuse, and maladaptive childhood behaviors. Often serial murders are preceded by perpetrators' (i.e., males) use of various types of criminal paraphilia (violent or non-violent). These are examined by students to understand the roles these play in the sexual fantasy development of (i.e., males) perpetrators and specific types of sex crimes. The healthcare industry, a hidden, but important environment for serial murderers, is examined by students in order to understand how occupations are important to serial murderers, as by way of their employment, many have easy access to victims. There are numerous differences between male and female serial killers, and team killers. These differences are explored by student by reviewing case studies of each, which include their profiles, mobility and techniques. Finally, global mass and serial murder is to be explored by students, which compare methods, motives and demographics. Numerous case studies of serial and mass murderers will be reviewed to link the psychological, biological and sociological factors to enable students to construct their own profile of a serial or mass murder by researching particular murderers and their psychological, biological and sociological factors. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Recommended Preparation: PSYCH 270

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Interdisciplinary Interpersonal Relationship Studies is an advanced- level course designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate dynamics of interpersonal relationships through an interdisciplinary lens. Integrating key components of communication science, psychology, and family science, this course offers an in-depth exploration of how these domains converge to influence human interactions across the lifespan with a focus on the most current relationship research from both national and international perspectives. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: One of: (Psych 100 or HDFS 216 or CAS 203) and One of (HDFS 312W or Psych 301W or CAS 304) Cross-listed with: CAS 472, HDFS 472 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4773

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

* * Business/Science Option 3 PSYCH 481 * BS Option (Natural Science 3-4 PSYCH 495 * or Quantification) BS Option (Social Science) 3 Elective Elective 3 Elective 15-16 Total Credits 120-124 * Course requires a grade of C or better for the major ‡ Course requires a grade of C or better for General Education # Course is an Entrance to Major requirement † Course satisfies General Education and degree requirement University Requirements and General Education Notes: US and IL are abbreviations used to designate courses that satisfy Cultural Diversity Requirements (United States and International Cultures). W, M, X, and Y are the suffixes at the end of a course number used to designate courses that satisfy University Writing Across the Curriculum requirement. General Education includes Foundations (GWS and GQ), Knowledge Domains (GHW, GN, GA, GH, GS) and Integrative Studies (Inter-domain) requirements. N or Q (Honors) is the suffix at the end of a course number Credits used to help identify an Inter-domain course, but the inter-domain attribute is used to fill audit requirements. Foundations courses (GWS and GQ) require a grade of 'C' or better. 15

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Theory and application of psychological principles to problems in personal and social adjustment. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 221 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 269 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

PSYCH

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

s Principles of advanced behavior modification techniques. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 261

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Psychology of personal relationships in school situations. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Description and evaluation of major trends in research on stress and fear in humans and other animals. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 260 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Etiology, diagnosis, and facilitation of adjustment of the intellectually disabled, gifted, physically handicapped, and emotionally disturbed child. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 212 or PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Overview of interventions for children at risk for mental health disorders; emphasis on intervention strategies, program evaluation, and applied skills. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Overview of functional human neuroanatomy and clinical neuropsychology, with emphasis on origin, assessment, and treatment of human brain damage. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 260 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

WMNST 471 SOC/WMNST Sociology of Gender 110 In order to fulfill the interdisciplinary nature of the minor, students study both in arts and humanities and in sciences. With the permission of the person in charge of the minor, "Special Topics" courses may be substituted for courses listed.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course involves a continuation and extension of the training and practicum work initiated in PSYCH 477 Mental Health Practicum with Children. The advanced training provided in this course extends understanding of intervention and prevention program logic models and implementation strategies, and includes a focus on tailoring interventions to account for individual, contextual, and cultural factors. Students began their practicum working with children in PSYCH 477 and continue to receive training and supervision for ongoing, linked practicum work in this course. The key goals of this course are to help students: 1) build up a "toolbox" of therapeutic skills, techniques, and intervention approaches to use in the accompanying practicum and to use in future work with high-risk children, 2) understand how therapeutic group interventions with high-risk children are organized and conducted, and identify the key mechanisms of action that inform intervention design and drive positive child benefits, and 3) become familiar with the resource-base of evidence-based prevention programs and implementation supports to foster dissemination in communities. Lectures, class discussions, and presentations are included, along with practicum work review and supervision; accompanying practicum work with children is required. The class requires a commitment of 9 hours per week, which includes class sessions, practicum work, and assignments. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 477

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Diagnostic precedures, treatment approaches, occupational settings, and ethical considerations relevant to the profession of the clinical psychologist. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 238 or PSYCH 243 or PSYCH 270)

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Background in personnel testing, performance measurement, selection strategies, with emphasis on validity and measurement reliability. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) and PSYCH 281 Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Survey of theory and research with respect to attitudes, morale, and motivation of employees and management. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 and (PSYCH 200 or STAT 200) Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Credits Supporting Courses and Related Areas Supporting Courses and Related Areas: Require a grade of C or better Select 3-9 credits from 300 or 400-level HPA courses 3-9 3 Select 0-6 credits of 300-400-level courses from ACCTG, BA, ECON, 0-6 ENTR, FIN, FINSV, HPA, IB, MGMT, MKTG, MIS, RM or SCM 3 Individualized Business Option (18 credits) Available at the following campuses: Abington, Altoona, Beaver, Berks, Brandywine, DuBois, Fayette, Greater Allegheny, Hazleton, Lehigh Valley, Mont Alto, New Kensington, Shenango, Schuylkill, Scranton, Wilkes-Barre, World

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

This course provides an overview of ethical and legal issues related to behavioral sciences and education research and practice. The purpose of the course is 1) to teach identification of ethical issues based upon relevant ethical codes (e.g., Behavior Analysis Certification Board , American Psychological Association); 2) to review the ethical application of ethical practice and research; and 3) to teach responses to ethical scenarios. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Develop post-graduation plan for use of psychology major; develop professional presentation style. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 301W Enforced Concurrent at Enrollment: PSYCH 406W or PSYCH 490

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Capstone experience for senior psychology majors; review of current research literature; topics vary. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 301W Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 3 An opportunity to pursue an advanced research thesis or project to integrate studies within psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 300 or PSYCH 301W

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Current topics addressing significant contemporary developments in psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 6 Supervised senior thesis research in psychology. Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 300 or PSYCH 301W Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Supervised student activities on research projects identified on an individual or small-group basis. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 18 Supervised off-campus, nongroup instruction including field experiences, practica, or internships. Written and oral critique of activity require Enforced Prerequisite at Enrollment: PSYCH 100 Undergraduate - The Pennsylvania State University 2026-2027 4775

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

18

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Select 12 credits of additional Psychology courses from any offered for a total of 30 credits of Psychology courses beyond PSYCH 100 and PSYCH 301W At least 15 of these 30 Additional Courses credits must be at the 400- level.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

1

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

3

Credits (max)

3

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

6

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 9 Formal courses given infrequently to explore, in depth, a comparatively narrow subject that may be topical or of special interest.

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

9

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu

/Maximum of 12 Courses offered in foreign countries by individual or group instruction. Bachelor of Arts: Social and Behavioral Sciences

Subject

PSYCH

Credits (min)

1

Credits (max)

12

Credit unit

Credits

Type

course

Edition

undergraduate

Source

bulletins.psu.edu