Master of Science in Psychology

PS 501: FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides a foundation for the gradu­ate student in psychology. Students will review psychology as a science and a profession. Students will use critical and analytical thinking, read­ing, and writing skills as they evaluate the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, conflicts, and applications of psychology today.

MM 570: APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides students the foundation for understanding and performing statistical analyses of data with applications to psychological research. Topics include distributions, descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, tests of hypotheses, and analysis of variance techniques. Students will perform statistical tests using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and interpret those results. SPSS is required for this course.

PS 504: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS (5 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth look at the conceptual underpinnings and methodologies of psychological research. Students will explore qualitative and quantitative research methods, learn about data analysis, and apply concepts to design hypothetical research studies. Topics include the scientific method, issues in experimen­tal psychology, evaluation of internal and external validity, ethical considerations, and responsibili­ties in writing and reporting research findings. Students will also learn how to become critical evaluators of research.

PS 505: TESTING, MEASUREMENT, AND ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines the theoretical and conceptual framework of psychological testing, measurement, and assessment. Students learn about psychological test construction and psy­chometrics, and survey specific assessments and tools related to intelligence, education, personality, and clinical situations. Students also explore the uses and limitations of psychological testing and assessment, as well as ethical issues involved in the administration and interpretation of psychological testing and assessment results.

PS 506: LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines human development through the life span from birth to adulthood, concluding with issues surrounding death and dying. The student will use case studies to examine biological, social, and cognitive changes at each stage of life and their relevance to clinical, educa­tional, and social problems. Students also evaluate the major psychosocial issues and conflicts that arise, and identify individual and social needs at each stage of development.

PS 601: MASTER'S RESEARCH AND THESIS I (5 Credits)

This course provides the student with the tools needed to develop and submit a formal proposal for research relevant to the psychology graduate curriculum and the student's chosen area of study. This course is best suited for students who wish to add to the body of professional knowledge in their chosen field of psychology or who intend to pursue a postgraduate doctoral degree.

PS 602: MASTER'S RESEARCH AND THESIS II (5 Credits)

The goal of this course is the completion of the Master of Science in Psychology thesis. Students complete their research, submit the completed thesis to their committee members for review, and orally present their statement of the problem, research design and methods, findings, conclu­sions, and recommendations during a scheduled thesis defense hearing. The thesis shall be prepared according to APA guidelines and according to Kaplan University guidelines. The final, approved product shall be submitted to appropriate person­nel for binding and acquisition. If appropriate, the thesis must conform to the standards and procedures of Kaplan University's Institutional Review Board (IRB). This course is best suited for students who wish to add to the body of professional knowledge in their chosen field of psychology or who intend to pursue a postgraduate doctoral degree.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (25 Credits)

PS 511: CHEMICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of dependency counseling strategies using a biopsychological approach to help identify, change, and maintain dependency-free behaviors. Students will use their understanding of the biopsychological model in order to explore how addiction begins and intensi­fies as a complicated interaction between chemical and behavioral changes occurs during addiction. Students will practice identifying diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and proposing appropri­ate interventions through evaluating and writing case studies.

PS 516: PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course surveys basic psychopharmacological concepts, the effects of various psychotropic drugs on the brain, and the actions of hormones released during addiction episodes. In the first part of the course, students focus on basic principles of psychopharmacology and drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships. In the second part of the course, students examine how specific drug families affect different parts of the brain causing interference with normal function­ing. Students will use their understanding of basic psychopharmacology to propose appropriate di­agnoses and interventions for hypothetical clients, and to evaluate current research studies.

PS 521: GROUP COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of group counseling and its application to the chemical dependency counseling field. Concepts include stages of group development, theories of group counseling, including the interactional group model, strategies for group motivation, and group process. Students will engage in group simulation exercises wherein they will take on roles of differ­ent group archetypes in order to evaluate group situational reactions, evaluate current research studies, write a group session plan, and propose strategies for solving common group problems that arise during the course of treatment. The ap­plication of group counseling theory and practice to culturally diverse groups is addressed.

PS 526: ADVANCED ADDICTION COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth examination of dependency and addiction dynamics. Students will use their knowledge of counseling theories common to dependency counseling, such as cog­nitive behavioral therapy, to evaluate case studies, diagnose dependency, and propose appropriate treatments. Ethical dilemmas that occasionally arise in the counselor/client relationship will be analyzed and discussed. Additionally, students will evaluate case studies that contain ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues using the code of ethics of addiction counseling.

PS 531: CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS AND TREATMENTS (5 Credits)

This course will prepare students to work with clients diagnosed with an addiction and mental health disorder. Students will survey some of the special problems related to having addiction and various types of mental health disorders. Different treatment models will be discussed and students will practice using their knowledge of co-occurring theory to analyze research and case studies.

PS 512: RESEARCH DESIGN IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course will introduce students to the different mixed-method approaches to research used within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will learn how to use this knowledge to select an appropriate research method when given a real-world situation. Students will also be introduced to the practical, legal, ethical, and sociocultural issues that are unique to research design within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

PS 517: ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course covers advanced principles, theo­ries, and concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis. The assessment and development of behavioral interventions are covered, along with real-life examples, case studies, and current research in this area of psychology.

PS 522: BEHAVIORAL MEASURES AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA (5 Credits)

This course will provide students with a founda­tional knowledge of measurement and analysis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will learn how to identify and measure target behaviors, as well as evaluate the accuracy of the data presented within current research studies and real-life examples. Finally, students will learn how to communicate the results of a research study in a clear, efficient, and parsimonious manner.

PS 527: IMPLEMENTING BEHAVIORAL CHANGE (5 Credits)

This course covers the fundamentals of implementing a behavior change program in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Students will gain skill and practice in how to design an effective behavior change program through the use of real-life case study examples. The different factors involved in maintaining and promoting the generalization of behavioral change in real-world settings will be explored.

PS 532: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the various theoretical models of behavior change, along with more current research on evidence-based best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will incorporate the practical, ethical, legal, socio­emotional, and cultural needs of a client into an effective behavior change plan.

PS 510: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of some of the major concepts and issues in qualitative research as it applies to the field of psychology. Learners will examine various methodological issues, data collection methods, interpretation and cod­ing strategies, and conceptual and ethical issues involved in qualitative research. Learners are as­sisted in thinking critically about these conceptual issues, as well as the validity and reliability of these research methodologies.

PS 515: LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of some of the major concepts and issues in learning theory. Students will examine the scientific study of how learning is acquired, maintained, and adapted. Emphasis is placed on behavioral, social, cogni­tive, affective, and motivational factors in human learning. Students are assisted in interpreting available empirical research and in thinking criti­cally about the ethical application of that research.

PS 520: NEUROPSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to major concepts and issues in the field of neuropsychol­ogy, including methodological and research issues. Students will explore the major components of neuroanatomy and the assessment and diagnosis of neuropsychological syndromes. Students will also examine ethical, legal, and forensic issues in the research and application of neuropsychology.

PS 525: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course explores the major concepts, issues, and the theory of psychopathology, as behavior that is considered normal and that is considered pathological are reviewed. Topics include emo­tional, personality, psychotic, and development disorders; current research methodologies; and ethical/legal issues in clinical practice. Students will be introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-RT) sys­tem, which is used as a format for classification of disorders and choice of treatments for both child and adult mental disorders. Assessment strategies and limitations of diagnostic systems will also be examined.

PS 530: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course surveys the major concepts and issues in cognitive psychology. Topics include the scientific study of mind and mental functions including attention, memory, perception, problem solving, language, imagery and categorization, and human consciousness. Students will interpret available empirical research and use critical thinking to apply that research.

PS 501: FOUNDATIONS OF PROFESSIONAL PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides a foundation for the gradu­ate student in psychology. Students will review psychology as a science and a profession. Students will use critical and analytical thinking, read­ing, and writing skills as they evaluate the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, conflicts, and applications of psychology today.

MM 570: APPLIED STATISTICS FOR PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides students the foundation for understanding and performing statistical analyses of data with applications to psychological research. Topics include distributions, descriptive statistics, correlation, regression, tests of hypotheses, and analysis of variance techniques. Students will perform statistical tests using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and interpret those results. SPSS is required for this course.

PS 504: ADVANCED RESEARCH METHODS (5 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth look at the conceptual underpinnings and methodologies of psychological research. Students will explore qualitative and quantitative research methods, learn about data analysis, and apply concepts to design hypothetical research studies. Topics include the scientific method, issues in experimen­tal psychology, evaluation of internal and external validity, ethical considerations, and responsibili­ties in writing and reporting research findings. Students will also learn how to become critical evaluators of research.

PS 505: TESTING, MEASUREMENT, AND ASSESSMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines the theoretical and conceptual framework of psychological testing, measurement, and assessment. Students learn about psychological test construction and psy­chometrics, and survey specific assessments and tools related to intelligence, education, personality, and clinical situations. Students also explore the uses and limitations of psychological testing and assessment, as well as ethical issues involved in the administration and interpretation of psychological testing and assessment results.

PS 506: LIFE SPAN DEVELOPMENT (5 Credits)

This course examines human development through the life span from birth to adulthood, concluding with issues surrounding death and dying. The student will use case studies to examine biological, social, and cognitive changes at each stage of life and their relevance to clinical, educa­tional, and social problems. Students also evaluate the major psychosocial issues and conflicts that arise, and identify individual and social needs at each stage of development.

PS 600: COMPREHENSIVE EXAM (5 Credits)

This course is required for nonthesis-track students and is comprised of an exam that assesses the student's mastery of the core curriculum courses, specialization courses, and overall compe­tency of program outcomes.

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (25 Credits)

PS 511: CHEMICAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPENDENCY COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of dependency counseling strategies using a biopsychological approach to help identify, change, and maintain dependency-free behaviors. Students will use their understanding of the biopsychological model in order to explore how addiction begins and intensi­fies as a complicated interaction between chemical and behavioral changes occurs during addiction. Students will practice identifying diagnoses using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-TR) and proposing appropri­ate interventions through evaluating and writing case studies.

PS 516: PSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course surveys basic psychopharmacological concepts, the effects of various psychotropic drugs on the brain, and the actions of hormones released during addiction episodes. In the first part of the course, students focus on basic principles of psychopharmacology and drug-receptor interactions and dose-response relationships. In the second part of the course, students examine how specific drug families affect different parts of the brain causing interference with normal function­ing. Students will use their understanding of basic psychopharmacology to propose appropriate di­agnoses and interventions for hypothetical clients, and to evaluate current research studies.

PS 521: GROUP COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of group counseling and its application to the chemical dependency counseling field. Concepts include stages of group development, theories of group counseling, including the interactional group model, strategies for group motivation, and group process. Students will engage in group simulation exercises wherein they will take on roles of differ­ent group archetypes in order to evaluate group situational reactions, evaluate current research studies, write a group session plan, and propose strategies for solving common group problems that arise during the course of treatment. The ap­plication of group counseling theory and practice to culturally diverse groups is addressed.

PS 526: ADVANCED ADDICTION COUNSELING (5 Credits)

This course provides an in-depth examination of dependency and addiction dynamics. Students will use their knowledge of counseling theories common to dependency counseling, such as cog­nitive behavioral therapy, to evaluate case studies, diagnose dependency, and propose appropriate treatments. Ethical dilemmas that occasionally arise in the counselor/client relationship will be analyzed and discussed. Additionally, students will evaluate case studies that contain ethical, legal, and sociocultural issues using the code of ethics of addiction counseling.

PS 531: CO-OCCURRING DISORDERS AND TREATMENTS (5 Credits)

This course will prepare students to work with clients diagnosed with an addiction and mental health disorder. Students will survey some of the special problems related to having addiction and various types of mental health disorders. Different treatment models will be discussed and students will practice using their knowledge of co-occurring theory to analyze research and case studies.

PS 512: RESEARCH DESIGN IN APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course will introduce students to the different mixed-method approaches to research used within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will learn how to use this knowledge to select an appropriate research method when given a real-world situation. Students will also be introduced to the practical, legal, ethical, and sociocultural issues that are unique to research design within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

PS 517: ADVANCED PRINCIPLES OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course covers advanced principles, theo­ries, and concepts of Applied Behavior Analysis. The assessment and development of behavioral interventions are covered, along with real-life examples, case studies, and current research in this area of psychology.

PS 522: BEHAVIORAL MEASURES AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA (5 Credits)

This course will provide students with a founda­tional knowledge of measurement and analysis in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Students will learn how to identify and measure target behaviors, as well as evaluate the accuracy of the data presented within current research studies and real-life examples. Finally, students will learn how to communicate the results of a research study in a clear, efficient, and parsimonious manner.

PS 527: IMPLEMENTING BEHAVIORAL CHANGE (5 Credits)

This course covers the fundamentals of implementing a behavior change program in Applied Behavioral Analysis. Students will gain skill and practice in how to design an effective behavior change program through the use of real-life case study examples. The different factors involved in maintaining and promoting the generalization of behavioral change in real-world settings will be explored.

PS 532: CLINICAL APPLICATIONS OF APPLIED BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of the various theoretical models of behavior change, along with more current research on evidence-based best practices in Applied Behavior Analysis. Students will incorporate the practical, ethical, legal, socio­emotional, and cultural needs of a client into an effective behavior change plan.

PS 510: QUALITATIVE ANALYSIS (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of some of the major concepts and issues in qualitative research as it applies to the field of psychology. Learners will examine various methodological issues, data collection methods, interpretation and cod­ing strategies, and conceptual and ethical issues involved in qualitative research. Learners are as­sisted in thinking critically about these conceptual issues, as well as the validity and reliability of these research methodologies.

PS 515: LEARNING AND BEHAVIOR (5 Credits)

This course provides an overview of some of the major concepts and issues in learning theory. Students will examine the scientific study of how learning is acquired, maintained, and adapted. Emphasis is placed on behavioral, social, cogni­tive, affective, and motivational factors in human learning. Students are assisted in interpreting available empirical research and in thinking criti­cally about the ethical application of that research.

PS 520: NEUROPSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to major concepts and issues in the field of neuropsychol­ogy, including methodological and research issues. Students will explore the major components of neuroanatomy and the assessment and diagnosis of neuropsychological syndromes. Students will also examine ethical, legal, and forensic issues in the research and application of neuropsychology.

PS 525: FOUNDATIONS OF PSYCHOPATHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course explores the major concepts, issues, and the theory of psychopathology, as behavior that is considered normal and that is considered pathological are reviewed. Topics include emo­tional, personality, psychotic, and development disorders; current research methodologies; and ethical/legal issues in clinical practice. Students will be introduced to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV-RT) sys­tem, which is used as a format for classification of disorders and choice of treatments for both child and adult mental disorders. Assessment strategies and limitations of diagnostic systems will also be examined.

PS 530: COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY (5 Credits)

This course surveys the major concepts and issues in cognitive psychology. Topics include the scientific study of mind and mental functions including attention, memory, perception, problem solving, language, imagery and categorization, and human consciousness. Students will interpret available empirical research and use critical thinking to apply that research.