Graduate Psychology Course Descriptions

PS-500. Graduate Statistics. 3.00 Credits.

Review of issues related to descriptive and inferential statistics. Statistical topics include, but are not limited to, parametric techniques such as t-tests, analysis of variance, and simple and multiple regression analysis. Heavy emphasis will be placed on application of techniques using statistical software and interpretation of results.

PS-501. Change for Each Student. 3.00 Credits.

PS-502. Change for Each Student. 3.00 Credits.

PS-503. Change for Each Student. 3.00 Credits.

PS-504. Change for Each Student. 3.00 Credits.

PS-505. Research Methods and Design. 3.00 Credits.

In this advanced level course, various approaches and techniques for conducting behavioral and social research are covered with a strong emphasis on experimental methods.

PS-530. Introduction to I/O Psychology. 3.00 Credits.

Survey of the major topics in organizational psychology including work motivation, job satisfaction, stress, leadership, communication, job design, organizational development and organizational theories.

PS-540. Organizational Development. 3.00 Credits.

Foundations of organizational development. Discussion of topics dealing with the need for change in organizations, how to initiate procedures for organizational change and measure the effect of the change agents, the influence of change at both a formal and informal level and how to overcome resistance to change.

PS-550. Personnel Psychology. 3.00 Credits.

A comprehensive survey of current practices in employee selection, evaluation compensation and development. Current topics such as fair employment testing are reviewed.

PS-560. Ethics & Professional Issues in I/O. 3.00 Credits.

An introduction to issues faced in professional practice and importance of ethical behavior in the practice of Industrial/Organizational.

PS-570. Leadership Theory. 3.00 Credits.

A review and integration of the research and popular wisdom on leadership through readings, case studies and discussions on the elements of successful management and leadership. Students will examine various theories of leadership and characteristics of prominent leaders across varying industries.

PS-580. Social Psychology. 3.00 Credits.

This course surveys and analyzes the theoretical and empirical literature of modern social psychology. Topics include the social psychology of the psychology experiment, attitude development and change, group processes and conflict, role theory, ecological psychology, socialization, organizations and workplaces, and a number of other themes and issues focused on the individual's relationship to the larger social structure.

PS-585. Motivation. 3.00 Credits.

Cognitive and behavioral theories of motivation and their application to employee satisfaction and performance, with emphasis on the concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, equity, goals and incentives, values, needs and expectancies.

PS-590. Group Dynamics. 3.00 Credits.

This course examines the processes that occur among a group of decision makers or team members, with emphasis on the factors that facilitate positive outcomes. The patterns of interaction among the decision makers are identified.

PS-600. Contemporary Issues in I/O Psychology. 3.00 Credits.

Concentrated studies in a variety of topics in organizational psychology, such as decision making, creativity in organizations, diversity issues, and organizational learning.

PS-610. Psychometrics. 3.00 Credits.

This course surveys the theory, construction and application of psychological tests. Topics include the statistical concepts underlying measurement; reliability and validity.

PS-620. Job Analysis and Performance Appraisals. 3.00 Credits.

Course considers conceptual and practical issues and procedures for performance prediction, assessment, and appraisal in the workplace. Appraisal methods and rating formats are discussed in relation to issues of criteria relevance, legal considerations, and the distinction between subjective ratings and objective measures of performance.

PS-630. Employee Relations Dynamics. 3.00 Credits.

This course introduces an understanding of employee relations, emphasizing the importance of fostering positive interactions between employers and employees. Students will explore key concepts, legal frameworks, and practical strategies for managing employee relations effectively. The course covers topics such as conflict resolution, performance management, disciplinary actions, labor relations, and the role of human resources in maintaining a harmonious workplace. By the end of the course, students will be equipped with the skills and knowledge to handle a wide range of employee relations issues and promote a positive organizational culture.

PS-645. Cross-Cultural Issues. 3.00 Credits.

Intensive study and application of theories of cross-cultural issues in the workplace. Examination of issues of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and sexual preference within the context of dominant Western Culture.

PS-650. Conflict Resolution. 3.00 Credits.

An examination of conceptual models of human conflict in interpersonal, intragroup, and intergroup situations. Emphasizes development of practical skills in resolving conflict both as a principal actor in the conflictual relationship and as a third party.

PS-655. Organizational Mgmt: People & Processes. 3.00 Credits.

Any high performing organization needs two winning ingredients: people and processes. In this course, we will touch on how to recruit and retain top performers and resolve conflicts between co-workers to assure alignment. We will also learn to assess and implement effective processes at work.

PS-685. Capstone Project. 3.00 Credits.

Projects are selected by the students with permission of the instructor. Emphasis on individual study of the literature and, where appropriate, research work. This course is an alternative to a Master's thesis.

PS-690. Thesis I. 3.00 Credits.

A program of selected research tailored to the interest and capability of the individual student under the guidance of a departmental graduate adviser.

PS-691. Thesis II. 3.00 Credits.

Successful implementation and completion of the project developed in the Thesis I course.