Department of Psychology
In addition to the general requirements of the Graduate School, the candidate must have:
1. Submitted GRE quantitative, verbal, analytical and GRE advanced psychology test scores.
2. An undergraduate major in psychology or the equivalent.
3. Been recommended by the Experimental or Clinical Admissions Committee of the Department of Psychology. The Clinical Admissions Committee only admits students into the combined Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy course of study.
PSYC 627 Advanced Statistics in Psychology 3 cr
PSYC 632 Advanced Experimental Design 3 cr
PSYC 650 Thesis 6 cr
Each student must complete one, 3-credit course from each of the following core areas of psychology:
PSYC 504 Sensation & Perception
PSYC 531 Physiological Psychology I
PSYC 532 Physiological Psychology II
PSYC 545 Psychology of Learning
PSYC 546 Cognitive Processes
PSYC 611 Advanced Motivation
PSYC 612 Theories of Perception
PSYC 543 Advanced Social Psychology
PSYC 501 Theories of Personality
PSYC 502 Study of Personality
PSYC 544 Advanced Developmental Psychology
Area requirements assume the satisfactory completion of undergraduate courses which prepare the student for advanced study. Specifically, students must have completed undergraduate courses in experimental psychology, neuroanatomy, sensation, perception, learning, social psychology, developmental psychology, personality, history and systems, or the equivalent of these topic areas. Each student's records will be reviewed by the Departmental Chair in consultation with departmental staff. Students deficient in area prerequisites may be required to enroll in additional coursework and/or experience limitation of choices in Areas A, B, and D. An Area Requirement Plan of Completion must be finalized during the student's first month following matriculation. The Chair, the student, and one or more faculty appointed by the Chair will meet and approve each student's Plan of Completion.
In addition, each student must complete 12 elective graduate credits in psychology. A student may complete up to 6 of these elective credits in a related field approved by the student's graduate advisor. Courses identified to remediate deficiencies by the Area Requirement Plan of Completion do not satisfy any portion of the 12-credit elective requirement.
Admission requirements are as stated above with the following additions: all students must have been recommended by the Clinical Admissions Committee of the Psychology Department. Minimum entrance requirements include a 3.0 grade point average during the last two years of undergraduate study and an average Graduate Record Exam score of the 50th percentile across the verbal, quantitative, analytical, and advanced tests.
Doctoral training in clinical psychology is designed to meet all accreditation standards of the American Psychological Association and all requirements for state licensure as a psychologist. Theory, research, and practice are integrated into a comprehensive, five-year program. It is the goal of the doctoral training program to produce clinical psychologists who are well trained in the science of human behavior and its application to diverse clinical populations. All students are required to participate in coursework and practica that emphasize assessments and treatments in all major areas of child and adult psychopathology. Evaluations of each student's clinical-professional development and scholarship-research skills are continuous.
All doctoral students must complete the Master of Science in Psychology or its equivalent. The following requirements are all in addition to the Master of Science requirements.
PSYC 527 Advanced Psychometric Methods 3 cr
PSYC 555 Behavioral Assessment 3 cr
PSYC 620 Psychodiagnostic I 3 cr
PSYC 621 Psychodiagnostics II 3 cr
PSYC 511 Advanced Psychopathology 3 cr
PSYC 512 Ethical & Professional Issues in Psychology 2 cr
PSYC 526 Child Therapy 3 cr
PSYC 553 Psychosocial Child Therapy 3 cr
PSYC 554 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Adult Therapy I 3 cr
PSYC 558 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Adult Therapy II 3 cr
PSYC 634 Rural Psychology 3 cr
PSYC 701 Clinical Psychology 3 cr
PSYC 702 Introduction to Psychotropic Medication 1 cr
PSYC 703 Advanced Ethics Seminar 1 cr
PSYC 517 Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team 1 cr
PSYC 724 Community Practicum 0-3 cr
PSYC 725 Psychology Clinic Practicum 4-7 cr
PSYC 749 Clinical Internship 1 cr
PSYC 750 Dissertation 9 cr
Each student must complete 12 credits of clinical electives from the following options or other graduate courses approved by the Clinical Training Committee.
PSYC 554 Clinical Psychology and the Law 2 cr
PSYC 565 Behavioral Medicine 3 cr
PSYC 601 Family Assessment I 3 cr
PSYC 635 Marital and Family Therapy 3 cr
PSYC 636 Neuropsychological Assessment 3 cr
PSYC 736 Advanced Clinical Assessment or Treatment 1-12 cr
Each student must complete an additional 3-credit course in advanced statistics acceptable to the Clinical Training Committee.
Courses completed while earning the Master of Science may fill course requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy, subject to the approval of the Departmental Chair.
Upon completion of the Master of Science degree, students are required to pass a comprehensive written examination over the area requirements and statistical/methodological topics. Students must also propose and write a scholarly review article on an evaluation, treatment, or theoretical topic in clinical psychology. The review article may serve as preparation for the dissertation. Students will present findings and implications of the review paper to departmental faculty and students at an open forum. Students may be admitted to candidacy for the doctoral degree upon satisfactory completion of the Master of Science degree or its equivalent, the written comprehensive exam, and the clinical review paper. Candidates for the doctoral degree may not propose a dissertation (PSYC 750) until admitted to candidacy.
A five-member doctoral committee will be formed by the student and his/her advisor. Three members of the doctoral committee must be full-time equivalent faculty members of the Department of Psychology, including at least one clinical and one experimental faculty member. The fourth and fifth members must meet Graduate School requirements and include the Graduate Faculty Representative.
All students must complete 7 credits of PSYC 725 (Psychology Clinic Practicum) and 1 credit of PSYC 517 (Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team). Up to 3 credits of PSYC 724 (Community Practicum) may be substituted for credits of PSYC 725. Progress in the development of professional skills is evaluated by faculty supervisors and the Clinical Training Committee. Satisfactory evaluations of professional development by the Clinical Training Committee is a degree requirement.
All students must satisfactorily complete a one-year clinical internship at a site belonging to the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers. Concurrent enrollment at Idaho State University in 1 credit of PSYC 749 (Clinical Internship) is required. Application to clinical internships and acceptance into clinical internships requires the approval of the Clinical Training Committee.
PSYC g401 Theories of Personality 3 credits. Detailed study of the leading theories of personality with emphasis on the Freudian, Neo-Freudian, humanistic and existential theories. PREREQ: PSYC 225 OR 301.
PSYC g402 Study of Personality 3 credits. Critical study of some of the leading traits and situational determinants in the area of personality with emphasis on the empirical research supporting the validity of those constructs and determinants. PREREQ: PSYC 401 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g404 Sensation and Perception 4 credits. The anatomical and physiological basis of sensation will be reviewed. Moreover, traditionaland contemporary theories of perception will be critically considered. Students will be expected to dolaboratory work illustrating basic concepts of sensory and perceptual functions. PREREQ: PSYC 303.
PSYC g411 Advanced Psychopathology 3 credits. The study of various forms of behavior pathology, primarily neuroses, psychoses, and affective disorders, including mental deficiency and antisocial behavior. Alternative theories of etiology and treatment will be examined by careful analyses of current empirical literature. PREREQ: PSYC 301.
PSYC 412 Ethical and Professional Issues in Psychology 2 credits. Topics include informed consent, confidentiality, deception, duty to protect, competency, malpractice, dual and collegial relationships, and impaired professionals in research and practice. PREREQ: 24 CREDITS IN PSYCHOLOGY OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g417 Interdisciplinary Evaluation Team 1 credit. Introduction to the principles and techniques, and disciplines associated with interdisciplinary evaluation and treatment planning. Disciplines emphasized: Audiology, Nursing, Physical Therapy, Psychology , Social Work, Special Education, Speech -Language Pathology. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g427 Advanced Psychometric Methods 3 credits. Critical review of the major approaches to psychological assessment of individuals and groups with emphasis on administration and interpretation of paper and pencil personality tests. PREREQ: PSYC 227-228.
PSYC g428 Personality Assessment 3 credits. Survey of psychometric instruments and techniques used in research and in applied settings. Includes approaches to evaluation of instruments and topics related to interpreting and applying data obtained from their use. PREREQ: PSYC 228 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g431 Physiological Psychology I 3 credits. Introduction to neuropsychology with an emphasis on methods, basic neuroanatomy, and neurophysiology. PREREQ: PSYC 303.
PSYC g432 Physiological Psychology II 3 credits. Survey of the physiological bases of psychological processes, including learning, emotion, motivation, sensation, and perception. Emphasizes current research and theory concerning brain mechanisms and behavior. PREREQ: PSYC 431 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g435 Animal Behavior 3 credits. Studyof experiments in animal learning that have thrownlight upon the problem of understanding human learning. Course is concerned with both observation and experimental studies of habit formation, conditioning, related endocrinology, and nerve structure as they are associated with behavior capabilities. PREREQ: SIX HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY BEYOND 111-112 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g443 Advanced Social Psychology 3 credits. In-depth study of current theory, issues, and research in the field of social psychology. Emphasis is on newly-emerging research areas such as non-verbal communication; human uses of space; development of moral and ethical values; helping behavior, and compliance-obedience research. PREREQ: PSYC 303 AND 341 OR PERMISSION.
PSYC g444 Advanced Developmental Psychology 3 credits. Theorectical models of the social-emotional development of the child are evaluated. Current empirical research is emphasized, highlighting the interaction of cognitive and social development on individual, sibling, peer, and family function.
PSYC g445 Psychology of Learning 3 credits. Survey of the major principles of learning, including the processes underlying classical and instrumental conditioning and motor skills behavior. PREREQ: PSYC 303-404 OR PERMISSION.
PSYC g446 Cognitive Process 3 credits. Survey of current theories of human learning and cognition, including decision-making, information processing and an emphasis on model building and current research. PREREQ: PSYC 445.
PSYC g453 Psychosocial Child Therapy 3 credits. Review of the psychopathology, diagnosis, and treatment of the major psychosoical disorders of childhood. PREREQ: PSYC 225 OR EDUC 201 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g454 Theory and Method of Psychosocial Adult Therapy I 3 credits. A review of theoretical models and treatment methods across major psychosocial disorders of adults, including associated psychopathology and diagnostic material. PREREQ: PSYC g411 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g455 Behavioral Assessment 3 credits. The assessment of social deviance through self-report, observational, and mechanical technologies. Emphasis on the clinical utility of measurement strategies in the description of deviant behavior, treatment selection, and treatment evaluation. PREREQ: PSYC g445 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g458 Theory and Method of Adult Psychosocial Therapy II 3 credits. Continuation of the review of theoretical models and treatment methods of the major psychosocial disorders of adults, including associated psychopathology and diagnostic material. PREREQ: PSYC g454 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g463 Clinical Psychology and the Law 2 credits. An introduction to the field of forensic psychology by exposing sutdents to the primary areas in which clinical psychology relates to the legal system. Emphasis will be on expert testimony by clinicians in matters of criminal responsibility, mental competency, civil commitment, and child custody.
PSYC g464 Dilemmas of Youth 3 credits. This course surveys theory and research concerned with dilemmas of identity formation. Personal accounts, literature_classic and psychological_will serve to illustrate dilemmas and explain their resolution.
PSYC g465 Behavioral Medicine 3 credits. Psychological issues of health, disease states, and prevention. Critical evaluation of clinical research and practice including nontraditional healing techniques and current models used to understand health and disease. PREREQ: PSYC 111 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g472 History of Psychology 3 credits. Modern psychology in historical perspective. The genesis of and development of fundamental problems and methods of psychology, with emphasis on the more specific fields of research which constitute the chief chapters of experimental psychology. PREREQ: SIX HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY BEYOND 111-112 OR PERMISSION OF THE INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC g483 Special Problems 1-3 credits. Research or readings in a special area of interest to be arranged on an individual basis with individual faculty. PREREQ: 24 HOURS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
PSYC 597 Professional Education Development Topics. Variable credit. May be repeated. A course for practicing professionals aimed at the development and improvement of skills. May not be applied to graduate degrees. May be graded S/U.
PSYC 601 Family Assessment I 3 credits. Assessment strategies which lead to the treatment of dysfunctional families. Interdisciplinary coverage of need and purpose of family centered therapy, basics of assessment and data collection processes.
PSYC 611 Advanced Motivation 3 credits. Surveys current and traditional teories of motivation with emphasis on empirical research illustrating the effects of motivational systems on both human and animal models. PREREQ: PSYC 545 OR EQUIVALENT.
PSYC 612 Theories of Perception 3 credits. Theories of perception, ecological, constructive, gestalt, and motivational, will receive critical review. Students will perform measurements of perception and research guided by theoretical accounts of the perceptual process.
PSYC 620 Psychodiagnostics I 3 credits. Theory, measurement development, and current use and limitations of major tests of intelligence, academic achievement, development, and neurological function. Practice in test administration is included. PREREQ: PSYC g427 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC 621 Psychodiagnostics II 3 credits. Theory, measurement development, and current use and limitations of major tests of personality, both objective and projective, with an imphasis on classification decisions. Practice in test administration is included. PREREQ: PSYC 620 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC 627 Advanced Statistics 3 credits. Critical review of the theory and the methods used to evaluate the outcome of empirical research in the life and social sciences. Chi square, correlation, regression, analysis of variance designs are considered and related to the theoretical distributions basic to statistical inference. PREREQ: BASIC STATISTICS, COLLEGE ALGEBRA, AND/OR CALCULUS, OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC 632 Advanced Experimental Design 3 credits. Basic assumptions in the philosophy of scientific investigation, principles of design and analysis of experiments, including tests of significance and factorial designs, and reporting of research, in which the student is required to prepare reports of his own work as if for publication. PREREQ: PSYC 303 AND STATISTICS.
PSYC 634 Rural Psychology 3 credits. Generalist practice of clinical psychology in rural communities. Topics include: multi-cultural, multi-racial populations; community networking; interdisciplinary functioning; screening and referral; primary prevention; consultation; and program evaluation.
PSYC 635 Marital and Family Therapy 4 credits. Introduction to theories research, assessment devices, and techniques of marital and family therapy. The focus will be the competent practice of marital/family therapy including assessment and intervention techniques. PREREQ: PSYC 455, 460 OR PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC 636 Neuropsychological Assessment 3 credits. Introduction to the selection, administration, scoring, and interpretation of commonly used neuropsychological tests, including tests of conceptual, perceptual, and linguistic ability. PREREQ: PSYC 620 AND PSYC 621.
PSYC 641 Special Problems 1-3 credits. Individual work under staff guidance. The student will pursue original research in some area of psychology of particular interest to him and write a report of his work in a form suitable for publication. PREREQ: PERMISSION OF INSTRUCTOR.
PSYC 701 Clinical Psychology 3 credits. Brief history of clinical psychology; introduction to interviewing skills and professional issues; provider standards, forensics, professional liability and private practice.
PSYC 702 Introduction to Psychotropic Medication 1 credit. Survey of medications prescribed to treat psychosocial disorders. Diagnostic indications for use, physiological mechanisms of action, side effects, and evaluation strategies are highlighted. PREREQ: PSYC 532.
PSYC 703 Advanced Ethics Seminar 1 credit. Systematic review of common ethical dilimmas encountered in clinical practice in public and private settings. PREREQ: PSYC 512 AND FOURTH-YEAR CLINICAL DOCTORAL STUDENT STATUS.
PSYC 724 Community Practicum 1-2 credits. Students work in public or private mental health agencies under qualified supervisors. Professional activities include evaluation and therapy. Six hours per week per credit. PREREQ: APPROVAL OF CLINICAL TRAINING COMMITTEE.
PSYC 725 Psychology Clinic Practicum 1-2 credits. Students are supervised in the evaluation and treatment of clients served by the Psychology Department Clinic. Four Hours per week per credit. PREREQ: APPROVAL OF CLINICAL TRAINING COMMITTEE.
PSYC 736 Advanced Clinical Practicum 1-3 credits. A specific area of psychopathology is presented. Current theoretical and empirical information are explored in depth, emphasizing assessment and/or treatment.
PSYC 749 Clinical Internship 1 credit. Supervised clinical practice for an 11- to 12-month period at an internship site holding membership in the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers. PREREQ: APPROVAL OF CLINICAL TRAINING COMMITTEE.
PSYC 750 Dissertation 1-9 credits. Research, analysis, and writing of a doctoral dissertation. PREREQ: ADMISSION TO CANDIDACY FOR THE DOCTORAL DEGREE. Graded S/U.
Idaho State University Academic Information
Revised: May 1, 1996
URL http://www.isu.edu/academic-info/prev-isu-cat/grad96/artsci/psycdept.html