& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Master Degree Programs 119
PY576
Social Psychology (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: Completion of core courses
This course is an introduction to the perspectives, research, and
empirical findings of social psychology. Topics covered include self and
identity, social influence, attribution theory, attitudes and attitude change,
personal relationships, gender, age and race, and their application in
mental health.
PY604
Career Counseling: Theory and Procedures (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: Completion of core courses
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history and
theories of career development as well as an introduction to the
procedures used in career development and lifestyle counseling. Career
counseling tools and techniques are examined. The interrelationships of
life roles are emphasized in career and lifestyle planning.
PY605
Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)
The course examines characteristic changes in behavior and
functioning in each stage of life from conception to death. Physical,
cognitive, affective, and social bases of behavior are explored. The
elements of professional psychological writing are applied.
PY606
Psychophysiology (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Completion of core courses
This course examines the basic anatomy of the nervous system, the
normal physiological functions of the nervous systems, the biological
bases of behavior, behavioral disorders, and brain diseases. The course
reviews current research on the role of biological basis of behavior.
PY607
Theories of Personality (3 cr.)
Major theories of personality are covered as represented by the
biophysical, intrapsychic, existential, and behavioral approaches. The
elements of professional psychological writing are applied.
PY608
Psychopathology (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY607
This course examines the healthy personality, maladjustment, transient
disorders, anxiety states, psychosis, mood, psychosomatic and
personality disorders. The course focuses on the description of the main
criteria and associated features of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic groups. In addition, etiology,
prognosis, prevention, and treatment of the disorders are considered.
PY613
Counseling Theory and Technique (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY605 and PY607, PY608 (Pre- or co-requisite)
Major approaches to counseling and psychotherapy are analyzed with
emphasis on applications in the theoretical relationship. Professional
psychological writing style is discussed in this course.
PY620
Statistical Techniques and Research Methods (3 cr.)
The course provides an overview of research methods commonly used
in clinical and counseling psychology. Both research methodology and
statistical analysis are reviewed. The course focuses on the
interpretation and understanding of research and applied statistical
procedures.
PY621
Psychological Assessment (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY620
This course investigates the principles and history of psychological
testing, both individual and group, and assessment. Theories of
measurement and selected psychological tests and inventories are
covered.
PY625
Ethics and Professional Issues in Psychology (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: Completion of core courses
Ethical principles and issues underlying the professional practice of
psychology are examined. Attention is focused on the Ethical Principles
of the American Psychological Association (APA) and the American
Counseling Association (ACA) Code of Ethics and standards of practice
and the related State of Minnesota statutes and rules, and current issues
of concern to the field.
PY631
Personality Assessment: Adolescent and Adult (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY621
The course examines and compares various methods of personality
assessment of adolescents and adults, including standardized tests,
behavioral analyses, and interview techniques. Special attention is given
to the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI), Thematic
Apperception Test (TAT), and Rorschach.
PY632
Child Assessment (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY621
The course provides a detailed overview of various methods used in
assessing social, intellectual, and personality development of children
including standardized testing, behavioral ratings, observations, and
interview techniques. Practical problems occurring in child assessment
are examined.
PY633
Personnel and Vocational Assessment (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY621
This course includes a study of vocational and personnel assessment,
including the history, theory, and current utilization of testing. The course
covers testing and non-testing approaches to career assessment in a variety
of settings.
PY641
Marriage and Family Counseling (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: PY605, PY607
This course covers marriage and family therapy theories, their historical
and cultural contexts and their application to family therapy process.