Students in one of Union Commonwealth University's psychology programs take a range of courses in clinical and experimental psychology and are encouraged to pursue an area of specialization. Through these programs, students prepare for a variety of careers, such as positions in the helping professions, and they are enabled to increase their knowledge of human behavior.

The below information is based off a career as a psychologist. 

Median Pay: $85,330

Typical Entry-Level Education: Although psychologists typically need a doctoral degree in psychology, a master’s degree is sufficient for some positions. Most psychologists also need a license.

Number of Jobs: 196,000

Job Outlook: Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. About 12,800 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade.

Above information sourced from 2021 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A minimum 2.0 GPA is the requirement for admission at Union Commonwealth University. 

Undergraduates Taking Graduate Courses

With permission from the School Dean, exceptionally qualified students majoring in psychology who have GPA 3.2 or higher, may pursue an advanced admission to the master’s program (the Psychology Scholars Program) taking up to four (4) graduate psychology courses between their junior and senior years (foundation courses only, and no more than two (2) courses per semester). These courses may satisfy elective requirements in the undergraduate psychology programs. This allows for taking graduate courses at the lower cost of undergraduate classes, and both the bachelor’s and master’s degrees could be obtained in as little as five (5) years rather than the traditional six (6) years.

Requirements for Psychology Major, Bachelor of Science | 45 Hours

33 Required Hours and 12 Hours Electives

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

PSYH 290 Clinical Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An introduction to the basics of clinical psychology. This course stresses the importance of theory, quality research, prevention, assessment skills, and clinical abilities in interventions. Reviews and examines three theoretical perspectives - psychoanalytic, behavioral, and phenomenological - and makes use of case material and real-world applications to illustrate each theoretical approach. There will be an emphasis on the advantages of the scientist-practitioner model of 

PSYH 301 Statistics for Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course will provide an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis on use in psychological research. Attention is given, in this course, to the use of statistical software for data analysis, and the selection of appropriate texts for particular experimental designs. Prerequisites: MATH 230 and PSYH 200, or permission from instructor.

PSYH 302 Research Design (3 Credit Hours)

This course continues the study of inferential statistics and the design and interpretation of psychological experiments begun in PSYH 301, Psychological Measures & Analysis. Includes an examination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection procedures, methods of observation and analysis, reporting results, and ethical issues in research psychology. Prerequisites: PSYH 200 and PSYH 301.

PSYH 315 Physiological Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the biochemical, neuroanatomical, and physiological bases of human and animal behaviors such as sensory perception, motor function, language, learning, memory, and emotion. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor. Formerly PSYH 215.

PSYH 330 Social Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Major emphasis is on problems involved in human relations. Designed to help the individual to understand and adjust to group thought and action. Attention is given to recent psychological and sociological research in human relations. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 332 Lifespan Development (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines the theories and research on psychological development from birth to death. This course will focus on the topical areas of physical, cognitive, and social changes that occur throughout life. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 352 Abnormal Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Mental disorder, changing conceptions of normality, the more common forms of mental disorders, their psychological interpretation, principles of effective mental hygiene, and contemporary approaches to psychotherapy. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 461 History and Systems of Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to allow students to discover the philosophical and historical roots of psychology and to give students some idea of where the study of human cognition and behavior is going in the near future. The course is divided into four main sections: (1) The present: globalization, psychology, and history; (2) early philosophical and biological foundations of scientific psychology; (3) schools of psychology; and (4) diversity in psychology. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 497* Senior Seminar I (3 Credit Hours)

Senior Seminar is a two-phase (PSYH 497 and PSYH 498) capstone process that leads to a research paper, to be presented to an institutional, regional, national, or international professional event. Major emphasis is on knowledge and application of psychological research concepts and methods. Research areas to be covered include design, methods, statistical analysis, statistical software packages, writing research proposals and reports, and ethics in research. Prerequisites: PSYH 200, PSYH 301, PSYH 302 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 498 Senior Seminar II (3 Credit Hours)

Students will extend the application of principles and concepts learned in PSYH 497 (Senior Seminar I). Topics covered may include experimental design, survey design, advanced statistics, qualitative research design, and empirical writing. Students will implement their Senior Seminar II proposals by revising and expanding their literature reviews, revising and implementing their designs, analyzing results, and describing conclusions. Students will also prepare a professional presentation to be given at an institutional symposium and/or professional conference. Prerequisites: PSYH 301, PSYH 302, PSYH 497, senior standing or permission from instructor.

It is recommended students take PSYH 301, Statistics for Psychology (only offered fall term) and PSYH 302, Research Design (only offered spring semester) during their junior year. *Prerequisites for PSYH 497: PSYH 200, PSYH 301, and PSYH 302. It is recommended students take PSYH 497 (Senior Seminar I) fall term and PSYH 498 (Senior Seminar II) spring term during their senior year.

Exit requirements for the psychology major include an acceptable score on the ETS® Major Field Test for Psychology, and a Senior Exit Interview to be scheduled in the last semester of course work. These departmental assessment activities will be coordinated by the School Dean in the semester the student plans to graduate (spring semester for May and August graduation; fall semester for December graduation). Information is provided to graduating seniors by the capstone course.

Psychology Major Electives | 12 Hours

Elective hours may be selected from any of the tracks below (General Psychology, Experimental, and/or Chemical Dependency), according to the student’s career plans or interests.

General Psychology Track Electives

PSYH 202 Forensic Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An application of psychological principles to the criminal justice system. Topics include: the relationship between the legal and mental health systems, the assessment of criminal responsibility, the psychodynamics of criminal behavior, and intervention strategies.

PSYH 275 Cross-Cultural Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

This course examines human behavior from a cross-cultural perspective. This course will evaluate psychological theories that make assumptions from a limited cultural perspective through exploring recent research and topics that challenge these commonly accepted psychological theories. The goal of this course is to provide a broader knowledge and understanding of the field of psychology outside the U.S. culture. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 425 Crisis and Trauma (3 Credit Hours)

This course is a basic introduction into accepted approaches to working with people who have experienced trauma in their lives. Using current available research literature, this course will introduce students to the definition and types of trauma, critical incident stress management/debriefing (CISM/CISD), client resourcing and stabilization ethical considerations, theoretical frameworks, assessments/diagnosis, effective treatments/interventions, prevention, and therapist self-care (vicarious trauma).

PSYH 481 Special Topics in Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An intensive study of selected topics of interest within the discipline of psychology. May be repeated for credit as the topic varies. Prerequisites: vary depending on course topic, or permission from instructor.

Experimental Track Electives

PSYH 350 Cognitive Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

An introduction to the study of human information processing. Topics include attention, thinking, pattern recognition, short and long- term memory, semantic memory, mental imagery, problem solving, creativity, and language acquisition. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor. Even years only.

PSYH 360 Sensation and Perception (3 Credit Hours)

An introduction to the principles and theories of human perception. The anatomy and physiology of different sensory modalities are examined. Topics include vision, hearing, touch, taste, and smell. Psychophysics is covered. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor. Even years only.

PSYH 470 Learning Theories (3 Credit Hours)

The major focus of this course is an exploration of how individuals learn, including specific learning theories and their relation to classroom teaching. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor. Odd years only.

PSYH 475 Advanced Behavioral Neuroscience (3 Credit Hours)

This course will present an overview of topics in neuropsychology of behavior with the goal of: introducing students to the science of neuropsychology; familiarizing students with the methods in neuropsychology; and familiarizing students with how clients with neuropsychological impairments may present in their future clinical work. Prerequisite: PSYH 315. Odd years only.

Chemical Dependency Track Electives

PSYH 405 Foundations of Chemical Dependency I (4 Credit Hours)

Introduction to the foundations of the alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation field. Emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of the addictions counselor. Focus is on the first six (6) of the twelve (12) core functions: screening, intake, orientation, assessment, treatment planning, and basic counseling skills. Interactive work stressed.

PSYH 406 Foundations of Chemical Dependency II (4 Credit Hours)

Introduction to the foundations of the alcohol and drug abuse rehabilitation field. Emphasis on the roles and responsibilities of the addictions counselor. Focus is on the last six (6) of the twelve (12) core functions: case management, crisis intervention, client education, referral, reports and recordkeeping, and consultation with other professionals, in regard to client treatment and services. Interactive work stressed. Prerequisite: PSYH 405.

PSYH 407 Ethical Issues in Chemical Dependency Treatment (1 Credit Hour)

Introduce students to the ethical issues involved in chemical dependency treatment. Special attention will be given to the epidemiology of HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and sexually transmitted diseases that frequently infect people who use drugs or who are chemically dependent. Students will examine treatment options and prevention strategies. The ethical and legal issues that impact infected individuals as well as the larger community will be explored. Students are expected to demonstrate respect for the client and an appreciation of individual and cultural differences, including sexual orientation. They are also expected to explore their own attitudes and biases about HIV/AIDS and infectious diseases.

PSYH 410 Psychology of Addictions (3 Credit Hours)

Major emphasis is on factors determining the development of addictions, including physiological, emotional, cognitive, and behavioral dimensions of the addictive process. Also emphasizes intervention and treatment strategies for the various types of chemical dependency and substance abuse. Prerequisite: PSYH 200 or permission from instructor.

PSYH 413 Recovery & Relapse (3 Credit Hours)

This course is designed to address the diverse issues that are related to the recovery from addiction as an ongoing process involving physical, psychological, social, intellectual, spiritual, and cultural aspects of the individual. Major themes of the course include the passages of recovery, relapse prevention principles, relapse warning signs, and the 12-step approach to recovery. Using a holistic perspective, students will gain insight into basic recovery principles as they are related to the process and prevention of relapse.

PSYH 424 Biological Systems of Chemical Dependency (3 Credit Hours)

Exploration of the physiological effects of chemical use on human biological systems and human development. Emphasizes identification and management of chemically induced crises situations, including issues in co-morbidity and prevention.

Requirements for Psychology Minor | 21 Hours

PSYH 200 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credit Hours)

Emphasis on the study of human behavior and the ability of the individual to make adjustments to his/her environment.

Students will complete either PSYH 301 and PSYH 302 or BHSC 245 and BHSC 246

PSYH 301 Statistics for Psychology taken fall term, junior year (3 Credit Hours)

This course will provide an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, with emphasis on use in psychological research. Attention is given, in this course, to the use of statistical software for data analysis, and the selection of appropriate texts for particular experimental designs. Prerequisites: MATH 230 and PSYH 200, or permission from instructor.

PSYH 302 Research Design taken spring term, junior year (3 Credit Hours)

This course continues the study of inferential statistics and the design and interpretation of psychological experiments begun in PSYH 301, Psychological Measures & Analysis. Includes an examination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection procedures, methods of observation and analysis, reporting results, and ethical issues in research psychology. Prerequisites: PSYH 200 and PSYH 301.

Or

BHSC 245 Basic Statistics: Theory & Application (3 Credit Hours)

Basic concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics; illustrations of applications in the fields of sociology, psychology, business, education, and natural science.

BHSC 246 Methods of Behavioral Science Research (3 Credit Hours)

Techniques and philosophies of behavioral science research including experimental, quasi experimental, survey, evaluation, field, and unobtrusive designs for the collection and interpretation of information.

Students will complete 12 credit hours of other Psychology Minor *Electives:

PSYH XXX (3 Credit Hours)

PSYH XXX (3 Credit Hours)

PSYH XXX (3 Credit Hours)

PSYH XXX (3 Credit Hours)