Department

Department of Psychology

Constance Jones, Chair
Science II Building, Room 312
559.278.2691
www.fresnostate.edu/csm/psych

Degrees and Programs Offered

BA in Psychology, B.A.
BA in Psychology - Pre-M.B.A. Option, B.A.
EDS in Psychology, Ed.S.
MA in Psychology, M.A.
MA in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis Option, M.A.
MN in Psychology, Minor
PREB in Pre-Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior -- including human thought, emotion, and action -- and the application of scientific knowledge to the solution of real-world problems. It includes a wide variety of topics, including perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotion, personality, social interaction, development, and abnormal behavior. Psychologists recognize that understanding behavior in all its complexity requires studying it from multiple perspectives. A thorough understanding of memory, for example, requires knowledge ranging from the neural structures and processes that underlie it to the social and cultural forces that influence it.

Students majoring in psychology take core courses in general psychology, statistics, and research methodology, along with additional courses in each of the primary areas of the discipline. There are also numerous opportunities for students to supplement their coursework with hands-on experience in faculty research labs and in the field under faculty supervision. Advanced and well-qualified students can participate in our senior honors program. These students design, conduct, and present an original research project as a senior thesis.

Psychology majors learn to think critically, write and speak clearly, identify and solve problems, and work effectively both individually and in groups. As a result, the study of psychology provides excellent preparation for graduate study and careers in a variety of fields.

Courses

Psychology

PSYCH 10. Introduction to Psychology

Prerequisite: G.E. Foundation A2. Not open to students with more than 6 units in psychology. Introduction to psychology as an empirical science; biological and social bases of behavior; scientific principles of psychology in perception, learning, motivation, intelligence, and personality. G.E. Breadth D3. (CAN PSY 2)

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: D3

PSYCH 36. Biological Psychology

An introduction to the role of the nervous system in psychological processes, including the basis of nerve conduction, the role of neurotransmitters, and basic neuroanatomy. The course also addresses the neurophysiology underlying sensory processes, motivation, emotion, sleep and dreaming, language, learning and memory, addiction, and mental disorders.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 40T. Topics in Research Design and Statistics

Introductory research methods and statistics in psychology. Introduction to scientific procedures and empirical research. Participation in research, data analysis, and APA research report writing. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-8, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 42. Introductory Statistics

Basic statistical methods for analysis of data; parametric tests of significance; linear regression and correlation; analysis of variance; introduction to non-parametric techniques.

Units: 4

PSYCH 60T. Psychology as a Behavioral Science

Current topics in psychology that are not covered in other courses. (May include lab hours).

Units: 1-5, Repeatable up to 6 units

PSYCH 60T. Introduction to the Psychology Major

This course is intended to prepare students to get the most out of their bachelor's degree in psychology. It has three major goals. 1) To teach students knowledge and skills that will help them succeed as psychology students at CSU, Fresno. 2) To help students understand the nature of both the science and practice of psychology. 3) To expose students to a variety of career options in psychology and related fields and strategies for pursuing those careers.

Units: 2, Repeatable up to 6 units

PSYCH 61. Personal Adjustment

Not open to students with credit in PSYCH 171. General adjustment behavior with regard to health, social, academic, and emotional problems; application of principles for prevention of health, social, academic, and emotional problems. G.E. Breadth E1.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring
GE Area: E1

PSYCH 101. Child Psychology

Not open to students with credit in PSYCH 155. The dynamics of infant and child development and adjustment.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 102. Adolescent Psychology

Adjustment of youth to self and society.

Units: 3

PSYCH 103. Psychology of Aging

(GERON 103 same as PSYCH 103.) Psychological study of maturity and old age; physiological and sociological considerations.

Units: 3

PSYCH 120T. Cognition in Forensics and Law Enforcement

This course is intended to acquaint students with a comprehensive view of the psychological principles involved in law enforcement tactical, investigative and courtroom contexts, from the perspective of contemporary experimental psychology and neuroscience. The course will present and review the necessary principles and demonstrate their application to field situations. Material presented will be situated both in current theory and in application to current and developing law enforcement contexts.

Units: 3

PSYCH 120T. Topics in Cognition, Perception & Behavioral Neuroscience

Prerequisite: psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Empirical evidence and theoretical issues in learning, motivation, cognition, language, perception, sensory, and physiological processes. Section may be limited to animal or human studies; research and reporting. (May inlcude lab hours)

Units: 2-5, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 121. Learning and Memory

Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor status, or permission of instructor. Combined survey of (1) principles from the human and animal laboratory with theoretical interpretations and applications; and (2) principles of operation of the human memory system with theoretical interpretations.

Units: 4

PSYCH 122. Motivation

Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of the instructor. Initiation and continuation of behavior, acquisition, and modification of motives.

Units: 4

PSYCH 123. Developmental Psychobiology

Psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Biological and psychological foundations of behavioral development. Topics include issues in developing systems, genetics and evolution of behavioral development, behavioral embryology, comparative development of nervous systems, development of cognitive and effective behaviors, and ecological and multicultural influences on biobehavioral development. (Formerly PSYCH 120T)

Units: 4

PSYCH 124. Sensation and Perception

Prerequisites: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. Study of sensory and perceptual processes in vision, touch, and hearing. Emphasis is placed on how basic perceptual principles operate in everyday life as well as in lab settings.

Units: 4

PSYCH 125. Behavioral Neuroscience

Prerequisites: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. (PSYCH 36 is recommended.) An in-depth look at the neuroanatomical, endocrine, molecular, and neurophysiological mechanisms that mediate behavior and the technologies used to study them. Emphasis is placed on the integration and critical analysis of original neuroscience literature. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 126. Cognitive Neuroscience

Biological mechanisms which mediate cognitive processes. Topics include the nervous system substrates for perception memory, language, cerebral lateralization and specialization, attention, and consciousness. G.E. Integration IB.

Units: 3
GE Area: IB

PSYCH 128. Cognitive Psychology

Prerequisites: psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. An introduction to theory and research in human information processing. Topics include attention, memory, neurocognition, mental representation, imagery, problem solving, reasoning, language, and other higher mental processes.

Units: 4

PSYCH 132. Psychology of Sexuality

Prerequisite: upper-division standing. Psychological aspects of human sexual behavior: influence on personality, various behavioral manifestations and pathologies.

Units: 3

PSYCH 136. Human Learning and Behavior

Introduction to learning principles as they interact with perception, cognition, and motivation. Relevance of these principles in understanding human adaptation to school, home, and social environments.

Units: 3

PSYCH 140T. Topics in Psychological Mehtods

Prerequisite: PSYCH 10. Research methods and statistics in psychology: introduction to scientific procedures, experimental research, survey research, and qualitative research. Participation in research, data analysis and APA research report writing. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4, Repeatable up to 8 units

PSYCH 143. Intermediate Computer-based Statistical Analysis

Prerequisites: Psychology Major or Minor or permission of instructor. Intensive study of analysis of variance with research emphasis. Topics include single and multifactor designs both with and without repeated measures, multiple comparisons, trend tests, analysis of covariance and nultivariate analysis of variance. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 144. Research Designs and Experimental Methods

Prerequisite: PSYCH 10 and PSYCH 42. Basic course in experimental psychology: research design and inferential statistics; introduction to scientific procedures and methods in psychology; participation in research, data analysis, and report writing. (May include lab hours)

Units: 5
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 145. Computer and Information Skills in Psychology

A survey of computer and information skills in the behavioral sciences. Applications of information technology include use of word processors, electronic communications, spreadsheets, statistical packages, and other specialized computer programs for psychology. Emphasis will be on developing information competence including locating, gathering, organizing, and reporting computer-based information.

Units: 3

PSYCH 149. Psychological Testing

Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Theories of psychological testing stressing the logic and limits of measurement. Emphasis on technical and individual tests.

Units: 4

PSYCH 150T. Mating Systems

Psychologists explore a model of human personality and individual differences based on theories of natural and sexual selection. This course will explore several theoretical issues from this perspective (i.e., mating rituals, sex roles, parental investment and kin investment). Those issues will provide a springboard to be applied to broader societal issues such as sexism, racism, war, and peace.

Units: 4

PSYCH 153. Developmental Research and Inquiry for Practitioners

PSYCH 101, PSYCH 155, or CFS 39 recommended prior to enrollment in this course. Empirical and theoretical treatment of developmental issues. Emphasizes understanding the process of scientific discovery and learning to accurately interpret and evaluate development research. Examines theories and methods that guide research on physical, social, cognitive, and emotional development.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 154. Personality

Prerequisites: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. Major contemporary theories of personality; techniques for research in personality. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 155. Developmental Psychology

Prerequisites: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. Empirical and theoretical treatment of human development throughout the life span; genetic, phys-iological, and sociocultural influences upon development; physical, emotional, motivational, intellectual-cognitive, and social facets of development. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 156. Social Psychology

Prerequisite: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. Examination of the interaction between social environments and behavior. Application of social psychological theories and principles to interpersonal relationships, education, work, health, and the media. (Formerly PSYCH 134)

Units: 4

PSYCH 160T. Topics in Clinical Processes

Prerequisite: Psychology Major or Minor status or permission of instructor. Examination of individual behavior and small-group processes; include such topics as clinical psychopathology, sensitivity training, and intragroup dynamics, consciousness, dreams, and imagination.

Units: 2-5, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 162. Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Overview of clinical psychology, including history, ethics, applied roles, conceptual and technical approaches to assessment and intervention, applying to graduate school, and anticipated future developments.

Units: 4

PSYCH 163. Multicultural Psychology

Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. This course reviews the field of Multicultural Psychology and emphasizes the development of critical thinking, cultural sensitvity, and cultural self-awareness. Major topics include: world views, immigration and acculturation, stereotyping, prefjudice, racism, privilege, cultural identity development, health disparities, and multicultural competence. Formerly PSYCH 160T.

Units: 4

PSYCH 166. Abnormal Psychology

Study of the origins, symptoms, and treatments of behavioral and personality disturbances from childhood through senescence; application of current DSM.

Units: 3

PSYCH 169. Psychological Aspects of Physical Disability

Psychological theory and research pertaining to physical disability and disabled persons. Attitudes regarding disability and the impact of disability on individual behavior. Primarily deals with blindness, deafness, orthopedic handicap, and epilepsy, and secondarily with cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes.

Units: 3

PSYCH 170T. Topics in Psychological Applications

Applications of psychology; human factors; clinical psychology, learning applications, clinical quantitative, learning, creativity, computer, and other applied topics. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-5, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 170T. Applied Behavior Analysis for Organization and Systems

Applied Behavior Analysis extends to the level of analyzing the behavior of individuals in groups. This is highly relevant for business and organizational settings and overlaps with fields such as I/O psychology. This course will cover current literature and practice in Organizational behavior Management as well as system analysis. Students will learn several models for consultation in businesses as well as special topics relevant to group level behavior analysis.

Units: 4

PSYCH 172. Applied Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Introduction to the philosophy and research of applied behavior analysis. Includes the methods of research, basic principles, and applied techniques used in the field. Presents ethical and legal standards under which behavior analysts work. (Formerly Psych 170T)

Units: 4

PSYCH 173. Environmental Psychology

The scientific study of the effects of human behavior on the environment and the psychological effects of the environment on human behavior. Topics include issues related to overpopulation, pollution, urbanization, noise, and environmental disaster, as well as environmental policies and grass-roots movements worldwide. G.E. Integration ID.

Units: 3-4
GE Area: ID

PSYCH 174. Introduction to Counseling

(COUN 174 same as PSYCH 174.) An overview of basic counseling models, including psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, and humanistic approaches. Includes a personal counseling experience.

Units: 3

PSYCH 175. Family Counseling

Theory and application of major counseling models. Family problems, relationships and systems. Application of child development principles, relevant communication theory and current research to therapy with couples, families, children, and groups.

Units: 3
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 176. Industrial Psychology

Occupational assessment, training procedures, production efficiency, morale determinants, human engineering, decision processes, organization theory.

Units: 3

PSYCH 177. Behavioral and Cognitive Change Techniques

Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Introduction to learning principles and their applications to behavioral and cognitive change. Methods and techniques used for changing self, children, adolescents, and adults.

Units: 4

PSYCH 179. Supervised Field Experience

Prerequisites: Psychology major or minor status or permission of instructor. Supervised field experience in community settings. Placements may include schools, hospitals, institutions for the aged, community service agencies, and legal settings, depending on student interests. Regular class meetings.

Units: 4

PSYCH 180T. Seminar in Psychology

Prerequisites: 9 units in psychology, permission of instructor. Undergraduate seminar in specialized areas, new developments and synthesis of psychological processes, thought, and theory.

Units: 1-5, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 180T. Explorations of Subjective Well Being

This course will explore the individual's current evaluation of his or her own happiness. Students will be involved in activities that demonstrate the positive value of personal exploration into how they view their own self-concepts and relate to others. Emphasis will be on mastery oriented, performance related competency, based on self esteem, to show that it is earned and not instantly given.

Units: 3

PSYCH 182. History and Systems

Prerequisite: Psychology Major or Minor status; senior standing or permission of instructor; 12 upper-division units in the major. Historical, philosophical, and scientific background in psychology; review and integration of theoretical issues and current systems in the field. Lecture and discussion.

Units: 4
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 183A. Honors Seminar

Prerequisite: application and acceptance into the department's honors program. Advanced experience in psychology for selected majors that includes critical and creative thinking about topics in psychology, individualized research training, and exploration

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall

PSYCH 183B. Honors Seminar

Prerequisite: application and acceptance into the department's honors program. Advanced experience in psychology for selected majors that includes critical and creative thinking about topics in psychology, individualized research training, and exploration of options in psychology. (Formerly PSYCH 180T)

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Spring

PSYCH 184A. Community Intervention & Behavior Support

Prerequisites: One course in behavior analysis with a grade of B or higher. Meets content requirements for certification in applied behavior analysis at the associate level. Includes using and monitoring reinforcement systems; ethics and informed consent; training direct care workers; maintaining behavior change in natural settings; establishing support from agencies and professionals. Students work directly with clients. (Formerly PSYCH 170T)

Units: 3

PSYCH 184B. Community Intervention & Behavior Support

Prerequisites: one course in behavior analysis with a grade of B or higher. Meets content requirements for certification in applied behavior analysis at the associate level. Includes using and monitoring reinforcement systems; ethics and informed consent; training direct care workers; maintaining behavior change in natural settings; establishing support from agencies and professionals. Students work directly with clients. (Formerly PSYCH 170T)

Units: 3

PSYCH 190. Independent Study

See Academic Placement -- [-LINK-]. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units
Course Typically Offered: Fall, Spring

PSYCH 199. Senior Thesis

Concentrated empirical or theoretical study of specific topic in psychology; emphasis on independent and creative activity. Copy of thesis required for Psychology Department file.

Units: 2-4

PSYCH 200T. Seminar in Developmental Psychology

May be repeated with different topics. Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Seminars in development and genetic psychology, special topics for particular age ranges and problem areas. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 205. Seminar in Child Development

Prerequisite: a course in child or developmental psychology or permission of instructor. Advanced survey of current and classic research in child development. Examines issues such as nature/nurture, plasticity, direction-of-effect, continuity/discontinuity and content relevant to theoritical and applied areas of social and cognitive development.

Units: 4

PSYCH 220T. Seminar in Learning and Related Problems

Prerequisite: undergraduate core. Advanced current developments in learning, perception, language, memory, and cognitive psychology. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 221. Advanced Learning and Behavior

Prerequisites: core Psychology courses (PSYCH 10 PSYCH 42, and PSYCH 144). Recommended: PSYCH 136 or PSYCH 172. This course will examine a broad range of topics as they relate to the underlying principles of behavior. Topics will include mechanisms of learning, associative and non-associate processes, operant and respondent conditioning, schedules of reinforcement, and verbal processes.

Units: 4

PSYCH 225T. Seminar in Psychobiological Bases of Behavior

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Recent advances in psychophysiology, physiological psychology, psychopharmacology, behavior genetics, sensory processes and related topics. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 231. Ethics and Philosophy of Behaviorism

This course will familiarize students with the ethical responsibilities for basic and applied behavior analysts required by leading organizations. The philosophical underpinnings of behavior analysis will be covered along with the larger concepts of researching and practicing as a behavior analyst, professional, and member of society.

Units: 3

PSYCH 240T. Seminar in Quantitative Methods for Behavioral Research

Prerequisite: PSYCH 143. Methods for analysis of multivariate data; factor analysis; multiple regression; advanced analysis of variance procedures. Computer applications and use of computers for analysis of data. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 244A. Measurement, Research Methods & Statistics

Prerequisites: PSYCH 143 or permission of instructor. Examination of measurement, advanced research design and statistical techniques in behavioral research. Part of a two-semester sequence of PSYCH 244A and PSYCH 244B. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 244B. Measurement, Research Methods & Statistics

Prerequisites: PSYCH 143 or permission of instructor. Examination of measurement, advanced research design and statistical techniques in behavioral research. Part of a two-semester sequence of PSYCH 244A and PSYCH 244B. (May include lab hours)

Units: 4

PSYCH 245. Research Methods in Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: PSYCH 288. Single subject research designs and behavioral measurement techniques, assessment of graphed data; social validity.

Units: 4

PSYCH 250T. Seminar in Personality and Related Areas

Prerequisite: undergraduate core in psychology. In-depth examination of the recent developments in personality and clinical psychology. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 255T. Seminar in Social Psychology and Related Areas

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Theories and research about individual functioning in society; also includes such topics as environment psychology and the psychology of women. (May include lab hours)

Units: 2-4, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 267. Internship in School Psychology

Prerequisites: PSYCH 281, PSYCH 284, PSYCH 285, PSYCH 288, and permission of instructor. University and school-based supervised internship in school psychology.

Units: 3-6, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 268. Practicum in Applied Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: PSYCH 288 and permission of instructor. University and site-based supervision of practica in applied behavior analysis. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1, Repeatable up to 4 units

PSYCH 270T. Seminar in Applied Behavioral Science

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Topics in applied behavioral research; conflict management, group dynamics, organization development, sensitivity training, and related processes. For students in the fields of business, communications, education, psychology, and the social sciences. (May include lab hours) CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1-6, Repeatable up to 15 units

PSYCH 271. Community Intervention & Behavior Support

This course is designed to give students hands-on experience in the application of principles used by behavior analysts to train direct care workers in clinical, school, and home settings.

Units: 3

PSYCH 272. Seminar in Lab Teaching

Enrollment restricted to and required of graduate students teaching discussion sections in psychology laboratories. Class discussion of teaching techniques and procedures used to demonstrate princi ples in introductory psychology. Course may be repeated for maximum of 4 units credit. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1, Repeatable up to 4 units

PSYCH 274S. Multicultural Psychology

Examine diverse cultural aspects related to psychology and education. Students explore multiple aspects of culture and investigate how they are manifested in our society and in education settings through reading, writing, discussion and service to the local communities.

Units: 4

PSYCH 277. Role and Function of the School Psychologist

Prerequisites: graduate standing and admittance to School Psychology Program. State and federal education codes and court decisions related to the practice of school psychology; types of community resources and referral services. Includes supervised practicum experience in schools.

Units: 4

PSYCH 278. Intervention and Prevention in School Psychology

Prerequisite: PSYCH 277, PSYCH 279, PSYCH 282, and PSYCH 288. Roles and responsibilities of the school psychologist including prevention, individual and group techniques for early intervention, and strategies for modification of individual programs and educational environments. Includes supervised practicum experience.

Units: 4

PSYCH 279. Consultation and Supervision

Prerequisite: PSYCH 277 and PSYCH 288. Types of consultation services offered by school psychologists and variables which influence consultation effectiveness including organizational and systems issues. Emphasizes development of consultation and supervisory skills. Includes supervised practicum experience.

Units: 4

PSYCH 282. Cognitive and Behavior Therapy

Prerequisites: a course in learning or behavior modification and permission of instructor. Historical and current trends, research issues, and designs. Application of the behavior approach in a variety of settings. Includes supervised practicum experience. (Class fee, $45)

Units: 4

PSYCH 283T. Topics in Clinical Intervention

Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Advanced study in specialized areas in psychotherapy. May include topics such as clinical hypnosis, health psychology, family therapy, group therapy, etc. Practicum training usually included. Topics may not be repeated. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1-4, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 283T. Group Counseling in the Schools

This course will outline the basic issues, key concepts of group process and applications to working with children and adolescents. Students will explore professional and ethical issues involved in group counseling with minors. The course will cover typical application of group counseling in school such as social skills, study skills, anger management, self-esteem and grief counseling.

Units: 2

PSYCH 284. Assessment of Intellectual Abilities

Prerequisites: a course in psychological testing and permission of instructor. Review of theories of intelligence. Administration, scoring, and interpretation of individual and group measures of intelligence. Supervised practicum includes case studies. (Class fee, $130)

Units: 4

PSYCH 285. Assessment of Learning and Developmental Problems

Prerequisite: PSYCH 284. Administration, scoring, and interpreting measures of learning disorders, physical-motor development, psychomotor abilities, social maturity, tests, school achievement, and vocational selection. Supervised practicum emphasizing proscriptive adn rehabilitive recommendations in case studies. (Class fee, $30)

Units: 4

PSYCH 286. Instructional Consultation and Intervention

This course will develop student's skills at using assessment data to target areas of need for students. Upon identifying student needs, skills in consulting with teachers about how to develop, implement, and evaluate instructional interventions will be discussed (e.g. materials, strategies, etc)

Units: 4

PSYCH 287. Practicum in School Psychology

Prerequisites: Enrollment in the M.S. in Psychology program. University and school based supervision of practice in school psychology. CR/NC grading only.

Units: 1, Repeatable up to 12 units

PSYCH 288. Advanced Applied Behavior Analysis

Prerequisite: PSYCH 177. Applied use of classical and operant conditioning and social learning theory as behavior change techniques. Emphasis will be on functional assessment of behavior, including structured observations and behavior rating instruments. Students will also learn to develop and evaluate single subject research designs. Includes supervised practicum experience.

Units: 4

PSYCH 289. Functional Assessment and Intervention

Prerequisite: PSYCH 288. Advanced strategies of functional behavioral assessment and intervention for adults and children across school, home, and community settings; ethical and procedural considerations of assessment and intervention; issues of system support and maintenance.

Units: 4

PSYCH 290. Independent Study

See Academic Placement -- [-LINK-]. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 1-3, Repeatable up to 6 units

PSYCH 298. Project

Prerequisite: See Criteria for Thesis and Project. An individual scholarly investigation of an advanced topic in education or psychology as the culminating experience for the Ed.S. degree. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 3-6

PSYCH 299. Thesis

Prerequisite: See [-LINK-]. Preparation, completion, and submission of an acceptable thesis for the master's degree in compliance with Psychology Department regulations. Approved for RP grading.

Units: 3-6

PSYCH 299C. Thesis Continuation

Pre-requisite: Thesis PSYCH 299. For continuous enrollment while completing the thesis. May enroll twice with department approval. Additional enrollments must be approved by the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Units: 0

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Requirements

Master of Arts Degree - Applied Behavior Analysis Option - Requirements

The Applied Behavior Analysis Option in the Master of Arts degree program in psychology is a two-year, full-time graduate program option that meets the degree, coursework, and experience requirements needed in preparation for national certification as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Students are required to take 43 hours of coursework, including 3 thesis hours and 4 hours of practicum. A minimum of 1,000 contact hours of practicum are required over the two years of the program. Students must apply for admission to the ABA Option of the M.A. program during the graduate application process.

This program option emphasizes behavior analytic applications with typically developing and developmentally disabled children.

Course Requirements for the Applied Behavior Analysis Option

Core
PSYCH 221 (4 units)
PSYCH 223 (4 units)
PSYCH 244A (3 units)
PSYCH 245 (4 units)
PSYCH 299 (Thesis) (3 units)
Total (19 units)

Additional requirements
PSYCH 231 (3 units)
PSYCH 268 (Practicum) (4 units)
PSYCH 271 (3 units)
PSYCH 288 (4 units)
PSYCH 289 (34 units)
Total (18 units)

Electives (7 units)
Courses must be approved by the ABA program coordinator.

Total (44 units)

Graduate Programs

The Master of Arts and Educational Specialist degrees in Psychology are designed to provide students with a broad background in psychology while allowing them opportunities to pursue areas of special interest. Completion of the requirements for either master's degree prepares students for positions in community mental health service agencies, school settings, community college teaching, research, or entry into Ph.D. or Psy.D. programs in Psychology.

Admission to the Master of Arts and Ed.S. programs in Psychology is based upon the satisfactory completion of prerequisite courses selected from the core courses required for the California State University, Fresno undergraduate major in psychology, or their equivalent. Potential graduate students should submit transcripts of all academic work and three letters of recommendation. In addition, students must submit scores from the GRE general test to be considered for admission. School Psychology program applicants must submit scores from the CBEST as well and complete other prerequisites as outlined in the department's application. All students must submit applications to both the Division of Graduate Admissions and the Department of Psychology.

Admission to the graduate program in psychology is based on the evaluation of a student's capacity to successfully complete master's level work. The graduate committee uses multiple criteria to assess an applicant's qualifications including coursework completed, grades, test scores, essays, and letters of recommendation. In addition, an applicant's professional interests and goals are evaluated in terms of the interests of the faculty and the resources of the Department of Psychology. Separate evaluations of applicants are made for the M.A. general/experimental program and the Ed.S. School Psychology program. Although many applicants meet our minimum admission requirements, we are limited in the number of positions available and many qualified applicants cannot be offered admission.

Admission to classified graduate standing requires a minimum undergraduate grade point average of 3.0, as well as a minimum grade point average of 3.0 in undergraduate psychology courses. A combined score of 1,000 or higher on the Verbal and Quantitative sections of the GRE General Test is preferred. Applicants lacking minimum scores in one area with compensating strengths in other areas may apply. The Department of Psychology does not typically admit unclassified students into the graduate program.

In order to apply for advancement to candidacy, students in psychology graduate programs must earn grades of A or B in PSYCH 244A and PSYCH 244B and pass the Psychology Department Graduate Writing Requirement.

The graduate writing requirement can be fulfilled in PSYCH 244A. Further information can be found in the course syllabus and graduate handbook.

Under the direction of a graduate adviser, a coherent program is prepared and submitted, directed toward the achievement of the student's goal in graduate study.

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Faculty

All full-time faculty members in the department have a Ph.D. in psychology or a closely related field. Their areas of expertise represent the breadth of contemporary scientific psychology. In addition to being dedicated teachers, most faculty members also conduct and publish original research. Many are also licensed or certified as practitioners of clinical psychology, school psychology, or applied behavior analysis.