The capstone course is the culminating educational experience for the Master of Arts in Psychology. In this course, students will integrate and apply what they have learned throughout the program to meet competencies as outlined in the program learning outcomes. Students will be exposed to a holistic view of psychology as a discipline, and they will be encouraged to think critically about the broader themes that link various subfields of psychology. Students will reflect on the experience of the program as a whole and will consider how the program’s themes apply to a variety of civic and professional settings. The capstone affords students a final opportunity to practice and demonstrate the skills they will need to succeed after graduation.

This course is part one of a two-part course that introduces students to clinical classification and coding systems. Students will be introduced to clinical coding guidelines, applications, and relationship to reimbursement. The course emphasizes the ICD-10-CM coding system. Students will participate in authentic learning using a simulation lab for clinical coding. Prerequisites: HIM 105, HIM 205, HIM 206, and HIM 210.

This course focuses on the evolution, regulations, planning, financing, implementation, and use of electronic health records. Students will gain hands-on experience with various tools used for collecting and reporting patient data and evaluate the components of the legal health record. Prerequisite: HCA 205.

This course introduces students to the scientific study of psychological symptoms and disorders. Students will draw from theoretical and historical perspectives to build their understanding of diagnostic methods and evidence-based treatment methods for psychological disorders. Additionally, students will examine sociocultural factors that impact presentation, maintenance, and treatment of psychopathological symptoms and the use of diagnostic manuals in applying diagnostic criteria.

The course includes an overview of individual and group approaches to testing in psychology. Students will review psychological assessments utilized to evaluate personality, intelligence, achievement, and career-related interests and skills in a variety of work settings. The course will provide students with opportunities to analyze psychometric methodologies typically employed in the development and validation of psychological and educational tests. Students will apply knowledge of psychological measurement principles to testing and assessment data with an emphasis on ethical and professional interpretation. Issues and challenges related to testing and assessment with diverse populations will be integrated into the course. Prerequisite: PSY 635.

This course is the study of common human diseases, disorders and conditions. In the course, students will learn the description, symptoms and signs, diagnostic tests, etiology, and treatment for common diseases, disorders and conditions. In addition, the students will learn about the associated drug class for specific diseases, disorders or conditions. Prerequisite: HIM 105, HIM 205, and HIM 206.

This course presents the concepts of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods research designs and methods, as well as issues involved in the ethical conduct of research. Students will be challenged to select appropriate research designs and methodologies for various research questions. The course will culminate in a detailed research proposal on topics chosen by the students.

The course emphasizes neural physiology, neurotransmitter systems, and the neurotransmitter-receptor mechanisms that underlie the efficacy and side effects of psychoactive and illicit drugs. In addition, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and pharmacogenomic processes will be reviewed as they relate to clinical treatment and abuse. Methods of researching psychoactive agents of treatment and abuse, historical, and ethical considerations will also be addressed. Prerequisite: PSY 625

This course is part two of a two-part course that is the study of anatomy, the structure of the body and how the body is organized and physiology, the function and vital processes of the various structures making up the human body. This course includes an overview of the endocrine, cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic & immune, gastrointestinal, urinary and reproductive systems. Prerequisite: HIM 205.

Students will explore the biological bases of human behavior, cognition, and emotion while learning how to apply biological theory and research to psychology and daily life. Students will discuss relationships between nervous system anatomy, neuronal communication, and biopsychological research methods with topics including sensation, perception, movement, emotions, learning and memory, language, drug effects, psychological disorders, and neurological diseases.  Course activities include options for students to complete standard assignments or explore specific topics of their choice. Prerequisites: PSY 600, PSY 605, PSY 610, PSY 615 and PSY 620.