Psychology
The Department of Psychology offers a B.A. degree in psychology, double majors with sociology and philosophy, a departmental honors program and a selection of elective courses for all Millersville University students. Psychology majors, through departmental advisement, usually plan a program that leads to one of three goals:
- graduate with a bachelor’s degree and enter the human service field;
- graduate with a bachelor’s degree and enter the business/industrial field; or
- graduate with a bachelor’s degree and enter graduate school for advanced study in psychology or related fields.
A minor in psychology is also available to undergraduate students. It provides a general survey of the field and training in psychological research methods.
Some undergraduate psychology courses are open to liberal arts and teacher education students. However, some laboratory, specialized and upper-level courses are open only to psychology majors and minors.
The cooperative education program in psychology is an optional arrangement whereby students combine practical on-the-job experience with their formal classroom instruction. The co-op program is available to all psychology majors who satisfy the departmental admissions requirements. For further information, see Cooperative Education in the Special Academic Opportunities section of this catalog.
the faculty
Baker, Jason; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., Juniata College, 1999; M.Ed., The Pennsylvania State University, 2002; Ph.D., Regent University, 2008
Banna, Kelly; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., James Madison University, 1999; M.S., Auburn University, 2005; Ph.D., Ibid., 2007
Behun, Richard Joseph; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.A., California University of Pennsylvania, 2005; M.S., The University of Pittsburgh School of Law, 2007; M.S.Ed., Duquesne University (School Counseling), 2008; M.S.Ed., Ibid. (School Administration), 2013; Ph.D., Ibid., 2013
Bland, Andrew; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., University of Georgia, 2000; M.A., University of West Georgia, 2003; Ph.D., Indiana State University, 2013
Cook, Shaun; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., Bridgewater State College, 1996; M.A., Brandeis University, 1999; Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2006
Gallagher, Shawn; Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., The Pennsylvania State University, 1990; M.A., University of Delaware, 1999; Ph.D., Ibid., 2002
Garner, Nadine; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.M., Westminster Choir College, 1991; M.S., Shippensburg University, 1992; M.Ed., Ibid., 1994; Ed.D., Duquesne University, 2000
Grady, Jessica; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., Lebanon Valley College, 2006; M.S., West Virginia University, 2008; Ph.D., Ibid., 2011
Kaiser, Lauren; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., University of Maryland, 1997; M.A., Ibid., 2003 and 2004; Ph.D., Ibid., 2007
MacIntyre, Rachel; Assistant Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.S., Bucknell University, 2013; M.S., Old Dominion University, 2017; Ph.D., Ibid., Eastern Virginia Medical School, and Norfolk State University, 2021
Rush, Karena; Professor
College of Education and Human Services
A.B., Bryn Mawr College, 1991; Ed. M., Harvard University, 1994; M.A., Louisiana State University, 1997; Ph.D., Ibid., 2000
Thyrum, Elizabeth; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.A., Millersville University, 1986; M.S., Rutgers University, 1989; Ph.D., Ibid., 1992
Vredenburg, Debra; Associate Professor
College of Education and Human Services
B.A., Slippery Rock University, 1990; M.A., Ibid., 1992; Ph.D., Ohio University, 1998
the courses
An introduction to the study of behavior and mental activity, including such aspects as motivation, emotions, sensation and perception, individual differences, the nervous system, learning and personality with a view of understanding behavior.
Hnrs:General Psychology
Experimental
This course will provide an introduction to the some of the most popular and persistent misconceptions in Psychology. These misconceptions will cut across sub-disciplines within Psychology, to include clinical, cognitive, and social psychology, as a few examples. The origin as of these myths will be explored, as well as how they are seen today in the popular media, in practice, in education, and in research domains. The implications of the myths will also be considered. The course will also address how to effectively combat these myths. Prerequisites: PSYC 100 and ENGL 110
Serves as an introduction to the nervous systemin relation to cognition and behavior. It will begin at the cellular level, building up to the systems level. Offered fall, spring. Prereq: BPE 100 or BIO 100 or 101 and PSYC 100.
This course provides an introduction to the field of Behavior Analysis, and covers the basic principles of conditioning, learning, and behavior change derived from the experimental literature. Topics include an introduction to the philosophy of Radical Behaviorism, historical development of the field, single-subject experimental design and data analysis, and principles of respondent and operant conditioning. Prereq: PSYC 100
A study of the theory and research pertaining to the growth, development and behavior of children through adolescence. Prereq: PSYC 100. No course credit given if credit earned for separate course in child psychology or adolescent psychology. No credit given if credit earned for PSYC 228. PSYC Majors may only count one of PSYC 227, 228 or 229 as a core elective.
Hnrs:Devel Child and Adolescnt
A focus upon the major stages of human development, beginning with infancy and continuing through the developmental changes of childhood, adolescence and adulthood through to old age and death. Cognitive and psychosocial aspects of human development are emphasized. Offered Periodically. Prereq: ENGL 110 and PSYC 100. No credit given if credit earned for PSYC 227 or 229. PSYC Majors may only count one of PSYC 227, 228 or 229 as a core elective.
An examination of the years of advanced age, beginning with the typical retirement age. Focuses on physical, cognitive and social-emotional development. Offered periodically. Prereq: PSYC 100. No credit given if credit earned for PSYC 228. PSYC Majors may only count one of PSYC 227, 228 or 229 as a core elective.
An examination of human interactions, both historically and currently, in diverse structures (e.g., family, social, educational, political, economic, etc.). Course content targets increased awareness and understanding of values, traditions and rites of dominant and minority groups and their effect upon interpersonal and intergroup relations. Offered periodically.
Experimental
Cooperative Education in Psychology
An investigation of the problems associated with drug addiction. Evaluations of opiates, stimulants, barbiturates, depressants, hallucinogens, marijuana and alcohol, with consideration of the effects of these drugs on the individual. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: ENGL 110 and PSYC 227 or 228 or 229 or 234.
Examination of individual and institutional racism in all its aspects, with an emphasis on the various psychological explanatory theories and supporting research as well as the various techniques for alleviating this problem. Additional overview of resultant effects on the victims. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110, PSYC 100 and junior status.
Honors Psychology of Racism
This course will examine the constructs of happiness and well-being across multiple variables such as culture, environment, spirituality, and personal factors. Common myths and misconceptions will also be evaluated. Students will leave the course with a greater understanding of the science behind the constructs of happiness and well-being as well as strategies to apply in their own pursuit of living a fulfilling life. Junior status.
Honors Happiness and Well-Being
The course will introduce students to the interaction between human and animals with emphasis on the bond between people and their pets. The course will provide an overview of the social, emotional, and psychological implications of pet ownership including attachment and pet loss. The use of companion animals in education, healthcare and clinical settings will be covered as well as the connection between animal maltreatment and interpersonal violence. A service learning project involving contact with companion animals is required. Prereq: PSYC 100 and PSYC 211
Examines advanced topics in child and adolescent development in depth through the application of experimental and nonexperimental research approaches an through critical reading of the research literature. 3 hrs. lec., 2 hrs. lab. Offered annually. Prereq: C- or higher in PSYC 211, 212 and 227 or 228.Submission of satisfactory FBI, Act 34/151 clearances required prior to the start of the course, but not for registration.
A study of research and applications of psychology to the work setting. Knowledge of the psychological processes of learning, motivation, perception and assessment is used to analyze selection, training, work design and performance. Offered annually. Prereq: ENGL 110 and PSYC 100 and MATH 130, 235 or PSYC 211.
An introduction to historic and contemporary theories of the human personality. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: PSYC 100.
An examination of theory, research and techniques related to the applied behavior analysis, with special emphasis placed on the application in a variety of settings (e.g., family, school and industry). Prereq: PSYC 100.
Honors Applied Behavioral Analysis.
Basic introduction to cognitive science. Reviews attempts to understand cognition using insights from psychology, artificial intelligence, philosophy, linguistics and the neurosciences. Examines the synthesis of those attempts in the emergent field of cognitive science. Offered periodically. Prereq: COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status.
A review of research and theory linking psychological factors to health. Discussion of psychosocial aspects of health behavior, pain, stress and the impact on biological systems. Evaluation of psychological and behavior interventions for health behavior change and chronic illness. Offered in fall. Prereq: PSYC 100 and PSYC 227 or 228 or 229 or 234 or 256.
Experimental
Cooperative Education in Psychology
An investigation of the impact of the multigenerational family system on the individual. Assessment of functional and dysfunctional family systems. Emphasis upon theorists and their orientations and intervention strategies. Offered periodically. Prereq: PSYC 100 and junior or senior standing.
A systematic examination of the nervous and sensory systems and their regulation of human behavior. May not be used in place of PSYC 314, 315 or 316 to fulfill the advanced laboratory requirement. Offered Periodically. Prereq: PSYC 100 and one course in biology. Chemistry helpful. Junior or senior standing.
An introduction to the basic principles of psychological testing and measurement. Focus is upon issues in test construction and design, evaluations of psychometric properties and applications of tests in various fields of psychology. Offered in fall or spring. Prereq: PSYC 211 or permission of instructor.
An introduction to the process and practice of counseling. Emphasis is placed on learning counseling theories and on counseling skills. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: PSYC 100. Junior or Senior status.
Study of the development of psychology from a branch of philosophy to a modern science. Offered periodically. Prereq: PSYC 100 and junior or senior standing. Must have earned 75 credits and be enrolled/have taken the advanced lab to count for capstone requirement.
An advanced course devoted to critical analysis of student and professional research using staff consultant leadership. Offered periodically. Prereq: junior/senior psychology majors only and permission of instructor.
Study of psychological processes involved in the production and experience of music, art and literature coupled with a review of psychological theories of human creativity. Key principles within the domain of psychology will be illustrated and explored through the study of the works of artists, musicians and writers. Offered annually. Prereq: PSYC 100, COMM 100, ENGL 110 and junior status. PSYC 335 recommended.
Experimental
An introduction to applied animal behavior, including (1) the behavior of companion animals, animals in zoos & aquaria, animals in labs, and animals in agriculture/aquaculture; (2) animal welfare, (3) ethical issues in animal use, (4) methods of training captive animals, and (5) career options and certifications in animal behavior. 3 hrs lecture. Offered periodically. Prereq: PSYC 316 or BIOL 385; PSYC 300 or BIOL 300 or PSYC 495; Senior standing or permission of instructor. Students cannot also earn credit in BIOL 483.
For the definition of departmental honors and eligibility, refer to the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
Examination and discussion of current research issues in psychology. May be taken a maximum of three times. Enrollment limited to students with at least 45 s.h. who are applying to the psychology department honors program and to those already admitted to that program. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: permission of instructor.
Supervised field experience involving the application of psychological principles. Junior or senior standing. Offered in fall, spring. Prereq: permission of instructor. Insurance and recent clearances (Act 34/ Act 151/FBI clearances and TB test results) may be required depending on the setting.
Detailed investigation of a topic of current research interest. Topic to be announced each time course is offered. Credit and meeting hours variable, depending on topic offered. May be taken more than once for credit as topic varies. Offered periodically. Prereq: junior or senior standing and permission of instructor.
For further information on independent study, see the Special Academic Opportunities section of this catalog.
For the definition of departmental honors and eligibility, refer to the Academic Policies section of this catalog.
DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES
The Admission to the Major Policy and the Retention in the Major Policy apply to all majors enrolled in the psychology B.A. program.
ADMISSION TO THE MAJOR POLICY
Current students at Millersville University will be permitted to declare psychology as a major only if they have a CGPA of 2.25 or higher, based on at least 15 credit hours, including PSYC 100 General Psychology, and if space is available. Decisions to accept new majors are based in part on space available and hence are competitive based upon previous academic performance, both in psychology courses and overall, and on math preparation. Readmitted students must have a 2.25 or higher CGPA at Millersville University in order to be admitted to the psychology major.
RETENTION IN THE MAJOR POLICY
At the end of each semester, the psychology department will review the academic performance of its majors. If any student with zero to 59.5 earned credits has a CGPA below 2.0, he/she will be notified by the department that he/she has been placed on probation in the major status for the semester in which notification is made. The department will specify minimal achievement during the probationary semester to continue in the major. If the student is not successful in meeting the requirements during the probationary semester, he/she will be removed from the major.
Students must successfully complete PSYC 100 General Psychology, PSYC 211 Principles of Statistics and Experimental Design 1 and two core electives prior to completing 90 credit hours.
COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR POLICY
Students must earn a C- or higher in all required psychology courses as defined in the catalog and curriculum (blue) sheet. The policy currently applies to the 15 credits of coursework required in the major (PSYC 100 General Psychology, PSYC 211 Principles of Statistics and Experimental Design 1, PSYC 212 Principles of Statistics and Experimental Design 2 and an Advanced Lab—currently one of PSYC 314 Adv. Lab Cognitive Psychology, PSYC 315 Adv Lab Sensation & Perception, PSYC 316 Adv Lab Learn Beh Analysis, PSYC 327 Adv Lab in Developmental Science) but not to elective courses (core or general) taken to complete their psychology requirements.
Students must complete at least three capstone credits. To be eligible for capstone credits, psychology majors must have earned at least 75 credits and have completed or be enrolled in their advanced laboratory course. The following can be taken for capstone credit:
Code | Title | Hours |
---|---|---|
PSYC 454 | History and Systems of Psych | 3 |
PSYC 455 | Seminar in Psychology | 1-3 |
PSYC 495 | Directed Projects in Psych | 1-6 |
PSYC 489 | Honors Course | 1-4 |
PSYC 490 | Honors Seminar | 1 |
PSYC 499 | Departmental Honors | 1-4 |
PSYC 498 | Independent Study in Psych | 1-4 |
COOP 300 |
POLICY REGARDING ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) CREDIT IN PSYCHOLOGY
Entering students who receive a score of 3 on the Advanced Placement (AP) Examination in Psychology shall be awarded three credits for an elective course designated as a 100-level PSYC course. Entering students who receive a score of 4 or 5 on the AP examination shall be awarded three credits for PSYC 100 General Psychology.
PASS/FAIL RESTRICTION ON COURSES FOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJORS AND MINORS
Psychology majors may not take any psychology courses or any required related courses on a pass/fail basis. Psychology minors may not take any psychology courses on a pass/fail basis.
POLICY ON CREDIT RESTRICTION FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
The psychology department offers three undergraduate developmental psychology courses: PSYC 227 Development of the Child and Adolescent, PSYC 228 Life Span Human Development and PSYC 229 Psychology of Aging. Credit is awarded for any one of the individual courses. Credit is also awarded for the combination of PSYC 227 Development of the Child and Adolescent and PSYC 229 Psychology of Aging, but not for any other combination of developmental psychology courses.
POLICY REGARDING COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND DIRECTED PROJECTS IN PSYCHOLOGY
A limit of six s.h. of cooperative education (PSYC 300 Co-Op Ed Experience in Psyc, PSYC 400 Co-Op Ed Experience in Psyc or PSYC 495 Directed Projects in Psych) or any combination of the two may be taken by a student and counted in the psychology major. In unusual circumstances, and with written permission of the student’s faculty advisor, the directed projects instructor and the department of psychology’s cooperative education advisor, up to six additional s.h. may be taken; however, these credits may not be counted toward the psychology major.