PSYCHOLOGY COURSES

PY–413G RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE BEHAVIORAL

FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course is an in-depth study of the scientific research process, and an application of its principles and techniques to proposing, designing, conducting and analyzing original research. Students demonstrate mastery of APA style and deliver research results orally and in written format. Prerequisites: PY101, PY210 and MA385. Corequisite: PY413L STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN 300- OR 400- LEVEL COURSES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED EN111 WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER AND MA085 LEVEL II OR MA084B OR ANY HIGHER-LEVEL MATH COURSE.

 

PY–413L/G RESEARCH METHODOLOGY IN THE BEHAVIORAL

FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

1 credit hour

This course is the laboratory component of PY413. This lab must be taken concurrently. Students are expected to complete a list of project-specific reading, design an independent study, participate in data collection, analyze the data, and report the results in writing and orally. Prerequisite: PY-101, PY-210, and MA-385. Co-requisite: PY413/G. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN 300- OR 400- LEVEL COURSES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED EN111 WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER AND MA085 LEVEL II OR MA084B OR ANY HIGHER-LEVEL MATH COURSE.

 

PY–420G ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course covers the study of historical changes in theories and methods of treatment; theory of personality development; dynamics of adjustment; the symptoms, dynamics, therapy, and prognosis of the various abnormal reaction patterns, both functional and organic; and modern theories and methods of diagnosis, therapy, and prevention. Prerequisite: PY101. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN 300- OR 400- LEVEL COURSES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED EN111 WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER AND MA085 LEVEL II OR MA084B OR ANY HIGHER-LEVEL MATH COURSE.

 

PY–440G SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

FALL ONLY/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

This course applies the scientific method to analyses of the behavior of individual people in social situations. Topics include aggression, attitude formation and persuasion, conflict-resolution, conformity, gender roles, group decision making, interpersonal attraction, positive social behaviors, prejudice, social factors in the self-concept, social information processing, and applications of social psychology to social problems. Prerequisite: PY101. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN 300- OR 400- LEVEL COURSES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED EN111 WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER AND MA085 LEVEL II OR MA084B OR ANY HIGHER-LEVEL MATH COURSE.

 

PY–455G PSYCHOLOGY OF WOMEN

SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

This course offers a study of women through feminist scholarship and research. It is designed to introduce students to the myriad factors influencing the development of girls and women in a variety of cultures and societies, including Micronesia. Areas covered include feminist scholarship and research; gender socialization, women's biology and (mental) health; sexuality; victimization and abuse; work career, and power issues. Prerequisite: PY101. STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ENROLL IN 300- OR 400- LEVEL COURSES UNTIL THEY HAVE COMPLETED EN111 WITH A GRADE OF "C" OR BETTER AND MA085 LEVEL II OR MA084B OR ANY HIGHER-LEVEL MATH COURSE.

 

PY–501 ETHICAL, LEGAL, AND PROFESSIONAL ISSUES

FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical, legal, and professional issues encountered in the practice of clinical psychology. Students study the APA Ethics Code as well as local and national laws that regulate mental health practice. Topics include professional competence, client rights, informed consent, privacy, confidentiality and privileged communication. Special attention is given to procedures for evaluating and responding to suicidality and dangerousness, for working with minors and other vulnerable populations, and for reporting suspected child or elder abuse. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–502 MICRONESIA AND MENTAL HEALTH

SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

This course offers an examination of mental health services and problems in Micronesia. Geography, political systems, health problems, peoples and cultures provide the context for a detailed examination of mental health and social change concerns within our region. Prevalence of psychiatric disorders within Micronesia, applications of psychological interventions to regional concerns, and Micronesian perspectives toward psychology are the primary focus of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–503 PSYCHOPATHOLOGY AND PSYCHODIAGNOSIS

FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

This course provides an intensive study of the various forms of psychopathology described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), including current theory and research on their phenomenology, etiology, and treatment. Emphasis is placed on learning to formulate accurate psychiatric diagnoses with both adults and children using the DSM's multiaxial diagnostic system. Students also engage in historical and cross-cultural analysis of psychiatric discourse, and consider alternative frameworks for conceptualizing abnormal behavior. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–504 TOPICS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

This course offers in-depth study of a special topic in clinical psychology. The focus varies depending on faculty and student interests as well as needs in the community. Possible topics include: forensic psychology, substance abuse treatment, applied behavior analysis, trauma and crisis intervention, psychodynamic therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, narrative therapy, qualitative research, and psychopharmacology. With different subject matter, this course may be repeated for credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–511 RESEARCH METHODS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

The Research Methods in Clinical Psychology series prepares students to conduct and evaluate research aimed at the investigation of clinical phenomena and the development of evidence-based clinical practices. The first course in the series focuses on research design, including experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, qualitative, single-case, and meta-analysis methodologies. Students also study historical and current trends in the literature addressing research on psychopathology, assessment, psychotherapy, and prevention. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–512 RESEARCH METHODS IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

The Research Methods in Clinical Psychology series prepares students to conduct and evaluate research aimed at the investigation of clinical phenomena and the development of evidence-based clinical practices. The second course in the series focuses on statistics, including a brief review of univariate and bivariate techniques, followed by in-depth study of multivariate procedures such as multiple regression, analysis of covariance, multivariate analysis of variance and covariance, profile analysis, discriminant analysis, logistic regression, canonical correlation, and factor analysis. Prerequisites: PY511 and consent of instructor.

 

PY–521 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT I: ADULT

FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

In the Clinical Assessment series, students learn to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview, and to administer, score, and interpret a variety of psychological assessment instruments, including measures of cognitive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Students also learn to formulate treatment recommendations based on assessment data, write assessment reports, and give feedback to clients. Emphasis is placed on conducting culturally responsive clinical assessments through consideration of the literature on assessment with diverse populations. The first course in the series focuses on assessment with adults. During the semester, students conduct at least one clinical assessment with an adult client, including writing the assessment report and providing feedback to the client. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–522 CLINICAL ASSESSMENT II: CHILD AND

SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

In the Clinical Assessment series, students learn to conduct a comprehensive diagnostic interview, and to administer, score, and interpret a variety of psychological assessment instruments, including measures of cognitive functioning, personality, and psychopathology. Students also learn to formulate treatment recommendations based on assessment data, write assessment reports, and give feedback to clients. Emphasis is placed on conducting culturally responsive clinical assessments through consideration of the literature on assessment with diverse populations. The second course in the series focuses on assessment with children and adolescents. During the semester, students conduct at least one clinical assessment with a child or adolescent client, including writing the assessment report and providing feedback to the parents and the client. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–641 CLINICAL INTERVENTION I:

FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

The first Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of cognitive and behavioral approaches to psychotherapy, including their application in the treatment of specific disorders. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in cognitive-behavioral therapy with clients through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692a.

 

PY–642 CLINICAL INTERVENTION II: CHILD AND

SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

The second Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of the various approaches to conducting psychotherapy with children and adolescents, including consideration of the role of the therapist in working with parents, schools, and community agencies. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in therapy with children and adolescents through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692b.

 

PY–643 CLINICAL INTERVENTION III: FAMILY

FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS

3 credit hours

The third Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of family systems approaches to psychotherapy, including the application of systems theory across a diverse range of family structures and presenting problems. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in family systems therapy with families through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692c.

 

PY–644 CLINICAL INTERVENTION IV:

SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

3 credit hours

The fourth Clinical Intervention course provides a comprehensive overview of existential and humanistic approaches to psychotherapy through the study of theoretical and literary works influenced by existentialist thought. A multicultural emphasis is used to examine how cultural knowledge can enhance the effective and appropriate use of the different therapeutic methods. During the semester, students engage in existential-humanistic therapy with clients through the Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY692d.

 

PY–692A GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL

FALL ONLY/EVEN YEARS

1 credit hour

The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the first practicum, students learn various techniques associated with cognitive-behavioral therapy and see at least one client for weekly therapy employing the cognitive-behavioral approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY641.

 

PY–692B GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL

SPRING ONLY/ODD YEARS

1 credit hour

The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the second practicum, students learn various techniques for working with children and adolescents and see at least one child or adolescent client for weekly therapy. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY642.

 

PY–692C GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL

FALL ONLY/ODD YEARS

1 credit hour

The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the third practicum, students learn various techniques associated with family systems therapy and see at least one family for weekly therapy employing the family systems approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY643.

 

PY–692D GRADUATE PRACTICUM IN CLINICAL

SPRING ONLY/EVEN YEARS

1 credit hour

The Graduate Practicum in Clinical Psychology provides students with the opportunity to gain supervised experience in clinical psychology practice at Isa Psychological Services Center or through external placement in a mental health or social service agency. Students are also required to attend a weekly seminar where they receive training and supervision in a particular therapeutic modality. In the fourth practicum, students learn various techniques associated with existential-humanistic therapy and see at least one client for weekly therapy employing the existential-humanistic approach. Students are required to complete a minimum of 100 practicum hours over the course of the semester. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. Corequisite: PY644.

 

PY–695A THESIS I

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

1 - 3 credit hours

The Master's Thesis provides an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly research project under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprised of a program faculty chairperson and at least two additional members. In the first thesis course, students begin collecting and analyzing their data and present the preliminary results at a formal progress meeting with their committee. Students are required to have their thesis proposal approved by their committee prior to enrolling in PY695a. Prerequisite: Consent of advisor.

 

PY–695B THESIS II

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

1 - 3 credit hours

The Master's Thesis provides an opportunity for students to complete a scholarly research project under the supervision of a thesis committee, comprised of a program faculty chairperson and at least two additional members. In the second thesis course, students complete their data collection and analysis, prepare a written draft of the thesis, and orally present their work at a formal thesis defense with their committee. Prerequisites: PY695a and consent of advisor.

 

PY–697 COMPREHENSIVE EXAM

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

0 credit hours

This course provides an opportunity to document the successful completion of the PRAXIS II or comprehensive exam. It is a way to ensure that a student?s academic evaluation accurately reflects the additional requirement for PRAXIS II or comprehensive exam and does not provide a false indication that the student is ready to graduate.

 

PY–698A INTERNSHIP IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY I

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

The Internship in Clinical Psychology places students in a mental health or social service agency where they receive advanced training in the duties of a master's level clinical psychologist, including psychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and report writing. Students are required to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours in each of the two internship courses (PY698a and PY698b). A total of 600 internship hours is required prior to graduation. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor.

 

PY–698B INTERNSHIP IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY II

FALL/SPRING/ALL YEARS

3 credit hours

The Internship in Clinical Psychology places students in a mental health or social service agency where they receive advanced training in the duties of a master's level clinical psychologist, including psychological assessment, psychotherapy, consultation, and report writing. Students are required to complete a minimum of 300 internship hours in each of the two internship courses (PY698a and PY698b). A total of 600 internship hours is required prior to graduation. Prerequisites: PY698a and consent of instructor.