Psychology
The psychology major presents a scientific approach to the study of individual behavior and experience. The goal of the major is to provide an empirical and theoretical understanding of the basic knowledge, concepts, and methods of psychology. Though such understanding may lead to greater personal insight, the study of psychology is focused primarily on a body of empirical knowledge and theoretical formulations that aim to predict and explain behavior. The approach emphasizes both critical evaluation of evidence and awareness of the implications of psychological knowledge and theory for the lives of persons. Most psychology courses emphasize self-awareness and critical thinking.
A major in psychology is intended to prepare students for advanced study or entry into pre-professional employment. A psychology major also may function as the core of an educational program in preparation for continuing informal learning. Courses in basic skills for human service workers and internship in psychology are included to facilitate application of basic knowledge in real-life settings.
A minor in psychology may be related to a wide variety of career preparations or may serve as part of a general liberal arts degree program. The department also offers a minor in Sport, Health, and Exercise Psychology.
Psychology majors use critical thinking to solve human behavioral problems, they develop insight into their values and career goals, they develop good oral and written communication skills, and they develop skills in understanding and using statistics and research methods.
Additional courses from the Perspectives or Focused courses may also count toward the Topics courses. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in the major at Mount Mercy. A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree will be awarded. Students planning to pursue teacher education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this catalog and contact an advisor in the Education major for assistance.
Academic Requirements
A grade of 'C' or above (C- does not count) must be earned in each course counted toward the major or minor (including PS 101 Introductory Psychology.)
Career Opportunities
Social service agencies, government agencies and businesses are the prime employers of psychology majors.
See the Graduate section of this Catalog for more information on Graduate programs offered at Mount Mercy.
Major
Required courses:
| PS 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PS 124 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PS 325 | Statistics For Behavioral Sciences | 4 |
| PS 345 | Psychological Research Methods | 4 |
| PS 450 | Senior Seminar | 3 |
| Two of the following Perspectives courses: | 6 | |
| Sport Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Coaching | ||
| Classic Theories of Personality | ||
| Introduction To Counseling | ||
| Critical Perspectives in Sport and Physical Activity | ||
| Two of the following Focus courses: | 6 | |
| Stress Management | ||
| Exercise Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Sport Injury and Rehabilitation | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Health Psychology: Health & Wellness Applied | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| Two of the following Topics courses: | 6 | |
| Psychology of the Middle School Student | ||
or PS 215 | Adolescent Psychology | |
| Basic Helping Skills | ||
| Industrial/Organizational Psychology | ||
| Directed Readings in Psychology | ||
or PS 402 | Directed Readings in Psychology | |
or PS 403 | Directed Readings in Psychology | |
| Psychology in Practicum | ||
or PS 413 | Internship in Psychology | |
| Research Seminar | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology | ||
or PS 442 | Independent Study in Psychology | |
or PS 443 | Independent Study in Psychology | |
| Social Inequalities | ||
or SO 330 | Global Race Relations | |
| Educational Psychology | ||
or BI 357 | Animal Behavior | |
| Total Hours | 35 | |
Additional courses from the Perspectives or Focused courses may also count toward the Topics courses. Students must complete a minimum of 12 semester hours in the major at Mount Mercy. A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree will be awarded. Students planning to pursue teacher education should follow the program guidelines within the Education section of this catalog and contact an advisor in the Education major for assistance.
Academic Requirements
A grade of C or above (C- does not count) in each course counted toward the major or minor including PS 101 Introductory Psychology. Other options for the study of psychology include the Sport, Health, and Exercise Psychology minor and endorsements in Elementary and Secondary Education.
Students pursuing a major in Psychology and a minor in Sport, Health, and Exercise Psychology will only be able to double-count three courses towards both degrees. This includes:
- PS 101 Introductory Psychology
- Two courses from different categories (i.e., “Perspectives,” “Focused,” or “Topics”)
As a result, students must take at least three courses that only count for the SHEP minor.
Students are not allowed to double major between Psychology and Psychology - Education.
Psychology Minor
| PS 101 | Introductory Psychology | 3 |
| PS 124 | Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| One Perspectives course: | 3 | |
| Sport Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Coaching | ||
| Classic Theories of Personality | ||
| Introduction To Counseling | ||
| Critical Perspectives in Sport and Physical Activity | ||
| One Focus course: | 3 | |
| Stress Management | ||
| Exercise Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Health Psychology: Health & Wellness Applied | ||
| Biological Psychology | ||
| Psychology of Sport Injury and Rehabilitation | ||
| Cognitive Neuroscience | ||
| One Topics course: | 3 | |
| Psychology of the Middle School Student | ||
or PS 215 | Adolescent Psychology | |
| Basic Helping Skills | ||
| Industrial/Organizational Psychology | ||
| Directed Readings in Psychology | ||
or PS 402 | Directed Readings in Psychology | |
or PS 403 | Directed Readings in Psychology | |
| Psychology in Practicum | ||
or PS 413 | Internship in Psychology | |
| Research Seminar | ||
| Independent Study in Psychology | ||
or PS 442 | Independent Study in Psychology | |
or PS 443 | Independent Study in Psychology | |
| Any college-level statistics course: * | 3 | |
| Basic Statistics | ||
| Business Statistics | ||
| Total Hours | 18 | |
| * | A additional college-level statistics course is not required if a student completes BI 125 Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry I, BI 125L Biostatistics and Scientific Investigation I, BI 126 Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry II, and BI 127 Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry III at Mount Mercy University with a grade of "C" or better in each course. |
Sports, Health, and Exercise Psychology (SHEP) Minor
For full details on this minor see the Sports, Health, and Exercise Psychology page.
Academic Requirements
A course from either the Perspectives or Focus courses may also count toward the Topics course requirement.
A grade of 'C' or above (C- does not count) must be earned in each course counted toward the major or minor (including PS 101 Introductory Psychology). Other options for the study of psychology include endorsements in Elementary and Secondary Education.
Students cannot pursue BOTH the psychology minor AND the SHEP minor.
The following is the typical sequence of courses required for the major*:
| Freshman | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| PS 101 | 3 | Elective | 3 | PS 124 | 3 |
| Portal | 3 | Literature Domain | 3 | ||
| Writing Competency | 3 | MA 135 | 3 | ||
| BI 123 or 1251 | 4 | CO 101 | 3 | ||
| Self and Society Domain | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 3 | 12 | |||
| Sophomore | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| PS 221 | 3 | PS 349 or 286 | 3 | PS 215 | 3 |
| PS 259 | 3 | Global Awareness Domain | 3 | ||
| Historical Roots Domain | 3 | Religion Domain | 3 | ||
| Holistic Health Domain | 3 | Fine Arts Domain | 3 | ||
| Elective | 3 | Elective | 3 | ||
| 15 | 3 | 15 | |||
| Junior | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| PS 319 | 3 | PS 349 or 286 | 3 | PS 345 | 4 |
| PS 325 | 4 | PS 371 | 3 | ||
| PS 306 | 3 | Philosophy Domain | 3 | ||
| SW 245 | 3 | Two Electives | 6 | ||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| 16 | 3 | 16 | |||
| Senior | |||||
| Fall | Hours | Winter | Hours | Spring | Hours |
| Four Electives | 12 | N/A | PS 413 | 3 | |
| PS 450 | 3 | ||||
| ME 450 | 1 | ||||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| Elective | 3 | ||||
| 12 | 0 | 13 | |||
| Total Hours: 124 | |||||
Note: Elective courses could be used for a second major, a minor, a course of interest, internship or study abroad experience.
| 1 | Students who elect to take BI 125 Foundations of Biology & Scientific Inquiry I will also need to complete BI 125L Biostatistics and Scientific Investigation I. |
*Disclaimer
The course offerings, requirements, and policies of Mount Mercy University are under continual examination and revision. This Catalog presents the offerings, requirements, and policies in effect at the time of publication and in no way guarantees that the offerings, requirements, and policies will not change.
This plan of study represents a typical sequence of courses required for this major. It may not be applicable to every student. Students should contact a department faculty member to be sure of appropriate course sequence.
Courses
PS 101 Introductory Psychology: 3 semester hours
This first course gives a broad overview of the field of psychology. Major areas studied include the physiological basis of thought and action, perception of the environment, learning, motivation, behavior disorders, and behavior in groups. Though basic concepts and principles are stressed, the student is introduced to a variety of approaches to the subject matter of psychology. The student also becomes acquainted with some of the methods psychologists use to answer questions about behavior and mental processes. Students may have the opportunity to serve as research participants. Prerequisite for all other psychology courses. (Offered fall and spring semesters).
PS 102 Orientation To Psychology: 1 semester hour
This course includes and introduction to the psychology department's curriculum and objectives, opportunities for campus involvement and community service, and career exploration in psychology. Topics include strategies for a successful transition to Mount Mercy and for achieving academic success, exploration of careers in psychology, strategies for resolving career indecision and strategies for implementing a career choice. (Offered fall semester).
PS 124 Developmental Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course provides a comprehensive overview of normal human development throughout the entire life span. Similarities and differences in the normal biological, cognitive, social and emotional development of humans will be studied. Prerequisite: PS 101. (offered fall and spring semesters).
PS 205 Psychology Of Adjustment: 3 semester hours
The focus of this course is on the study of the problems and processes of psychological adjustment to the stresses, conflict, anxieties, and frustrations of life today. This course focuses on several topics in depth: Stress and stress management, self-esteem, communication, relationships, and work adjustment. Student participation is required. (This course does not count toward the major. It counts toward the holistic health domain of the core curriculum).
PS 210 Stress Management: 3 semester hours
This multidisciplinary course examines stress from physiological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. Topics include the mind-body relationship, stress and disease, sociocultural inequities in stress/health, occupational stress, exercise and stress, and a multitude of interventions (e.g., breathing, progressive muscular relaxation, meditation, imagery, assertiveness training). This course may also include a number of physical activity days (e.g., yoga, recreational games, weight training).
PS 211 Sport Psychology: 3 semester hours
The purpose of this course is to provide students interested in sport psychology with an overview of the theories and principles that explain factors which influence human behavior in the sport context. According to the American Psychological Association Division 47, sport psychology addresses the interactions between psychology and sport performance, including the psychological aspects of optimal athletic performance, the psychological care and well-being of athletes, coaches, and sport organizations, and the connection between physical and psychological functioning. Sport psychology practitioners focus primarily on: 1) Helping individuals use psychological principles and skills to achieve optimal mental health and to improve performance; and 2) Understanding how participation in sport affects their psychological development, health, and well-being. Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 212 Exercise Psychology: 3 semester hours
The psychological aspects of exercise and physical activity are examined from an interdisciplinary perspective. Topics include exercise and mood, psychophysiological benefits of exercise, exercise adherence, mindfulness interventions, exercise addiction, eating disorders, group dynamics in exercise, and sociocultural perspectives of physical activity. This class will also involve active participation in a wide array of physical activities (e.g., weight training, recreational games, yoga). Prerequisite: PS 101.
PS 214 Psychology of the Middle School Student: 3 semester hours
This class will examine the social, emotional, physical and cognitive development of children in middle school. Students in this course will learn about the unique needs, abilities, and interests of middle school-aged students as they experience conflicting societal expectations and options. Prerequisites: PS 101 and PS 124. (Students cannot receive credit for both PS 214 and PS 215).
PS 215 Adolescent Psychology: 3 semester hours
The focus of this course will be on the social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development of persons aged 13-20. The course will examine how the concept of adolescence has changed over the years, and how families, peers, school, and the culture influence adolescent development. In addition, the course will examine in depth a number of problems facing today's teenager like drug use, sexual activity, and violence. Prerequisite PS 101 and PS 124. (Students cannot receive credit for both PS 214 and PS 215).
PS 221 Social Psychology: 3 semester hours
Social psychology focuses on human social relationships. This course studies the influence of others on individual behavior and attitudes, various sorts of interaction between individuals, and behavior of people in groups. Topics include conformity, helping behavior, persuasion, social cognition, attitude formation and change, aggression, sex roles, prejudice, and attraction. Prerequisite PS 101. (Offered fall and spring semesters).
PS 259 Health Psychology: Health & Wellness Applied: 3 semester hours
Health psychology is devoted to understanding psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill, and how they respond when they get ill. This course will explore the interface between biopsychological theory/research and health-related issues (e.g., stress, coping, behavior change) among healthy and clinical cohorts (e.g., cancer, diabetes, chronic pain). Prerequisite: PS 101 and PS 124.
PS 286 Biological Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course involves an overview of biological explanations of behavior. The course begins with a description of the dynamic activity of neurons and the basic anatomy of the nervous system. Building upon this foundation, topics include: methods of investigation, drugs and behavior, development and evolution of the brain, sensory and motor processes, waking and sleeping, hunger and thirst, sexual behavior, learning and memory, emotions, mood disorders, and schizophrenia. Prerequisites: PS 101 and BI 125 or BI 126 or Permission of instructor. (offered January term).
PS 306 Abnormal Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course is an overview of disorganized states of human functioning, including disorders of mood, thought, and behavior. This course follows the DSM system of classification, while explaining disorders from various perspectives. Prerequisites: PS 101 and at least two other psychology courses, plus junior or senior status. Students are strongly encouraged to take PS 286 and PS 319 prior to taking PS 306. (Offered fall semester).
PS 311 Psychology of Coaching: 3 semester hours
Psychosocial factors affecting the performance and well-being of athletes and teams are addressed with an emphasis on the coaching role. Topics include the coach-athlete relationship, coachability, motor skill learning, communication, cohesion, psychological skills training, gender and culture, hazing, injury, and staleness/burnout. This course builds on foundational concepts and theories covered in PS 211 to include discussion of practical strategies for enhancing the effectiveness of coaches, teachers, team captains, and other leaders in the sport and exercise context. Prerequisite: PS 211.
PS 315 Psychology of Sport Injury and Rehabilitation: 3 semester hours
This course examines the role of psychological factors in the occurrence, prevention, and rehabilitation of sport injuries. Psychological considerations of each injury phase (e.g., reaction to injury, rehabilitation, and return to play) are discussed. Mental strategies for decreasing recovery time and enhancing psychological well-being are also addressed. Prerequisite: PS 211.
PS 319 Classic Theories of Personality: 3 semester hours
The study of major personality theorists who did most of their theorizing prior to 1970 including early key psychoanalysts, behaviorists, trait theorists, and humanist. The focus will be on the theories of individual theorists. Topics include normal and abnormal psychology functioning, personality development, and research done on these theories. Representative assessment devices will be demonstrated and selected research will be noted. Along with textbook, students will be asked to read selected portions of theorists own writings. Prerequisite: PS 101. (Offered fall semester).
PS 325 Statistics For Behavioral Sciences: 4 semester hours
This course involves application observational and survey methods, and it includes use of statistical procedures within the context of correlation research. Reading empirical literature and writing summaries of statistical analyses are emphasized. Use of computer Software (SPPS) is integrated throughout the course. Topics include descriptive statistics, estimation, hypothesis testing, t tests effect size, power analysis, bivariate correlation/regression, multiple correlation/regression and a brief introduction to nonparametric tests. A student-designed project will include research design, data collection, statistical analysis, preparation of a research report, and a formal presentation. Prerequisite: PS 101 and junior standing. Students should have the equivalent of one year of high school algebra before enrolling in PS 325. Completion of MA 135 (Basic Statistics) before PS 325 is strongly recommended. (Offered fall semester).
PS 345 Psychological Research Methods: 4 semester hours
This course includes use of statistical methods within the context of experimental research. Emphasis includes reading and evaluation of research articles, written summaries of statistical analyses, proposing and conducting experimental research, and APA-style research reports. Use of computer software (SPSS) is integrated throughout the course. Topics include hypothesis testing, one-and two-way analysis of variance, multiple-comparison tests, power analysis, effect size, and several research designs: randomized groups, within-subjects, and mixed factorial. A student-designed project will include research design, data collection, statistical analysis, preparation of a research report, and a formal presentation. Prerequisite: PS 101 and PS 325 (with a letter grade of at least a C-). (Offered spring semester).
PS 349 Industrial/Organizational Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course involves a general orientation to the field and is designed to familiarize students with application of psychological principles and theory in the workplace. Topics include methods of investigation, job analysis, employee selection, training, performance appraisal, employee motivation and job satisfaction. Prerequisites: PS 101. (Offered winter term).
PS 371 Introduction To Counseling: 3 semester hours
This course introduces students to various aspects of the counseling field. The course will focus on professional and ethical issues in counseling, and on major theoretical approaches to individual counseling. Attention will be given to evidence-based practice in counseling. Various approaches to counseling will be demonstrated. Prerequisites: PS 101, and junior or senior status. It is strongly recommended that students have completed SW 245, PS 306, and PS 319 prior to taking PS 371. (Offered spring semester).
PS 385 Cognitive Neuroscience: 3 semester hours
This course includes the study of mental processes based on information processing and cognitive neuroscience models. Topics include methods of investigation, visual and auditory processing, language, speech, working memory and long-term memory, autobiographical memory, executive processes, and consciousness. A brief introduction to affective and social neuroscience is included. Prerequisites: PS 101 and BI 123 or BI 125. (Offered fall semester).
PS 390 Critical Perspectives in Sport and Physical Activity: 3 semester hours
This interdisciplinary and seminar-style course will provide an overview of critical perspectives by examining marginalized topics and populations in sport psychology. Students will be encouraged to think beyond traditional Western ways of knowing and doing and conceive of alternative ways of viewing the practices of sport and physical activity. Likewise, students will be asked to reflect on how the Critical Concerns are (or can be) embedded within sport and physical activity contexts. Topics include gender, race, class, sexuality, ability, advocacy for social change, the business of college sports, and the performance enhancement agenda. Prerequisite: PS 211 or PS 212 or permission of instructor if being used as elective in Diversity Studies or Gender Studies minor.
PS 401 Directed Readings in Psychology: 1 semester hour
This course may be initiated by an instructor or by a student or group of students on a topic of special need or interest. Prerequisites: PS 325, PS 345 (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major, junior or senior status, courses related to reading objectives, and written consent of the instructor and the Department of Psychology. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding expected enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic.
PS 402 Directed Readings in Psychology: 2 semester hours
This course may be initiated by an instructor or by a student or group of students on a topic of special need or interest. Prerequisites: PS 325, PS 345 (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major, junior or senior status, courses related to reading objectives, and written consent of the instructor and the Department of Psychology. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding expected enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic.
PS 403 Directed Readings in Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course may be initiated by an instructor or by a student or group of students on a topic of special need or interest. Prerequisites: PS 325, 345 (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major, junior or senior status, courses related to reading objectives, and written consent of the instructor and the Department of Psychology. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding expected enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic.
PS 411 Psychology in Practicum: 1 semester hour
This course provides a brief opportunity for professional interaction in selected agencies or institutions under the supervision of a field professional. The student could take PS 413 (3 credit hours) at the same agency site in addition to this course, but for no more than four semester hours of internship in total. The amount of credit signifies the amount of time the student is at the agency. PS 411 (1 credit hour) implies being at an agency for three to four hours per week. This course is designated Pass/Fail by the instructor. Prerequisites: (1) permission of the department; (2) sophomore or higher standing; (3) completion of at least three psychology courses; and (4) a minimum of 3.00 in both overall GPA and in all psychology courses. Formal application must be made in the semester prior to the internship (offered fall, spring and summer terms).
PS 413 Internship in Psychology: 3 semester hours
This course provides a concentrated opportunity for professional interaction in selected agencies or institutions under the supervision of a professional in the field. The student could take PS 411 at the same agency site in addition to this course, but for no more than four semester hours of internship in total. The amount of credit signifies the amount of time the student is at the agency. PS 413 (3 credit hours) implies being at an agency for ten to twelve hours per week (e.g., 120 hours/semester). This course is designated Pass/Fail by the instructor. Prerequisites: (1) permission of the department; (2) completion of at least five psychology courses; (3) completion of PS 306 and SW 245 [or have permission of the instructor]; (4) a minimum of 3.00 in both overall GPA and in all psychology courses; and (5) junior or higher standing. Formal application must be made in the semester prior to the internship (offered fall, spring and summer terms).
PS 425 Research Seminar: 3 semester hours
This course will give students experience with the entire research process. As a class, students will design and implement a research study. In addition, the class will gain experience at analyzing data and preparing the study for presentation at a psychological conference. Prerequisite: Psychology major or minor, junior or senior standing, and PS 325 and PS 345 with a grade of B- or better. This course is offered every couple of years.
PS 441 Independent Study in Psychology: 1 semester hour
Prerequisites: PS 325, PS 345, (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major and junior or senior status. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic. (See Independent Study section).
PS 442 Independent Study in Psychology: 2 semester hours
Prerequisites: PS 325, PS 345, (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major and junior or senior status. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic. (See Independent Study section).
PS 443 Independent Study in Psychology: 3 semester hours
Prerequisites: PS 325, 345, (with a grade of B- or better), psychology major and junior or senior status. Formal application must be made to the department during or at the end of the semester preceding enrollment (no later than one week after final exams). Credit is variable (up to 3 semester hours), depending upon the scope of the topic. (See Independent Study section).
PS 450 Senior Seminar: 3 semester hours
This course is designed as the final psychology course for psychology majors. In this seminar, students will review the entire field of psychology and study in-depth a number of topics selected by the class. Through discussion, guest lectures, and student presentations, students will have the opportunity to integrate, synthesize and apply the knowledge and skills they have gained from other courses. Prerequisites: Senior psychology major, PS 325 and PS 345. (PS 345 may be waived after consultation with instructor. (Offered fall and spring semesters).