Psychology Courses | 2025-2026 Graduate Catalog | SIU

This course is an extensive review of psychology concepts as they relate to medicine and medical training. The overall goal of this course is to provide review of psychology concepts as they appear in the new form of the MCAT.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as CCJ 405, PSYC 505) This course surveys psychological theory and research as applied to the cognitions, emotions, and behavior of individuals in the legal system. The implications of social psychology for legal settings, such as police departments, courtrooms, and jury rooms are explored.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to the major theoretical issues in learning and their importance. A brief review of the history of such problems will be followed by a summary of the current research concerning these issues. Traditional figures in learning theory will be considered within the context of their positions on specific questions. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 and PSYC 309 or equivalent or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

A review of the conceptual and empirical antecedents of modern psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 211. Restricted to 4th Year or graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

The class provides an overview of major areas of Evolutionary Psychology and consideration of recent topics from related fields. Key concepts and principles of evolutionary psychology will be discussed in relation to cognitive, biological/neurological, developmental, personality, and social psychology. Topics include (but are not limited to): historical foundations of evolutionary psychology, research methods, problems of survival, challenges of sex, mating and marriage, parenting and kinship, group cooperation and conflict, and the applications of evolutionary psychology to modern life. Classic and recent theories and research findings will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 with a grade of C or better.

Credit Hours: 3

An in-depth coverage of practical problems concerned with training to which the principles of learning derived from pure laboratory investigations can be applied. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 and PSYC 309 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the effects of drugs on the normal and abnormal behavior of humans and animals. A primary focus is upon understanding drug influences on behavior in relation to actions on the nervous and endocrine systems. Prerequisite: PSYC 302 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 4

A survey of experimental animal and human clinical research as they relate to behavioral recovery following damage in the central nervous system. Recent theories and literature are stressed. Prerequisite: PSYC 302 or consent of instructor, or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will serve as an advanced discussion on the research related to the neuroscience of how learning and memory operate. Topics will discuss how the principles surrounding learning and memory are explained in terms of cellular, neural systems, and behavioral levels. Prerequisite: PSYC 302 or consent of instructor or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Provides an overview of the experimental and quantitative methods used in studying behavioral differences associated with genetic variables. Elementary aspects of genetics will be included in the course, which will examine several aspects of both human and nonhuman behavior. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 or consent of instructor, or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Topics in industrial and organizational psychology; applications of psychology to human resource management, such as job analysis, performance appraisal systems, personnel selection and training. Prerequisite: PSYC 211.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to measurement theory and test development. Detailed coverage of selected tests from such areas as intelligence, aptitude and personality, and the use of psychological tests in various settings. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will provide a comprehensive overview of key concepts in parenting, the nature of parenting across the lifespan and specific challenges for parents with children in each of the developmental stages. We will discuss effective strategies for addressing these challenges in addition to programs and approaches that demonstrate a strong evidence base. Special focus will additionally be given to diversity issues, parenting in high risk families and in families with exceptional children. Prerequisites: PSYC 102, PSYC 301, or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

An advanced presentation of theoretical and empirical issues in contemporary psychopathology research. Explores the role empirical research plays in understanding the features of major psychological disorders and their treatment. Provides a broad understanding of the many factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of abnormal behaviors. Prerequisite: PSYC 211, PSYC 331 or consent of instructor or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

An extensive review and systematic evaluation of theories and research pertaining to the behavior disorders of childhood. Emphasis will be upon empirical data and the implications of these data for the classification and treatment of these disorders. Prerequisite: PSYC 211, PSYC 301, PSYC 311 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced presentation of theoretical and research issues related to current issues in personality psychology. The overarching focus of the course is presentation and discussion of a scientific approach to understanding what personality is, how it can be measured, how it develops and how it relates to various aspects of individual functioning. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as LING 443) Examines the linguistic, psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic and educational aspects of bilingualism, particularly as pertaining to the care and education of bilingual children. Useful for teachers, speech therapists, doctors, psychologists, counselors, and others working with bilinguals. Practical applications and data-based research. Prerequisite: PSYC 211.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as LING 444) Introduction to key concepts and major theoretical and methodological issues in SLA research. Examines major developments in SLA in the areas of phonology, morphology, lexis, syntax, semantics, pragmatics, and discourse and provides students with hands-on experience in describing and accounting for L2 data. An opportunity to design and implement a data-based study in an area of interest to students. Prerequisite: PSYC 102 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as LING 445) A broad spectrum introduction to psycholinguistics. Topics to be covered include general methodology for the study of psycholinguistics, the nature of language, theories of human communication, language comprehension and production, first and second language acquisition, meaning and thought, natural animal communication systems, and language and the brain.

Credit Hours: 3

An assessment of concepts, methods, and research techniques within selected topic areas of developmental psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 and PSYC 301, or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

This course explores a variety of areas in developmental psychology that involve some controversy, from infancy through adolescence. Issues central to understanding developmental psychology as a discipline or specific areas of research within developmental psychology will also be considered.

Credit Hours: 3

Critical examination of contemporary theories and research in social psychology. Practice in application of scientific findings to real-life problems of individuals and groups. Issues treated in depth are chosen for relevance to student's personal needs and career interests. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 and PSYC 307 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as AFR 472) This course reviews the history and evolution of the construct of race as a psychological phenomenon. While the course will be largely psychological in nature, the pervasiveness of race in practically every sphere of life necessitates a multidisciplinary approach. The course will emphasize a theoretical and conceptual approach toward understanding the psychology of racialized thinking. Prerequisite: PSYC 211.

Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the academic field of judgment and decision making, its major methods, theories, results, and controversies. We will examine the generality of experimental results across various domains including gambling, clinical prediction, perception of randomness, and medical decision making. Prerequisite: PSYC 211 or graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as CCJ 480) Exploration and evaluation of correctional intervention strategies developed for the sentencing of adjudicated persons. Particular emphasis on examining empirical research literature on effective correctional practices, including programs currently implemented in institutional settings, alternatives to institutional corrections, and community based programs. Prerequisite: PSYC 211.

Credit Hours: 3

Varied content. Offered as need exists and as faculty interests and time permit. Prerequisite: PSYC 211. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

(Same as CCJ 405, PSYC 405) This course surveys psychological theory and research as applied to the cognitions, emotions, and behavior of individuals in the legal system. The implications of social psychology for legal settings, such as police departments, courtrooms, and jury rooms are explored.

Credit Hours: 3

Review of new and traditional theories and research findings within social psychology. Provides an overview of major areas of study and consideration of more recent topics of study. Topics include (but are not limited to) cultural and evolutionary perspectives in social psychology, motivation, social cognition, self-knowledge, person-perception, cognitive consistency, attitudes, intergroup relationships, stereotyping, and group behavior. Restricted to graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

A review of conceptual and empirical antecedents of modern psychology. Students research and summarize topics on 20th Century systematic developments. Restricted to graduate status in Psychology.

Credit Hours: 3

The class provides an overview of major areas of Evolutionary Psychology and consideration of recent topics from related fields. Key concepts and principles of evolutionary psychology will be discussed in relation to cognitive, biological/neurological, developmental, personality, and social psychology. Topics include (but are not limited to): historical foundations of evolutionary psychology, research methods, problems of survival, challenges of sex, mating and marriage, parenting and kinship, group cooperation and conflict, and the applications of evolutionary psychology to modern life. Classic and recent theories and research findings will be discussed. Students who completed PSYC 410 are not eligible to enroll. Restricted to Graduate Student Status.

Credit Hours: 3

Reviews principles of learning and memory. Covers both human and animal research literature from experimental and theoretical perspectives.

Credit Hours: 3

An advanced study of neuroanatomical and neurophysiological principles underlying behavior. Topics covered include structure and function of neurons, synaptic transmission, sensory processing, motor control, development and plasticity of the nervous system and other current topics in neurobiology. Prerequisite: PSYC 302 or equivalent. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

A detailed survey of current studies of attention, short-term memory and thought processes. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic functioning of the nervous system, detailed gross anatomy and dissection of the human brain, functional disorders following brain damage, noninvasive cranial nerve examination. The course includes a lab component. Restricted to graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as GRON 517) A detailed survey of current methodology, research and theory dealing with cognitive and memory processes in later adulthood. Topics covered include attention, memory, reasoning and problem solving, language processing and inference and age-associated pathologies affecting cognition and memory. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A detailed survey of the effects of drugs on the normal and abnormal behaviors of humans and animals. A primary focus is upon understanding drug influences on behavior in relation to actions on the nervous system, endocrine system and behavior pathology. Students review and summarize original research in the area. Restricted to graduate status in psychology or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

A survey of the theories and methods of training that have resulted from research in the areas of learning and memory. Students will review some of the very recent methods as well as those that are better developed. Practice will be provided. Prerequisite: PSYC 309 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as QUAN 508) In-depth coverage of the rationale underlying the design and analysis of complex experimental designs used in psychological research. Restricted to Psychology graduate students.

Credit Hours: 4

Discussion of problems in experimental and quasi-experimental design, control and analysis that are encountered by researchers and professional psychologists. The course covers critical evaluation of internal, construct, and external validity and the application of randomized and non-randomized designs for causal inference. Passive-observational and qualitative designs are covered at the instructor's discretion. Examples of current research practice from applied, counseling and clinical psychology are reviewed. Restricted to graduate status in psychology or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Detailed treatment of multiple-factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Also includes introduction to other multivariate methods such as discriminant analysis and cluster analysis. Prerequisite: PSYC 522. Restricted to Psychology graduate students.

Credit Hours: 4

(Same as QUAN 531) Intensive coverage of such topics in test theory as item analysis, reliability, validity, problems of weighting in differential prediction, and problems in selection and classification. Prerequisite: PSYC 421 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a basic foundation of research skills. The course includes extensive reading in counseling psychology research and coverage of research design, specific research techniques, technical writing and research ethics.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will introduce multivariate analyses such as structural equation modeling, hierarchical linear modeling and latent curve analysis, with additional topics addressed dependent upon student interest (e.g., missing data, categorical and/or dyadic data analysis). After presenting conceptual information on latent variable analysis, the course will focus on the application of advanced analytic techniques. Understanding of correlation and regression is essential for this course. Prerequisite: graduate level multivariate statistics course.

Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the major theories of personality and systems of counseling and psychotherapy. Stresses relationship between theory and application. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to a variety of area agencies with each student affiliating with two agencies at least two days per week. Individual and group supervision with special attention to the variety of clinically related problems and approaches to treatment encountered in the course of their activities. Required for clinical students. Restricted to psychology graduate students in clinical or counseling.

Credit Hours: 1-3

An extensive review and systematic evaluation of clinical methods including desensitization, assertion training, cognitive restructuring, and conditioning strategies. Restricted to graduate status (clinical/counseling) or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Surveys the following issues and content areas in psychopathology: categorical and dimensional models and definitions of psychopathology, anxiety and related disorders, depressive disorders, schizophrenia spectrum and psychotic disorders, substance-related disorders, and personality disorders. Also reviews diagnostic procedures, including differential diagnosis. This course is required for all clinical students within their first two years. Restricted to psychology graduate students or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

An introduction to counseling psychology as a professional specialty. Professional and ethical issues in the training and work of counseling psychologists are examined. Basic counseling skills are acquired through practice interviewing. Restricted to psychology graduate students or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 4

An advanced level course designed to help students grapple with the more complex issues of psychological practice in today's health care system. Students will practice comprehensive treatment planning and outcome management that is theoretically driven and evidence-based. Students will also gain specific knowledge and skills related to delivering therapy in a culturally relevant and time-limited manner. Restricted to psychology graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Didactic presentation of group dynamics and group counseling/therapy. Restricted to Psychology graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Basic theory, practice and research on psychological assessment with emphasis on objective, validated measures of intelligence and personality. Includes one hour laboratory section. Restricted to psychology graduate status. Course fee: $100.

Credit Hours: 4

Basic theory, research, and practice in the psychological assessment of children's learning and emotional problems. Prerequisite: PSYC 540. Restricted to psychology graduate standing. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Practical experience at conceptualizing psychopathology from a standard clinical test battery and in writing clinically meaningful test reports. Prerequisite: PSYC 540. Restricted to Psychology graduate standing. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Overview of the development of neuropsychology from signs to test batteries and methodology. Prerequisite: PSYC 540. Restricted to psychology graduate status. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduces students to vocational psychology as an area of academic inquiry. Topics include theories of career development, occupational information, career assessment, research issues, and career counseling techniques. Restricted to graduate standing.

Credit Hours: 3

(See WGSS 550)

Credit Hours: 3

Advanced consideration of current methods, research, and theory in development psychology with emphasis on infancy through adolescence. Includes integration of social, developmental, and biological aspects of child development, with particular attention paid to social and personality development and parent-child relations. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course helps students increase their awareness of the importance of cross-cultural differences in psychology. The course also integrates theory and research from different fields of psychology (e.g., biological, social, developmental, cognitive, psychopathology) from the cross-cultural perspective. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Theories of human development, as well as current research trends and methodologies, will be examined from a life-span perspective.

Credit Hours: 3

Current theoretical problems in language and cognitive developments are investigated from the perspective of psychology, physiology, linguistics and computer simulations. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Survey and analysis of traditional and contemporary approaches to individual child psychotherapy. Includes psychodynamic, humanistic-nondirective, hypnotherapy-imagery and other perspectives as well as therapy outcome research. Restricted to psychology graduate status. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A lecture-discussion course which presents the major theoretical and empirical literature in the area of adult personality and social development. Students are encouraged to apply normal developmental constructs to understand individual adults, as well as to gain competence in research methods in this area. Restricted to psychology graduate students or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Survey and analysis of behavioral and cognitive-behavioral approaches to the treatment of child psychopathology. Restricted to psychology graduate status. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Presentation of the theories and techniques of psychotherapy supervision, as well as cultural, ethical and legal issues in supervision. Students will also provide individual supervision to beginning counselors and receive supervision of their supervision. Restricted to psychology graduate status.

Credit Hours: 3

Discusses specific characteristics of adolescent psychopathology, techniques for psychological assessment, common and empirically supported treatment approaches. Restricted to psychology graduate students or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Review of experimental and quasi-experimental designs for assessment of program impact. Discussion of design, logistic, and political implementation problems. Detailed examination of a number of attempts at program evaluation. Prerequisite: 500-level statistics course.

Credit Hours: 3

In-depth examination of theoretical and research literature in organizational psychology. Topics include, but are not limited to, theory and research literature on work motivation, job attitudes, leadership, group processes, organizational stress and women and minorities in the work place. Restricted to graduate status in psychology or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course will explore the interface between psychological theory and research and health issues including health behavior, prevention and intervention, stress and coping, management of chronic and terminal illness, health care service utilization, and patient/provider interaction. Graduate standing required.

Credit Hours: 3

Consulting firm which provides applied research experiences for advanced graduate students on planning, data gathering, evaluation, and decision making projects for units of university and area agencies and businesses. Students exercise decision making power in all aspects of the firm: project solicitation, fee setting, expenditures. Graded S/U only. Prerequisite: PSYC 571 or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-3

Surveys the major theories, methods, and data in the field of human cognitive development, with a particular emphasis on the qualitative changes that occur during infancy and early childhood. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

A survey of the problem areas to which applied experimental psychology is applicable and of the principal methods employed by applied experimental psychologists. Integration of these approaches within a comprehensive metatheory. Various case studies apply the information to actual and simulated application problems. Includes presentations of current research by faculty and graduate students. Required for all Applied Psychology students until successful completion of preliminary exams and/or advisors' approval.

Credit Hours: 1-2

Discussions of various research topics within the brain and cognitive sciences. Presentations of current research by faculty and graduate students.

Credit Hours: 1

This course will give an in-depth treatment of modern theories and practice of personnel selection. Students will learn about the psychological variables used in personnel selection as well as how to apply these findings in modern organizations. Course content will include individual difference traits related to subsequent job performance, methods used to select employees, personnel selection practices, adverse impact, and other related topics. Restricted to graduate students in Psychology or instructor's permission.

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the good, the bad and the ugly with groups and teams, with an emphasis on group dynamics and performance. Topics include: leadership, group composition and performance, group decision-making, ostracism, minority influence, groups and technology, and creativity. Restricted to graduate students in psychology or permission of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Introduction to computational modeling of cognitive processes. Covers theoretical and methodological issues in computational simulations of psychological behavior. Lectures and practical simulation assignments. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as LING 541) Introduction to key concepts and major theoretical and methodological issues in second language acquisition. Major developments in SLA in the areas of phonology, morphology, lexis, syntax, semantics and discourse and provides students with hands-on experience in describing and accounting for second language data. Prerequisite: Introduction to linguistics or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

(Same as LING 543) A comprehensive introduction to the study of bilingualism. Course will examine the linguistics, psycholinguistic, sociolinguistic and educational aspects of bilingualism, particularly as pertaining to the care and education of bilingual children. Prerequisite: one previous course in linguistics or consent of instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Provides an integrative exploration of the relations among cognition, affect and behavior (CAB). Foundations of this integration are provided, including examination of basic principles, experimental evidence, and biological bases. Emphases will be placed on learning, stability, self-regulation, and change of CAB, and relationships to individual differences, personality, psychopathology, and genetically influenced temperaments. Restricted to psychology graduate student status or instructor permission.

Credit Hours: 3

An extensive review and systematic evaluation of theories and research pertaining to developmental psychopathology. Emphasis will be on empirical data and the implications of these data for the classification and treatment of disorders. Restricted to graduate status. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to pediatric psychology. Clinical and research applications to working with youth and their families in medical settings will be covered. Topics include clinical roles and settings in pediatric psychology, pediatric medical and developmental conditions and role of the pediatric psychologist, consultation-liaison in the pediatric medical setting, assessment and intervention approaches for children with medical conditions, and ethical issues in pediatric psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 556 or PSYC 559. Restricted to psychology graduate student status or instructor permission.

Credit Hours: 3

Seminars of varied content for advanced students. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-18

Required seminar for first-year graduate students enrolled in the Clinical Psychology program. Graded S/U. Restricted to psychology graduate status.

Credit Hours: 1

Readings in selected topics in psychology under staff supervision. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Research under staff supervision in selected areas of psychology. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-24

Practicum experience in a professional setting is offered under staff supervision. Introduction to the professional skills and issues of clinical psychology, including ethics, interviewing, change processes, diversity issues. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Practicum experience in a professional setting is offered under staff supervision. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-16

Practicum experience in a professional setting is offered under staff supervision. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-16

Practicum experience in a professional setting is offered under staff supervision. Graded S/U only. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 1-16

Placement in an approved setting required of all students in clinical and counseling psychology. Graded S/U only. Restricted to psychology graduate students.

Credit Hours: 1-12

Experience given in research, teaching, or clinical or counseling activities. One hour required each semester of residence. Graded S/U only. Restricted to psychology graduate students.

Credit Hours: 1-15

The code of ethics in professional practice, in teaching and research; problems and issues of the field are discussed; and relations to other professions and the public are considered. Special approval needed from the instructor.

Credit Hours: 3

Credit Hours: 1-6

Credit Hours: 1-16

For those graduate students who have not finished their degree programs and who are in the process of working on their dissertation, thesis, or research paper. The student must have completed a minimum of 24 hours of dissertation research, or the minimum thesis, or research hours before being eligible to register for this course. Concurrent enrollment in any other course is not permitted. Graded S/U or DEF only.

Credit Hours: 1