PS 500 Research and Evaluation
Provides an overview of various research approaches, methods and techniques, with an emphasis on interpretation of published research data. Topics include methods of data analysis, research designs, data collection techniques, and writing research reports. (3)
PS 501 Bases of Psychopathology
Examines various contemporary views of abnormal behavior such as the medical, behavioristic, and humanistic models, and theories of personality. Disorders are examined in terms of individual, biological, and socially causative factors. Must be completed prior to or concurrent with any clinical and professional skills courses. (3)
PS 507 Applied Social Psychology
Focusing on how social and individual factors influence behavior, the course addresses topics such as attitudes, conformity, prejudice, relationship formation, sex roles, age, and cultural and ethnic influences. (3)
PS 511 Psychoeducational Assessment and Instructional Programming
Designed to help the teacher develop techniques of formal and informal assessment, data collection and interpretation, and individual educational planning for exceptional learners. Clinical practice in use of appraisal instruments is provided. (3)
PS 516 Adolescent Psychology
The purpose of this course is to develop an advanced level of understanding of theoretical and practical knowledge of adolescent psychology and how it relates to human growth and development. Emphasis is on helping the student to understand and apply the results of research studies to current issues facing today’s adolescents. Biological, emotional, psychological, cognitive, and social development will be examined along with critical issues and topics determined by the interest of the class. (3)
PS 517 Neuropsychological Issues, Treatments, and Assessments
The impact of biological and physiological factors on human psychological functioning is investigated with primary focus on how these factors impact on the etiology of psychiatric disorders. Assessment of neurophysiological factors and available treatment options also are discussed. (3)
PS 519 Personality Theories
A systematic study and analysis of the major theoretical approaches to the study of personality, personality development, and individual differences. Particular emphasis is given to applications of these theories to current situations. (3)
PS 529 Psychopathology of Childhood and Adolescence
A systematic study of behavioral and emotional disorders in children and adolescents including identification of factors impacting on deviance: genetic, biological, cognitive, familial, and social. (3)
PS 580 Foundations of Forensic Psychology
Introduces the students to the field of forensic psychology. Basic areas covered are an overview of the American legal system; an overview of the American mental health system; legal research and writing; psychological research and writing; academic integrity and ethical issues in forensic psychology; legal ethics; locating and applying for an internship; security clearances, career issues, and networking; understanding the Forensic Psychology Student Handbook; issues in the Marymount Forensic Psychology program; and various specific topics in the field. (3)
PS 581 Psychology and the Law
This course provides an introductory understanding of the interrelationships between psychology and the law in criminal, civil, juvenile, and family law settings. Particular attention is given to issues of insanity and incompetence in criminal proceedings, civil commitment, rights of mental patients, ethical issues for forensic psychologists, and legal regulation of mental health practice. (3)
PS 582 Advanced Issues in Forensic Psychology
Assumes knowledge of the basic concepts and research in the field. The primary purpose is to give the student greater comfort and familiarity with the American legal system and the opportunity to participate in various role simulations or a mock trial. With the help of a group of attorney advisors, students will examine the role of the judge, the jury, the attorney, and the psychologist/mental health expert witness as well as various other participants in a trial. (3)
PS 584 Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Provides basic understanding of the origins and consequences of criminal behavior including biological, cognitive, behavioral, psychosocial, and developmental perspectives. (3)
PS 585 Forensic Assessment
This course will develop the capacity and competence of students to analyze and understand the psychological assessments most frequently required in forensic settings. Students will become familiar with test administration and interpretation as well as test design, methodology, and standardization data on a variety of assessment tools. (3)
PS 586 Field Experience in Criminal Court
Offers the student an opportunity to spend a significant amount of time observing in criminal court under the mentorship of a judge. Students will study trial advocacy (the parts of the trial; effective advocacy; and the role of the lawyers, judges, parties, and witnesses) and critically evaluate the court system. Students who take this course should be prepared for multiple readings and additional hours undertaking course activities. Students will have the opportunity to talk with judges and attorneys on a regular basis. (3)
PS 587 Psychology, Social Policy, and Law
Introduces the student to issues in the development and implementation of public policy in the legal system, with special emphasis on the role of psychological knowledge. The course will acquaint the student with theoretical issues of policy development and the basics of the legislative process, as well as provide an opportunity to work on a selected policy issue. (3)
PS 588 Police Psychology
Provides the student with a foundation in the field of police psychology, specifically the role of the psychologist and the use of psychological principles and concepts in the police department. Traditional roles of the psychologist, as well as new and emerging functions, will be addressed. (3)
PS 589 Behavioral Criminology
This elective is an introduction to behavioral criminology, the analysis of criminal behavior and its underlying motivations from an investigative as well as a psychological perspective. The techniques involved in this field can be used to help solve crimes and identify offenders. (3)
PS 590 Issues in Criminal Assessment and Investigation
This team-taught course offers an in-depth analysis of several important areas of forensic psychology: false confessions, investigative interviewing and the polygraph, and violence risk assessment. Combining both theoretical knowledge and practical application of current research in these fields, it demonstrates the appropriate use of the polygraph and other techniques used in assessment and interrogation, paying special attention to the complex ethical issues in this area of forensic psychology. (3)
PS 592 Foundations of Political Psychology
This elective offers the students a foundation in the field of political psychology, an interdisciplinary behavioral science that provides psychological profiling and assessment of political leaders and group behavior. In addition, this course covers aspects of the field of psychological operations and the role of culture in political personality profiling. (3)
PS 598 Project
Individually arranged seminar to explore in greater depth an area of interest to the student. May only be taken after 75 percent of the program requirements are fulfilled. Prerequisite: permission of the dean of the School of Education and Human Services. (3)
PS 599F Internship: Forensic Psychology
Designed to give the student supervised experience working in a forensic setting. The internship requires a total of 300 hours, including attending a seminar at Marymount. Internship sites will be selected in conjunction with the Forensic Psychology faculty. In order to be admitted to the internship, the student must have completed the internship application process that includes a review of the student’s progress, submission of appropriate paperwork, documentation of student professional liability insurance, and permission of the faculty. (3)