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Course Descriptions
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LIB 500 – Library and Information Use & Research (0 credit hours)
This course is required for all entering students and provides an in depth review of library organization, collections, services, and all electronic resources; presents the methodologies of information searching, strategy development, and evaluation; reviews the evaluation of information and information sources; and includes practice exercises in each of these areas.
PSY 500 – History and Systems of Psychology (3 credit hours)
Behaviorism, psychoanalytical theory, and biologically based theories (e.g., cognitive neuroscience) have been offered as coherent accounts of the nature of the human person. All derive support from versions of evolutionary theory. On this account, theories of motivation are of the survivalistic variety, conduct is understood as “adaptive,” and complex social phenomena are reduced to socio-biological processes. This course assesses these empirical and conceptual orientations.
PHT 502 – Philosophical & Theological Anthropology (4 credit hours)
This course will examine subject matter pertaining to the nature and operations of the human person as relevant to psychology drawing from both philosophical and theological sources. Topics will include: Theories of the person: dualism and the mind-body problem; Philosophy of Body: bodiliness, emotion, interpersonalrelatedness, dependence; Philosophy of Mind: Cognition; Sin: the nature of the problem of human existence; Soteriology: Christian conceptions of how the problem of alienation and ontological disorder is overcome; Grace: its nature & operations; relation between human nature and grace.
PSY 503 – Personality Theories (3 credit hours)
Introduces the major theories of personality used in clinical/counseling psychology, including those schools of thought associated with Freud, Object-Relations theory, Erikson, Jung, Adler, Horney, Rogers, Maslow and Cognitive-Behavioral theory. Emphasis is also put on relevant research findings and critical assessment of the validity and usefulness of the different theories.
PSY 504 – Psychological Measurement (3 credit hours)
This course covers the application of statistical thinking and related graphical and other computational tools to the study and measurement of psychological phenomena. The first part of the course serves as an introduction to a wide range of topics related to basic statistical analysis. Building on this basic knowledge, the second part of the course examines basic concepts and computational methods related to test and survey design.
PSY 507 – Psychopathology (3 credit hours)
This course provides an overview of the major theories, classification systems, and research in the area of psychopathology. It introduces students to diagnostic nomenclature, emphasizing the development of facility with the DSM-IV classification system. It also examines how spiritual and moral pathology affect the quality of life.
PSY 512 – Law, Ethics and Psychology (3 credit hours)
This course examines the ethical codes and guidelines developed within the mental health field. Special emphasis is placed on how these ethical guidelines, along with Christian principles, can be applied to the practice of psychology in a manner which holds the well-being of the client as primary. The course also examines professional issues relevant to the practice of psychology.
PSY 516 – Basic Interviewing and Clinical Skills (3 credit hours)
This course offers training in skills necessary for developing constructive working relationships with clients. These basic clinical skills are used in gathering information from and developing an understanding of clients through the art of effective communication. Instruction will focus on how to help clients manage their problems while developing new opportunities for life enhancement. Both structured and unstructured approaches to interviewing are explored.
PSY 534 – Crisis Intervention and Stress Management from a Christian Perspective (2 credit hours)
This course focuses on the practical assistance of persons experiencing trauma, extreme stress, and sorrow. Resources are drawn from appropriate Christian literature, as well as contemporary literature on crisis management. The course also serves as a model for integrating religious values with counseling and psychotherapy.
PSY 535 – Integration of Psychology and Spirituality (2 credit hours)
This course examines essential issues related to the understanding of how a person develops spiritually and psychologically, and how to utilize this understanding in the practice of counseling and therapy.
PSY 597-Psychology Overview Seminar I (1 credit hour)
This weekly seminar is for entering MS students who have little or no prior educational background in psychology. Planned readings will cover abnormal, developmental, experimental, physiological & social, learning & motivation, personality theory, sensory & perception, memory, assessment & treatment.
PSY 598-Psychology Overview Seminar II (1 credit hour)
This is a continuation of a weekly seminar for entering MS students who have little or no prior educational background in psychology. Planned readings will cover abnormal, developmental, experimental, physiological & social, learning & motivation, personality theory, sensory & perception, memory, assessment & treatment.
PSY 601- MS-Plus Integrative Case Consultation I (3 credit hours)
Students attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which would be faculty led and focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and providing services from an integrated perspective. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 691.
PSY 602 – MS-Plus Integrative Case Consultation II (3credit hours)
Students attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which would be faculty led and focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and providing services from an integrated perspective. Prerequisite: PSY601/PSY691. Must be taken concurrently with PSY 692.
PSY 605 – Developmental Psychology (3 credit hours)
This course covers the major theoretical systems that seek to explain the development of the human person, and examines them from a variety of perspectives: physical, intellectual, emotional, spiritual and moral. It also considers central aspects of Christian life such as the development of the conscience, the life of virtue, commitment to human relationships and the discernment of one’s vocation.
PSY 608 – Cognitive/Behavioral Assessment (3 credit hours)
Offers an overview of the major theories of intelligence and develops basic skills in the administration of commonly used standardized test instruments for assessing cognitive ability and achievement in children, adolescents, and adults. Also covers the basics of report writing and ethical issues pertaining to psychological assessment. (Prerequisites: PSY 504, PSY 516)
PSY 609 – Adult Psychotherapy (3 credit hours)
The purpose of this course is to identify, develop and practice core clinical skills and tasks in the treatment of adult psychopathology. This includes developing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with clients as well as the application of particular systems of psychotherapy in identifying and effectively working toward therapeutic goals. In addition, students will gain a greater ability to critique secular approaches to psychotherapy in light of a Catholic view of the human person and explore psychotherapeutic approaches informed by this anthropology.
(Prerequisite: PSY 507)
PSY 610 – Child Psychotherapy (3 credit hours)
Develops a framework for understanding family life and the role of parents in raising children. Provides training in basic skills for working with children in therapy including play therapy, behavioral techniques, parenting skills training, and parent counseling. Also provides specialized coverage of intake interviewing, assessment instruments, and diagnostic issues related to working with children.
PSY 611 – Marital Psychotherapy (3 credit hours)
Develops a Christian framework for understanding the nature of marriage. Trains students in basic skills used in the assessment and treatment of marital distress. Also introduces students to related areas in support of marriage such as pre-marital assessment and counseling, and marriage enrichment.
PSY 613 – Personality Assessment (3 credit hours)
This course offers instruction in basic skills in the administration of commonly used personality tests, including both psychometric and projective approaches to personality assessment. It also offers instruction in report writing skills by examining the ways in which the results of cognitive/behavioral assessment and a variety of personality assessment instruments can be integrated. (Prerequisites: PSY 507, PSY 608)
PHT 614 - Practical Reasoning and Moral Character (3 credit hours)
This course will introduce students to theories of fundamental moral reasoning with emphasis on the nature of and relationship between moral norms and first practical principles, with a view to understanding the concept of human flourishing. The genesis of moral character, virtue and vice will be examined, particularly in relation to the dynamic self-reflexive quality of moral choosing.
PHT 633 - Major World Philosophies and Religions (3 credit hours)
This course introduces students to the dominant philosophical and religious worldviews of men and women in the 21st century. It does not presume such worldviews are in all cases explicitly espoused, though they often are. It does presume that the cognitions and behaviors of clients are shaped by conceptions of reality: about the nature of what is real, about the self and the human person, about human values, about life, death and afterlife. The course will consider in the case of each worldview its cosmology and metaphysics (e.g., whether the material universe in created, eternal, illusory); its anthropology, particularly its articulation and assessment of the program of evil (i.e., of human limitation, disorder, suffering and death); its ethic (specifically its answer to (solution to) the problem of evil); its epistemology (e.g., whether it is realist, idealist, esotericist, its theory of knowing); and its eschatology (i.e., its view on the “four last things”—death, judgment, heaven and hell). Other diversity considerations will include gender diversity, sexual diversity, and racial diversity.
PHT 635 - Theology of Marriage and Family (3 credit hours)
This course will examine the nature of marriage, its human and divine origins and its defining goods and purposes. The first part will consider marriage as a Christian sacrament, ideas on the roles of husband and wife, fatherhood and motherhood, sex, procreation and education of children. The second part will consider concrete issues relating to marriage, family and sexuality, including divorce, remarriage and annulment, contraception, homosexuality, abortion, and certain forms of reproductive technology. The theological vantage point will be the Catholic moral tradition from which readings will include primary and secondary sources.
PSY-PHL 648 – Ethics, Philosophy and Public Affairs (2 credit hours)
The purpose of this course is to explore the relation between ethics, philosophy and public affairs both from the point of view of understanding the possibilities and limitations of practical ethical and other philosophical considerations. The course will begin with three lectures setting out the history, concepts, methods, and primary areas of application of philosophy to public affairs. Thereafter, each session will focus on one of the readings identified with two students being assigned to lead each discussion.
PSY 690 - Thesis Research (up to 6 credit hours)
Prerequisite: Departmental approval. Registration for thesis research is required for all M.S. General Psychology students after all coursework has been completed. The thesis proposal is developed, submitted for approval, research conducted, and the written thesis submitted for approval by the thesis committee.
PSY 691- MS Plus Clinical Practicum/Externship I (3 credit hours)
A 300 hour Clinical Practicum/Externship will be implemented by the student, with a local clinical site, in conjunction with IPS, to engage in enhancing both counseling and assessment skills.
The student will be supervised by a psychologist on site as well as participate in ongoing integrative case consultations on the IPS campus.
PSY 692 - MS Plus Clinical Practicum/Externship II (3 credit hours)
A 300 hour Clinical Practicum/Externship will be implemented by the student, with a local clinical site, in conjunction with IPS, to engage in enhancing both counseling and assessment skills. The student will be supervised by a psychologist on site as well as participate in ongoing integrative case consultations on the IPS campus. (Must have completed PSY 691)
PSY 696 – Independent Study (Master’s Program) (1-3 credit hours)
Individualized plan of study designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the Department Chairman. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. (Students are limited to a maximum of combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminary courses per degree program.) (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Department Chair)
PSY 697 – Psychology Seminar (Master’s Program) (1-3 credit hours)
This seminar course offered to a group of students on topic or topics specified by the instructor and approved by the Department Chairman. The seminar format typically includes regularly held class meetings in which the instructor gives lectures and/or facilitates discussion. (Students are limited to a maximum of combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminary courses per degree program.) (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Department Chair)
PSY 701 - Foundational Clinical Practicum/Externship I (3 credit hours)
This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and providing services from an integrated perspective. (Co-requisite: Placement in the IPS Psychology Clinic)
PSY 702 - Foundational Clinical Practicum/Externship II (3 credit hours)
This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on skill development in the areas of diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical skills, and providing services from an integrated perspective. (Prerequisite: PSY 701)
PSY 715 – Family Psychotherapy (2 credit hours)
Develops a conceptual framework for understanding how parents can be actively involved in the treatment of children. Covers a variety of therapeutic interventions including family therapy, parent skill training, and parent counseling. (Prerequisite: PSY 610)
PSY 717 – Advanced Psychotherapy III: Adolescents (4 credit hours)
Develops a conceptual framework for understanding the nature of parent-adolescent relationships. Covers a variety of therapeutic interventions for working with parents and adolescents together. Also examines the integration of individual-level and family-level interventions with adolescents. (Prerequisite: PSY 609)
PSY 718 - Research Design for the Psychological Sciences (3 credit hours)
This course presents concepts related to experimental design: validity, reliability, observational and experimental research design, and basic statistic tests important to the understanding of these concepts. The basics of qualitative research, survey research and sampling methodologies are covered. Research ethics and the writing of research reports are also addressed.
(Prerequisite: PSY 504)
PSY 721 – Cognitive Psychology (3 credit hours)
This is a survey course in modern cognitive psychology, including perception, attention, memory, knowledge, imagery, language, problem solving, reasoning and decision making. Basic elements of cognitive neuroscience will be addressed. Recent theories combining these concepts with evolutionary psychology to address religious cognition and behavior are also surveyed.
PSY 724 – Advanced Adult Psychotherapy (4 credit hours)
Promotes further knowledge and skill development in the assessment and treatment of adults. Builds on basic skills acquired in the introductory course in adult psychotherapy by providing advanced skill training and supervision in treatment methodologies previously covered, and also introduces additional treatment interventions. (Prerequisite: PSY 609)
PSY 727 - Advanced Marital Therapy I (2 credit hours)
Promotes mastery of clinical skills in marital therapy developed in PSY 611, and introduces additional models and techniques for healing marriages. Includes coverage of specialized issues such as infidelity and affairs, relationship violence, forgiveness in marriage, annulments, distressed marriages in which at least one spouse has a coexistent DSM-IV disorder, and common screening instruments used in assessing marriages. The course fosters the application of an integrated Catholic approach to marital therapy which is respectful of diversity and consistent with the broad and unique ethical principles governing marital therapy.
(Prerequisite: PSY 611)
PSY 728 - Advanced Marital Therapy II (2 credit hours)
This course continues to promote mastery of clinical skills in marital therapy developed in PSY 611 and PSY 727, and introduces additional models and techniques for healing marriages. Includes coverage of specialized issues such as infidelity and affairs, relationship violence, forgiveness in marriage, annulments, distressed marriages in which at least one spouse has a coexistent DSM-IV disorder, and common screening instruments used in assessing marriages. The course fosters the application of an integrated Catholic approach to marital therapy which is respectful of diversity and consistent with the broad and unique ethical principles governing marital therapy. (Prerequisite: PSY 727)
PSY 729 - Advanced Statistical Methods (3 credit hours)
This course builds on the basic concepts presented in PSY 718 to examine more advanced statistical analyses. These include factorial and multivariate analysis of variance, multiple and logistic regression, meta-analysis, discriminant analysis, and structural equation modeling. While students will be trained in the basics of SPSS, primary emphasis in the class will be in understanding and critiquing the statistical analyses presented in clinical psychology journals as an adjunct to lifelong learning. (Prerequisites: PSY 504, PSY 718)
PSY 736 - Child Psychopathology (2 credit hours)
This course provides a broad overview of child psychopathology initially focusing on understanding basic concepts, historical context. developmental influences, theoretical perspectives, research methodology, and issues related to assessment and classification. This will be followed by a comprehensive survey of the major categories of child psychopathological disturbances with an emphasis on empirically supported interventions for treating the various disorders.
PSY 737 - Advanced Child Therapy (2 credit hours)
Promotes the mastery of clinical skills in child therapy developed in PSY 610, and introduces additional models and techniques of child therapy including family-based interventions. Acquisition and refinement of such clinical skills will occur by means of case consultation, demonstration, and supervised practice. Case consultation will also allow for growth in the student's ability to utilize sound ethical principles, respect for diversity, and an integrated Catholic perspective in clinical work. (Prerequisite PSY 610)
PSY 738 - Child Psychopathology (2 credit hours)
This course continues to promote the mastery of clinical skills in child therapy developed in PSY 610 and PSY 737, and introduces additional models and techniques of child therapy including parent counseling and family-based interventions. The course also reviews the literature on the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of specific childhood problems. In addition, the course fosters the application of an integrated Catholic approach to child therapy which is respectful of diversity and consistent with the broad and unique ethical principles governing child therapy.
(Prerequisite: PSY 737)
PSY 743 – Trauma Treatment for Children and Adolescents: Case Conceptualization and Practical Techniques (1 credit hour)
Often children and adolescents that have been traumatized are not able to identify, express or process their experience within the context of traditional verbal psychotherapy. This course will address the clinical considerations that are relevant in the treatment of children and adolescents that have been traumatized. The course will include a theoretical presentation of important factors to consider when dealing with victims of trauma as well as a practical component including the presentation and practice of relevant clinical techniques.
PSY 744 – Trauma Treatment for Adults: Case Conceptualization and Practical Techniques (1 credit hour)
This course will address the clinical considerations that are relevant in the treatment of adults that have been traumatized. The course will include a theoretical presentation of important factors to consider when dealing with victims of trauma as well as a practical component including the presentation and practice of relevant clinical techniques. PSY 760 - Professional Roles and Issues (2 credit hours)
Seminar which examines the multiple career opportunities and professional roles of professional psychologists. Topics include academic careers, clinical practice in a variety of settings, scholarly publishing and presentations, and involvement in professional associations. In addition, students construct a curriculum vitae and develop a strategic career plan.
PSY - 801 Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship I (3 credit hours)
This course reflects time spent gaining clinical experience at the externship site. Students also attend and present at regularly scheduled case consultation groups which focus on sharing of the diversity of clinical experiences obtained through the variety of external site placements, with input from IPS faculty on how these experiences interface with the perspective of the Institute training model. (Co-requisite: Placement in an IPS approved externship. Typically completed by students in their fourth year of the Psy.D. program. (Prerequisite: PSY 702)
PSY - 802 Advanced Clinical Practicum/Externship II (3 credit hours)
Second of two required semesters of advanced clinical experience at the externship site (see Prerequisite: PSY 801 for additional details)
PSY 815 – Psychology of Religion (2 credit hours)
This coursed will provide an overview of the empirical psychology of religion as well as more general social scientific perspectives on religion. Topics will include issues of measurement, faith development, religion in adolescence, its effects on health and at-risk behavior, religious coping styles, conversion, religious experience and mysticism, as well as the treatment of religion in attachment theory, evolutionary perspectives, the cognitive science of religion, and the spirituality and/or/versus religion debate. "New" religions, totalistic movements, and the "new atheism" will also be examined.
PSY 817 – The Psychologist as Supervisor and Educator (3 credit hours)
As leaders, psychologists find themselves called to participate in many roles beyond those of clinical practice and research. This course introduces students to the leadership roles of supervision and teaching. Students will be introduced to the literature concerning these areas, as well as being provided with opportunities for experiential learning about these roles.
PSY 818 – Psychological Consultation and Organizational Behavior (3 credit hours)
As leaders, psychologists find themselves called to participate in many roles beyond those of clinical practice and research. This course introduces students to the specialized areas of consultation and organizational behavior. Students will be introduced to the literature concerning these areas, as well as being provided with opportunities for experiential learning in these roles.
PSY 820 – Group Psychotherapy (3 credit hours)
This course helps students develop an understanding of group processes and how such processes can be applied therapeutically in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. The course covers a variety of group formats, such as time-limited vs. on-going groups and heterogeneous vs. problem-specific groups. Also examines the use of psychoeducational groups in the treatment of psychological problems.
PSY 822 – Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credit hours)
This course serves as a general introduction for students to the field of physiological psychology, emphasizing a number of areas that are most useful in the practice of clinical psychology. These areas include the nervous system, behavioral genetics, and psychopharmacology.
PSY 825 – Social Psychology (3 credit hours)
Serves as an overview of the major theories, areas of study, and research methodologies in the field of social psychology. Includes such topics as impression formation, attribution theory, social influence, attitude development and change, prejudice and discrimination, antisocial and prosocial behaviors, affiliation and attraction, and sex role behaviors.
PSY 827 – Cultural, Religious, and Individual Diversity in Clinical Practice (3 credit hours)
This course systematically covers the cultural, religious, and individual diversity considerations central to effective functioning of a clinical psychologist. In addition to reviewing the adjustments in clinical practice expected when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, attention is given to the need which often arises to coordinate treatment efforts with other professionals who are involved in caring for the client.
PSY 832 – Integrative Dissertation Seminar (3 credit hours)
This seminar is the final integration course in the Psy.D. curriculum. Its purpose is to review, refine, and further develop the students’ understanding of psychology from an integrated perspective. The seminar also serves to assist students in adopting an integrated approach to the completion of their doctoral dissertation.
PSY 836 – Advanced Personality Assessment (4 credit hours)
This course develops skills in the administration and interpretation of more advanced projective personality techniques such as the Rorschach. Report writing skills are developed further by examining the ways in which the results of a variety of psychological assessment instruments can be integrated and used to make diagnoses and treatment recommendations.
(Prerequisite: PSY 613)
PSY 896 – Independent Study (Psy.D. Program) (1-3 credit hours)
Individualized plan of study designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the Department Chairman. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. (Students are limited to a maximum of combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminary courses per degree program.) (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Department Chair)
PSY 897 – Psychology Seminar (1-3 credit hours)
This seminar course offered to a group of students on topic or topics specified by the instructor and approved by the Department Chairman. The seminar format typically includes regularly held class meetings in which the instructor gives lectures and/or facilitates discussion. (Students are limited to a maximum of combination of two Independent Study and Psychology Seminary courses per degree program.) (Prerequisite: Consent of Faculty Advisor and Department Chair)
PSY 899 – Dissertation (1-3 credit hours per semester)
Registration for dissertation hours is required for all Psy.D. students from the time their dissertation chair is appointed until their dissertation is defended.