Psychology (PSY)
Psychology is the study of thought, action, and emotion in humans and in nonhuman animals. The Department offers a broad range of courses that encourage students to critically analyze why individuals think, act, and feel in the ways they do. A fundamental goal of the Department is to familiarize students with the various techniques used in modern social-science research; toward this aim, the Department offers laboratory resources to facilitate the generation of student-managed research projects. Students majoring in psychology often plan to pursue further education in graduate school in psychology or related disciplines, but others use this education as a springboard into medical school, law school, occupational-therapy school, physical-therapy school, or business.
Major Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
A student must complete thirty (30) hours in Psychology, including:
All of the following:
- PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology
- PSY 211: Human Growth and Development
- PSY 214: Introduction to Research Methodology
- PSY 303/313: Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences and Laboratory
- PSY 473: Senior Seminar in Psychology
Two of the following:
- PSY 305: Social Psychology
- PSY 324: Experimental Psychology
- PSY 325: Learning
- PSY 326: Cognitive Psychology
One of the following:
- PSY 421: Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 422: Theories of Personality
Supportive courses: A departmentally approved single foreign language through the elementary level.
Students considering psychology as a vocation should be prepared to continue their education at the graduate level.
Major Requirements for Three-Two Program in Speech-Language Pathology or Audiology
For the Bachelor of Science in Psychology, and a Master of Communication Disorders degree from LSU Medical Center, a student
must complete:
- Psychology courses (31 hours total)
- PSY 101 General Psychology
- PSY 211 Human Growth and Development
- PSY 214 Introduction to Research Methodology
- PSY 303/313 Statistics for Behavioral Sciences
- PSY 317 Sensation and Perception
or - PSY 329 Psychopharmacology
- PSY 325 Learning - Principles and Applications
- PSY 421 Abnormal Psychology
- PSY 473 Senior Seminar
- PSY XXX Six (6) hours of elective courses in psychology
- Supportive courses (25 hours total):
- BIOL 101 Principles and Methods of Biology
- BIOL 202 Structure and FUnction of Organisms
- CHEM 121/123 General Chemistry
or - PHYS 104/114 Physics I
- EXSC 301 Human Anatomy and Physiology I
- EXSC 302 Human Anatomy and Physiology II
- HLTH 271 Medical Terminology
- COMM 180 Public Communication in the Digital Age
- THEA 102 Voice for the Stage
LSUHSC
A minimum of 36 credit hours must be earned in no fewer than five semesters at LSUHSC.
Should student not complete the Masters of Communication Disorders program at LSU Health Sciences Center, he or she may complete the B.A. degree in Psychology from Centenary College as long as all the standard graduation requirements are met.
Departmental Honors in Psychology
Students may be admitted to the Department's Honors Program if they have attained junior standing and meet the other requirements. For details, consult the department chairperson.
Minor Requirements
To minor in psychology, a student must complete eighteen (18) hours in psychology approved by a member of the Psychology Department. At least six (6) hours must be in courses above the 300 level.
101. General Psychology (3)
Introduces the study of the actions, thoughts, and feelings of humans and non-human animals. Topics covered include the brain, genetics, sleep, hypnosis, drugs, learning, language, intelligence, personality, and psychological disorders.
203. Introduction to Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. The fundamental principles and current problems of modern nervous system studies will be introduced. Topics include neural signaling, sensation, movement and the neural basis of cognition. The laboratory will reinforce lecture material and provide practical experience with both classical and modern methods in neuroscience. Yearly. (Same as BIOL 203, NEUR 203) (3-3)
211. Human Growth and Development (3)
A study of the aspects of human behavior that change from conception through adulthood and the processes that account for the changes. A review of the major theories set forth to explain different aspects of human development is included.
214. Introduction to Research Methodology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of instructor. The fundamental principles of scientific analysis of data and basic research methodologies applicable to the social sciences will be surveyed. Offered yearly.
290. Interdisciplinary Studies (3)
This course is designed to facilitate the treatment of topics across disciplinary boundaries. Topics will vary from year to year. The course,but not individual topics, may be repeated for credit. No more than one PS 290 course may be used to fulfill a core requirement. Offered on demand.
303. Statistics for Behavioral Science (3)
Prerequisite: MATH 104 or higher. Corequisites: PSY/PSC/SOC 303. The logic and application of standard statistical tests in the analysis of data. Topics include: descriptive statistics, statistical inference, correlation, T-test, and simple analysis of variance. Yearly. (Same as SOC 303 and PSC 303)
305. Social Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or SOC 101. A theoretical and non-mathematical experimental approach to interpersonal interaction. Symbolic interaction, interest and exchange theory, group dynamics and process, ethnomethodology, and phenomenology. Yearly. (Same as SOC 305)
313. Statistics for Behavioral Science Lab (1)
Corequisite: PSY 303. This course provides the student training and practice with computer applications in statistics. Coursework will involve descriptive and inferential data analyses used in typical behavioral research settings. (Same as PSC 313 and SOC 313.)
317. Sensation and Perception (3)
Prerequisite: BIOL 101. This course considers the structure and function of sensory organs, sensory processing and how sensory data form and constrain our perceptions of the world. Lecture and laboratory exercises, including physiological and psychophysical experiments, will be seamlessly integrated in one three hour period per week. Fall of odd-numbered years. (Same as BIOL 317, NEUR 317)
319. Psychopharmacology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or consent of the instructor. This course deals with the neurobiological, pharmacological, psychological, and social aspects of the use and abuse of legal and illegal drugs. Yearly. (Same as BIOL 319 and NEUR 319)
320. Psychology of Sport and Exercise (3)
This course is an Introduction to the theories and principles explaining factors influencing human behavior in sport. Specifically, students will explore three major areas: social psychology, psychological interventions, and psycho-physiology. On demand.
322. Introduction to Psychological Tests (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 214 or consent of the instructor. A study of the theories and methods used by professional psychologists to measure various aspects of human behavior and capacity. Offered on demand.
324W. Experimental Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 214 or consent of the instructor. The student designs and conducts an original experiment. Analysis of the experiment's data culminates in a written report and an oral presentation by the student. Yearly.
325. Learning — Principles and Applications (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101. An examination of theory and data in the study of learning in humans and in non-humans. Yearly.
326W. Cognitive Psychology (3)
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or consent of the instructor. An investigation into human cognitive processes, including memory, sensation, perception, language, and reasoning. Every 3rd fall and spring.
341. Forensic Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101, SOC 101, and consent of the instructor. Examination of the legal system through the use of psychological concepts, methods, and research results. Topics include eyewitness testimony, jury selection, recovered memories, and insanity defenses. Offered on demand.
395S,396S. Selected Topics in Psychology (3-3)
Study of an area of psychology not covered in current offerings. Admission is by consent of instructor. No more than nine hours of Selected Topics will be counted toward the Psychology major. Offered as needed.
400. Internship in Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing. Designed to compliment the student’s theoretical understanding of psychology by providing the student with practical experience in a public or private setting. May be repeated once for credit in another area. Consent of instructor necessary before registering.
403W. Animal Behavior with Lab (4)
A study of the evolutionary, physiological and social behavior of animals in their natural habitats. Lab provides direct observation and analysis of related data collected on animals in both natural and captive situations. Fall of even-numbered years. (Same as BIOL 403)
410S. Advanced Neuroscience (4)
Prerequisite: NEUR 203, CHEM 122. Emphasis will be placed on cellular and molecular approaches to neural development and plasticity with extensive use of the primary literature. In the laboratory, students will work in research teams to pursue guided independent research. A research paper that adheres to the Journal of Neuroscience format and an oral presentation of research findings will be required. Spring of even-numbered years. (Same as BIOL 410, NEUR 410)
411S. History and Systems of Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor. An overview of past and current approaches to the study of psychology. Yearly.
421. Abnormal Psychology (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor. A study of the major syndromes of behavioral disorders. Yearly.
422W. Theories of Personality (3)
Prerequisite: PSY 101 or permission of the instructor. A study of selected research and theories in the field of personality. Yearly.
473. Senior Seminar (3)
Students exercise their abilities to integrate information from a wide range of sources. A summary oral presentation is required. Yearly.
491-496. Independent Study (1-6)
Students taking Psychology Honors may earn credit with honors in this course through research, projects, or concentrated study of selected topics. Other students may pursue Independent Study and/or research for directed study in areas not satisfied in the regularly listed courses. The course may be repeated for credit with different topics. Approval of the department required.
199. Module Studies (3)
Special topics offered during the Module.
Last updated May 23, 2007.