Psychology Program
[Course Descriptions]
DEGREE PROGRAMS
The Department of Psychology and Philosophy offers Master
of Arts degrees in Psychology, Psychology-Clinical Psychology,
and Psychology-School Psychology, and a Doctor of Philosophy
degree in Forensic Clinical Psychology.
The Master of Arts in Psychology
The Department of Psychology and Philosophy offers Master
of Arts degrees in General Psychology, Clinical Psychology,
and School Psychology. The General track is a 36-hour program
that concentrates on the scientific sub-disciplines of psychology.
Several electives are allowed and a thesis is required, providing
students the opportunity to pursue personal academic and research
interests. Two different options are available for training
in Clinical psychology. The first is a 45-hour program that
includes a thesis, and the second is a 48-hour non-thesis
program that replaces the thesis with additional specified
course work. Both of the Clinical tracks are applied programs
that include 9 hours of supervised practicum experience, and
both prepare students either for ultimate certification as
Psychological Associates or licensure as Licensed Professional
Counselors in Texas. The School Psychology track is a 66-hour
program that provides the training needed for certification
by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
It includes 6 hours of practicum experience and a yearlong
internship in public schools and is accredited by NASP.
The Clinical and School programs are designed to produce
effective Master's-level practitioners. The General program
does not involve training in the delivery of psychological
services, but does - like the Clinical and School programs
- prepare students for further graduate study and/or junior
college teaching.
Admission Requirements
Requirements for admission include (1) 18 hours of course
work in undergraduate Psychology that includes a course in
Research Methods and a course in Statistics; (2) a 3.0 undergraduate
grade point average; (3) either a score of 1,000 (adding the
verbal and quantitative sub scores) on the Graduate Record
Examination (GRE), or a score of 50 on the Miller Analogies
Test; and (4) three letters of recommendation. Ordinarily,
the most useful letters of recommendation come from university
faculty who are able to describe the applicant's potential
for success in graduate study; ask your referees to send letters
on their own letterhead directly to the Coordinator of the
Master's programs, whose address is below. "Conditional"
admission to our programs is occasionally granted to applicants
who do not meet all of our numerical criteria, but all applications
must be complete (with test scores and letters) before any
form of admission is possible.
Students may begin study at the beginning of any semester
or summer session. The application deadline for admission
to the fall semester is July 1. The deadline for spring admission
is November 1, and the deadline for summer admission is April
1. Please note that several of our admission requirements,
policies, and deadlines differ from those of other programs
at SHSU.
In addition, once they have completed their first 18 hours
of graduate study, all students must be admitted to candidacy
for the Master of Arts degree before continuing their graduate
course work. As part of this process, students are asked to
submit satisfactory scores on the Advanced Psychology Test
of the GRE. Unsatisfactory performance on the exam or in one's
classes ordinarily blocks a student from further graduate
training.
Inquiries about the Psychology Master's programs and application
materials can be sent to:
Rowland Miller
Coordinator of PSY Master's Study
Department of Psychology and Philosophy
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2447
Phone: (936) 294-1176
E-mail: psy_rsm@shsu.edu
The Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Clinical Psychology
Mission
The degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Forensic Clinical
Psychology is designed to produce psychologists trained to
conduct research, provide clinical services, and consult with
various agencies within the criminal justice system. This
innovative interdisciplinary program, staffed and administered
by professors from the Department of Psychology and the College
of Criminal Justice, trains students in the science and practice
of forensic psychology-the application of clinical psychology
to various legal contexts. Some services offered by forensic
clinical psychologists include assessments of defendants'
(a) competency to stand trial, (b) criminal responsibility,
(c) eligibility for probation and parole, and (d) future dangerousness.
Forensic psychologists also contribute to personnel selection
by law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. Additionally,
forensic clinicians perform therapy with offenders, victims,
and criminal justice personnel. Graduates of the program may
also pursue academic careers in departments of Psychology
or Criminal Justice. This program does not offer training
in criminal profiling.
Consistent with the training model first enunciated by the
American Psychological Association at the Boulder Conference
of 1947, the educational philosophy of the program will be
to produce "scientist/practitioners," individuals
who possess expertise in both research and clinical practice.
Graduates of this scientist-practitioner program should be
eligible for licensure as Psychologists in the State of Texas,
as well as in most other states.
Requirements for Admission
- A minimum score of 550 in both the Verbal and Quantitative
Sections of the Graduate Record Exam is strongly recommended.
Applicants who did not major in psychology at either the
graduate or undergraduate level must also take the GRE Advanced
Psychology Test.
- Undergraduate (and graduate) transcripts (recommended
3.5 minimum GPA).
- Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty
who are sufficiently acquainted with the student to comment
on potential for success in a doctoral program.
- An essay described in the doctoral application form.
Students are admitted into the program each fall semester
and completed applications are due by January 15. New students
may join the program with either a baccalaureate or a master's
degree. For application forms or further information, write
or call:
Forensic Clinical Psychology Program
Department of Psychology and Philosophy
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2210
Phone: (936) 294-1210
Email: psy_dkh@shsu.edu
or visit our website at: https://www.shsu.edu/~psy_www/
Admission to the program is determined by a faculty admissions
committee.
REQUIREMENTS FOR COMPLETION OF THE PH.D. PROGRAM
All formal requirements for completion of the Ph.D. are
described in the Doctoral Student Handbook and may vary from
one student to another depending on previous academic preparation.
The following guidelines are offered to demonstrate the nature
of the doctoral program and should not be misconstrued as
representing the formal requirements for a Ph.D.
- A course of study beyond the master's degree designed
in consultation with the Coordinator of the Forensic Clinical
Psychology Doctoral Program that will provide the student
with in-depth knowledge in the areas of research and statistics,
clinical psychology, and forensic psychology. This course
of study is sequential, cumulative, graded in complexity,
and designed to prepare students for further organized training.
- Enrollment as a full-time student (i.e., a minimum of
9 credit hours per semester) on campus for at least four
consecutive long semesters.
- An average of B must be maintained by the student in all
courses in which he/she registers after admission into the
doctoral program. Students should consult the Doctoral Student
Handbook for a more detailed description of policies regarding
academic standards.
- Passing a written comprehensive examination.
- Completion and defense of a doctoral dissertation that
is the product of original scholarly research and is of
such quality as to represent a meaningful contribution to
knowledge in the field of psychology.
- Completion of a yearlong predoctoral internship, during
which the student works full-time in an applied clinical
setting.
- Completion of the degree within 6 years from the first
semester of registration as a doctoral student.
The Doctoral Curriculum
Required Psychology Content Courses Hrs.
PSY 730 Forensic Proseminar 3
PSY 733 Law and Social Psychology 3
PSY 734 Forensic Psychopathology 3
PSY 735 Law and Psychology 3
PSY 736 Mental Health Law 3
PSY 762 Ethics in Clinical and Forensic Practice 3
PSY 792 Topics: Multivariate Statistics 3
PSY 860 Forensic Assessment I 3
PSY 861 Forensic Assessment II 3
Total 27
Required Non-psychology Courses
CJ 630 Criminal Justice Overview 3
CJ Elective Course 3
Total 6
Required Practica and Internships
PSY 882 Forensic Practicum 3
PSY 883 Forensic Practicum II 12
PSY 890 Internship I 3
PSY 891 Internship II 3
PSY 892 Internship III 3
PSY 893 Internship IV 3
Total 27
Dissertation
PSY 896 Dissertation 3
PSY 897 Dissertation II 3
PSY 898 Dissertation III 3
PSY 899 Dissertation IV 3
Total 12
Total 72
GRADUATE COURSES
500-599 - introductory master's courses open to master's
and doctoral students
600-699 - advanced master's courses open to master's and
doctoral students
700-799 - introductory doctoral courses open to doctoral
students and selected master's students
800-899 - advanced doctoral courses open to doctoral students
only
PSYCHOLOGY COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
PSY 530 ADVANCED ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY.
An advanced study is made of behavioral disorders, their development,
diagnosis, and treatment.
PSY 531 GRADUATE SEMINAR IN GENERAL
PSYCHOLOGY. This course surveys the science of psychology,
studying the biological, perceptual, developmental and social
determinants of behavior, emotion, and cognition.
PSY 532 ADVANCED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY.
A study is made of social factors that influence individual
behavior. Consideration is given to social perception, prejudice
and sexism, aggression, interpersonal attraction, conformity,
and group behavior.
PSY 533 THEORY AND RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
I. This course is a comparative analysis of different
systems and techniques of psychotherapy. The role of therapist,
client, and setting are examined along with ethical principles.
PSY 534 THEORY AND RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY
II. Selected techniques of psychotherapy are examined
in detail. Topics may include therapy for sexual dysfunction
and principles of group therapy.
PSY 535 SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN PSYCHOLOGY.
This is a course designed for studies in individually selected
topics not specifically provided for in the formal course
offerings. Prerequisite: Consent of department chair and instructor.
PSY 536 ADVANCED COGNITIVE PSYCHOLOGY.
This course is designed to give an in-depth examination of
the study of mental operations. Topics to be covered will
include brain organization, neural bases of attention, memory,
language, knowledge representations, hemispheric asymmetry,
and artificial intelligence.
PSY 539 ADVANCED SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY.
A study is made of the psychologist's role in public schools
in the diagnosis and treatment of disordered behavior.
PSY 560 ADVANCED PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY.
This course is designed to advance the student's knowledge
of the biological substrates of behavior. Particular attention
is given to psychoactive chemical effects.
PSY 561 NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY.
This course includes a study of the field of behavioral pharmacology:
the systematic study of the effects of drugs on behavior and
the way in which behavioral principles can help in understanding
how drugs work. The focus is on the neurophysiological mechanisms
of action of various psychoactive drugs and on the various
neurotransmitter systems within the nervous system. Prerequisite:
Consent of instructor. Credit 3.
PSY 581 ADVANCED LEARNING THEORY.
This course is a close inspection of the paradigms and phenomena
of learning and their theoretical underpinnings.
PSY 587 ADVANCED STATISTICS.
This course is an advanced study of statistical methods including
topics such as complex designs, parametric and nonparametric
methods and multivariate statistics. Prerequisite: PSY
387 or equivalent.
PSY 588 INTRODUCTION TO EXPERIMENTAL
DESIGN. A study is made of the principles of design and
analysis including randomized and factorial designs with emphasis
upon applications to problems in psychological research. Prerequisite:
PSY 587.
PSY 592 HISTORY AND SYSTEMS OF PSYCHOLOGY.
This course examines the history of psychology as well as
the different philosophical traditions that have shaped the
field. Students gain insight into some of the basic assumptions
that inform psychology and the different perspectives within
the field.
PSY 594 PSYCHOMETRICS I: GROUP TESTS.
A study is made of group tests and scales that measure achievement,
aptitude, intelligence, interest and personality. Limited
practicum is required.
PSY 595 PSYCHOMETRICS II: INDIVIDUAL
TESTS OF INTELLIGENCE. The course provides supervised
instruction and practice in the administration, scoring, reporting
of results, and interpretation of the Stanford-Binet and Wechsler
Scales. Prerequisites: PSY 594 or equivalent.
PSY 596 PSYCHOMETRICS III: INDIVIDUAL
ASSESSMENT. A study is made of the use of the Rorschach
and other instruments expected to be found in a complete clinical
battery.
PSY 597 ADVANCED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY.
The course provides an advanced study of growth and development
processes throughout the life cycle. It includes a study of
physical, social, and psychological factors involved in life
change.
PSY 671 MASTER'S INTERNSHIP IN PSYCHOLOGY.
This course is designed to be the culmination of the master's
level training in applied psychology. Students will be required
to demonstrate their ability to integrate and apply their
knowledge.
PSY 691 PRACTICUM I. The practicum
experience is designed to provide the graduate student with
an introduction to psychotherapy, an opportunity to bring
theory and practice together and to develop his/her skills
as a psychologist. The first practicum course begins with
the assumption that the student has had little to no experience
in this domain. Ethical issues in the treatment of these persons
are also covered in detail.
PSY 692 PRACTICUM II. The practicum
experience is designed to provide the graduate student with
an opportunity to bring theory and practice together and to
develop his/her skills as a psychologist in meeting the needs
of those experiencing difficulty in living, e.g., emotional
problems, inadequate functioning in a learning environment,
AIDS, terminal illness, marital adjustment, etc. Ethical issues
in the treatment of these persons are also covered in detail.
PSY 693 PRACTICUM III. The practicum
experience is designed to provide the graduate student with
an opportunity to bring theory and practice together and to
develop his/her skills as a psychologist in meeting the needs
of those experiencing difficulty in living, e.g., emotional
problems, inadequate functioning in a learning environment,
AIDS, terminal illness, marital adjustment, etc. Ethical issues
in the treatment of these persons are also covered in detail.
PSY 694 PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOMETRICS.
The practicum experience is designed to provide the graduate
student with an opportunity to develop skills in administration,
scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests.
PSY 698 THESIS I. This phase
of the Thesis investigation includes review of the literature,
foundation of the research design, collection of pilot data,
etc.'
PSY 699 THESIS II. This phase
of Thesis work includes data collection, writing, and defense
of Thesis.
PSY 730 FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY PROSEMINAR.
This course will introduce students to the field of forensic
psychology and to the core faculty in the forensic psychology
program. After an overview of the different areas in which
forensic psychologists work, the members of forensic psychology
faculty will meet with the class and describe their research
and clinical interests.
PSY 733 LAW AND SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY.
This course will examine the legal system from a social psychological
perspective. The course will focus on such topics as jury
decision-making and group dynamics, the role of prejudice
in judgments of guilt, and line-up identification and eyewitness
testimony.
PSY 734 FORENSIC PSYCHOPATHOLOGY.
This course will examine forms of psychopathology that are
of concern to the criminal justice system. Considerable emphasis
will be placed on psychopathy and conduct disorder. The course
will also examine issues like schizophrenia and dangerousness,
and the ways other personality disorders (e.g., Narcissistic,
Borderline) and mood disorders (e.g., Bipolar disorder) may
contribute to legal difficulties.
PSY 735 LAW AND PSYCHOLOGY.
This course explores historical and contemporary applications
of social science to inform law. Special emphasis will be
placed on the use of information derived from the science
and profession of psychology to shape judicial, legislative,
and administrative law at both the state and federal levels.
PSY 736 MENTAL HEALTH LAW. This
course explores state and federal constitutional, statutory
and case law regulating mental health professional practice.
Topics include: child abuse/neglect reporting laws, civil
commitment, confidentiality and privilege, duty to protect
third parties from harm, psychiatric hospitalization of inmates,
and state licensing requirements.
PSY 762 ETHICS IN CLINICAL AND FORENSIC
PRACTICE. This course will review the APA ethical standards
and the APA specialty guidelines for forensic practice. Students
will consider case examples where there are ethical conflicts
or controversies and processes for resolving ethical dilemmas.
PSY 792 TOPICS IN FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY.
Members of the forensic psychology faculty will teach this
course. The subject matter for the course will vary from semester
to semester depending on the interests of the faculty and
students. Topics may include delinquency and conduct disorders,
antisocial personality disorder, family violence, eyewitness
reliability, the psychology and treatment of sex offenders,
psychological syndrome defenses, and substance abuse.
PSY 860 FORENSIC ASSESSMENT I.
The course will attend to the issues related to conducting
assessments with forensic populations. This will include some
of the issues that are unique to forensic settings, such as
competency and criminal responsibility, as well as the ways
that basic testing issues become more complex in a forensic
setting (e.g., how intelligence testing may be used to facilitate
an attorney-client relationship). This course will include
a practicum component in which students perform assessments
with various forensic populations.
PSY 861 FORENSIC ASSESSMENT II.
In this course students will continue to develop skills in
forensic assessment. Prerequisite: PSY 860.
PSY 882 FORENSIC PRACTICUM I.
Students will be assigned to a forensic practicum site. These
sites may include the University Forensic Clinic, Texas Department
of Corrections, the Mental Health and Mental Retardation Unit
at the Harris County Jail, various county probation and parole
departments, etc. In addition to the practicum placements,
the students in this class will receive group and/or individual
supervision from a licensed psychologist in the program.
PSY 883 FORENSIC PRACTICUM II.
After successfully completing PSY 892,
students will be eligible for Forensic Practicum II, where
they will continue to engage in forensic clinical work both
at the University Forensic Clinic and at various practicum
sites. Students will continue to enroll in this course throughout
their doctoral training and in any particular semester may
register for between 1 and 3 credits for the course. Prerequisite:
PSY 882.
PSY 890 INTERNSHIP I. Placement
in an applied clinical setting for a full-year (e.g., September
- August) under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
APA-approved sites are preferred. Prerequisites: PSY 882,
PSY 883, Consent of Clinical Training Committee
PSY 891 INTERNSHIP II. Placement
in an applied clinical setting for a full-year (e.g., September
- August) under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
APA-approved sites are preferred. Prerequisites: PSY 890,
Consent of Clinical Training Committee
PSY 892 INTERNSHIP III. Placement
in an applied clinical setting for a full-year (e.g., September
- August) and under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
APA-approved sites are preferred. Prerequisites: PSY
891, Consent of Clinical Training Committee
PSY 893 INTERNSHIP IV. Placement in an applied clinical
setting for a full-year (e.g., September - August) and under
the supervision of a licensed psychologist. APA-approved sites
are preferred. Prerequisites: PSY 892,
Consent of Clinical Training Committee
PSY 896-899
DISSERTATION.
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