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. It includes 6 hours of practicum experience and a year-long internship in public schools.

   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 subscores) 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 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 psychologythe 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

1. A minimum score of 550 in both the Verbal and Quantitative Sections of the Graduate Record Exam is strongly recommended. Applicants must also take the GRE Advanced Psychology Test.
2.Undergraduate (and graduate) transcripts (recommended 3.5 minimum GPA).
3.Three letters of recommendation, preferably from faculty who are sufficiently acquainted with the student to comment on potential for success in a doctoral program.
4.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. For application forms or further information, write or call:

Department of Psychology and Philosophy
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville, TX 77341-2447
Phone: (936) 294-1210

Email: psy_jab@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.

1.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.
2.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.
3.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.
4.Passing a written comprehensive examination.
5.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.
6.Completion of a year-long predoctoral internship, during which the student works full-time in an applied clinical setting.
7.Completion of the degree within 6 years from the first semester of registration as a doctoral student.

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 694 PRACTICUM IN PSYCHOMETRICS. The practicum experience is designed to provide the graduate student with opportunities to develop skills in administration, scoring, and interpretation of psychological tests.

PSY 691 PRACTICUM I. 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 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 a history of forensic psychology and 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. This course will be taught by members of the forensic psychology faculty. 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, 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 PSYPsy 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.

* Subject to action by the Board of Regents, The Texas State University System, and the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board.