Course Descriptions

For more information about these courses please see the Graduate Catalog or a faculty member.

This course will examine the research on psychological factors associated with the development and/or progression of illness, as well as psychological and social factors in health promotion. Topics include cognitive and social representation of health and illness, stress and coping, factors and interventions for behavioral change and the development of healthy lifestyles, and the treatment of psychological and behavioral risk factors for illness.

Advanced study of the anatomical, physiological, and chemical correlates of behavior and mental processes, including the relationships among brain and body function/structure (neurochemistry, histology, anatomy), psychological variables (motor behavior, motivation, emotion, perception, learning, memory), health, and mental and physical illness.  Integrates experimental and clinical research methodologies.

This course assumes a basic background in statistics and methodology and builds from there, with special emphasis on methodological issues and statistical techniques appropriate to Health Psychology. Computer skills related to statistical packages, databases, etc., will be stressed. Specific methods and analyses include multiple regression, ANOVA, ANCOVA, MANOVA, factor analysis, power, validity, experimental design, placebo effects, and random sampling.

As a continuation of Psyc 582, this course assumed a more advanced background in statistics and methodology. The course focuses on methodological issues and statistical techniques appropriate to Health Psychology. Computer skills related to statistical packages and databases will be stressed. Specific methods and analyses include survey research, MANCOVA, multiple regression, logistic regression, cluster analysis, and meta-analysis.

Provides graduate psychology students with current information and decision making strategies on professional and ethical issues associated with service delivery, research, and teaching.

A list of approved electives are provided each semester. Go to the Current Students link for more information.

Psyc 592: Individual Research (3-6 credits)

No more than 6 hours may be counted toward the MS in Psychology: Specialization in Clinical Health Psychology degree. students will undertake individual research under the direction of a member of the staff. The students, in electing, should indicate the staff member with whom the work has been arranged. Additional reading assignments or projects will distinguish this course from its undergraduate version Psyc 492.

Students electing the Thesis option in the last stage of the MS in Psychology: Specialization in Health Psychology program will work under the general supervision of a member of the graduate faculty in the Behavioral Sciences Department but will plan and carry out the work independently. Students should obtain a copy of the thesis requirements from the CASL Office of Graduate Programs or the Program Director before registering for this course. The student will submit a report on the thesis and give an oral presentation to a panel of faculty members when the thesis is completed.