Chair: Janet Kistner; Associate Chair: Berler; Professors: Baumeister, Carbonell, Charness, Contreras, Ericsson, Hull, Hyson, Joiner, Keel, Kistner, Lang, Lonigan, Patrick, Schatschneider, Schmidt, Spector, Tice, Wagner, Wang; Associate Professors: Bernat, Eckel, Johnson, Kelley, B. Licht, M. Licht, Maner, Plant, Radach, Taylor; Assistant Professors: Bolaños, Boot, Cougle, Ehrlinger, Kaschak, Rodefer, Ward, Williams; Research Associates in Psychology: Berler, Henderson, Sachs-Ericsson, Warmath; Associates in Psychology: Kline, Murphy; Assistant in Psychology: Lane, Lechago; Administrative and Professional: Bigbie, Donaldson, Harris, Saunders, Thornton; Associated Faculty: Davis, Ferris, Kemper, Kerr, Lyons Johnson, O'Kon, Patrick, K. Schmidt, Sullivan, Tenenbaum; Professors Emeriti: Bailey, Brigham, Hokanson, Kennedy, Megargee, Miller, Rashotte, Smith, Stephan, Torgesen, Weaver
The undergraduate program in psychology offers introductory survey courses to give the liberal studies student a broad background in the study of behavior, as well as upper-division courses for the advanced student who has more specialized interests. The undergraduate major includes a rigorous course of study that covers the methodology and content needed to understand the causes of behavior in humans and animals. It is the intent of the program that the level of knowledge attained by the successful major will be such that the student is well prepared for graduate-level studies in any of the specialty areas in psychology. Likewise, the undergraduate program will provide excellent preparation for those interested in advanced training in a professional school (e.g., law or medical school), although additional course work outside psychology may be required. Although some students may not wish to pursue graduate studies, this program assures that the successful major will attain a strong science-based liberal arts education.
Majors are required to take three laboratory courses, and qualified students are encouraged to work in the department's research laboratories or to participate in research in educational and clinical settings. Students are strongly encouraged to consult early and regularly with the departmental Advising Office to be sure they are meeting program requirements and to ask about opportunities for intensive study in a specialty area while pursuing the major. Advisors are available M-F from 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. You may call (850) 644-4260 or e-mail advising@psy.fsu.edu. The optional areas of emphasis include clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology. Students on the Panama City campus may specialize in applied behavior analysis and performance management. For the student wishing to study abroad for a semester, there may be opportunities to study in one of FSU's many study centers and programs abroad (including, but not limited to, Florence, Valencia, London, Panama, and Prague) while completing Liberal Studies requirements, one's minor, and/or one's foreign language requirement. For detailed information about the psychology major and the department, please refer to http://www.psy.fsu.edu.
All undergraduates at Florida State University must demonstrate basic computer skills competency prior to graduation. As necessary computer competency skills vary from discipline to discipline, each major determines the courses needed to satisfy this requirement. Undergraduate majors in psychology satisfy this requirement by earning a grade of "C–" or higher in CGS 2060, CGS 2064, CGS 2082, CGS 2100, or BSC 2010L.
The State of Florida has identified common program prerequisites for this University degree program. Specific prerequisites are required for admission into the upper-division program and must be completed by the student at either a community college or a state university prior to being admitted to this program. Students may be admitted into the University without completing the prerequisites, but may not be admitted into the upper-division program.
At the time this document was published, some common program prerequisites were undergoing revision. Please visit http://facts23.facts.org/navigation/detail_ext/cpp_intro.do?pageId=060304 for a current list of state-approved prerequisites.
The following lists the common program prerequisites or their substitutions necessary for admission into this upper-division degree program:
Admission to the undergraduate program in psychology is based on a minimum GPA and the successful completion of prerequisite course requirements.
Note: While some of these requirements overlap with the State of Florida Common Program Prerequisites (listed above), there are additional requirements for formal admission to the psychology major. Please note that students who qualify for upper-division status and who wish to enter FSU as a psychology major must complete all of the following prerequisites prior to being accepted at FSU. Note also that students with more than one hundred twenty earned semester hours are not admissible.
Note: Please see the department's Web site at http://www.psy.fsu.edu or contact the Psychology Advising Office at 644-4260 for requirements.
Please review all college-wide degree requirements summarized in the "College of Arts and Sciences" chapter of this General Bulletin.
Please also see the section in this General Bulletin on university-wide undergraduate degree requirements regarding the following: multi-cultural, oral communication competency, and computer skills competency. For the Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in psychology, the requirements listed below, along with the requirements of the College of Arts and Sciences, must be fulfilled. For the Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, nine additional semester hours in the humanities and history are required above and beyond the requirements for the BS degree.
The Department of Psychology offers a broad selection of courses in order for each student to select a curriculum appropriate for his/her needs. All students must fulfill the major requirements listed below, which ensure a balanced program of study. Any of the courses listed below, if presented by the student toward fulfillment of the major, must be completed with a minimum grade of "C–". Additionally, no student who has accumulated more than four grades below "C–" (D+, D, D–, F, U) in psychology courses or prerequisite courses for the major taken for credit at Florida State University or elsewhere will be permitted to continue toward a degree with a major in psychology.
In an effort to maintain quality and to give students a direct way to affect the program, the Department of Psychology asks all of its graduating seniors to complete a survey to provide information about their experiences in and impressions of the department.
The Department of Psychology enforces a strict first-day attendance policy. Students missing the first day of any class or laboratory will be dropped.
Note: EXP 3202C, 3203C, 3422C, 3604C, PSY 3213C and PSB 3004C are each four hour courses with both lecture and laboratory components. These courses previously were three hour lecture courses and separate one hour laboratory courses.
Thirty-six semester hours of psychology courses (not including general psychology) are required for the major. At least eighteen of these thirty-six hours must be taken in residence at FSU. The thirty-six hours must include:
The Department of Psychology offers a program in honors in the major to encourage talented students to undertake independent and original research as part of the undergraduate experience. Students conduct this research under the supervision of a psychology faculty member. Completing an honors project contributes greatly to one's preparation for graduate studies in psychology and related fields. Students must be admitted into the University Honors Program prior to arranging this research. For requirements and other information, see the "University Honors Office and Honor Societies" chapter of this General Bulletin. Once admitted to the University Honors Program, students must identify a psychology faculty mentor for supervision of their honors thesis research.
Twelve semester hours of psychology are required for a minor in psychology. One of these courses must be PSY 2012 General Psychology (3). Grades below "C–" will not be accepted for credit toward the minor. A minimum of six of the required semester hours must be completed at Florida State University. No courses used for satisfying the liberal studies requirements may count toward the minor, nor may any courses taken for an S/U grade.
Several areas of emphasis are available for students, especially those planning a graduate career in psychology or another field of science. The areas are clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, neuroscience, and social psychology. The recommended curriculum provides students with a strong background in scientific method and content pertinent to their areas of particular interest.
Students may complete the requirements for the Bachelor of Science (BS) in psychology at the Panama City campus. Students transferring to the Panama City campus must have completed an approved AA degree or equivalent; the Panama City campus offers no courses at the freshman or sophomore levels. Students should refer to the common course requirements for this degree program.
Courses are offered during the day for those wishing to complete the program as full-time students. Evening courses are offered for students whose schedules conflict with daytime courses and wish to pursue a degree on a part-time basis.
A master's degree with a specialty in applied behavior analysis also is offered at the Panama City campus.
Admission requirements for the Panama City campus are:
Graduation requirements for the psychology major are the same as those at the Tallahassee campus.
Note: For further information about admission, degree requirements, minor requirements, or the foreign language requirements for the bachelor's degree program, contact the FSU Panama City campus at (850) 872-4750, or toll free at (866) 539-7588, or refer to http://www.pc.fsu.edu.
CBH—Comparative Psychology and Animal Behavior
CLP—Clinical Psychology
DEP—Developmental Psychology
EAB—Experimental Analysis of Behavior
EXP—Experimental Psychology
INP—Industrial and Applied Psychology
ISC—Interdisciplinary Sciences
PPE—Personality
PSB—Psychobiology
PSY—Psychology
SCE—Science Education
SOP—Social Psychology
PSY 2012. General Psychology (3). A broad introduction to the field of psychology covering such topics as learning, perception, intelligence, personality, social behavior, neuroscience, developmental psychology, and abnormal behavior.
PSY 2023. Careers in Psychology (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is intended for psychology majors who are uncertain about their career goals. Students learn what career opportunities are available in psychology and related fields and what these careers involve. Students are encouraged to take this course early in their undergraduate years so they can pursue opportunities at FSU that will help prepare them for their chosen career paths.
PSY 3213C. Research Methods in Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and STA 2122 or STA 2171. Introduction to philosophical and methodological issues in the empirical study of psychology. Laboratory portion includes running simple experiments, analyzing data, and interpreting the results.
PSY 4604. History and Systems of Psychology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012, PSY 3213C, junior or senior standing, or instructor permission; recommended for seniors. Covers the philosophical and scientific antecedents of modern psychology and the history of psychology as an independent scientific discipline.
CBH 4304. Behavioral Genetics (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSY 3213C. This course examines the application of genetic methods to human and animal behavior. Genetic methods discussed include twin and adoption as well as molecular studies. Behaviors to be examined include personality, intelligence, and psychopathology.
EXP 3202C. Sensation and Perception with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. The role of senses in behavior and the perceptual organization of sensory information; lecture plus laboratory experiments.
EXP 3203C. Animal Sensory Processes with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. Animal psychophysics and electrophysiology in the study of animal senses; lecture plus laboratory experiments.
EXP 3422C. Conditioning and Learning with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. How experience affects the behavior and physiological functioning of animals and humans; lecture plus laboratory experiments.
PSB 2000. Introduction to Brain and Behavior (3). A study of the basic principles of brain functions and how they relate to animal and human behavior. (Cannot be taken after PSB 3004C.)
PSB 3004C. Physiological Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. Current problems, theories, and techniques in physiological psychology with emphasis on central nervous system mechanisms.
PSB 4461. Hormones and Behavior (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three (3) semester hours in biology. Provides students with current knowledge of interactions between hormones and behavior with emphasis on the brain regulation of hormone-behavior interaction in mammalian species including humans.
PSB 4641. Pain and Suffering (3). Course combines formal lectures, student-teacher discussions, and student presentations to understand what we currently know and how we can increase our knowledge about the multifaceted (genetic, biological, physiological, psychological, sociocultural) mechanisms underlying pain.
PSB 4710. Biology of Eating Disorders and Obesity (3). This course explores the biological and genetic factors that may increase susceptibility to develop an eating disorder or obesity. It also provides a survey of biological changes that arise in individuals with an eating disorder or obesity.
PSB 4731. Biopsychology of Sexual Behavior (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and PSB 2000 or PSB 3004C or three (3) semester hours in biology. A study of biological and sociocultural determinants of sexual development particularly as it relates to sexual orientation, sexual preference, and purported gender differences in personality, cognition, and mental disorders.
EXP 2020. Mind and Cognition (3). Prerequisite: Instructor permission. The course focuses on intelligent behavior in humans, animals, and machines and on the mechanisms underlying this behavior.
EXP 3404. Human Memory and Learning (3). Prerequisites: PSY 3213C. Course introduces issues related to human memory and learning. Theories of memory, including memory systems, capacity and duration of memory, and basic memorial processes. Applied issues include disorders of memory (e.g., Alzheimer's disease), repressed memories, and memory improvement.
EXP 3604C. Cognitive Psychology with Laboratory (4). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. Contemporary approaches to human learning, memory, and higher mental processes; lecture plus laboratory experiments.
EXP 4640. Psychology of Language (3). Prerequisites: PSY 3213C for psychology majors and instructor permission for other majors. This course will focus on the mental processes involved in language use (e.g., speech, comprehension, conversation, and writing).
CLP 3003. Psychology of Adjustment (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Human adjustments and the resulting forms of behavior. Abnormal and normal behavior are contrasted. Special emphasis on the determinants of adjustments.
CLP 3305. Clinical and Counseling Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. A survey of the theory, research, and treatment procedures in the clinical process.
CLP 3314. Health Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course is a survey of health psychology and behavioral medicine. Topics include mind/body connections, health and disease, stress and coping, and psychology in medical settings.
CLP 4134. Abnormal Child Psychology (3). Prerequisite: DEP 3103. This course focuses on the development, maintenance, assessment, and treatment of various psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. Theoretical perspectives and research findings are discussed pertaining to anxiety, depression, autism, conduct disorder, attention-deficit disorder/hyperactivity disorder, and learning disabilities.
CLP 4143. Abnormal Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Junior or senior standing is strongly recommended. Causes of personality disorganization, diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, and developments in experimental psychopathology.
CLP 4182. Addictive Behaviors (3). Prerequisites: Junior or senior standing, a 3.0 GPA, or instructor permission. This course addresses the broad concept of "addiction," emphasizing substance use problems, but touching on other gratifying compulsive behaviors such as overeating, gambling, and certain sexual deviations. Critical thinking about the available theoretical, empirical, and popular literature as a well as relevant public policy is the focus.
CLP 4343r. Current Issues in Clinical Psychology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and junior or senior standing. A study of current issues in clinical psychology. May be repeated to a maximum of six (6) semester hours.
CLP 4950. Abnormal Psychology Field Experience (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: CLP 4143 or instructor permission.
PPE 3003. Psychology of Personality (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. An introduction to methods, theory, and research in personality.
PSY 4302. Theory, Application, and Evaluation of Tests (3). Prerequisite: PSY 3213C. Basic test and measurement theory essential in the construction, appropriate use, and evaluation of achievement, aptitude, intelligence, interest, and personality tests.
DEP 3103. Child Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. This course provides broad coverage of topics concerning the biological, social, and cognitive aspects of children.
DEP 3305. Psychology of Adolescent Development (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Recent research dealing with adolescents. Emphasis is placed on the influence of growth and on the role of cultural pressures on behavior.
DEP 4404. Psychology of Adult Development and Aging (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. The study of the major psychological issues of adulthood and aging, including age-related changes in psychological, social, and physical functioning; interpersonal and family relationships; career development and retirement; mental and physical health; death and bereavement; and coping with the process of aging.
SOP 3004. Social Psychology (3). This course involves the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Subjects include individual, cultural, behavioral, and biological levels of analysis. Completion of PSY 2012 is recommended prior to this course.
SOP 3742. Psychology of Women (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Systematic study of research and theories about gender, including psychological differences and similarities between sexes.
SOP 3751. Psychology and the Law (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. An examination of the interface between psychology and legal issues. Research on judges, juries, defendants, and police are among topics covered, as well as the role of psychologists in the legal system.
SOP 3782. Psychology of the African-American (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. A critical examination of the psychocultural forces that shape and determine the unique behavior of African-Americans.
SOP 4214. Experimental Social Psychology (3). Prerequisites: PSY 2012 and SOP 3004. Course covers in-depth analysis of several central areas of social psychology with an emphasis on designing and carrying out research in these areas.
SOP 4722. Prejudice and Stereotyping (3). Prerequisites: PSY 3213C and SOP 3004. This course explores the nature of prejudice and stereotyping in our society using a social psychological perspective.
EAB 3703. Applied Behavior Analysis (3). This course introduces the basic principles of behavior and exposes students to settings where techniques based on learning theory can be used therapeutically.
INP 3303. Business Psychology (3). Prerequisite: PSY 2012. Vocational selection, psychological principles of supervision and leadership, emotional problems of employees, selling, and advertising.
INP 3313. Behavior Analysis in Business and Industry (3). Prerequisites: EAB 3703, EXP 3422C, and PSY 2012. Behavior principles as they are applied in business, industry, and government.
INP 4314. Advanced Topics in Performance Management (4). Prerequisites: INP 3313 and instructor permission. Implementation and analysis of performance management principles via a project carried out in a business setting; motivation, compensation, and systems issues in performance technology.
ISC 3076. Science, Technology, and Society (3). Science is considered as an enterprise in modern society that produces technological advances and new perspectives on reality. Interrelations among science, technology, and society are examined. Enrollment is open to students who have attained at least junior standing or by instructor permission.
PSY 3949r. Cooperative Education Work Experience (0). (S/U grade only.)
PSY 4039r. Honors Work (1–6). May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) hours.
PSY 4911r–4914r. Directed Individual Study (one to three [1–3] hours each.) (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing and instructor permission. Study on a selected topic as designated by the student and the directing professor. Each course may be repeated to a maximum of three (3) semester hours.
PSY 4920r. Research Topics (1–3). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisites: Sophomore or higher standing and instructor permission. Participation in a group research project on a selected topic as designated by the directing professor. May be repeated to a maximum of twelve (12) semester hours, with a maximum of six (6) hours repeatable in a given semester.
PSY 4930r. Special Topics in Psychology (3). May be repeated to a maximum of nine (9) semester hours. A maximum of two (2) special topics courses may be taken in the same semester.
PSY 4970r. Honors Seminar (1). (S/U grade only.) Prerequisite: Admission to the honors-in-psychology program. Exposure to state-of-the-art research of psychology faculty to increase breadth in the discipline and to help select a thesis topic and research mentor. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) semester hours.
SCE 4939r. Presentations of contemporary and interesting issues in science, mathematics, or academic methods. Content will vary from semester to semester. May be repeated to a maximum of four (4) semester hours.
PSY 5605. History and Systems of Psychology (3).
PSY 6945. Teaching Psychology Practicum (3).
EAB 5700. Basic Principles of Behavior (3).
EAB 5701. Basic Methods of Applied Behavior Analysis (3).
EAB 5710. Behavioral Analysis in Developmental Disabilities and Autism (3).
EAB 5711. Behavioral Analysis in Mental Health and Aging (3).
EAB 5721. Behavioral Analysis in Education and Performance Management (3).
EAB 5780. Ethical and Professional Issues in Applied Behavior Analysis (3).
EAB 5796. Research Methods in Applied Behavior Analysis (3).
EAB 5940. Applied Behavioral Analysis Practicum (3). (S/U grade only.)
EAB 5941. Applied Behavioral Analysis Practicum (3). (S/U grade only.)
EAB 5942. Applied Behavioral Analysis Practicum (3). (S/U grade only.)
EAB 6130r. Seminar on Skinner's Theory of Behaviorism (3).
CLP 5196. Techniques of Behavioral Change (3).
CLP 5375. Concepts and Methods of Clinical Psychology (3).
CLP 5475. Child Psychopathology and Intervention (3).
CLP 5624. Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice (3). (S/U grade only).
CLP 5941r. Clinical Practicum: Psychological Evaluation [one to three (1–3) hours each]. (S/U grade only.)
CLP 5942r. Clinical Practicum: Psychological Evaluation [one to three (1–3) hours each]. (S/U grade only).
CLP 6169. Abnormal Psychology for Graduate Students (3).
CLP 6349r. Seminar in Clinical Theory (3).
CLP 6920r. Current Issues in Clinical Psychology (1). (S/U grade only.)
CLP 6944r. Clinical Practicum: Change of Behavior [one to three (1–3) hours each]. (S/U grade only.)
CLP 6947r. Clinical Practicum: Change of Behavior [one to three (1–3) hours each]. (S/U grade only.)
PPE 5055. Personality Theory (3).
PSY 5325. Assessment I (3).
PSY 6940r. Psychological Clerkship (3–6). (S/U grade only.)
PSY 6948r. Psychology Internship (1–6). (S/U grade only.)
EXP 5508. Cognition and Perception (3).
EXP 5642. Psychology of Language (3).
EXP 6609r. Seminar in Higher Mental Processes (3).
EXP 6920r. Issues in Cognitive Science (1). (S/U grade only.)
DEP 5165. Developmental Psychology (3).
EXP 5406. Conditioning and Learning (3).
EXP 5717. Animal Psychophysics (3).
PCB 5845. Cell and Molecular Neuroscience (4).
PSB 5056. Biological Psychology (3).
PSB 5057. Neuroscience Methods: Molecules to Behavior (2).
PSB 5077. Responsible Conduct of Research (2).
PSB 5230C. Vertebrate Neuroanatomy (4).
PSB 5341. Systems and Behavioral Neuroscience (3).
PSB 5347. Neuropharmacology (3).
PSB 6059r. Seminar in Physiological Psychology (3).
PSB 6070r. Current Problems in Neuroscience (2). (S/U grade only.)
PSB 6920r. Neuroscience Colloquium (1). (S/U grade only.)
PSB 6933r. Seminar in Neuroscience (1–2).
SOP 5053. Social Psychology (3).
SOP 6848. Seminar in Psychology and Law (3).
SOP 6920r. Current Issues in Social Psychology (1). (S/U grade only.)
SOP 6939r. Seminar in Social Psychology (3).
PSY 5908r. Directed Individual Study (1–3). (S/U grade only.)
PSY 5916r. Selected Research Topics (3).
PSY 5917r. Supervised Research (1–5). (S/U grade only.)
PSY 5947r. Supervised Teaching (1–5). (S/U grade only.)
PSY 6919r. Seminar in Current Research Topics (1–3).
For listings relating to graduate course work for thesis, dissertation, and master's and doctoral examinations and defense, consult the Graduate Bulletin.