Department of Psychology
Department website: http://www.wku.edu/psychology
Steve Wininger and Pitt Derryberry, Co-Department Chairs
Gary A. Ransdell Hall 3012
(270) 745-2695
psychology@wku.edu
Faculty
Professor
Pitt Derryberry PhD (Educational Psychology), The University of Alabama, 2001
Lisa C. Duffin PhD (Educational Studies, Educational Psychology), Purdue University Main Campus, 2009
Frederick G. Grieve PhD (Psychology, Clinical Psychology), University of Memphis, 1996
Jenni L. Redifer PhD (Educational Psychology), University of Florida, 2012
Robert K. Welsh PhD (Clinical Psychology), Biola University, 1999
Steven R. Wininger PhD (Educational Psychology, Sports Psychology), Florida State University, 1998
Qin Zhao PhD (Educational Psychology), University of Florida, 2008
Associate Professor
Sarah E. Bonis PhD (School Psychology), University of Houston, 2017
Assistant Professor
David M. Castleman PhD, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2024
Michelle R. Durham PhD (Psychology), North Dakota St University Main Campus, 2020
Sungjin Im PhD (Clinical Psychology), University of Nevada, Reno, 2018
Christopher S. Peters PhD (Psychology), University of Arkansas Main Campus, 2013
Young-Jae Yoon PhD (Psychology), Loyola University of Chicago, 2020
Psychology Courses
PSY 412G Psychology of Motivation and Emotion 3 Hours
A study of the principal theories of motivation and emotion. Examination of needs, cognition, and social aspects. Includes a critical review of research and application of these theories to human behavior.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 100 or PSYS 100
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 421G Psychology of Early Adolescence 3 Hours
Focuses on theory and research related to cognitive, personality, and social development in early adolescence. Theories are applied to important developmental contexts such as peers, families, and learning environments. Designed for students planning to meet middle grades certification requirements.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 100 or PSYS 100
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 422G Adolescent Psychology 3 Hours
Introduction to behavior and development from early adolescence to adulthood, emphasizing a critical review of research and literature.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 100 or PSYS 100
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 432G Psychology of the Gifted and Creative 3 Hours
The course covers identification of gifted children and adults with an emphasis upon the development of educational programs which maximize the development of giftedness. Included will be a critical review of research and literature in the areas of giftedness and creativity.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
PSY 435G Moral Development and Education 3 Hours
An in-depth study of and reflection upon psychological theories of morality, moral development, moral functioning, and current models of moral education and professional identity.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSYS 100) or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 436G Applied Cognitive Psychology 3 Hours
Focus on the application of empirical cognitive findings to real-world memory tasks, reasoning, and problem solving. Topics covered include attentional processes applied to distracted driving, memory formation and retrieval as they relate to eyewitness testimony and recovered memories, and strategies for compensating for our limited short-term memory capacity.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 440G Abnormal Psychology 3 Hours
Introduction to abnormal psychology emphasizing forms of abnormal behavior, etiology, developmental factors, interpretations, behavioral manifestations and treatment programs.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSYS 100) or permission of instructor
Equivalent(s): PSYS 440G
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 441G Psychological Aspects of Alcoholism 3 Hours
Intensive study of theories and research regarding alcoholism; emphasis on application of psychological theories to the treatment of alcoholism.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 442G Beginning Skills in Psychological Interviewing 3 Hours
Paraprofessional skills for conducting structured and unstructured interviews in non-therapy settings. Emphasizes skills development but also covers some theoretical material.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSYS 100) and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 443G Behavior Modification 3 Hours
Introduction to theory and application of behavior modification techniques. Emphasizes the use of behavior modification in education, child rearing, clinics and self modification. Course activities or assignments may require the individual to disclose personal information.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSYS 100) and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 470G Psychology and Law 3 Hours
Psychological knowledge that is pertinent to the legal system. Emphasis on how human characteristics and psychological factors influence attitudes, decisions, and behavior throughout the legal process. Field trips to off-campus locations will be required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation.
Prerequisite(s): (PSY 100 or PSYS 100) or equivalent
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 499G Senior Seminar in Psychology 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Seminar in which major concepts and issues in psychology are considered. Directed reading, guest lectures, field trips, and/or oral reports by students are utilized.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 505 Statistical Software for Behavioral Scientists 3 Hours
Develops proficiency in use of statistical software for mainframe and personal computers. Emphasis on SPSS. Data base management for the PC also addressed. Note: Three hours of undergraduate statistics required.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 509 Foundations of School Psychology 3 Hours
An introduction to the history of school psychology, the role and function of the school psychologist, models of practice, and professional standards. Current trends and future directions will be explored.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in School Psychology (147)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 510 Advanced Educational Psychology 3 Hours
Application of psychological and developmental theories to teaching and learning. Examination of cognitive, social, and moral development, learner diversity, learning theories, motivation, effective classroom management, productive instructional practices, and assessment.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
PSY 511 Psychology of Learning 3 Hours
Theories of learning including conditioning, social learning, reinforcement, problem solving, motivation, and structure of the learning situation.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 514 Program Evaluation and Research Methods 3 Hours
Methods and purposes of educational program evaluation. Topics include research methods and designs relevant to program evaluation for school psychologists.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022
PSY 519 Psychological Perspectives on Classroom Behavior 3 Hours
Strategies and techniques designed for coping with problem behaviors in the classroom. Covers both preventative and problem encounter measures.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023
PSY 520 Individual Differences and Human Diversity 3 Hours
Research and theory in aspects of human diversity, including intelligence, motivation, personality, achievement, and aptitudes. Both individual and group differences are addressed, and sources of diversity are explored. The course is specifically designed for individuals who are planning or currently pursuing a career as a clinician or counselor.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; summer 2023; summer 2024
PSY 540 Behavior Problems of Childhood and Adolescence 3 Hours
The major forms of psychopathology in children and adolescents, with emphasis upon recent research, classification systems and developmental patterns. Also covers clinical and school treatment of behavior problems encountered in the school setting.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 541 Professional Issues and Ethics in Psychology 3 Hours
Ethics codes, professional behaviors, and legal issues in applied psychology
Recent Term(s) Offered: winter 2022; spring 2022; summer 2022; winter 2023; winter 2024
PSY 545 Clinical Child Psychology: Theory and Practice 3 Hours
For psychology or mental health profession students desiring to work with mental health problems in children and adolescents.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 540 or PSY 640 or permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 560 Assessment of Individual Intellectual Functioning:Theories and Issues 3 Hours
Review of the theory and development of individually administered cognitive assessments used as basic tools in education and clinical diagnosis. Includes examination of issues in their use and interpretation.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Corequisite(s): PSY 562
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 561 Advanced Assessment in Educational Settings 3 Hours
Interpretation and integration of assessment information for use in educational settings. Includes tests, behavior ratings scales, ecological analysis, systematic observations, and functional behavioral assessment.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 560 and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 562 Practicum in Psychological Assessment 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Supervised experience in the administration and interpretation of instruments and practices used in the assessment of intellectual abilities and learning problems in educational or clinical settings. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 590 Readings of Research Psychology 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 9 hrs)
Individual readings or research.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2024
PSY 591 Internship in College Teaching 3 Hours
Problems and methods of teaching at the college level. Students enrolled in this course will concurrently teach a course in introductory or general psychology.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 592 Psychology Internship 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Applied supervised experiences for clinical and school psychologists. Students must meet minimum hour requirements as specified by the programs. Students are responsible for their own transportation to internship sites.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 599 Thesis Research 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Thesis research and writing directed by faculty committee.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 600 Maintain Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for thesis completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
PSY 617 Reading and Understanding Statistics in Psychology 3 Hours
Examination of critical consumer statistics reported in psychology journals. Coverage ranges from basic descriptive statistics to advanced inferential statistics. The focus of the course is on reading, interpreting, and critiquing results sections of journals.
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; summer 2023; summer 2024
PSY 625 Seminar in School Psychology 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Readings and discussion on current issues in the field of school psychology.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in School Psychology (147)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 637 Theories of Addiction 3 Hours
This course involves introduction to theoretical, philosophical and historical premises of addictions. Topics include professional ethics, diversity, family roles and relationships, and dual diagnosis. Note: Admission to or completion of approved graduate program in a helping profession required.
Equivalent(s): SWRK 637, CNS 637
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 640 Psychopathology 3 Hours
Major forms of child and adult psychopathology with emphasis upon recent research, classification systems, the modification of deviant behavior and developmental patterns of learning and motivation variables.
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 641 Theories of Psychotherapy 3 Hours
Selected theories and techniques of psychotherapy and counseling. Also covers group therapy, clinical topics, and professional and ethical issues.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 642 Clinical Interviewing and Psychotherapy 3 Hours
Continuation of PSY 641 with emphasis on group, family, and marital psychotherapy.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 641 and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2023
PSY 643 Academic Assessment and Intervention 3 Hours
Diagnostic instruments and procedures for assessing educationally-related disabilities. Emphasis on current laws and regulations regarding special education, academic interventions, and Individualized Education Programs. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 560 and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 645 Consultation in Educational and Mental Health Settings: Theory and Practice 3 Hours
Designed to provide theory and practice to mental health professionals. Theories and methods of mental health consultation in depth. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 646 Social Psychology for Applied Practice 3 Hours
Examines the impact of situations, relationships, and attributions on behavioral health and disorder development, diagnosis, and treatment. Explores the application of social psychological theories to the practice of clinical and school psychology.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 647 Addictions: Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning 3 Hours
This course involves the selection, administration, and interpretation of assessment methods and techniques used to diagnose addiction disorders, as well as the development of appropriate treatment plans and issues involved in individual, group and family treatment planning.
Equivalent(s): SWRK 647, CNS 647
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 651 Clinical Neuropsychology for Applied Psychologist 3 Hours
Basic neural anatomy and functioning and biological systems will be presented along with the effect those systems have on behavior. Effective applied interventions for people who have neurological problems will be covered.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476) , Psychology (092) or School Psychology (147)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 660 Assessment of Personality and Socio-Emotional Functioning 3 Hours
Personality diagnosis using objective and projective techniques with emphasis on current research interpretation, and communication of assessment information.
Prerequisite(s): PSY 560 and permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 662 Practicum in Psychology 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Supervised practice in schools, clinics, specialized training centers, hospitals, industry, and research settings. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 667 Counseling Substance and Process Addictions 3 Hours
Counseling issues to substance abuse diagnosis, treatment and aftercare programs involving individual, group, family and other systems.
Equivalent(s): SWRK 667, CNS 667
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 699 Specialist Project 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Specialist project research and writing directed by faculty committee.
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
PSY 700 Maintain Matriculation 1-6 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Continued enrollment for specialist project completion.
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 701 History and Systems of Applied Psychology 3 Hours
Survey of the history of clinical and school psychology with an emphasis on the theories and systems that drove the creation of these professions. Current trends in current clinical and school psychology and their impact on the fields will be examined.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: summer 2022; summer 2024
PSY 741 Family Systems in Therapy 3 Hours
Reviews theories of family systems and the implications for therapy and working with families. Applies family systems assessment and therapy techniques to referral concerns.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2024
PSY 751 Clinical Psychopharmacology 3 Hours
Overview of clinical psychopharmacology, including medication side effects and signs, contemporary prescribing practices, and working with medical professionals. Students will learn theoretical and biological bases of psychotropic medications.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 766 Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder 3 Hours
Examines methods, instruments, and skills of assessing Autism Spectrum Disorder. Supervised practice with assessment instruments. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to assessment sites.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2022; fall 2024
PSY 777 Foundations of Supervision 3 Hours
Examination of theories, ethics and issues in clinical supervision. Field experiences in appropriate off-campus settings may be required. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023; fall 2024
PSY 785 Doctoral Seminar in School Psychology 3 Hours
Readings and discussion on current issues in the field of psychology relevant to doctoral level school psychologists, such as systems level consultation, supervision, and private practice.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 791 Advanced Psychology Practice 1,3 Hour (repeatable max of 3 hrs)
Advanced field experience (200 TO 600 clinical and supervision hours) for doctoral students. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to practicum sites.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; summer 2024; fall 2024
PSY 792 Advanced Practicum in School Interventions 1,3 Hour
Supervised practice (200 to 600 clinical and supervision hours) in development of advanced problem-solving strategies and competencies for intervening with children and adolescents. Note: Students are responsible for their own transportation to practicum sites.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: None
PSY 799 Dissertation in Psychology 1,3 Hour (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Research undertaken to complete requirements for the doctorate in applied psychology.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024
PSY 801 The Profession of Clinical Psychology 3 Hours
Survey of the issues and opportunities in the applied practice of psychology. The legal, financial, professional, and ethical issue of applied practice will be addressed.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: fall 2023
PSY 862 Advanced Psychotherapy Interventions 3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Practice in evidence-based, contemporary psychotherapy techniques. Students will learn advanced and emerging techniques to complement existing therapeutic skills.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2023; spring 2024
PSY 877 Advanced Clinical Supervision 3 Hours
Advanced topics in supervision including specialized settings, challenging supervisees, and technology and supervision. Note: Students are responsible for arranging their own transportation to designated or assigned sites.
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; spring 2024
PSY 895 Pre-Doctoral Internship 1-3 Hours (repeatable max of 6 hrs)
Full-time applied psychology internship following the guidelines for the American Psychological Association. Taken at end of doctoral training coursework.
Prerequisite(s): permission of instructor
Restriction(s): Enrollment is limited to students in Applied Psychology (0476)
Recent Term(s) Offered: spring 2022; summer 2022; fall 2022; spring 2023; summer 2023; fall 2023; spring 2024; fall 2024