Graduate Catalog 2024-2025

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