Psychology

Department Head: Gretchen Gimpel Peacock
Location: Emma Eccles Jones Education 487E
Phone: (435) 797-0721
Department Mailing Address:

Department of Psychology,
Utah State University, 2810 Old Main Hill,
Logan UT 84322-2810

FAX: (435) 797-1448
E-mail: psydept@usu.edu
WWW: http://www.usu.edu/psychology

Program Coordinators:

Combined Clinical/Counseling/School PhD:

Susan L. Crowley, Education 485, (435) 797-1251, susan.crowley@usu.edu

Experimental and Applied Psychological Science PhD:

Timothy Shahan, Education 499, (435) 770-7619, tim.shahan@usu.edu

School Psychology EdS:

Donna M. Gilbertson, Education 494, (435) 797-2034, donna.gilbertson@usu.edu

School Counseling MS:

Camille J. Odell, Education 482, (435) 797-5576, camille.odell@usu.edu

Undergraduate Program Faculty Coordinator:

Amy L. Odum, Education 496, (435) 797-5578, amy.odum@usu.edu

Undergraduate Advisors:

Karen R. Ranson, Education 475, (435) 797-1456, karen.ranson@usu.edu

Tressa M. Haderlie, Education 477, (435) 797-0097, tressa.haderlie@usu.edu

Degrees offered: Bachelor of Science (BS) and Bachelor of Arts (BA), in Psychology and Psychology Teaching; Master of Science (MS), Educational Specialist (EdS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

Graduate specializations: MS—School Counseling; EdS— School Psychology; PhD—Combined Clinical/Counseling/ School Psychology, Experimental and Applied Psychological Science

Undergraduate Programs

Objectives

Psychologists endeavor to scientifically understand the thought processes, emotions, and behavior of both humans and animals. Psychologists specialize in diverse areas. Some psychologists seek to better understand the interactions among genetic, biological, social, and psychological determinants of behavior. Other psychologists are concerned with how the body and brain create emotions, memories, and sensory experiences, and how these are perceived and interpreted. Still others are concerned with how we learn observable responses and how we process, store, and retrieve information. Additionally, psychologists focus their careers on the causes, assessment, and/or treatment of emotional and behavioral disorders. Psychologists utilize research methods to understand the causes of behavior, emotion, and thought processes.

The Department of Psychology at USU offers a rich undergraduate program in psychology with the primary objectives being:

1. To provide students with substantive knowledge in the basic discipline of psychology, such as history/systems, basic behavior processes, biological bases of behavior, development, personality, learning and cognition, social influences on individuals, research methods, and psychological disorders and treatment.
2. Teaching students how to critically analyze and solve problems pertaining to human interaction, communication, and relationships.
3. Student mastery of principles relating to the causes of behavior, basic learning processes, and the measurement and analysis of behavior.
4. Training students to use scientific and quantitative methods to better understand and apply social science research.
5. Preparing students to compete successfully for entry into nationally and internationally recognized graduate programs in the social sciences.
6. Preparing majors and minors to compete successfully for postbachelor employment opportunities in private/public education, human services, government, and corporations.

Assessment of Learning Objectives

Didactic, Laboratory, Tutorial, and Independent Coursework

All required, primary elective, and secondary elective courses in psychology address the programmatic learning objectives 1 through 6. Syllabi and ancillary course materials specify detailed learning objects in these six areas that are correlated with each unit of each course. Students complete a pre-test assessment in each of the courses pertaining to their knowledge, critical thinking and problem solving skills, principle mastery, and understanding of the scientific and quantitative methods encompassed by the discipline of psychology on which the course focuses. Their achievement of objectives in these areas is assessed periodically throughout the semester in the form of unit exams, written literature reviews or original research proposals, laboratory experiments and written exercises, or homework assignments. Post-tests are administered at the close of the semester. Records are kept of the students’ performance in each area, and final course grades are determined based on mastery of the objectives.

Successful preparation and mastery of the programmatic objectives 5 and 6 are intensively addressed and assessed via the applied and research service-learning experiences that faculty offer to students via independent apprenticeship; independent research; independent applied service-learning coursework (PSY 2250 , PSY 4250 , PSY 4910 , PSY 4920 , PSY 4950 , PSY 4960 , PSY 5500 , PSY 5900 , PSY 5910 , PSY 5930 ); supervision of honors’ coursework in any of the required, primary elective, and secondary elective courses in psychology; active student engagement in professional psychological organizations that model the standards and expectations of each employment career or post-baccalaureate graduate education opportunity in psychology (Psi Chi, American Psychological Association, American Psychological Society, and Student Analysis of Behavior Association); student poster or paper presentations at professional societies; and student submissions to competitive undergraduate journals dedicated to teaching or research in psychology. Students prepare a detailed set of learning objectives tailored to the goals of their independently supervised teaching, applied projects, and/or research projects. These objectives and goals form the basis for a contract to be fulfilled by the end of semester. In collaboration with the faculty or the appointed field supervisor, student progress and the final grade are assessed based on the students’ successful and productive efforts toward mastering the objectives and meeting their goals. Students are expected to demonstrate mastery of the requirements of the American Psychological Association Style Manual (6th edition) in their required courses and selected coursework from the primary electives. Effective Fall 2006, students entering the psychology major must take PSY 2950  and PSY 4950 .

PSY 2950 , PSY 4950 , and PSY 4960  additionally provide students with the presentation and documentation skills needed to achieve objectives 5 and 6 (e.g., to prepare and successfully complete applications for employment, employment interviews, graduate school admission materials, letters of intent, candidate interviews, a resume, and a curriculum vita). Because PSY 2950  provides specific information that students need to document their competency and achievement of learning objectives 5 and 6, the department strongly advises students to enroll in PSY 2950  very early in their undergraduate careers. Students should take this course as soon as they know they wish to major in psychology. Students are also strongly advised to affiliate themselves with a faculty mentor early in their careers and to participate actively in the teaching and research experiences that will help them document continued achievements and mastery of objectives 5 and 6. Students should thus also enroll early in the independent research study or applied courses (PSY 4910  , PSY 5900 , PSY 5910 , and  PSY 5930 ).

Departmental-level Competency Assessments

Students are required to complete a pre-test, as well as to submit written documentation of their progress and program accomplishments. Students should make arrangements with the Psychology Advising Office to complete the pre-test, and they should submit all written documentation to this office.

Student completion of the departmental competency pre-test in psychology is a formal requirement for admission to the psychology major. The pre-test is a web-based, multiple-choice assessment of students’ incoming knowledge and mastery of required and elective coursework, and is correlated with the programmatic learning objectives 1-4.

Final approval of each student’s application for graduation is contingent upon the student’s submission of three documents to the advising office. The student must submit a professionally prepared curriculum vita in APA style, in both hard copy and electronic (PDF) format. The vita must reflect the culmination of the student’s research, applied, and service-learning experiences and accomplishments in, or related to, the field of psychology. The vita must be current, must reflect all of the student’s work (up to two weeks prior to graduation), and may include his or her scores on standardized national tests (e.g., the GRE, MCAT, LSAT, and/or MAT, where applicable). It should also include a current e-mail address and phone number that will allow the student to be contacted after graduation to volunteer information regarding his or her post-graduation successes.

The courses in Psychology and the electives available in related departments allow students to tailor their education to meet specific career goals. Some students who major in psychology may qualify for admission to unique specialty tracks: (1) the (secondary education) Teaching Major; (2) Behavior Analysis Skill Track; (3) Interpersonal Relationships Skill Track; and (4) Graduate School Preparation Track.

Students can complete the major or minor in psychology either on campus (Logan), or through the USU Distance Education system. Most classes are available online. Students should check with the Psychology Advising Office at the time of registration for availability. The specific requirements for the skill tracks, the Apprenticeship, the on- and off-campus (distance education) options, and for how psychology electives can be used to advance students’ career goals can be obtained from the Psychology Advisement Office, Eccles-Jones Education Building, Room 475, (435) 797-1456.

Requirements

Pre-psychology Admission Requirements

Students are admitted to the Department of Psychology as Prepsychology majors by meeting the Utah State University admission requirements . To be a Psychology major, a student must make written application to the department, after meeting the following prerequisites: (1) completion of at least 40 semester credits with a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or higher; (2) completion of at least 18 credits of the University Studies requirement with a GPA of 2.75 or higher; and (3) completion of PSY 1010 , PSY 1100 , PSY 1400 , PSY 1410 , PSY 2800 , and PSY 2950  with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Application to the department should be made during the semester in which these prerequisites will be completed.

A student who wishes to be officially recognized as a psychology major or psychology teaching major must submit a formal application to the Department of Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office at Utah State University. The formal application will be reviewed and approved by the USU Psychology Department advisorial staff only. This contingency applies to all students, including those in the on-campus programs and in any of the USU Regional Campuses and Distance Education (RCDE) or Extension programs. Applications that have been reviewed by a USU Psychology Department advisor and meet all requirements will be processed in a timely fashion.

Students who wish to fulfill the major requirements via any of the USU RCDE or Extension programs or sites must contact the Psychology Department Advising Office on the Logan campus to be informed of the contingencies regarding timely progression through the program. Students need to carefully review their program of study with the Psychology Department Advising Office. Students should be aware that their program of study will be delayed when either (1) they fail to contact advisors at the Logan campus or (2) RCDE deviates from the published schedule of courses.

Suggested Sample Four-year Plan for Psychology Major

A suggested semester-by-semester four-year plan for students working toward a bachelor’s degree in Psychology can be found at: http://www.usu.edu/degreeplans/

Students should consult with their advisor to develop a plan of study tailored to their individual needs and interests.

Important Contingencies for Psychology Courses

Prerequisites for Psychology courses are strictly enforced. The prerequisites are indicated, at the end of course descriptions, within the Psychology course listings .

A student must be admitted as a psychology major or must complete at least 45 semester credits with a GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to taking psychology courses numbered 3000 or above. However, students who have been admitted to the Teacher Education program may take PSY 3660 , provided they have met the prerequisites. A student must be admitted as a psychology major or must complete at least 60 semester credits with a GPA of 3.0 or higher prior to taking psychology courses numbered 4000 or above.

Students desiring to receive credit for psychology courses taken at other institutions must request review of those courses for approval by the Psychology Undergraduate Advising Office.

Students who can complete a baccalaureate degree within seven years of enrollment at USU can qualify for graduation by meeting (1) the General Education/University Studies requirements in effect when they initially enrolled and (2) the major requirements in effect when they officially declared their major, even though there may have been changes in General Education/University Studies and major requirements since that time. Students who have not completed the baccalaureate requirements within seven years of their initial enrollment at USU must have their General Education/University Studies and major requirements evaluated and approved by their department head and dean. However, exceptions to this seven year policy may be necessary for mandated changes in degree requirements.

Undergraduate psychology coursework (USU or transfer) that is more than eight years old may not be used toward meeting the specific psychology coursework requirements for a psychology major or psychology minor. However, the Psychology Department Undergraduate Committee may allow revalidation through testing. Testing arrangements may be made by contacting Karen Ranson at karen.ranson@usu.edu.

Departmental Honors

Students who would like to experience greater academic depth within their major are encouraged to enroll in departmental honors. Through original, independent work, Honors students enjoy the benefits of close supervision and mentoring, as they work one-on-one with faculty in select upper-division departmental courses. Honors students also complete a senior project, which provides another opportunity to collaborate with faculty on a problem that is significant, both personally and in the student’s discipline. Participating in departmental honors enhances students’ chances for obtaining fellowships and admission to graduate school.

In the Psychology Department, students may complete an Honors in University Studies with Department Honors or a Department Honors only program. The requirements for departmental honors are as follows:

Honors Coursework

Honors students must complete 12 credits in courses designated as Honors courses. These courses are selected by students, and are approved by the Department Honors Coordinator and individual faculty members. Any upper-division (3000-level or higher) course may be taken as Honors. Additional courses which will meet the criteria for an Honors designation are determined, in conjunction with the student, by the faculty members teaching the courses.

GPA Requirements

To qualify for departmental honors, students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.3 and a GPA of 3.5 within upper-division major requirements and Honors coursework.

Senior Thesis

In order to obtain departmental honors, students are required to design, conduct, and present a senior thesis/project under the supervision of a faculty mentor. The senior thesis/project can be built from the research component of PSY 4950  and PSY 4960 

Interested students should contact the Honors Program, Main 15, (435) 797-2715, honors@usu.edu. Additional information can be found online at: http://www.usu.edu/honors/

Additional Information

For detailed information about course requirements for majors and minors within the Psychology Department, see the major requirement sheet, which is available from the department, or which can be accessed online at: http://www.usu.edu/majorsheets/

Graduate Programs

Admission Requirements

Admissions requirements vary somewhat across Psychology graduate programs. Therefore, applicants should review program web pages for more details. However, applications submitted to the School of Graduate Studies must include the following: (1) transcript showing completion of undergraduate course prerequisites, plus any recommended coursework; (2) report of (GRE) test scores from ETS; (3) GPA of at least 3.2, covering the last 60 semester credits; (4) three letters of recommendation; and (5) a statement of professional goals and intent. The department requires a minimum GRE combined (Verbal and Quantitative) score of at least 1,100 for all programs.

The deadline for submitting applications for the Combined Clinical/ Counseling/School Psychology PhD program is January 15. Applications for the Experimental and Applied Psychological Science PhD program are reviewed starting January 31. The application deadline for the EdS School Psychology program is February 1. Applications for the MS program in School Counseling must be submitted by May 1. With the exception of the PhD program in Combined Clinical/Counseling/School, applications for programs may be accepted after these dates if openings still exist.

Students are admitted to the MS program in School Counseling, following completion of a bachelor’s degree. Prospective EdS students in School Psychology and prospective PhD program students in the Combined Clinical/Counseling/School program or the Experimental and Applied Psychological Science program can possess either a bachelor’s or a master’s degree.

Prerequisites for Admission to Graduate Programs

Applicants to the Master of Science (MS), Educational Specialist (EdS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs are advised that they should possess a broad base of knowledge at the undergraduate level in a substantive subgroup of the following: general psychology, human development, learning theory, cognition, personality theory research, psychometrics, elementary statistics, history and systems, physiological, sensation and perception, and social psychology. The absolute  prerequisites for each graduate program are outlined below, along with a listing of graduate program course requirements for each program.

Research Opportunities for Students

Departmental faculty are heavily involved in basic and/or applied research. A sampling of the diverse research interests of tenured and tenure-track faculty available to students includes: Bates—adolescent problem behavior prevention, community-level prevention, higher education teaching and learning; Crowley—anxiety, depression, supervision and training; DeBerard—health psychology, behavioral medicine, spinal surgery outcome and technique efficacy; Domenech-Rodríguez—Latino family dynamics, parent training programs; Field—adolescent behavior disorders, rural mental health issues, school psychology; Galliher—social and dating relationship processes and dynamics in adolescence and rural mental health service delivery; Gilbertson—early intervention and prevention of behavior problems, school psychology; Johnson—health psychology; Jordan—cognitive development, multi-sensory perception; G. Madden—experimental analysis of behavior; Morse—environmental toxins and mental health, mental health in diverse populations; Gimpel Peacock—ADHD, behavioral disorders of children; Odum—experimental analysis of behavior, behavior pharmacology; Samaha—applied behavior analysis; Shahan— experimental analysis of behavior, drug self administration, behavior momentum, conditioned reinforcement, behavior economics; Sinex—central auditory system; Stein—addictive behaviors and models, drug and alcohol prevention/treatment; J. Tschanz—neuropsychology of Alzheimer’s disease and other dimentias; Twohig—behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, anxiety; White—educational research, hearing loss detection in infancy, and program evaluation.

Graduate Student Financial Assistance

Financial support for students enrolled in the MS and EdS programs is limited. These students should meet with their academic advisor for information about possible assistantship opportunities.

PhD students are guaranteed an assistantship for at least their first year. However, for at least the last 15 years, 100 percent of PhD students have continued to enjoy assistantship support beyond their first year, if they desired it. The department also has available a number of teaching assistantships. Though these are generally awarded to students matriculated in psychology PhD programs, they are occasionally given to exceptional MS or EdS students. Also, faculty in the  department and college regularly offer research assistantships to graduate students, as does the Counseling Center and a variety of on- and off-campus facilities (e.g., Center for Persons with Disabilities, Bear River Mental Health Center, Head Start, and Early Head Start). Additionally, first-year psychology PhD students typically compete extremely well for several University Fellowships, which were established to attract top student scholars to USU. Furthermore, the department has some scholarship support specifically available to psychology graduate students (e.g., Walter Borg and Elwin Nielsen scholarships). Finally, in accordance with current School of Graduate Studies policy, PhD students may qualify for full tuition remission for up to 70 credits of their program.

Psychology Faculty

Professors
Susan L. Crowley, counseling psychology
Gretchen Gimpel Peacock, school psychology
Donal G. Sinex, auditory neurophysiology
David M. Stein, clinical psychology
Karl R. White, research and evaluation methodology

Professors Emeritus
Frank R. Ascione, developmental
Carl D. Cheney, physiological
Tamara J. Ferguson, social and developmental psychology
Marvin G. Fifield, school and counseling
J. Grayson Osborne, behavior therapy, child
Blaine R. Worthen, research and evaluation methodology

Associate Professors
Scott C. Bates, social and community psychology
M. Scott DeBerard, health psychology
Melanie M. Domenech-Rodríguez, counseling/child clinical psychology
Renee V. Galliher, clinical psychology
Donna M. Gilbertson, school psychology
Gregory J. Madden, behavior analysis
Amy L. Odum, behavior analysis
Timothy Shahan, behavior analysis
JoAnn T. Tschanz, neuropsychology, physiological psychology

Research Associate Professor
Mark S. Innocenti, school psychology

Assistant Professors
Clint Field, child clinical psychology
Christopher Johnson, health psychology
Kerry Jordan, psychology and neuroscience
Gayle Morse, counseling psychology
Andrew L. Samaha, behavior analysis
Michael Twohig, clinical psychology

Research Assistant Professor
Susan G. Friedman, research methods

Lecturer
Carrie S. Madden, child/school psychology

Adjunct and Clinical Faculty
Sandra Ameel, school counseling
Ann M. Berghout Austin, infancy through childhood
Carolyn G. Barcus, counseling psychology
Kathryn Bitner, counseling psychology
David W. Bush, clinical/counseling
Brian Crouch, learning
Richard D. Gordin, Jr., sport and exercise psychology
Kris Hart, school counseling
Anne Hunt, statistics
Randall M. Jones, family research management
Amy Kleiner, counseling psychology
Steve Lehman, educational psychology
Mark A. Nafziger, counseling psychology
Maria C. Norton, research and evaluation methodology
D. Kim Openshaw, marriage and family therapy
Julie Pelletier, child, school psychology
Lori A. Roggman, developmental
Carol Rosenthal, instructional design and technology
Dawn Stevenson, educational psychology
Brian Tschanz, social psychology
Thomas Wiltbank, school counseling