Catalog - Psychology

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Psychology (266)

Department Information

Ronald Jacques, Department Chair
Kimberly Andersen, Mark Chamberlain, Ed Kinghorn, Merlin Madsen, Edward Malstrom, Gordon L. Timothy
Departmental Office (208) 356-1389

The purpose of the Ricks College Psychology program is to provide students with an opportunity to evaluate and modify their own behavior and goals in the light of psychological principles and LDS standards. The courses are designed to ensure that students develop a foundation for further psychology study, enhance their understanding of the relationship of psychology to other disciplines, and provide means by which the principles of psychology can be used to improve life.

Associate in Arts and Sciences with a major in Psychology (266)

Recommended sequence of courses:

First Semester
Religion 2
General Education 8
Math 3
Psych 111 Gen Psychology 3
Total Credits 16

Second Semester
Religion 2
General Education 8
Math 3
Majors Courses 3
Electives 1-3
Total Credits 17-19

Third Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Math 3
Majors Courses 3
Electives 2-4
Total Credits 16-18

Fourth Semester
Religion 2
General Education 6
Math 3
Majors Courses 3
Electives 2-4
Total Credits 16-18

General Education Requirements

Eng 215 or 216 will also fill the BYU Advanced Writing requirement.

As you fill the GE program, we recommend you include the following:

Natural Science:
BS 100 Prin Biology (plus lab) 4
plus one of the following:
BS 176 Heredity 4
BS 213 Vert Zoology 4
BS 221 General Micro (plus lab) 4
BS 264 Anat Phys I 4

Plus one of the following:
PhS 100 Phys Science (only if going to BYU) 3
Chem 101 Intro Gen Chem (plus lab) 4
or higher versions of Physics and Chemistry

Note: Some of your required courses also fill GE requirements.

Be sure to take a lab with each Natural Science Class.

Courses for Majors

Math: You should develop your math skills as much as possible. Begin at the level of your training. If you are not sure, ask for help from the math teacher to know where to start.

The following sequence would be valuable for most students:
Math 101 Inter Algebra 3
Math 110 Coll Algebra 3
Math 221 Statistics 4
(By taking this sequence, you would also be filling the BYU Math/Language GE requirement.)

Majors Courses: Take P111 General Psychology and at least 9 hours from the following list:
Comm 220 Interpersonal 3
Psych 201 Dev Psychology 3
Psych 211 Frontier Psych 3
Psych 212 Emotions 3
Psych 220 Psych and Culture 2
Psych 235 Psych of Stress 2
Psych 240 Psych Effect Liv 3
Psych 242 Abnormal Psych 3
Psych 255 Intro Counsel 2
Psych 262 Intr Test & Me 2
Psych 284 Physiological Psych 3
Psych 290 Special Topics 2
Psych 298 Co-op Work 1-4
Soc 112 Social Problem 3
Soc 250 Intro Soc Psych 3

Electives: Your choice of courses.

Course Descriptions

GS 100 Career Exploration 1
Two class hours per week for eight weeks
Supplies Fee: $20
Designed to aid in making a decision concerning a career or a major. This career search involves a self assessment of interests, abilities, values, needs and personality traits in order to identify possible career alternatives. Extensive use is then made of the career information center to research and analyze possible career choices. Career information interviews are also used in this career decision making process.

GS 101 Study Skills 1
Two class hours per week for eight weeks
Designed to help students improve learning effectiveness, attitude and motivation, time scheduling, goal setting, study habits, teacher relationships, provides an orientation to services and resources available to students.

GS 102A-J Study Skills Modules
Students can enroll in the Study Skills modules listed below by obtaining permission at the Learning Assistance Lab (230 Administration Building). The Study Skills modules can be taken on a credit or non-credit basis. Students can enroll in one module at a time and are limited to two modules per block. No student will be allowed to enroll in a module after the 12th week of the semester. Students may not register for the same modules twice in one semester.
GS 102A Concentration & Mem .5
GS 102B Listening & Notetaking .5
GS 102C Thinking Skills .5
GS 102D Textbook Study Meth .5
GS 102E Time Management .5
GS 102F Test Taking Skills .5
GS 102J Studying Chemistry .5

Psych 111* General Psychology 3
Three l-hour classes per week
A survey of the various fields of psychology and application of selected psychological principles to life situations.

Psych 162 Introduction to Tests and Measurements 3
Prerequisite: Math 101
Three hours of instruction per week
Introduction to the interpretation and use of evaluation instruments and descriptive statistics.

Psych 201* Developmental Psychology Life Span 3
Three class periods per week
The study of biological, affective, social and cognitive aspects of behavior throughout life.

Psych 211 Frontiers in Psychology 3
Prerequisite: Psychology 111
Three class periods per week
Considers in greater depth areas covered in General Psychology with special emphasis on selected areas.

Psych 212 Emotions 3
Prerequisite: Psychology 111
Three class periods per week
An exploration of the bio-behavioral aspects of emotions, with application of emotional management techniques, including relaxation procedures, behavior modification and biofeedback training.

Psych 220 Psychology and Culture 2
Two 2-hour classes per week
This course studies the complex interplay between culture and its impact on psychological concepts. Students may receive either Psych 220 credit for this class or Anth 220 credit but not both.

Psych 235 Psychology of Stress 2
Two 2-hour classes per week for eight weeks
An applied course covering the nature and management of stress, with focus on understanding and altering or enhancing student’s environment and behaviors as they pertain to stress.

Psych 240 Psychology of EffectiveLiving 3
First and second block, or full semester
Two 2-hour class periods per week
Block classes may have an overnight class
An exploration of psychological prin-ciples which facilitate a productive and satisfying life.

Psych 242 Abnormal Psychology 3
Prerequisite: Psych 111
Three one-hour classes per week plus field experience
Dynamics of maladjustment, major psychological disorders and therapeutic procedures.

Psych 250 Introduction to Social Psychology 3
Three class hour per week
An in-depth view of the psychology of the inner person and what it means to be human. The emphasis is on the complex interplay between the individual and society in the formation of self-concept, attitudes, and the way in which he/she perceives others. Students may receive Psych 250 credit or Soc 250 but not both. (Winter only)

Psych 255 Introduction to Counseling 2
Prerequisite: Psych 111
Two l-hour classes per week
A survey of educational and career options in the field of counseling.

Psych 284 Physiological Psychology 3
Prerequisite: Psych 111
Three one-hour classes per week plus one lab per week
Introduction to neuropsychology with emphasis on basic neuroanatomy and neurophysiology as they apply to behavior.

Psych 290R Special Topics Seminar 2
Two l-hour classes per week
Research review on a selected topic with reports by class members.

Psych 298 Cooperative Work Experience 1-4
Prerequisite: Psych 111 and consent of instructor
Fee ranging from $20-$70 may be required
This course will give students actual field experience in areas of student interest.

*Gives G.E. credit in the Social Sciences.

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