Psychology Department Homepage

Psychology (PSY)
Psychology is the study of human and nonhuman organisms in a variety of settings. At Dakota Wesleyan University, psychology majors will explore human consciousness, behavior and systems with scientific-mindedness. A minor in psychology is also available. The psychology department seeks to develop the scientist-practitioner who is compassionate, curious and responsible.

7-12 Psychology Education Endorsement
This endorsement requires a teaching major in 7-12, K-8 or K-12 and passage of the appropriate PRAXIS II test. The following courses are only suggested content in preparation for exceeding the minimum score of the PRAXIS II series test. These classes are not required for this endorsement; see your adviser or the education department chair for any clarification.

Course Descriptions
131 General Psychology 3 hours F,S
This overview of the discipline explores human and animal behavior and consciousness. The diversity within the discipline is reflected in the range of subjects presented, including motivation, emotion, perception, sensation, learning, intelligence and personality.
General Education: Social, Psychological and Political Thought–Individual

170 General Psychology 3 hours TBA
This overview of psychology explores human and animal behavior and consciousness. PSY 170 is open only to high school students in an approved DUW dual-credit program. Refer to “Academic Programs” or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Comparable to: PSY 131

172 Psychology 1 hour TBA
This course introduces the study of the mind, psychology. PSY 172 is open only to high school students in an approved DUW dual-credit program. Refer to “Academic Programs” or contact the office of academic affairs for further information.
Comparable to: PSY elective

202 History of Psychology 3 hours F
This course is a study of the major people, movements and events in the evolution of the discipline. This course attempts to make connections between historical and current developments within the field.

237 Developmental Psychology 3 hours F,S
This course is a sequential study of the individual from conception to death. Students will study research regarding human physical, cognitive and social-emotional development, along with implications for parents, teachers and counselors.
General Education: Social, Psychological and Political Thought–Individual

260 Applied Psychology 3 hours TBA
This course provides students with a firsthand experience in the practical uses of psychology. Students will learn the basic principles of psychology and their limitations using library research, self-reflection and group work.

299 Selected Topics - Basic 1-3 hours TBA

311 Educational Psychology 3 hours F,S
(Refer to EDU 311)

312 Methods of Social Research 3 hours F
(Refer to SOC 312)

321 Organizational Behavior 3 hours F
This course is a study of organizational behavior from an individual and institutional perspective, with particular focus on the management of human resources and related issues.

332 Social Psychology 3 hours F
(Refer to SOC 332)

333 Cognitive Psychology 3 hours F
This course is a study of the mental processes involved as a person acquires and uses knowledge. Students will explore historical and philosophical issues, including process models, information theory, artificial intelligence, visual and auditory cognition, psycholinguistics, memory, attention, problem solving and concept formation.
Prerequisites: PSY 131 and PSY 237.

337 Adolescent Psychology 3 hours F,S
This course is an in-depth study of the patterns of change occurring during early and late adolescence and youth. Students will explore the impact of adolescence on personal, peer, family, school and community relationships.
Prerequisite: EDU 201, PSY 131 or PSY 237.

350 Adjustment to Aging 3 hours TBA
(Refer to SOC 350)

362 Psychology of Coaching 3 hours F
(Refer to PED 362)

370/770 Theory and Practice of Counseling (ADAS) 3 hours F
(Refer to HMS 370/770)

380 Learning and Memory 3 hours S07
Students will study the principles and applications of learning theory and learning processes, along with research related to memory and retrieval.
Prerequisite: PSY 333.

381 Psychology of Personality 3 hours S07
This course is a study of the major approaches to the field of personality development, including trait, biological, psychoanalytic, humanistic, behavioral and cognitive research paradigms.

400/700 Group Counseling (ADAS) 3 hours S07
(Refer to HMS 400/700)

435 Experimental Psychology 3 hours S08
Students will study scientific methodology in general and the experimental method in particular. They will explore classical and contemporary studies in basic and applied psychology.
Prerequisites: MTH 200 and PSY 131.

443 Abnormal Psychology 3 hours S
This course is a study of the dynamics of abnormal personality development and behavior, including a comprehensive study of the origin, symptoms and treatment of psychological disorders. Students will be exposed to the diverse aspects of clinical psychology.
Prerequisite: Six credit hours of psychology courses.

445 Physiological Psychology 3 hours TBA
Students will study the physical nature of the brain and its relationship to psychology.

450 Practicum/Internship 1-12 hours F,S
This course is for juniors and seniors. Students will be placed in a position that will allow them exposure to and appropriate participation in an institution or professional practice associated with the field of psychology.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and chair of the department of psychology.

460 Independent Study 1-3 hours F,S
Students will select a project for intensive study.
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and chair of the department of psychology.

482 Senior Thesis 3-6 hours F,S
This course involves a yearlong research project planned and carried out by the student with guidance from a faculty member. It is an opportunity to exercise the methodological skills and to synthesize the knowledge gained in coursework through the student’s program. The student must provide the structure.
Prerequisite: 12 credit hours in psychology courses.

499 Selected Topics - Advanced 1-3 hours TBA