Goal 1:  Knowledge Base in Psychology

1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology.
1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains.
1.3 Describe applications of psychology.

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking

2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena.
2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy.
2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving.
2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research.
2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry.

Goal 3: Ethical & Social Responsibility in a Diverse World

3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice.
3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships.
3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels.

Goal 4: Communication

4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes.
4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes.
4.3 Interact effectively with others.

Goal 5: Professional Development

5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals.
5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation.
5.3 Refine project-management skills.
5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity.
5.5 Development meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.

Liberal Arts and Sciences Courses
(48 credits)
Cultural Studies (6 credits): CUL 310, CUL 410

English (12 credits): ENG 111, ENG 211,
ENG 300 or 400 level electives (6 credits)

History (6 credits): HIS electives
Religious Studies/Philosophy (12 credits):
RES 201, 9 credits of RES/PHI electives

Science/Mathematics (9 credits): MAT 106 or MAT 101,
MAT 200; any BIO/CHM/PHY/SCI elective

Sociology (3 credits): SOC 101

Free Electives (24 credits)
18 credits at any level
6 credits at the 300/400 level

FEATURED COURSES
Our small class sizes create a very comfortable, engaging and rewarding learning experience.

• Case Management
• Health Psychology
• Psychology of Food and Eating
• Positive Psychology
• Culture, Health and Healing
• Substance and Behavioral Addictions
• Health Promotion Across the Lifespan

PSY 099 – Topics in Psychology
Restricted to incoming HEOP students, this course is an introduction to psychology as a science. Topics covered include the history and scope of psychology, introduction to research and the brain, and a beginning understanding of memory improvement and motivational concepts.

PSY 100 – General Psychology
This course introduces students to the major theories and concepts in contemporary psychology. Topics covered included the approaches and research methods in psychology, the biological basis of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and memory, consciousness, motivation and emotion, intelligence, personality, social psychology, and mental illness.

PSY 101 – Introduction to Social Change
This course will provide a study of human behavior and how it is affected by social and cultural processes. Social groups, social institutions, social processes are analyzed to determine impact on persons in today’s society. The 135 psychological components of social change and their impact on social order are to be evaluated. Cross-listed as SOC 101

PSY 200 – Developmental Psychology
The scientific study of the individual across the life span: a study and application of physical, cognitive and behavioral processes across contexts. Prerequisite: PSY 100 with a grade of C or better

PSY 202 – Adolescent Psychology
A survey of the various adjustments encountered by adolescents: psychosexual problems, dependence and independence conflicts, inferiority feelings, drug abuse and the problems of the self-image. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 203 – Child Psychology
Practical application of scientific knowledge to an understanding of the child as a developing personality. The phases of development, major mental aspects and their determination, interest and behavior patterns are examined. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 204 – Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
Minor and major variants of behavior. History of treatment of disordered personalities. The nature of maladjustment, neuroses, psychoses and other variances from normal behavior are considered. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 205 – Psychology of Interpersonal Relations
The application of basic principles and concepts of interpersonal relationships. Topics include verbal and nonverbal communication, personality styles and levels of maturity. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 209 – Psychology of Aging
Study of the psychological effects that events such as retirement, illness, loss of capacity and the prospect of death have on the elderly. It will also examine physiological, sociological, economic and psychological changes the elderly will encounter. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 225 – Health Psychology
This course provides an overview of the growing field of health psychology. Health psychology explores the bidirectional relationship between a person’s mind and body, with a focus on how thought patterns, attitudes, and cognitions affect healthy behaviors and ultimately, health outcomes. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 232 – Positive Psychology
This course will examine the scientific research on happiness and its application in the areas of positive individual traits, positive emotions and positive institutions. Productivity, health, successful aging, spirituality and national wellbeing are all functions of happiness. Students will explore the practical ways to promote and maintain happiness, compassion, optimism, wellness, gratitude, mindfulness, creativity and flow, and how to strengthen positive character traits in themselves and others. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 235 – Introduction to Alcoholism and Substance Abuse
This course examines alcoholism and substance abuse from historical, biological, psychological, social, and cultural perspectives. It presents theoretical frameworks that help students understand the nature and course of substance abuse and dependency, as well as strategies to prevent its onset. The course introduces the assessment and diagnostic process as well as treatment approaches. Prerequisite: PSY 100 with a grade of C or better.

PSY 270 – Social Psychology
This course introduces the student to the scientific study of how individuals think, feel and behave in social situations. It applies the scientific method of systematic observation, description, and measurement in the study of the human condition. This course, while relating the foundations of social psychology, will give special attention to understanding the applications of social-psychological knowledge that have been implemented, extending the reach of the field. Social psychologists are often called on to make contributions in business, medicine, law, and other fields. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 300 – Organizational Change
Organizational Change examines the nature, defintions, theories and aspects of organizational culture, to help develop an understanding of the principles of organizational change theory that apply to both short-and long-term changes. Analysis covers patterns of behavior and their relationship to organizational culture, especially the impact of the organization’s business on employee behavior and culture. Topics include the role of nationality, gender, and 137 race within organizational culture; implications of addressing organizational challenges; theory versus practice; and the relative roles of the individual, groups and the organization in a cultural context. The goal is to apply knowledge of organizational culture to develop a change-management plan. Prerequisite: Any PSY 200-level course

PSY 302 – Medical Sociology
This course will be a study of a sociological perspective on health, illness and wellness. Disparities in health and health outcomes will be emphasized. Institutional structures and social supports will be reviewed, along with current health care reform proposals. Prerequisite: SOC 101 or permission of instructor; Cross-listed SOC 300

PSY 305 – Psychology of Food and Eating
This course will explore the psychological meanings of food and eating and its effects on the health and wellness of humans. Some of the topics to explore include: the cultural evolution of food and eating, learning processes and eating behaviors, social and developmental influences on eating and food preference, the brain; mood, cravings, addiction, obesity, eating disorders and body image. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 315 – Psychology of Criminal Behavior
This course will cover the psychology of violent criminal behavior from multiple perspectives. The course begins by exploring the different theories behind criminal behavior, including the biological, the psychological, the sociological, and those that concern social learning and developmental risk. The course then moves beyond the theoretical to consider the relationship between mental illness and criminal behavior, and the interface with the judicial system and the media. Students will examine an array of cases depicting perpetrators of violent crimes, and study and apply the methods used in the psychological profiling of criminals. Prerequisite: PSY 100

PSY 320 – Psychology and the Media
This course explores the evolution of the media and its influence on human behavior. Students will analyze the relationship between media and psychology in relationship to culture, ethical and legal issues. Students also examine ethical and legal issues related to the psychology and the media. Current and future trends and challenges will be discussed as well as media’s impact on social change. Prerequisite: Any PSY 200 level course

PSY 321 – Cultures, Health and Healing
This course provides a broad exploration of the study of human health, disease and curing from a cross-cultural, historical, anthropological and evolutionary perspective, with an emphasis on the cultural and bio-cultural factors that shape how response to diseases and illness involve social dynamics, cultural values and collective expectations. Societies throughout the world recognize certain bodily, emotional, and mental conditions as undesirable and in need of change. In this course, the interactions of non-western cultures with systems of western health are explored in a global context. Prerequisite: SOC 101; Cross-listed CUL 320

PSY 340 – Cognitive Psychology
This course is designed to provide a solid and broad introduction to human cognition. It is the study of internal mental processes including perception, attention, memory, knowledge, language, decision making, and problem solving. The course will cover basic theoretical models, classic and recent research, new developments in theory, and applications in several areas including design, education, and training. Prerequisite: Any PSY 200 level course

PSY 350 – Research Methods I
This course provides students with the foundation they will need to be discerning consumers of psychological research. Emphasis will be on the theoretical and practical aspects of the research techniques used in this field. Topics included will be the methods used by psychologists to obtain information; the properties essential in using these methods for forming appropriate conclusions; and the statistical analysis employed that shape the interpretation that psychologists use to communicate their findings. Prerequisites: PSY 100, MAT 200

PSY 360 – Research Methods II
This course continues the work from Research Methods I, with a focus on more advanced statistical analyses of data and their interpretations and uses. The essential parts of a research proposal will be stressed and students will be trained on how to critically analyze research works. Students will be provided with the tools necessary to carry out a proposal. Prerequisites: PSY 350

PSY 400 – Internship in Psychology
The Internship in Psychology consists of a supervised work experience with professional practitioners in an agency, company, institution, organization or 139 school. The internship is designed to provide a diverse array of program-relevant experiential learning activities that enhance the students’ communication skills, cognitive skills and professional skills, and, as a capstone activity, is intended to offer students the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills, to utilize critical thinking and informed analysis, and to augment their subject matter knowledge in Psychology. A minimum of 120 total hours of internship work for 3 credits and 240 total hours of internship work for 6 credits is required. The internship is graded as pass/fail. Prerequisites: Students must be in their final year of the Psychology program and in good academic standing

PSY 411 – Health Promotion across the Life Span
This course explores sociological and public health concepts in the study of health through the life span. Topics of race, class, gender and culture will be broadly studied as they influence attitudes and behaviors towards health. Health will be defined in terms of age-expected changes and population health promotion priorities. Social detriments of health will be discussed as methods to explore how programs, practices and policies in these areas affects health of individuals, families and communities. the 6 credit sections of this course includes the 3-credits of experimental learning. Prerequisites: SOC 101 and ENG 300; Corss-listed with SOC 411

PSY 420 – Independent Study
This course offers an opportunity for students at an advanced level of study in aa bachelor degree program and in good academic standing to undertake an independent project under the supervision of a faculty member. A maximum of 6 credits of independent study at the 220 and/or 420 level can be earned for a bachelor’s degree. A detailed proposal and advisor approval are required prior to registration for an independent study. Course is restricted to bachelor degree students.

PSY 430 – History and Systems of Psychology
This course provides students with an overview of the historical antecedents and major theoretical systems found in psychology. It surveys the history of psychology from the early Greek philosophers, through the predecessors of the psychological movement, to the beginning of psychology and its contemporary form. Prerequisites: Students must be in their final year of the Psychology program

Transfer Agreements

• Columbia-Greene Community College graduates with AS in Social Science to BS in Psychology at Maria College
• Fulton-Montgomery Community College graduates with AA in Liberal Arts and Sciences: General Studies to BS in Psychology at Maria College
• Schenectady County Community College graduates with AA in Liberal Arts: Humanities and Social Services with concentration in Psychology to BS in Psychology at Maria College

Graduate Agreements

• Maria College graduates with BS in Psychology to MS in Forensic Mental Health at the Sage Colleges
• Maria College graduates with BS in Psychology to MS in Counseling and Community Psychology at the Sage Colleges

Maria College offers all students enrolled at the bachelor’s degree level the opportunity to complete a minor program of study in Psychology.

Requirements:

• Only open to students currently enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program.
• Minimum of 18 credits in psychology.
• A minimum grade of C must be earned in all psychology courses in the minor.
• One required course: PSY 100, Introduction to Psychology.
• Residency requirement: A student must complete a minimum of six credits of psychology at Maria College.
• A minimum of six (6) credits must be at the 300/400 level.
• Remaining credits should be selected by the student and advisor to plan a set of courses which is most appropriate for the student.

Special Considerations:

• Double Counting Courses: Up to two courses (6 credits) from the student’s major may be counted toward the minor requirement. (Note: When a course fulfills two or more requirements, it does not reduce the total number of credits required for graduation.)
• Variable Credit Courses: Some courses, e.g., PSY 220 and 420, Independent Study, can be taken for variable credit. The maximum number of such credits that can be counted toward the minor is 3 credits.