Bulletin--Psychology Program

Psychology

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dean: Joseph Julian

Department of Psychology
PSY 301
415-338-1390
Chair: Lilly Berry

Undergraduate Adviser: Sheila Zipf
Graduate Coordinator: S. Taylor

Faculty
Professors—Berry, DeCecco, Einhorn, Goldman, Grissom, Heinstein, Hovell, Hunter, Kardush, Kroeker, Loewy, Mayer, McCoy, Monteiro, Peskin, Piontkowski, Ratoosh, Saunders, Schummers, Spencer, Steiner, Zipf

Associate Professors—Harris, Lewis, Matsumoto, Newton, Taylor

Assistant Professors—Bunge, Colvin, Terrell

Programs
B.A. in Psychology

Minor in Psychology

Minor in Psychological Services

Certificate in Psychological Field Services

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in College Teaching

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Developmental Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Educational Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Physiological Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Psychological Research

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in School Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Social Psychology

M.S. in Psychology: Concentration in Clinical Psychology

M.S. in Psychology: Concentration in Industrial/Organizational Psychology

Program Scope

Undergraduate Programs
The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is designed for breadth of knowledge and its generalization to other aspects of the human endeavor. The program is built around a core of methods, theory, basic psychology, and practicum requirements, and is broadened by electives in psychology and related disciplines. The core requirements along with well-chosen electives are appropriate background for graduate study and training. Psychology is considered an excellent route to graduate programs in business, law, medicine, and many other professional fields. For example, see Pre-Law Program and Pre-MBA Program. With well-chosen electives, it gives the sort of education necessary for work in the community where a bachelor's degree in psychology is a necessary qualification.

Psychology is a broad field of study and practice comprising several different yet complementary areas of specialization. Several themes of common interest can be recognized as extending across these specialty areas. These themes include an appreciation for cultural and human diversity; ethics and values; a sense of individual empowerment; historical antecedents; critical thinking; and the understanding of self and others.

The bachelor's program in psychology is designed to provide for the development of certain essential knowledge, skills, and competencies that reflect mastery in this discipline. At this educational level, mastery involves the development of psychological literacy and a solid knowledge base in psychology. This level of mastery can be demonstrated in an ability to differentiate academic from popular psychology; and in an understanding of human diversity, individual differences, and cultural/political perspectives. Mastery is shown also in the attainment of certain abilities and skills that are necessary in psychology. These include an understanding of how to access, analyze, and critically evaluate psychological literature; and the ability to communicate psychological concepts and facts both orally and in writing. Specific psychological research skills also are part of mastery in this field, including skill in research design, data analysis, measurement, and basic computer operation. The ability to effectively observe and interpret behavior is also required. Finally, mastery at this educational level is intended to result in improved interpersonal competencies; increased self knowledge and the ability to assess personal growth and development; and readiness for graduate training and/or career.

There are also two minors available for other students in the university. One is closely related to the major and gives students the opportunity for some organized formal contact with psychology and to have it represented on their transcript. The other minor emphasizes field training in psychological services and provides concurrent instruction in theory, practice, and research and gives the student greater understanding of the multiple functions of the professional psychologist.

A Certificate in Psychological Field Services is available through the Department of Psychology. The program gives concurrent instruction in theory, practice, and research and will give the student greater understanding of the multiple functions of the professional psychologist. The curriculum blends classroom examination of methodology and problems of application with experience in community agencies that deliver psychological services. Electives in the discipline are also included to allow a student to pursue an area of particular interest. The program has been designed in part for students from other academic disciplines who wish to have their training formally related to psychological theory and practice. The certificate program is also suitable for those in the community who are engaging in human services work and would like to learn additional skills and perspectives. This program is also appropriate for students of psychology interested in issues of practical application and hands-on experience in community service settings. Twenty-four (24) units are required for the certificate.

Graduate Programs
Nine areas of graduate study are offered. Seven areas lead to the Master of Arts in Psychology with Concentrations in College Teaching Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Physiological Psychology, Psychological Research, School Psychology, and Social Psychology. Two areas of graduate study lead to the Master of Science in Psychology with Concentrations in Clinical Psychology and Industrial-Organizational Psychology. Each program has been designed to meet student needs and to qualify students for vocational goals. Close liaison between students and advisers is an important feature of every graduate program.

The program with focus on College Teaching Psychology provides a broad range of content with emphasis on teaching courses offered in the first and second years of college. This program is under revision and new students currently are not being accepted.

The Developmental Psychology program focuses on life-span development from conception through aging. Major interest areas include learning, cognition, psycholinguistics, perceptual processes, personality, sex differences, and social behavior. The program is especially appropriate for students preparing to enter doctoral programs, to work in parent education, and a variety of applied and research oriented agencies, including the direction of a nursery school or educational setting for children.

The program in Educational Psychology focuses on the application of psychology to the issues and problems of people interacting in educational and related community settings and/or training in research and evaluation in these settings. The program is appropriate for students who are preparing to enter doctoral programs or who are interested in applied positions and/or research in educational or related community settings. This program is under revision and new students currently are not being accepted.

The concentration in Physiological Psychology is designed for students interested in developing background and skills for further study in, or training for, research technician and research assistant roles related to the study of the biological basis of behavior. This program is under revision and interested students may apply for admission to the Psychological Research Program.

The program in Psychological Research is for students seeking to become broadly informed and productive research psychologists who will be prepared to enter doctoral programs or perform competently as research psychologists in diverse areas of psychology. This program offers the opportunity for course work and research in such areas as learning, biofeedback, perception, physiological psychology, social psychology, applied behavior analysis, clinical research, program evaluation, survey research, and computer analysis of data.

The Social Psychology program is designed to provide appropriate preparation and experience to students who intend to proceed to doctoral study, as well as to students who intend to develop careers at the master's level in research, in community college teaching, or in applications of social psychology. The program emphasizes achievement of competency in research skills (design, implementation, and interpretation of findings), familiarity with the theoretical and empirical literature of the discipline, and proficiency in application of social psychology to the solution of social problems; e.g., organizational development and change, peace and conflict resolution, intergroup relations, and cultural diversity in modern society.

The closely related programs of Clinical and School Psychology lead respectively to a Master of Science in Psychology (i.e., clinical program) or, when taken in conjunction with a program leading to a credential authorizing psychological services in the public schools, to a Master of Arts in Psychology (i.e., school program). The curriculum leading to the Master of Science is intended to qualify students for careers in psychological services with community mental health centers, governmental agencies, hospitals, private schools, and the like. By completing the Master of Arts in Psychology (school program), and including additional course work and an internship experience, students can qualify for the State of California pupil personnel services credential with authorization in school psychology. The course work taken to meet the requirements of the clinical program may be used in making application for the M.F.C.C. License in California.

The program with an Industrial-Organizational emphasis is designed to qualify students for professional careers in business and organizational settings, or for doctoral programs in Industrial/Organizational Psychology.

Career Outlook

The outlook for careers in psychology presently is quite good. The undergraduate program provides a foundation of skills and knowledge for careers both outside and inside of psychology. Since most jobs require a well-developed sense of how people function, a degree in psychology is often a desired background for positions in both government and industry. Undergraduate work in psychology includes training to develop the abilities to analyze critically and to understand complex behaviors, to deal with interpersonal problems, and to use research tools.

The following are some careers that graduates with bachelor's degrees in psychology have entered.

Psychological Research and Development—Data Analysis Assistant; Educational Research Assistant; Public Opinion Poll-Taker; Research Assistant in Mental Health; Research Design Technician; Statistician; Survey Interviewer.

Mental Health and Social Services—Alcohol Treatment Center Assistant; Child Care Program Assistant; Corrections Counselor; Counseling Assistant; Counselor, Child/Adolescent; Crisis-Center Counselor; Drug Abuse Program Assistant; Psychiatric Technician.

Business and Government—Employment Interviewer; Human Factors Assistant; Human Resources Manager; Personnel Analyst; Psychometrist; Public Relations Assistant.

BACHELOR OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Courses for this discipline are listed in alphabetical sequence (see Psychology discipline in the Announcement of Courses section).

Core Requirements				Units
PSY 200	General Psychology			 3
PSY 371	Introductory Psychological Statistics	 3
PSY 400	Introduction to Research in Psychology	 4
One course from each of the following areas:
Basic Psychology Area 1				 3
	PSY 300	Current Issues in Psychology
	PSY 301	Psychological Foundations I: 
		Cognition, Motivation, 
		Physiology
	PSY 491	Learning
	PSY 493	Motivation
	PSY 494	Cognitive Psychology
	PSY 581	Physiological Psychology I
Basic Psychology Area 2 			 3
	PSY 302	Psychological Foundations II: 
		Social, Personality, 
		Developmental
	PSY 431	Developmental Psychology
	PSY 440	Social Psychology
	PSY 451	Theories of Personality
	PSY 601	Theoretical Backgrounds in 
		Psychology
Practicum					 3
	PSY 462	Aptitude Testing and Vocational 
		Diagnosis
	PSY 463	Human Factors
	PSY 477	Psychological Measurement
	PSY 495	Artificial Intelligence and 
		Human Thought
	PSY 497	General Experimental Psychology
	PSY 531	Psycholinguistics
	PSY 540	Introduction to Psychological 
		Field Research
	PSY 545	Experimental Social Psychology
	PSY 558/559 Psychological Field Service
	PSY 586	Physiological Psychology 
		Laboratory I
	PSY 594	Psychology of Biofeedback 
		Processes
	PSY 645	Group Processes
	PSY 650	Research on Sexual Identity
	Other courses by advisement
		Core total			19
Electives
Upper division electives in Psychology		15
Upper division electives in anthropology, 
	biology, philosophy, sociology, or 
	other related fields by advisement	 6
		Electives total			21
		Total for program		40

MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGY

 
						Units
PSY 371	Introductory Psychological Statistics	 3
PSY 477	Psychological Measurement or
	PSY 400	Introduction to Research in 
		Psychology			 4
Upper division electives in psychology on 
	advisement				 9
		Total				16

MINOR IN PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES

 
						Units
PSY 451	Theories of Personality or
	PSY 431	Developmental Psychology	 3
PSY 525	Community Psychology or
	PSY 440	Social Psychology		 3
PSY 540	Introduction to Psychological Field 
	Research				 3
PSY 558	Field Services Seminar (2 semesters, 
	2 units each)				 4
PSY 559	Psychological Field Services 
	(2 semesters, 5 units total)		 5
Upper division electives on advisement		 6
		Total				24

CERTIFICATE IN PSYCHOLOGICAL FIELD SERVICES

 
						Units
PSY 451	Theories of Personality or
	PSY 431	Developmental Psychology	 3
PSY 525	Community Psychology or
	PSY 440	Social Psychology		 3
PSY 540	Introduction to Psychological Field 
	Research				 3
PSY 558	Field Services Seminar (2 semesters, 
	2 units each)				 4
PSY 559	Psychological Field Services 
	(2 semesters, 5 units total)		 5
Upper division electives on advisement		 6
		Total				24

GRADUATE PROGRAMS IN PSYCHOLOGY

 Students who wish to apply for admission to classified graduate status in psychology should file a general university application with the Admissions Office. In addition, departmental supplementary forms must be completed and returned to the Psychology Department Office. The department accepts applications until March 1st for the Fall semester and October 15th for the Spring semester. Some but not all of the graduate programs accept applications for both the fall and spring semesters. (Students interested in applying after the deadline dates should check with the graduate secretary. If the program they are interested in has not met its quota, late applications may be accepted.) It is strongly urged that applicants have an interview with a graduate adviser. The Clinical-School Psychology program generally requires an interview.

The Psychology Department requires all students to submit the results of the Graduate Record Examination. All the programs require the aptitude (verbal, quantitative, and analytical) section; some require the advanced psychology section as well. Applicants should check the requirements of the program to which they are applying.

Students who intend to work toward the Master of Arts or Master of Science in Psychology must meet the prerequisites outlined at the beginning of each concentration.

Undergraduate deficiencies are to be rectified, as the graduate adviser deems fit, without being included as part of the program for a master's degree.

In order to advance to candidacy, graduate students must meet all the general requirements for the specific program in which they are involved.

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN COLLEGE TEACHING

NOTE: This program is currently under revision and is not admitting students for the 1994-1996 academic years. Interested students should contact the graduate secretary regarding the status of the program.

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate Coordinator—M. Heinstein

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 739. Level Two: satisfactory completion of PSY 898 and oral defense of thesis.

Prerequisites
A background in elementary statistics, experimental psychology, developmental psychology (introductory course), and history and systems of psychology or psychology of learning.

Program						Units
PSY 730	Seminar in Current Issues in 
	Developmental Psychology		 3
PSY 735	Seminar in Developmental Psychology 
	(3 units each of two semesters)		 6
PSY 737	Laboratory in Observation of Children's 
	Behavior				 3
PSY 739	Technical Writing for Psychology 
	Journals				 1
PSY 771	Analysis of Variance and Experimental 
	Design					 3
PSY 837	Research Methods in Developmental 
	Psychology				 3
PSY 839	Field Experience in Developmental 
	Psychology (1-3)			 3
PSY 898	Master's Thesis				 3
PSY 899	Special Study				 2
Electives with approval of graduate major 
	adviser					 3
		Minimum total			30
and Master's Oral Defense of Thesis 
(may not be repeated)

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

 NOTE: This program is currently under revision and is not admitting students for the 1994-1996 academic years. Interested students should contact the graduate secretary regarding the status of the program.

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN PHYSIOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGY

NOTE: This program is currently under revision, and interested students may apply for admission to the Psychological Research Program. Please consult with the department graduate secretary for further information concerning enrollment in this program.

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN PSYCHOLOGICAL RESEARCH

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 896. Level Two: satisfactory completion of the master's thesis.

Prerequisites
A course in statistical methods and a course either in experimental psychology or psychological research methods; or a course combining statistics and research methods. These courses can be taken by advisement of the program coordinator while the student is given the status of conditionally classified graduate student in psychological research.

Program						Units
PSY 771	Analysis of Variance and Experimental 
	Design					 3
PSY 772	Applications of Multiple Regression to 
	Psychological Research			 4
PSY 791	Design and Discovery in Psychology	 3
PSY 792-793 Proseminar in Foundations of 
	Contemporary Psychological Research 
	(3 units each)				 6
PSY 798	Research Colloquium			 2
PSY 799	Supervised Selected Research (2-5)	 5
PSY 891	Seminar in Selected Problems		 3
PSY 896	Directed Reading			 3
PSY 898	Master's Thesis				 3
Upper division or graduate course in psychology 
	or allied fields approved by graduate 
	major adviser				 3
		Minimum total			35
and Master's Oral Defense of Thesis 
(may be repeated once)

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator—D. Harris

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 721. Level Two: satisfactory completion of the master's written examination.

Prerequisites
Preparation in psychology, or in other fields which emphasize understanding of child development and human functioning. Preparation should include course work in introductory statistics, psychological measurement or testing, child development, personality theory, and human learning or educational psychology.

Program						Units
PSY 721		Clinical Methods: Intelligence 
		and Personality Testing		 3
PSY 722		Clinical Methods: Personality 
		Appraisal and Projective 
		Techniques			 3
PSY 728		Conference to Accompany 
		Psychology Practicum (3)	 6
PSY 729		Psychology Practicum 		 6
PSY 735		Individual Differences in 
		Cognitive Development		 3
PSY 753		Seminar in the Psychodynamics 
		of Individual Development I	 3
PSY 821		Clinical Methods: Psycho-
		pathology			 3
PSY 822		Clinical Methods: Interview 
		Interaction and Family Therapy	 3
PSY 828		Conference to Accompany Advanced 
		Psychology Practicum		 6
PSY 829		Advanced Psychology 
		Practicum (3-6)			 6
PSY 855		Seminar in Professional School 
		Psychology			 3
COUN 720	Career Counseling		 1
SPED 775	Diagnosis for the Learning and 
		Severely Handicapped Child	 3
SPED 772	Curriculum for the Learning 
		Handicapped Child		 3
		Minimum total			52
and Master's Comprehensive Written Examination 
(may be repeated once)
NOTE: As a result of recent revisions currently being implemented in the Pupil Personnel Services Credential with designation in School Psychology, some course and/or unit changes in this credential and degree program may become necessary. This credential also requires a full year of internship and seminar beyond the M.A. Refer to the "Credential Programs" section of this Bulletin.

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate Coordinator—Newton

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 740. Level Two: satisfactory completion of PSY 898.

Prerequisites
A broad undergraduate major in psychology or a related discipline, including preparation in such areas as social psychology, personality theory, interpersonal processes, research methods, statistics, and psychological theory.

Core Requirements				Units
PSY 751	Seminar in Current Trends and Issues	 3
PSY 770	Research Methods and Techniques		 3
PSY 865	Ethics and Professional 
	Responsibilities			 3
Area Emphasis
PSY 740	Seminar in Social Psychology		 3
PSY 741	Seminar in Group Dynamics		 3
PSY 742	Seminar in Survey Research		 3
PSY 748	Seminar to Accompany Field Problems in 
	Social Psychology (3)			 6
PSY 749	Field Problems in Social Psychology (3)	 6
PSY 898	Master's Thesis				 3
		Minimum total			33

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator—J. Lewis

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 721. Level Two: satisfactory completion of the master's written examination or PSY 898 and oral defense of thesis.

Prerequisites
Preparation in psychology, or in other fields which emphasize understanding of human functioning, as any of the social sciences or, in some instances, in fields that deal with specialized forms of human expression and experience; such as art, literature, or drama.

Program						Units
PSY 721	Clinical Methods: Intelligence and 
	Personality Testing			 3
PSY 722	Clinical Methods: Personality Appraisal 
	and Projective Techniques		 3
PSY 728	Conference to Accompany Psychology 
	Practicum (3)				 6
PSY 729	Psychology Practicum (1-3)		 6
PSY 753	Seminar: Psychotherapeutic and 
	Developmental Change I			 3
PSY 754	Seminar: Psychotherapeutic and 
	Developmental Change II			 3
PSY 821	Clinical Methods: Diagnosis and Advanced 
	Psychopathology				 3
PSY 822	Clinical Methods: Marital and Family 
	Systems Theory and Therapy		 3
PSY 828	Conference to Accompany Advanced 
	Psychology Practicum			 6
PSY 829	Advanced Psychology Practicum (3-6)	12
PSY 896	Directed Reading or
	PSY 898	Master's Thesis			 3
		Minimum total			51
and Master's Comprehensive Written Examination 
(may be repeated once) or
Master's Oral Defense of Thesis 
(may be repeated once)

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator—C. Colvin

For general information, see Graduate Programs in Psychology.

Written English Proficiency Requirement
Level One: satisfactory completion of PSY 761. Level Two: satisfactory completion of research methods course (PSY 770, PSY 791, or PSY 742).

Prerequisites
Course work in intermediate statistics; completion of fifteen (15) units in psychology.

Core Requirement				Units
One course from each of the following sets:
Set 1						    3
	PSY 770	Research Methods and Techniques
	PSY 791	Advanced Experimental Psychology
	PSY 742	Seminar in Survey Research
Set 2						    3
	PSY 771	Analysis of Variance and 
		Experimental Design
	PSY 772	Applications of Multiple 
		Regression to Psychological 
		Research
	PSY 777	Statistical Analysis of Multi-
		variate Data Using Computers
Set 3						    3
	PSY 766	Psychological Foundations of 
		Organizational Change
	PSY 741	Seminar in Group Dynamics
Area Emphasis
PSY 760	Seminar in Organizational Behavior	    3
PSY 761	Seminar in Industrial–Organizational 
	Psychology				    3
PSY 762	Seminar in Industrial Psychology	    3
PSY 765	Industrial Training Program Development	    3
PSY 768	Seminar to Accompany Field Experience 
	in Industrial/Organizational Psychology	    3
PSY 769	Field Experience in Industrial/
	Organizational Psychology		    3
Electives with approval of graduate major 
	adviser					    6
One of the following				    3
	PSY 896	Directed Reading and 
		Master's Comprehensive Written 
		Examination
	PSY 898	Master's Thesis and 
		Oral Defense of Thesis
		Minimum total units		36-37
Bulletin 1994-96 Table of Contents, SFSU Home Page

last modified August 2, 1995