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Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology Developmental Psychology courses
Developmental Psychology coursework overview
Coursework tailored to your learning preferences
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Planning for your degree
- total quarter credits: 84
- Quarter length: 10 weeks
- Course length: 10 weeks
- Break: 3 weeks between quarters
Developmental Psychology course requirements
- Core 7 courses
- Specialization 9 courses
- Residencies 3 courses
- Specialization 7 courses
- Dissertation Minimum 4 courses
Example program course sequence
This example course sequence takes course prerequisites into account, so it can be helpful as a general guide when you register for courses. In GuidedPath, the number of courses you take in a quarter and time it takes to complete your program can vary. Your academic coach can help answer any course registration questions.
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PSY7015
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Applied Psychology
4 quarter credits
Learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary to successfully completing the doctoral degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level psychology training. For PhD in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PSY7421
Specialization Course Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7020
Core Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Modern World
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners will develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7864
Core Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
PSY6020
Specialization Course Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course critically evaluate and apply theory and research to child and adolescent development issues and current topics. Learners analyze the impact of policy and legislation in areas such as education, health, mental health, the military, media, and the economy on child and adolescent developmental outcomes and advocate for issues related to policy and legislation that improve the lives of children and adolescents. Prerequisite(s): PSY6010; PSY6025/PSY7220 or PSY6030/PSY7230.
5 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Core Qualitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020
4 quarter credits
PSY7105
Core Building a Doctoral Foundation: History, Theory, and Topics in Psychology
4 quarter credits
Learners explore historical and contemporary schools of thought such as behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic psychology. In particular, learners begin the process of becoming independent researchers by developing a dissertation topic that is appropriate for their specialization and aligned with foundational theories within their chosen school of thought. Learners will begin building a theoretical foundation to support their future dissertation research study. For PhD learners in Psychology only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: RSCH7020 or PSY5110; RSCH7864 or PSY7864; RSCH7868 or PSY7868
4 quarter credits
PSY6030
Specialization Course Adolescent Psychology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages from early adolescence to emerging adulthood. Learners evaluate and articulate the physical, psychosocial, emotional, sexual, moral, and cognitive changes associated with adolescent development and examine the ways in which adolescent development is influenced by family, society, and culture. Learners also assess the evolving needs of adolescents and apply theory and research in order to recommend appropriate responses to those needs.
5 quarter credits
PSY-V8925
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7105 or PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352, RSCH7860.
3 quarter credits
PSY7240
Specialization Course Adult Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course analyze major contemporary theories and research on continuity and change from late adolescence through the end of life. Throughout the course, learners apply models and approaches for delivering psychological services to adults in a variety of settings and contexts, including in the workplace, within family, and in social relationships, in order to help those adults negotiate life transitions and increase their psychological well-being and longevity.
5 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course - Specialization
5 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course - Specialization
5 quarter credits
PSY7870
Core Doctoral Research Design
4 quarter credits
Learners synthesize knowledge of quantitative research methodology and use it to develop a quantitative research design that may form the basis of their dissertation research project. Learners compare their quantitative research design to a previously developed qualitative design on a similar topic and identify and justify the methodology most appropriate for investigating their research topic. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925.
4 quarter credits
PSY-V8926
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7870; or PSY8625 and RSCH7868. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307.
3 quarter credits
Specialization Course Choose a Specialization Course- Specialization Course
5 quarter credits
Core Choose a Core Course
4 quarter credits
PSY-V8927
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY7870 or PSY8658 or RSCH8625 or PSY8625 or RSCH8635 or PSY8635; PSY-V8926; and completion of all didactic coursework.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
Core course requirements
Complete at least 28 quarter credits in the core courses category. Choose from the courses shown below.
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RSCH7864
Core Quantitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners gain an understanding of the logic, computation, and interpretation of statistics, with an emphasis on decision-making skills in the research process and on the application and interpretation of statistical results. Learners utilize the statistical program JASP to practice running and interpreting statistical analyses.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7868
Core Qualitative Design and Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners investigate essential concepts and methods for conducting qualitative research. Learners engage in hands-on practice with qualitative research techniques, focusing on the appropriate applications, strengths, and limitations of various qualitative approaches, sampling methods, and analysis strategies. Throughout the course, learners develop an understanding of ethical considerations, particularly when researching vulnerable and diverse populations, and strategies to protect human subjects. Learners also examine the alignment of qualitative approaches with sampling and analysis approaches to ensure rigor and produce meaningful insights. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed RSCH7020
4 quarter credits
PSY7015
Core Foundations of Doctoral Studies in Applied Psychology
4 quarter credits
Learners improve their ability to navigate the virtual campus and become familiar with library, career center, and writing center resources. Learners identify the educational steps and requirements necessary to successfully completing the doctoral degree program in their chosen specialization; review their specialization's requirements, associated professional roles and organizations, and ethics and professional standards; and articulate a professional identity based on doctoral-level psychology training. For PhD in Psychology learners only. Must be taken during the learner's first quarter. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer.
4 quarter credits
PSY7105
Core Building a Doctoral Foundation: History, Theory, and Topics in Psychology
4 quarter credits
Learners explore historical and contemporary schools of thought such as behavioral, humanistic, and psychodynamic psychology. In particular, learners begin the process of becoming independent researchers by developing a dissertation topic that is appropriate for their specialization and aligned with foundational theories within their chosen school of thought. Learners will begin building a theoretical foundation to support their future dissertation research study. For PhD learners in Psychology only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: RSCH7020 or PSY5110; RSCH7864 or PSY7864; RSCH7868 or PSY7868
4 quarter credits
PSY7870
Core Doctoral Research Design
4 quarter credits
Learners synthesize knowledge of quantitative research methodology and use it to develop a quantitative research design that may form the basis of their dissertation research project. Learners compare their quantitative research design to a previously developed qualitative design on a similar topic and identify and justify the methodology most appropriate for investigating their research topic. For PsyD and PhD in Psychology learners only. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925.
4 quarter credits
RSCH7020
Core Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Research in a Modern World
4 quarter credits
Learners evaluate their own biases with an emphasis on self-awareness and reflection on cultural identity and ethics in research. Learners will develop strategies to apply and incorporate ethical and multicultural principles and influences in research and publications.
4 quarter credits
RSCH8625
Core Advanced Quantitative Statistics
4 quarter credits
Learners in this advanced course examine a variety of statistical analyses, including statistical power and effect size in research design, factorial and repeated measures of analysis of variance (ANOVA), analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), selected nonparametric analyses, and bivariate and multiple regression. Learners are expected to have proficiency in the use of statistical software appropriate to dissertation-level research. Prerequisite: PSY-V8926 or PSY-R8926; RSCH7864 or PSY7864.
4 quarter credits
RSCH8635
Core Advanced Qualitative Analysis
4 quarter credits
Learners further explore the philosophical underpinnings of qualitative research and inquiry and investigate effective execution of the six school-approved dissertation research methodologies: ethnography, case study, grounded-theory phenomenology, heuristics, and generic qualitative research. Learners examine primary source references, books, and journal articles written by the developers of the six methodologies and gain an understanding of their nuances and applications. Learners gain skills necessary to develop and conduct their own qualitative study for a dissertation. Prerequisite: PSY-V8926.
4 quarter credits
Specialization course requirements
Complete at least 35 quarter credits from the specialization courses shown below.
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PSY6030
Specialization Course Adolescent Psychology
5 quarter credits
In this course, learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages from early adolescence to emerging adulthood. Learners evaluate and articulate the physical, psychosocial, emotional, sexual, moral, and cognitive changes associated with adolescent development and examine the ways in which adolescent development is influenced by family, society, and culture. Learners also assess the evolving needs of adolescents and apply theory and research in order to recommend appropriate responses to those needs.
5 quarter credits
PSY7240
Specialization Course Adult Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course analyze major contemporary theories and research on continuity and change from late adolescence through the end of life. Throughout the course, learners apply models and approaches for delivering psychological services to adults in a variety of settings and contexts, including in the workplace, within family, and in social relationships, in order to help those adults negotiate life transitions and increase their psychological well-being and longevity.
5 quarter credits
PSY7421
Specialization Course Cognitive/Affective Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course apply knowledge of theoretical foundations and the basic principles and models of cognitive/affective psychology to mental processes, such as how individuals acquire, process, and store information; how they think, perceive, remember, and learn; and how they experience feelings, moods, and emotions. Learners also demonstrate ways in which the integration of cognitive and affect influence an individual's behavior.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Specialization Course Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Specialization Course Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6025
Specialization Course Child Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to adolescence. Learners examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and evaluate and articulate the influences of family, society, and culture on child and adolescent development. Learners also assess children's evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6025
Specialization Course Child Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to adolescence. Learners examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and evaluate and articulate the influences of family, society, and culture on child and adolescent development. Learners also assess children's evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY5115
Specialization Course Human Sexuality
5 quarter credits
This course is an exploration of sexuality within the larger context of human experience, emphasizing physical and psychosexual development, cultural diversity, health-related issues, and the application of scientific information to sexual topics and issues. Current issues include sexual deviation, sexual inadequacy, treatment of sexual problems, trauma, sexual identity, gender identity, and reproductive health care. Learners examine scholarly literature related to the implications of these issues and research evidence-based interventions in human sexuality.
5 quarter credits
PSY5115
Specialization Course Human Sexuality
5 quarter credits
This course is an exploration of sexuality within the larger context of human experience, emphasizing physical and psychosexual development, cultural diversity, health-related issues, and the application of scientific information to sexual topics and issues. Current issues include sexual deviation, sexual inadequacy, treatment of sexual problems, trauma, sexual identity, gender identity, and reproductive health care. Learners examine scholarly literature related to the implications of these issues and research evidence-based interventions in human sexuality.
5 quarter credits
PSY7510
Specialization Course Psychology of Personality
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of personality development from the perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how other factors such as culture and gender contribute to personality development. This course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their professional practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY7510
Specialization Course Psychology of Personality
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of personality development from the perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how other factors such as culture and gender contribute to personality development. This course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their professional practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY5120
Specialization Course Social Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
5 quarter credits
PSY5120
Specialization Course Social Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
5 quarter credits
PSY8626
Specialization Course Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate the theory and application of multivariate statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components) analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression. Using JASP, learners perform and interpret the results of these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, analyze and understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and utilize JASP to produce output consistent with the correct parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In addition, learners evaluate the mathematical aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and application. Prerequisite: RSCH8625 or PSY8625.
5 quarter credits
PSY8626
Specialization Course Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate the theory and application of multivariate statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components) analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression. Using JASP, learners perform and interpret the results of these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, analyze and understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and utilize JASP to produce output consistent with the correct parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In addition, learners evaluate the mathematical aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and application. Prerequisite: RSCH8625 or PSY8625.
5 quarter credits
PSY5140
Specialization Course Program Evaluation
5 quarter credits
This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864.
5 quarter credits
PSY5140
Specialization Course Program Evaluation
5 quarter credits
This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864.
5 quarter credits
PSY6010
Specialization Course Human Prenatal Development
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development.
5 quarter credits
PSY6010
Specialization Course Human Prenatal Development
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development.
5 quarter credits
PSY6020
Specialization Course Advocacy in Child and Adolescent Development
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course critically evaluate and apply theory and research to child and adolescent development issues and current topics. Learners analyze the impact of policy and legislation in areas such as education, health, mental health, the military, media, and the economy on child and adolescent developmental outcomes and advocate for issues related to policy and legislation that improve the lives of children and adolescents. Prerequisite(s): PSY6010; PSY6025/PSY7220 or PSY6030/PSY7230.
5 quarter credits
PSY6015
Specialization Course Lifespan Development
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of lifespan development from infancy through adulthood, including human development processes and milestones while considering individual and cultural differences. Learners evaluate theories and approaches for examining human development and analyze human development processes related to their specialization. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY6025
Specialization Course Child Psychology
5 quarter credits
Learners gain and apply knowledge of the developmental stages of children from the prenatal period to adolescence. Learners examine how children develop physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively, and evaluate and articulate the influences of family, society, and culture on child and adolescent development. Learners also assess children's evolving needs and apply theory and research to recommend appropriate responses to those needs. Prerequisite: Accelerated Master's Pathway, BS in Psychology/MS in Psychology option learners require special permission for registration and must have completed PSYC3700 and PSYC4101 with a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or better.
5 quarter credits
PSY5115
Specialization Course Human Sexuality
5 quarter credits
This course is an exploration of sexuality within the larger context of human experience, emphasizing physical and psychosexual development, cultural diversity, health-related issues, and the application of scientific information to sexual topics and issues. Current issues include sexual deviation, sexual inadequacy, treatment of sexual problems, trauma, sexual identity, gender identity, and reproductive health care. Learners examine scholarly literature related to the implications of these issues and research evidence-based interventions in human sexuality.
5 quarter credits
PSY7510
Specialization Course Psychology of Personality
5 quarter credits
This course is an examination of personality development from the perspective of several theoretical orientations: psychodynamic, humanistic/existential, dispositional, and learning theory. Learners analyze and evaluate these theories and consider how other factors such as culture and gender contribute to personality development. This course also allows learners to apply personality theory to their professional practice.
5 quarter credits
PSY5120
Specialization Course Social Psychology
5 quarter credits
This course provides an overview of how behavior is shaped and influenced within a social context. Within this framework, learners analyze interpersonal relationships, social cognition, social inference, emotion, and personality. Learners review and demonstrate their knowledge of the social psychology of decision making, attitude formation, and social attribution as they relate to contemporary issues. Learners also apply social psychological theory and research to various clinical, educational, and organizational settings.
5 quarter credits
PSY8626
Specialization Course Multivariate Statistics: Theory and Application
5 quarter credits
Learners investigate the theory and application of multivariate statistics, including discriminant analysis, factor (components) analysis, multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA), and logistic regression. Using JASP, learners perform and interpret the results of these analyses. Learners also apply multivariate analysis, analyze and understand research results in peer-reviewed psychology journals, and utilize JASP to produce output consistent with the correct parameters and assumptions of specific multivariate procedures. In addition, learners evaluate the mathematical aspects of multivariate and inferential statistics theory and application. Prerequisite: RSCH8625 or PSY8625.
5 quarter credits
PSY5140
Specialization Course Program Evaluation
5 quarter credits
This course provides an examination of the theories, techniques, methods, and processes of program evaluation. Learners synthesize knowledge and skills gained from prior coursework to design a program evaluation, plan its implementation, and communicate the results in appropriate and effective formats. Prerequisite(s): PSY7864 or RSCH7864.
5 quarter credits
PSY6010
Specialization Course Human Prenatal Development
5 quarter credits
Learners in this course gain an overview of prenatal and postnatal development through the first three months of life. Learners analyze genetic and reproductive technology and articulate its impact on families and society. Throughout the course, learners demonstrate their knowledge of the stages of prenatal development (embryonic and fetal). Learners investigate various prenatal illnesses and physical problems while considering the impact of prenatal health disparities. In addition, learners engage with research, theory, and culturally relevant best practices related to promoting healthy newborn and infant development.
5 quarter credits
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PSY-V8926
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PSY-V8925. PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7870; or PSY8625 and RSCH7868. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8307.
3 quarter credits
PSY-V8927
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Framework Development
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners apply advanced research and writing skills through the development of a detailed project framework based on work in prior residencies. Learners develop a project framework that includes methodological and/or research design, sampling or participant recruitment plan, intervention plan (if applicable), strategies for data collection, analysis, and outcomes of the project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through an assessment of the project framework, which is finalized once the learner enters the advanced doctoral stage of the program. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite(s): PSY8307 or PSY7870 or PSY8658 or RSCH8625 or PSY8625 or RSCH8635 or PSY8635; PSY-V8926; and completion of all didactic coursework.
3 quarter credits
PSY-V8925
Residency Doctoral Project Development - Topic Ideation
3 quarter credits
In this ten-week virtual residency, learners develop and evaluate proposed topic areas and theories for their doctoral project. Learners analyze the literature on potential topics to assess relevance to the discipline and potential methods to use in the doctoral project. Learners gain an understanding of the writing, research, and critical thinking skills necessary to complete the final project. Further development of the doctoral project is determined through a final assessment. This residency includes required synchronous sessions. For PhD in Behavior Analysis and PhD in Psychology learners only. Grading for this course is S/NS. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite: PhD in Psychology learners must have completed PSY7105 or PSY7115. PhD in Behavior Analysis learners must have completed PSY8301, PSY8302, PSY8303, PSY8352, RSCH7860.
3 quarter credits
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PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
PSY9960
Dissertation Dissertation Courseroom
3 quarter credits
This course provides learners with resources, guidance, and peer and mentor support during each dissertation course as they complete the required milestones. Special permission is required for registration. Grading for this course is S/NS. Learners must register for this course a minimum of four times to fulfill their specialization requirements. Cannot be fulfilled by transfer. Prerequisite PSY9909 or PSY9919 or PSY-V8927.
3 quarter credits
What can I expect in the courseroom?
Each unit consists of readings, discussions and other activities you will be expected to complete throughout the week. Most deadlines for coursework occur on Thursdays and/or Sundays but may vary by program and course. In each course, you will receive a detailed scoring guide that describes expectations for every graded assignment.
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How will I be graded?
Grades are based on your participation in weekly reading discussions and completion of assignments, based on criteria outlined in the rubric. You will also be assessed on your ability to demonstrate an understanding of expected outcomes for your program or specialization. These outcomes are based on the needs and performance standards of your field or discipline.