Psychology

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Dean: Joel Kassiola

Department of Psychology
PSY 301
415-338-1390
Fax: 415-338-2398
E-mail: psych@sfsu.edu
Chair: Caran Colvin (Acting)

Undergraduate Adviser: Sheila Zipf

Graduate Coordinator: Martin Heinstein

Faculty

 Professors--Berry, DeCecco, Goldman, Grissom, Heinstein, Hovell, Kardush, Kroeker, Lewis, Loewy, Matsumoto, Mayer, McCoy, Monteiro, Newton, Piontkowski, Saunders, Spencer, Steiner, Taylor, Zipf

Associate Professors--Colvin, Harris, Terrell

Assistant Professors--Bunge, Kim

Programs

B.A. in Psychology

Minor in Psychology

Minor in Psychological Services

Certificate in Psychological Field Services

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Developmental Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Physiological Psychology

M.A. in Psychology: Concentration in Psychological Research

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

M.S. in Psychology: Concentration in School 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 is also a minor available for other students in the university. It 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.

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

Seven areas of graduate study are offered. Five areas lead to the Master of Arts in Psychology with Concentrations in Developmental 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 Developmental Psychologyprogram 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 concentration in Physiological Psychologyis 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 Researchis for students seeking to become broadly informed and productive research psychologists who will be prepared to enter doctoral programs or perform competently as research associates in diverse areas of psychology. This program offers the opportunity for course work and research in such areas as biofeedback, emotion, physiological psychology, clinical research, program evaluation, psycholinguistics, and cognition. The program also prepares for teaching in community colleges.

The Social Psychologyprogram 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 Psychologylead to a Master of Science in Psychology. The Clinical Psychology program 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 School Psychology program and some 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-Organizationalemphasis 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 (consult Index for page reference).

Units

Core Requirements

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: Cog-

nition, 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 465	The Psychology of Work Life Stress

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 DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate Coordinator--M. Heinstein

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.

Units

Program

PSY 730	Seminar in Current Issues in 

Developmental Psychology			3

PSY 735	Seminar in Developmental Psy-

chology (3 units each/2 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 Experi-

mental Design			3

PSY 837	Research Methods in Develop-

mental 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
andOral Defense of Thesis (may not be repeated)

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

Graduate Coordinator--R. Grissom

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.

Units

Program

PSY 771	Analysis of Variance and Experi-

mental Design			3

PSY 772	Applications of Multiple Regression 

to Psychological Research			4

PSY 791	Design and Discovery in 

Psychology or

PSY 770	Research Methods and 

Techniques			3

PSY 792	Proseminar in Foundations 

of Contemporary Psychological 

Research			3

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 units in psychology 

or allied fields approved by graduate major 


adviser		6

Minimum total		35
andOral Defense of Thesis (may be repeated once)

MASTER OF ARTS IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY

Graduate Coordinator--J. Newton

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.

Units

Core Requirement

PSY 751	Seminar in Current Trends and 

Issues			3

PSY 770	Research Methods and Techniques		3

PSY 865	Ethics and Professional Responsi-

bilities			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: CONCENTRATIONIN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator--J. Lewis

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. Preparation should include course work in psychological statistics, personality theory, and abnormal psychology. Course work in developmental psychology and cultural perspectives is desirable. Preparation should also include experience working directly with people in a helping or service-oriented situation.

Units

Program

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 Practi-

cum (3-6)			12

PSY 896	Directed Reading and

Comprehensive Written Examination (may 

be repeated once) or

PSY 898	Master's Thesis and

Oral Defense of Thesis (may be repeated 


once)		3

Minimum total		51

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATIONIN INDUSTRIAL/ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator--C. Colvin

Written English Proficiency Requirement

Level One:new students are required to take the Graduate Essay Test (GET) during their first semester. Students who do not pass the GET are required to take and pass prescribed remedial course(s) in English composition. 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.

Units

Core Requirement

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 Experi-

mental Design

PSY 772	Applications of Multiple Regres-

sion 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-Organiza-

tional 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/Organiza-

tional 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

Comprehensive Written Examination

PSY 898	Master's Thesis and


Oral Defense of Thesis

Minimum total units		36-37

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN PSYCHOLOGY: CONCENTRATION IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY

 Graduate Coordinator--D. Harris

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, child development, personality theory, abnormal psychology, and cultural perspectives.

Units

Program

PSY 721	Clinical Methods: Intelligence and 

Personality Testing			3

PSY 722	Clinical Methods: Personality 

Appraisal and Projective Tech-

niques			3

PSY 728	Conference to Accompany Psy-

chology 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: Psychopathology			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 827	The Consultation Process		2

SPED 775	Diagnosis for the Learning and 

Severely Handicapped Child			3

SPED 772	Curriculum for the Learning Handi-


	capped Child		3

Minimum total		53
andMaster'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.