Department of Psychology
Dr. Antoinette Miller, Chair
Mission and Goals
Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Belonging
Equity. Diversity. Belongingness. Empowerment. Transformation.
The Clayton State University Department of Psychology recognizes and embraces diversity and inclusion. Our program creates settings for belonging as a fundamental necessity for establishing as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. articulated, The Beloved Community. The Clayton State University Department of Psychology views civil discourse and acceptance as critical to the intellectual growth and well-being of students. We are dedicated to supporting the development of professionals able to competently address the diverse needs of communities. Graduates of our program are prepared to implement a multicultural framework for promoting personal and community well-being. Students are equipped with the skills to recognize complex societal challenges and innovate creative solutions that empower and transform individuals and communities.
As a department, we are committed and accountable to increasing the number of professionals, practitioners, and healers from communities that have been historically marginalized and excluded from the discipline of psychology. We strive to develop culturally relevant curricula that is also holistic in its approach to education. Our faculty recognize that we now exist in a global community, therefore, it is important that graduates are culturally competent, with the ability to serve a diverse world.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Department of Psychology is to empower students to utilize the major concepts, findings, and diverse theoretical perspectives of psychology to identify and address complex challenges faced by individuals and the broader community. We prepare student to use the tools of psychology to promote equity and well-being in a multicultural society.
The Department of Psychology offers the following undergraduate options. Graduate degree programs can be found under the School of Graduate Studies.
Baccalaureate Program
Minor Program
Human Services (HMSV)
An analysis of the social needs addressed by human service agencies and an overview of the historical back- ground, development, purposes, career patterns, ethics, and organization of such agencies with emphasis on the not-for profit sector.
Exploration of how cultural diversity within the U.S. and around the world influences the structure and delivery of human services. Emphasis will be on larger organizations such as CARE, Girl Scouts, World Vision, and Amnesty International.
A comprehensive analysis of the role and function of a human service agency management professional. Topics include skills and techniques in the areas of planning, staffing, budgeting, volunteer coordination, risk management, community relations, and advisory or governing board interaction.
Psychology (PSYC)
A broad survey of the major topics in psychology including, but not limited to, research methodology, biological and social factors influencing behavior, development, learning, memory, personality, and abnormal psychology. Applicability of theories and research findings across contemporary cultures is considered.
This course will address the use of basic helping and communication skills that would be applicable to a variety of work settings and situations, including the development of listening skills, knowledge about working with diverse populations, and increasing self-awareness with the goal of developing and maintaining successful working relationships.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course is designed to introduce students to basic statistical methods for the design and analysis of research in psychology. Subject areas include: measurement, organizing and displaying data (e.g. graphs and tables), descriptive statistics (e.g. mean, median, mode, variance, standard deviation), elementary probability, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing, sources of error, power, effect size, and an introduction to analysis of variance and factorial designs.
This course serves as an introduction to the Psychology major, with an exploration of career options in psychology, as well as training on the use of American Psychological Association format for writing in the social sciences. Students will learn about the options that they have with their Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and those they may have should they continue their education at the graduate level.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
A survey of the major theories and research findings regarding social influences on human behavior. Areas explored will include attitudes, prejudice, gender roles, altruism, conformity, obedience, attraction, and aggression.
Prerequisites: (PSYC 1101 or PSYC 201 or PSYC 205 )
This course is designed to provide a theoretical and applied foundation for working with people in crisis. Students will examine the role of human services professionals in responding to crises, consider family and cultural influences, and explore methods for intervening in crisis situations.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course will provide students with a foundation in the principles of group dynamics, with an emphasis on small-group dynamics. Research in the field of group dynamics will be discussed, and well-established principles of group functioning, such as group formation, conflict, and impression management, will be addressed. Application of these principles to the functioning of small groups in psychology and human services-related settings will also be addressed.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
Educational psychology is the study of the psychology of learning and how development and differences among individuals influence learning.
A survey of the numerous cosmological and psychological perspectives that are the historical foundations of African people across the world. Topics include traditional African spiritual systems such as Ifa/Orisa and Vodun, African-centered Psychologists, theories addressing the healing of African people, and the political influences and arts of African people throughout the African diaspora.
This course includes studies of multicultural trends including characteristics and concerns of diverse groups; attitudes and behavior based on factors as age, gender, race, social class, sexual orientation, ethnicity and culture, etc. This course is meant to encourage students to reflect on the effect of culture on their own behavior, cognitions, and affect.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
Historically, psychology has rather narrowly been oriented toward the “negative”- focusing on understanding and treatment of human weaknesses, deficiencies, and limitations. This course will focus on the emerging field of “Positive Psychology” which is oriented toward scientifically describing and understanding people’s strengths, abilities, and potentials. Topics include happiness, psychological well-being, optimal self-esteem, authenticity, mindfulness, and self-compassion, and character strengths.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
Abnormal Child Psychology provides an introduction to the historical and contemporary perspectives, etiologies, research, and treatment modalities for atypical child development. By the end of the course, students should have a better understanding of the 1.) evolution of theories regarding atypical child development 2.) distinction between abnormal development and normal developmental deviance 3.) putative etiologies of childhood disorders 4.) symptoms of disorders commonly diagnosed during childhood and 5.) empirically-supported interventions to ameliorate maladjustment in children.
This course will introduce students to issues associated with the U.S. Latinx experience. The course will explore psychosocial and cultural factors such as historical experiences, heterogeneity, mental health, immigration & acculturation, ethnic identity, and institutional barriers. The course aims to increase foundational knowledge about the fastest growing demographic group in the country, increase awareness about related issues and encourage the development of multicultural competencies relevant to working with the U.S. Latinx population.
This course is to stimulate students to think about major issues related to professional practice in human services and to challenge students to formulate positions on these issues. Students will become familiar with the various ethics codes and develop an ability to apply these codes to a variety of specific problem situations. The course also examines ethical and legal standards, risk management, professional credentialing, and standards for the helping profession.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
A study of the scientific and cultural bases of various conceptions of psychopathology. Application of theoretical frameworks to examine etiology, and current research on evidence-based treatments will be emphasized.
This course is designed as an introduction to the topic of Community Psychology. Students will learn about the history of this field, and the social movements that propelled its founding. The course will further expose students to the theoretical foundations, basic concepts of the field, perspectives on community and social change by challenging students to think about applications to their local community.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course is an analysis of systems which affect our lives on a personal level. In order to really understand how we function as psychological and spiritual beings, we must understand how systems may enhance our development or create barriers in our lives. This class will help us to further realize that we are not ahistorical beings, but are transformative agents that can and will make a profound difference in the world. This class will introduce students to the works of Paulo Freire and Bell Hooks and will explore these works and examine their implications for psychology.
An overview of psychological evaluation with emphasis on uses of personality, ability and achievement tests including basic descriptive statistics, item development and critical issues in the field of testing.
An introduction to the major theories of personality, including the psychoanalytic, humanistic, and trait approaches.
An examination of the psychological factors affecting wellness, including emotional, cognitive, social, and behavioral aspects. Biopsychological mechanisms underlying illness and methods for improving health will be included.
Prerequisites: (PSYC 1101 or PSYC 201 or PSYC 205 )
This course provides students with an introduction to research design and methods in psychology. Topics include learning to review the primary literature; developing a research idea and the development, execution, and interpretation of findings from common research designs; basic analysis of research results; and the basics of an effective written presentation of a project and results. Upon completion of this course, students will have a solid foundation in the methods used to study psychological functioning.
Sexuality is a part of all of our lives. This course is designed to explore the subject of human sexuality in a scientific and open manner. The purpose of this course is for students to gain knowledge about human sexuality as well as critically evaluate their own ideas, values, and mores about sexuality.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course will investigate a broad range of addictive disorders including drugs, alcohol, and gambling as well as other problematic repetitive behaviors (e.g. internet use, binge eating, hoarding). We will investigate the complex biopsychosocial disease process of addiction. There will be emphasis on the physiological brain responses and health consequences.
This course equips the student to understand and respond effectively to individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities that have experienced both symbolic and tangible loss and grief reactions. The topics covered in the course, include theories of normal and complicated grief, grief reactions and the factors that influence them at different stages of the life span, cultural and spiritual influences, vicarious trauma and the impact of loss and working in close contact with grief on professionals, and skills and strategies that address therapeutic needs of vulnerable and resilient populations.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course will focus on the development of sexual behavior problems and dysfunction utilizing Diagnostic and Statistical Manual criteria to evaluate the etiology of disorders, cultural implications, and treatment outcomes. Areas of focus include the psychological makeup of identified disorders, which impede social relationships, adjustment, and overall wellbeing. In addition, the psychological treatment interventions and outcomes associated with working in this area of specialization will be reviewed. Models of intervention will be from clinical and health psychology perspectives.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
This course will focus on the developmental stage of emerging adulthood, the time between adolescence and adulthood, which is typically from age 18 to the mid-20s. Topics will include an overview of developmental theories related to emerging adulthood, how emerging adults transition through major life events and issues such as relationships, love and sex, personal and psychological issues, marriage and intimate relationships, college life, and careers.
An exploration of various topics and issues in the fields of psychology & human services.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
An exploration of various topics and issues in the fields of psychology & human services.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
A study of the social construct of "gender" and its impact on individuals and societies; its interactions with biological aspects and determinants of sex; its variations across cultures; and various aspects of human sexual behavior, including their relationship to conceptualizations of gender.
An introduction to the complex interrelationships between biological and mental processes with a particular emphasis on the impact of physiology (e.g., nervous and endocrine systems) on behavior. It is recommended that students complete at least one college-level biology course prior to taking this course.
An examination of the major theories and research findings in areas of human cognition such as information processing and problem-solving.
This course is a senior-level seminar providing students with an examination of the psychological foundations and correlates of attitudes towards death, death anxiety and grief, cross-cultural perspectives; death education; stages children's' awareness; coping with grief and fears; legal issues surrounding death; and attitudes towards the afterlife. The course maintains a focus on death and dying issues in the dynamic context of life and living.
This course is a brief introduction to or overview of research focusing on adult development and aging within a developmental psychological framework. Students will become familiar with the theories and methods used by researchers to study cognitive, emotional, and physical development in adulthood.
The purpose of this course is to provide the student with an introduction to characteristics and theories of adolescent development. The course will cover theoretical foundations and transitions of adolescence. This class also examines contexts that affect adolescent development, such as peers and the family. The final portion of the class will examines problems (e.g., depression and suicide, substance abuse, and delinquency) and opportunities (e.g., career development) encountered by adolescents.
Becoming a Psychology and Human Services Professional is a 3 credit-hour, 1 semester course designed for graduating seniors to give the student exposure to various professional opportunities with a degree in psychology and human services to aid the student in postbaccalaureate career exploration.
A directed and supervised internship or practicum. Students select an appropriate site, arrange an internship, prepare a learning agreement, work 150 hours (minimum) on-site and prepare a log and presentation for fellow internship students. Requires permission of program coordinator and Director of Experiential Learning.
An optional second internship or practicum experience. Students select an appropriate site, arrange an internship, prepare a learning agreement, work 150 hours (minimum) on-site, produce a project for the site and prepare a log and presentation for their fellow internship students.
An introductory examination of the major theories of learning with an emphasis on the application of these theories to the modification of complex human behavior. Ethical issues associated with the use of behavior change strategies will be a focus.
This course is designed to help students understand how program evaluation is relevant to human services efforts. The goal is to familiarize students with different types of program evaluation, how to develop an evaluation plan, and how to implement an evaluation. Students gain practical experience through a series of exercises requiring them to learn basic program evaluation concepts, critique existing evaluations, work with stakeholders, understand evaluation design and data collection, and consider dissemination strategies.
This course will introduce students to current theories and research about infant development. Topics include theories and methods of developmental psychology and cognitive, social-emotional, and biological development during infancy. The course will end with an evaluation of social policies that impact infants and their parents.
Designed to further student knowledge of the uses of research methodologies in psychology, topics for this course include research question design, literature review preparation, and research design selection, among others. The course will also require the application of course content to the design of a research project.
An exploration of various topics and issues in the fields of psychology & human services.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
An exploration of various topics and issues in the fields of psychology & human services.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
An in-depth examination of an area of student interest outside the usual focus of the psychology curriculum closely directed by a faculty member.
Prerequisites: (PSYC 1101 or PSYC 201 or PSYC 205 or PSYC 212)
This course is designed to provide formal assistance for senior students as they prepare for employment and/or graduate school application and to provide data of use in assessing the Psychology & Human Services curriculum. Students are required to attend four class meetings that include the following components: seminars on job search strategies and application for graduate/professional school; completion of surveys assessing the quality of the psychology degree program; a standardized subject test in psychology to assess students’ knowledge in comparison to national norms; a senior exit interview.
Prerequisites: PSYC 1101
Eric M. Bridges
Mark Daddona (Emeritus)
Deborah F. Deckner-Davis
Catherine G. Deering
Erica J. Gannon
Nichelle Gause
Brian M. Goldman
Christina M. Grange
Pinar Gurkas
Charlie L. Harris
Chizara A. Jones
Samuel J. Maddox
Donna W. McCarty (Emeritus)
Antoinette Miller
J. Celeste Walley-Jean
Eckart Werther