 Radford University
Graduate Catalog
for 1999-2000
Alastair V.E. Harris, Chairperson
Graduate Faculty
Michael Aamodt, Jeffrey L. Chase, Frederick W. Clemens, Chet H. Fischer,
Dianne Friedman, Donald M. Hall, Alastair V.E. Harris, Robert W. Hiltonsmith,
Pamela Jackson, Joseph S. King, Heidi Levine, Hilary M. Lips, Kendall Lott,
Curtis S. McKee, Joseph J. Montuori, H. Thomas Mullis, Mark S. Nagy, Thomas
Pierce, Karl H. Pribram, Nora P. Reilly, Heather Servaty, Jeffrey A. Willner
(For more information, follow the link above to the department's
Home Page.)
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
- Minimum grade point average of 3.0 overall and in the major
- Minimum score of 1000 on Graduate Record Examination (Verbal and Quantitative)
with minimum of 430 on either part
- Undergraduate major in Psychology or a minimum of 18 hours in Psychology
- Two letters of reference, with at least one from applicant's major
department
- If applicant's major is not psychology, then at least one letter should
be from a psychology faculty member
- Short statement (approximately two pages) regarding why she/he is interested
in psychology and future plans
Deadline for completed application is March 1. Admission is competitive.
CENTER FOR BRAIN RESEARCH AND INFORMATIONAL SCIENCES
Karl H. Pribram, Director
In conjunction with the appointment of Karl Pribram as the James P. and
Anna King University Professor at Radford, the university has established
a research center focusing on how the brain works under various physical
and mental conditions.
The Center for Brain Research and Informational Sciences (BRAINS) is
an extension of Pribram's previous work at Stanford University in Palo Alto,
CA. Human research is concentrated on monitoring EEG activity under a variety
of conditions, such as problem solving or hypnosis.
Animal research focuses on sensory codes and their transforms in brain
systems.
CENTER FOR GENDER STUDIES
Hilary M. Lips, Director
The objective of the Center is to create a resource for and a model of excellence
in gender-related teaching and research. The research activities of the
Center provide an important resource for teaching students about gender
and training them to do research on gender-related issues. Through the activities
of the Center, graduate students become involved in seminars, and opportunities
for research experience are provided to undergraduate and graduate students.
The Center also provides a resource for information about gender research
to other departments in the university and to the extra university community.
ADDITIONAL CORE REQUIREMENTS
All Master of Arts and Master of Science students in psychology, regardless
of concentration, are required to take a common core consisting of the following
courses:
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data.
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology.
PSYC 798. Professional Internship; and
PSYC 612. Psychometric Theory, Assessment, Appraisal and Application.
or
PSYC 631. Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques.
GRADUATE PROGRAM
The Psychology Department offers graduate courses designed primarily
for those students who wish to concentrate their studies in experimental,
clinical, counseling, industrial-organizational, or school psychology. Graduate
standing is a prerequisite to all 600-level courses.
Because of the sequencing and/or infrequent offering of certain psychology
courses, students making up undergraduate deficiencies or students beginning
graduate work during a semester other than fall semester might experience
scheduling problems which can delay completion of the required program of
studies.
Upon admission to the Graduate College, each student is assigned a temporary
adviser. The student must select a permanent adviser prior to submitting
the Program of Study. This should be done on a "Petition for Program
Changes" form available in the Graduate College office.
Students who, for personal or programmatic reasons, decide not to continue
in a concentration in which they were originally admitted, may request admission
to the General option. Students will not be admitted to this option upon
admittance to the Graduate College. A minimum of 36 hours is required for
completion of this option. All core requirements must be met. Selection
of courses to meet the 36 hour minimum requirement must be made in consultation
with the Department Chair.
ADDITIONAL ADMISSIONS REQUIREMENTS
In addition to general requirements for admission to the Graduate College,
the department requires that all graduate students have a basic understanding
and knowledge of psychology.
Applications must contain at least one letter of recommendation from
a faculty member from the applicant's major department. If the applicant's
major is not psychology, then at least one letter should be from a psychology
faculty member.
Applications without GRE scores (V+Q) will be subject to deferral pending
receipt of such.
The Psychology GRE is not required for admission. However, it is recommended
that students take this examination and submit the score along with their
application. For students who may wish to enhance their chances of acceptance
into a competitive program, the Psychology GRE score may be helpful for
the committee's consideration of their credentials.
For graduate students in psychology, a minimum grade point average of
3.0 is required in graduate-level psychology courses. Failure to maintain
this requirement after completion of 15 semester hours in graduate course
work will result in termination from any/all programs leading to any graduate
degree in psychology.
MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE
Students pursuing the Master of Science degree must have earned a minimum
of 18 semester hours of credit in psychology at the undergraduate level.
The concentrations consist of a minimum of 34 hours in Clinical, 36 hours
in Industrial/Organizational, 40 hours in Experimental and 49 in Counseling.
With permission of the student's adviser, a maximum of six semester hours
of credit can be earned in an academic area outside of the Psychology Department
related to psychology.
MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE
Students pursuing the Master of Arts degree must have earned a minimum
of 18 semester hours of credit in psychology at the undergraduate level.
The degree requires a six-semester-hour thesis, with the remaining hours
usually taken in psychology courses appropriate to the student's area of
concentration.
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The applied clinical Master's program offers students core courses providing
basic foundations in research methodology and statistical analysis; normal
and abnormal development; and diagnostic and therapeutic interventions with
clinical populations. Job opportunities for graduates include community
mental health centers, correctional facilities, and hospitals.
Students are encouraged to take electives both in and outside of the
clinical area, and to engage in independent research culminating in completion
of a Master's thesis. The thesis is particularly recommended for those students
who plan to pursue further graduate training.
Students in the Clinical Concentration will be expected to maintain professional
behavior and judgement, and to follow the ethical principals established
by the American Psychological Association while in the program. Failure
to do so may result in immediate dismissal. After completion of the core
course requirements, students will be evaluated through their performance
on the pre-practicum interview to determine their suitability for practicum.
Successful completion of the practicum is required for the clinical Master's
degree.
Students in the clinical concentration are required to pass a comprehensive
oral exam which tests the student's grasp and ability to communicate knowledge
in major areas within the field, including the ability to synthesize and
apply this knowledge. The comprehensive oral exam committee must include
a minimum of two faculty from the clinical area. The oral thesis defense
does not fulfill the comprehensive oral exam requirement.
Clinical courses in the clinical concentration may or may not meet individual
state requirements for the coursework required for licensure at the master's
level. In Virginia, clinical coursework in the clinical track will typically
not meet current licensure requirements for the primary master's degree
license, the Licensed Professional Counselor. It is recommended that students
check with the state in which they will reside for specific licensure requirements.
Program Requirements - 34 hrs.
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data - 3
PSYC 631. Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques - 3
PSYC 671. Theories of Personality - 3
PSYC 685. Clinical Psychopathology - 3
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology - 3
PSYC 637. Personality Assessment - (3)
or
PSYC 636. Child Personality Assessment - 3
(PSYC 663. Child Psychopathology prerequisite)
PSYC 673. Legal and Ethical Issues - 1
PSYC 681. Introduction to Individual and Group Psychotherapy - 3
PSYC 682. Techniques of Individual and Group Psychotherapy - (3)
or
PSYC 694. Clinical Interventions with Children - 3
(PSYC 663 Child Psychopathology prerequisite) - 3
PSYC 699. Research and Thesis - 6
PSYC 798. Professional Internship. - 3-6
Electives - 0-6
FINAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION CLINICAL
The final comprehensive examination committee must include two faculty
members from the clinical option. This examination is intended to examine
the student's comprehensive grasp of the field and is not limited to a defense
of a thesis if one is submitted.
If a thesis is submitted it must be successfuly defended prior to attempting
the final comprehensive examination. These may or may not be concomitant.
The thesis is taken for credit and the defense represents one part of the
grading process and does not represent a grade for the student's comprehensive
grasp of the field. See Final Comprehensive Examination.
COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The Counseling Psychology program is designed to train professional counselors
to work in mental health counseling. Students who wish to concentrate in
marriage and family, substance abuse, and grief counseling may take courses
from Psychology and Counselor Education departments. The Virginia Board
of Licensed Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and
Substance Abuse Professionals, Regulatory Committee is the Board that determines
licensure for professional counselors in Virginia.
The counseling faculty consists of the following: Dr.Curt McKee (Assessment,
Theories of Counseling), Dr. Thomas Mullis (Supervision), Dr. Heather Servaty
(Death and Dying); Adjunct professors: Dr. Heidi Levine (Multicultural,
Relationship Counseling), and Dr. Ken Lott (Marriage and Family, Supervision).
Academic and Professional Requirements
The students identified with the Counseling Program will be required to
maintain professional competence, behavior, and judgment throughout the
program. The students will be evaluated each semester by the counseling
committee and must receive a positive evaluation each semester by the counseling
psychology faculty in order to remain in the program and to enroll in practicums
or internships.The student must have a 3.0 GPA in all psychology courses
before enrolling in an internship and must have received a B or higher in
each of the following: PSYC 640, PSYC 641, and PSYC 642. A student may appeal
any decision made by the counseling committee by following the procedures
for grade appeal as outlined in the student handbook.
Program Requirements - 49 hrs.
Required Courses
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data. - 3
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology. - 3
PSYC 612. Psychometric Theory, Assessment and Appraisal. (3)
or
PSYC 631. Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques. - 3
PSYC 640. Professional Orientation and Function in Mental Health Counseling.
- 3
PSYC 641. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy. - 3
PSYC 642. Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy. - 3
PSYC 643. Mental Health Practicum. - 3-6
PSYC 646. Psychology of Death and Dying. - 3
PSYC 647. Multicultural Counseling: Social and Cultural Foundations. - 3
PSYC 660. Human Growth and Development. - 3
PSYC 685. Clinical Psychotherapy. - 3
PSYC 771. Group Dynamics, Processing, and Counseling. - 3
PSYC 772. Marriage and Family Systems Counseling. - 3
PSYC 773. Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors. - 3
PSYC 774. Introduction to Psychopharmacological Medications. - 1
PSYC 798. Internship in Mental Health Counseling. - 3-9
COED 613. Career Development. - 3
Students may take additional hours in practicum or internship depending
on the requirements for licensure of each particular state.
LICENSURE FOR PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR IN VIRGINIA
The Virginia Board of Professional Counselors and Marriage and Family
Therapists is the Board that determines licensure for professional counselors
in Virginia. The state of Virginia requires that the applicant for licensure
shall have completed 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of graduate study
in the following core areas, with a minimum of 3 semester hours or 4.5 quarter
hours in each of the areas identified in areas 1 through 12:
- Professional identity, function and ethics;
- Theories of counseling and psychotherapy;
- Counseling and psychotherapy techniques;
- Human growth and development;
- Group counseling and psychotherapy, theories, and techniques;
- Career counseling and development theories and techniques;
- Appraisal, evaluation and diagnostic procedures;
- Abnormal behavior and psychopathology;
- Multicultural counseling, theories and techniques;
- Research;
- Diagnosis and treatment of addictive disorders;
- Marriage and family systems theory; and
- Supervised internship of 600 hours to include 240 hours of face to
face client contact.
The Departments of Psychology and Counselor Education have identified
courses which may be taken to satisfy the core areas listed above. Any student
wishing licensure for private practice in Virginia should consult with his
or her adviser in planning a program of study.
Courses identified in the Department of Psychology:
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data
PSYC 632. Behavioral Assessment with Children
PSYC 636. Child Personality Assessment
PSYC 640. Professional Orientation and Function in Mental Health Counseling
PSYC 641. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy
PSYC 642. Techniques in Counseling and Psychotherapy
PSYC 646. Psychology of Death and Dying
PSYC 647. Multicultural Counseling: Social and Cultural Foundations
PSYC 660. Human Growth and Development
PSYC 663. Childhood Psychopathology
PSYC 685. Clinical Psychotherapy
PSYC 694. Clinical Intervention with Children and Adolescents
PSYC 699. Research and Thesis
PSYC 771. Group Dynamics, Processing, and Counseling
PSYC 773. Marriage and Family Systems Counseling
PSYC 776. Human Sexuality Counseling
PSYC 798. Internship in Mental Health Counseling
Courses identified in the Department of Counselor Education:
COED 610. Individual Differences in Human Development
COED 611. Introduction to Counseling
COED 612. Professional Issues in Counseling
COED 613. Career Counseling
COED 614. Group Counseling Theories and Procedures
COED 615. Assessment Techniques in Counseling
COED 616. Multicultural Counseling
COED 617. Consultation and Coordination Skills
COED 620. Diagnosis and Treatment Planning for Counselors
COED 637. Death, Loss, and Grief Counseling
COED 641. Practicum: Advanced Counseling Techniques
COED 642. Advanced Group Counseling
COED 650. Introduction to Community Counseling
COED 670. Counseling Children and Adolescents
COED 680. Introduction to Marriage and Family Counseling
COED 681. Techniques of Marriage and Family Counseling
COED 686. Overview of Substance Abuse Counseling
COED 690. Internship in Community Agency Counseling
COED 699. Research and Thesis
EDEF 606. Educational Research
EXPERIMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The goal of the Experimental Psychology concentration is to provide students
with a solid foundation in the core principles of psychology, as well as
with supervised experience in laboratory research. The program allows students
to apply their degree as a terminal Master's qualifying them to (a) serve
as an instructor at the community or junior college level or to (b) conduct
research in applied settings. The program also provides students with an
opportunity to strengthen applications to doctoral programs in any subfield
of psychology.
Experimental Psychology students are expected to develop a breadth of
knowledge in psychology, as well as to acquire research experience within
at least two content areas. Students take area core courses, as well as
additional coursework designed to meet individual needs. Each student is
expected to be actively involved in research or some other scholarly endeavor
under the supervision of a faculty member after completion of the first
semester and until the degree is awarded. Each student must also undertake
a thesis project based on empirical research and successfully defend the
thesis project in an oral defense. The Experimental Psychology faculty promote
interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to the study of psychology.
Program Requirements - 40 hrs.
Required Courses - 21 hrs.
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data. - 3
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology. - 3
PSYC 612. Psychometric Theory, Assessment, Appraisal and Application. -
3
PSYC 620. Core Proseminar in Psychology I. - 3
PSYC 621. Core Proseminar in Psychology II. - 3
PSYC 622. Psychology and Science. - 3
PSYC 699. Research and Thesis. - 6
PSYC 798. Psychology Internship. - 3
Advanced Seminar Courses - 6 hrs.
Selection of these courses should be based on the student's interests and/or
needs and be approved by the student's adviser.
PSYC 623. Advanced Social Psychology. - 3
PSYC 626. Advanced Comparative Learning and Motivation. - 3
PSYC 627. Advanced Sensation and Perception. - 3
PSYC 628. Advanced Physiological Psychology. - 3
PSYC 630. Advanced Cognitive Psychology. - 3
PSYC 660. The Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence. - 3
Recommended Electives - 7 hrs.
PSYC 671. Theories of Personality. - 3
PSYC 690. Seminar in Psychology: Brain and Perception. - 3
PSYC 690. Seminar in Psychology: Languages of the Brain. - 3
PSYC 698. Directed Study. - 1-4
Students who are required to take PSYC 600, Advanced General Psychology,
or an equivalent course, cannot count those credit hours toward the 40 hours
required to graduate.
INDUSTRIAL-ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY CONCENTRATION
The program is designed for those students who want to apply psychological
principles directly to the study of work behavior. The student will learn
how to conduct a job analysis, construct and validate selection tests and
evaluate job performance. In addition, he/she will examine what motivates
people to work, what techniques are available for training skills and changing
attitudes and the reciprocal social influence between the individual and
the organization. The program is designed to provide a major for master's
degree students in psychology or a minor in an area such as business. There
is considerable emphasis on applied projects, group work, and computer skills.
Students in this specialty may elect either the Master of Arts (thesis
option) or Master of Science (non-thesis option) degree. All students must
pass a comprehensive oral exam in the I/O specialty area. The student working
toward the M.A. degree will also be required to complete a thesis, which
offers six semester hours of credit (PSYC 699), and complete an additional
oral examination on that thesis. (For more information, see Final
Comprehensive Examination.) Therefore, the M.A. graduate would need
to complete a total of 39 semester hours.
Program Requirements - 36-39 hrs.
Required Courses - 30 hrs.
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data. - 3
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology. - 3
PSYC 612. Psychometric Theory. - 3
PSYC 650. Organizational Psychology I. - 3
PSYC 651. Employee Selection and Placement I. - 3
PSYC 652. Training and Motivation. - 3
PSYC 653. Job Analysis and Evaluation. - 3
PSYC 654. Performance Appraisal. - 3
PSYC 655. Organizational Psychology II. - 3
PSYC 656. Employee Selection and Placement I. - 3
PSYC 699. Research and Thesis. - 6
PSYC 798. Internship. - 3
Electives - 0-3 hrs.
The remaining courses in the Industrial/Organizational program will be
selected by the student in consultation with his/her adviser. In some cases
a minor may be advisable.
The internship carries up to six hours credit, only three of which may
be applied toward degree requirements, and involves on-site experience in
business, industrial or institutional settings.
EDUCATIONAL SPECIALIST DEGREE PROGRAM IN SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY
The academic and training requirements for the School Psychology Training
Program are founded on both a philosophical and practical understanding
of the role and function which the psychologist expects (and is expected)
to occupy within the educational setting.
Role and Function of the School Psychologist
The school psychologist is a professional, operating as a specialist,
within the framework of the school system. An interpreter of the behavioral
sciences in educational settings, the school psychologist functions cooperatively
with professional educators, as well as other concerned persons in the community,
in an effort to improve the psychological climate of the school environment.
Toward this end, there are three major roles or responsibilities the school
psychologist must assume:
Assessment Role
The school psychologist's function within this role is to determine the
nature and extent of the problems for which students have been identified
and any contributing factors that might be apparent. In fulfilling this
role, school psychologists rely on a variety of psychological instruments
designed to evaluate a broad spectrum of human characteristics and behaviors,
both psychological and academic, as well as the educational environment
itself. The primary purpose of assessment is to determine intervention strategies
that can be used to remediate identified problems.
Intervention Role
In this role, school psychologists attempt to determine and implement
the best interventions for students with problems, based on the results
of the assessment process. Within this role, school psychologists may intervene
either directly or indirectly. Direct interventions would often involve
individual and group counseling. Indirect interventions would generally
involve consultation with the teacher and other professionals concerning
behavioral and academic programs that can be managed most effectively in
the classroom.
Research/Program Evaluation Role
To the greatest extent possible, the practice of school psychology should
be governed by empirical evidence derived from scientific research. School
psychologists must understand research methodology, be able to critically
review research reports and translate research results into practice. Also,
school psychologists often are called upon by the systems for which they
work to collect data needed to make educational and administrative decisions.
In undertaking such assignments, knowledge of research methodology is crucial.
To a lesser extent, school psychologists also might desire to undertake
their own research projects to contribute to the knowledge base of the field.
Functioning within this scientist-practitioner framework requires that school
psychologists possess competencies in research methodology, statistical
inference and measurement theory and practice.
SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGY TRAINING PROGRAM
The requirements of the School Psychology Training Program at Radford
University are designed to enable students to fulfill the three basic roles
(as well as others) with a reasonable level of competence and confidence.
The program operates under the philosophy that practicing school psychologists
should be knowledgeable in the theoretical and applied skills of both education
and psychology.
Entering students are expected to commit three years to the program.
The first year is devoted to developing a more advanced background in psychological
foundations and theory, and also includes several basic skill courses in
psychological assessment, observational, and interviewing techniques. The
second year is a combination of theory and skill practice, with an increasing
emphasis on the application of skills as the year progresses. By the end
of the second year, the student should have the entry level skills of a
school psychology intern, and the third year is devoted to a full-time,
1200 clock hour internship, with at least half of that internship being
in the public school setting.
The Ed.S. degree will be awarded following the successful completion
of the year-long internship, successful completion of a final comprehensive
oral and portfolio examination, and upon completion of a minimum of 69 semester
hours of graduate coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or better.
The School Psychology Training Program is fully accredited by the National
Association of School Psychologists and by the National Council for Accreditation
of Teacher Education. Upon completion of the program, graduates are fully
certifiable as School Psychologists in Virginia and, upon successfully completing
the examination requirements, also are nationally certifiable, making them
eligible for certification in most other states.
Program Requirements - 69 hrs.
Required First Year Courses
Students are required to take the following courses during their first
year in the program.
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data. - 3
PSYC 631. Cognitive and Intellectual Assessment Techniques. - 3
PSYC 632. Behavioral Assessment Techniques with Children. - 2
PSYC 636. Child Personality Assessment. - 3
PSYC 665. School Psychological Services. - 3
PSYC 672. Learning Theory Approaches to Behavior Modification. - 3
Second Year Courses
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology. - 3
PSYC 688. Consultation Theory. - 2
PSYC 781. School Psychology Practicum I. - 4
PSYC 782. School Psychology Practicum II. - 4
PSYC 789. Consultation Practicum. - 2
Third Year Courses
PSYC 698. Directed Study (Research). - 2-4
PSYC 795, 796. School Psychology Internship. - 6, 6
Other Required Courses
The following required courses may be taken at any point in the student's
program.
PSYC 660. Human Growth and Lifespan Development. - 3
PSYC 663. Childhood Psychopathology. - 3
PSYC 671. Theories of Personality. - 3
PSYC 673. Seminar: Legal and Ethical Issues. - 1
EDSP 651. Survey of Programs for Exceptional Children. - 3
EDSP 652. Characteristics of Individuals with Learning Disabilities. - 3
EDSP 669. Diagnostic Educational Procedures for Exceptional Individuals.
- 3
PSYC 694. Clinical Intervention with Children and Adolescents (or another
approved course in counseling; must see adviser before taking a different
course.) - 3
A course in educational foundations, school law, school organization
or sociology of education (choose from EDEF 607, EDEL 622, or another course
in the above mentioned areas) - 3
In addition to the above courses, students may be expected or required
to take additional courses in Pupil-Personnel Services, Foundations of Education
or School Organization/Administration.
Students with a Master's degree from an institution other than Radford
University who apply for the Ed.S. degree must submit an application to
the Graduate College for admission to graduate study.
The application will not be considered complete until it contains the
following:
- Completed application form
- Graduate Record Examination
- At least two letters of reference. If an applicant has been employed
by a school system since completing his or her master's degree, at least
one letter must be from a supervisor in the school system
- A letter stating the applicant's reasons for applying for admission
to graduate study in school psychology
- Current resume
- Graduate transcript
A student admitted to Radford University's Ed.S. degree program in School
Psychology who already possesses a Master's degree is allowed to transfer
a maximum of 30 graduate semester hours from another institution toward
the Ed.S. degree, subject to the approval of all courses by the School Psychology
Committee.
Students with a Master's degree from Radford University who have not
registered for graduate courses at Radford during the three years preceding
application for admission to the Ed.S. Degree program in School Psychology
must reapply to the Graduate College for admission. The application will
not be complete until it contains all of the items specified above.
If an applicant completed the last course in his or her Master's degree
program within seven years of completion of the Ed.S. degree, hours earned
toward the Master's degree (to a maximum of 30 hours approved by the School
Psychology Committee) will apply toward the Ed.S. degree. If the last course
in an applicant's Master's degree program was completed more than seven
years before completion of the Ed.S. degree, none of these hours will apply
toward the Ed.S. degree, unless the applicant has been substantially employed
as a school psychologist or the equivalent during the interval between completion
of the Master''s degree and admission to the Ed.S. degree program
SUBMISSION OF PROGRAM OF STUDIES FOR THE EDUCATIONAL
SPECIALIST DEGREE
Students who have been admitted to the Educational Specialist program
will submit a program of study for the Educational Specialist degree before
the completion of 15 post-master's graduate hours. The Ed.S. degree program
consists of a minimum of 69 semester hours. No more than 12 hours outside
psychology can be counted toward the 69 required hours, and no more than
12 hours can be 500-level courses.
The practicum sequence is integrated with other coursework during the
second year of the student's program. Each practicum course involves weekly
on-site experience in local public school settings under the direct supervision
of a qualified school psychologist. An application for practicum must be
made in the spring of the first year.
One academic year of full-time internship (or similar supervised work
experience) is required by the Virginia State Department of Education for
permanent certification in school psychology. (In some states, a provisional
certificate may be issued when all requirements other than the internship
have been completed.
The School Psychology Training Program at Radford University requires
two successive semesters of full-time internship under the direct and continuous
supervision of a fully certified, experienced school psychologist, who is
approved by the School Psychology Committee to be qualified to render supervision.
The School Psychology Program requires a minimum of 1,200 clock hours internship
experience (600 hours per semester for two semesters) before the intern
will be recommended for certification.
Prerequisites for the school psychology internship include: Approved
application for the internship (forms available in the department office)
proposed site, supervisor's name and when the internship will begin; completion
of all coursework, including practicum courses with at least B average overall
and at least a B in the practicum courses; and permission of the School
Psychology Coordinator at least four weeks prior to registration. The cooperating
school system generally pays the intern for services during this period.
The Radford University School Psychology Program adheres to the standards
for internship recommended by the National Association of School Psychologists.
The internship is a full-time experience, closely approximating the on-the-job
characteristics of the certified school psychologist. A written plan of
internship goals and objectives is prepared prior to the internship and
agreed to by representatives of the local educational agency, the intern
supervisors, Radford University faculty supervisor and the intern. Such
plans present internship objectives and approximate experiences for the
achievement of and evaluation of each objective. Sample plans may be obtained
from the School Psychology Coordinator.
The Virginia State Department of Education requires that all public school
personnel have certain courses at the undergraduate or graduate level before
certification can be obtained. Two specific required courses which students
often have not had at the undergraduate level are American History and Personal
Health. School psychology students should examine their undergraduate and
graduate course work carefully with certification requirements in mind and
should work closely with their advisors in the development of a program
that will meet all of the certification requirements.
At the completion of the year's internship, when all required courses
(graduate and undergraduate) have been successfully completed, and at least
69 semester hours of graduate credit have been passed, provided that the
student has a B average or better, the student will be awarded the Educational
Specialist degree in School Psychology (Ed.S.). The student will also be
endorsed by the State Department of Education in Virginia with full certification
as a school psychologist.
Each candidate for the Educational Specialist degree must apply for the
degree within the first two weeks of his/her final semester. Unless the
necessary forms are filled out by the student before the stated deadline,
graduation will be delayed. Graduate standing is a prerequisite to all 600-level
courses.
PSYCHOLOGY COURSES
Graduate standing is a prerequisite to all 600-level courses.
PSYC 600. Advanced General Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Designed as a survey course for graduate students covers the most significant
concepts, principles, theories, methodologies, issues and insights in the
field of psychology. Content varies somewhat based on the needs of the students.
PSYC 605. Forensic Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Conveys information relating to forensic psychology, including the insanity
defense, expert mental health testimony, treatment of prisoners, mental
health aspects of criminology and the psychological forces toward crime
and delinquency.
PSYC 610. Analysis of Behavioral Data. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Two courses in statistics or equivalent.
Inferential procedures in the treatment of psychological research data.
Emphasis on practical and behavioral applications of techniques of data
analysis. Implications for the collection and organization of data discussed.
PSYC 611. Methodology and Program Evaluation in Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Discussion of and practice in the design and evaluation of psychological
research, including measurement and experimental design, their limitations
and sources of confounding and the interpretation of data. Techniques for
performing cost-effectiveness analysis and cost-benefit analysis in mental
health and other human services will also be covered.
PSYC 612. Psychometric Theory, Assessment, Appraisal and Application.
(3)
Three hours lecture, demonstration and discussion.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology.
A comprehensive survey of measurement theory and practice in psychology.
Topics covered may include scaling models, validity, reliability, measurement
error and correlation analyses, multivariate correlational analysis, areas
of assessment (vocational, personality, intellectual), the evaluation process,
and the report-writing process.
PSYC 620. Core Proseminar in Psychology I. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
This course, intended for first-year graduate students in psychology, will
present the core theory and principles of two of three specialty areas in
psychological science: Physiological Psychology, Learning, or Sensation
and Perception. The two specialty areas chosen will alternate from year
to year, and will be based on the needs and interests of the graduate students.
Students will develop a firm grounding in these areas of psychology through
discussion of original writings in the psychological literature as well
as through in-class demonstrations of classic empirical findings in psychology.
PSYC 621. Core Proseminar in Psychology II. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Each offering of this course, intended for first-year graduate students
in psychology, will present the core theory and principles of two of three
specialty areas in psychology: Cognitive, Developmental, or Social Psychology.
The two specialty areas chosen will alternate from year to year, and will
be based on the needs and interests of graduate students. Students will
develop a firm grounding in these areas of psychology through discussion
of original writings in the psychological literature as well as through
in-class demonstrations of classic empirical findings in psychology.
PSYC 622. Psychology and Science. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Discussion of the role of psychologists as scientists. Issues to be addressed
include the ad-vantages and disadvantages of the scientific method as a
mode of inquiry, the concept of scientific progress, the reduction of psychological
constructs to physical principles, and the status of psychology as a science.
PSYC 623. Advanced Social Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Focused coverage of the scientific literature relating to psychological
aspects of human social behavior. Topics covered will vary as a function
of the needs and interests of the students, but will usually include one
or more of the following: attribution and social perception, attitude formation
and change, prosocial behavior, aggression, social influence and applications
of social psychology.
PSYC 626. Advanced Comparative Learning and Motivation. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Focused coverage of the scientific literature relating to associative
learning, comparative cognition, and motivation. Original research involving
both nonhuman and human subjects will be covered and critically evaluated.Topics
covered will vary as a function of the needs and interests of the students,
but will usually include one or more of the following: classical conditioning,
instrumental conditioning, observational learning, evolution of behavior,
motivational processes, aversive motivation, comparative cognition, memory
and concept formation.
PSYC 627. Advanced Sensation and Perception. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Focused coverage of the scientific literature relating to acquisition
and processing of sensory information. Original research involving both
human and nonhuman subjects will be covered and critically evaluated. Topics
covered will vary as a function of the needs and interests of the students,
but will usually include one or more of the following: acquisition and processing
of sensory information, use of sensory information to guide action, perception
of space and form, color perception, different sensory systems, and the
conscious experience of objects and object relations.
PSYC 628. Advanced Physiological Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Focused coverage of the scientific literature relating to physiological
basis of behavior. Original research involving both human and nonhuman subjects
will be covered and critically evaluated. Topics covered will vary as a
function of the needs and interests of the students, but will usually include
one or more of the following: neural communication, anatomy of the human
brain, neural mechanisms for perception and action, learning and memory,
language and cognition, attention and emotion, and neurological and mental
disorders.
PSYC 630. Advanced Cognitive Psychology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in psychology or permission of the instructor.
Focused coverage of the scientific literature relating to contemporary
human information processing. Original research involving human subjects
will be covered and critically evaluated. Topics covered will vary as a
function of the needs and interests of the students but will usually include
one or more of the following: perception, attention, memory, language expression
and comprehension, decision-making, problem-solving.
PSYC 631. Cognitive Intellectual Assessment Techniques. (3)
Three hours lecture; two hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Psychology or permission of instructor.
A study of the theory and development of the Stanford-Binet and the
Wechsler Scales, as well as additional intelligence tests, including a history
of and current research and practices in the field of individual intelligence
testing. Laboratory experience includes supervised administration, scoring
and interpretation of individual intelligence scales. Students administer
and score a number of scales each semester and are expected to achieve proficiency
in report writing as part of their laboratory experience.
PSYC 632. Behavioral Assessment Techniques with Children. (2)
Two hours lecture.
The course will cover a variety of behavioral assessment techniques
measuring children's behavior and academic performance as well as the environments
in which they function. Techniques to be studied include direct observation;
curriculum-based assessment; task-analytic measurement; behavioral checklists,
rating scales and questionnaires; interviews; analogue assessment; and environmental
assessment.
PSYC 636. Child Personality Assessment. (3)
Three hours lecture
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology; a B or better in a course
of individual intelligence testing, a graduate course in psychopathology
(may be taken concurrently), or permission of the instructor.
Intended for school and clinical psychology graduate students. The course
includes supervised administration, scoring and interpretation of individual
projective and objective personality tests, and supervised interviewing
experience with children and parents. Students administer, score and interpret
several personality tests and are expected to achieve proficiency in writing
comprehensive psychological reports.
PSYC 637. Personality Assessment. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Completion of PSYC 631 with a B or better, PSYC 663 or
685 (these may be taken concurrently), or permission of instructor.
Students will gain experience in assessment interviews, and administration
and interpretation of several of the widely-used methods of personality
assessment, including the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory and
Rorschach.
PSYC 640. Professional Orientation and Function in Mental Health Counseling.
(3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in Counseling Program
An orientation to professional counseling with an emphasis on mental
health counseling. The course traces the historical development, and trends
in counseling as a discipline, and assesses current identity and functions.
The roles of professional organizations and associations are analyzed. The
laws and ethics regarding the practice of professional counseling are studied.
Issues related to mental health practice are included. Collaborative consultation
and issues of outreach and treatment/prevention strategies will also be
discussed.
PSYC 641. Theories of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate status in counseling psychology or permission
of the instructor
Course provides students with an overview of current theories of counseling
and psychotherapy. The course will include a critical evaluation and comparative
study of major theories with emphasis on philosophical assumptions and implications
for application.
PSYC 642. Techniques of Counseling and Psychotherapy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Graduate status in counseling psychology or permission
of instructor.
Course provides students with an introduction to applied techniques.
Simulated counseling experiences provide opportunities to use basic counseling,
communication, and helping relationship skills while increasing student's
comfort with the therapeutic role.
PSYC 643. Mental Health Counseling Practicum I. (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate status in counseling psychology.
A supervised practicum in the field of mental health counseling involving
a minimum of 50 hours of which 20 must be direct client contact. Work experience
includes intake procedures, assessments, social histories, crisis intervention.
The student will meet with the program faculty member one and one half hours
per week.
PSYC 644. Mental Health Counseling Practicum II. (3)
Prerequisites: Graduate status in counseling and permission of the
counseling committee.
A supervised practicum in treatment techniques with an emphasis on substance
abuse interventions. Course requires a minimum of 50 clock hours of which
20 must be direct client contact. A program faculty member meets with students
for one and one/half hours of group supervision and one hour of individual
supervision per week.
PSYC 646. Psychology of Death and Dying. (3)
Three hours lecture and discussion.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Course provides students with a broad introduction to the field of thanatology,
while considering the influence of death and its associated psychological
effects on human behavior. Death-related variables such as sociocultural
forces, life-threatening illness, medical ethics, grief and bereavement,
funerals, etc. will be evaluated as to their contributions to the development
of individual differences across the lifespan.
PSYC 647. Multicultural Counseling: Social and Cultural Foundations.
(3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology or related field.
Course is designed to provide information regarding multicultural and
pluralistic trends including characteristics and concerns of diverse groups
including those of varying race, religious preference, sexual orientation,
ethnicity and culture, gender, physical disability, and socioeconomic status.
PSYC 650. Organizational Psychology I. (3)
Three hours lecture.
An introduction to the study of behavior in organizations. Focuses on the
individual, the organization and their interaction. Provides students with
ways of looking at and thinking about behavior in organizations. Presents
a framework for analyzing organizational behavior and considers both empirical
and case study research on organizational issues. Focuses on organizational
socialization, attitudes, motivation, decision-making, absenteeism, turnover,
stress, work groups and teams.
PSYC 651. Employee Selection and Placement I. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Provides knowledge in the use of employee recruitment techniques, interviewing
methods, reference checking, and training and experience ratings. Provides
an understanding of employment laws related to employee selection.
PSYC 652. Training and Development. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Presents and evaluates the techniques used in industry for the training
and motivation of personnel; examines psychological theories behind the
techniques and issues involved in application of these techniques. Focuses
on effects of training and motivation techniques on both job morale and
job performance.
PSYC 653. Job Analysis and Evaluation. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Covers major methods of job analysis and evaluation and the completion of
extensive job analysis and job evaluation projects.
PSYC 654. Performance Appraisal. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Covers major methods of appraising employee performance and utilizing these
appraisals to improve employee productivity.
PSYC 655. Organizational Psychology II. (3)
Three hours lecture and discussion.
Prerequisites: PSYC 650 or permission of instructor; graduate enrollment
at Radford University.
A continuation in the study of behavior in organizations. Focuses on
current organizational psychology issues in such areas as leadership, power,
organizational effectiveness and organizational theory. Provides the student
with additional ways of looking at and thinking about behavior in organizations.
Presents a framework for integrating research in organizational psychology
with popular organizational effectiveness trends.
PSYC 656. Employee Selection and Placement II. (3)
Three hours lecture and discussion.
Prerequisites: PSYC 651 or permission of instructor; Graduate enrollment
at Radford University.
A continuation in the study of employee selection and placement. Familiarizes
students with additional selection methods such as cognitive ability, biodata,
assessment centers, work samples, personality inventories, and integrity
tests. Also covers various approaches of evaluating these methods (e.g.,
reliability, validity generalization, utility, etc.).
PSYC 660. Human Growth and Lifespan Development. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing in psychology or related field.
Course provides a comprehensive overview of human growth. Areas covered
include the developmental areas of physical, cognitive, intellectual, perceptual,
information processing, language, personality, social, and moral development
across the life span.
PSYC 663. Child Psychopathology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Utilizes an eclectic approach to the study of causes and diagnoses of childhood
psychopathology. Definitions, concepts and theories of childhood psychopathology
are covered. Emphasis will be on the current diagnostic and statistical
manual (DSM).
PSYC 665. School Psychology Services. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Provides an understanding of the role of the school psychologist in education
settings. Covers historical antecedents of contemporary school psychology,
the types of methods, skills and knowledge that the school psychologist
applies in his or her job and legal and ethical issues involved in providing
school psychological services. Students are encouraged to do volunteer work
in a school setting in order to gain familiarity with problems school psychologists
encounter.
PSYC 671. Theories of Personality. (3)
Three hours lecture.
A thorough, critical evaluation of major personality theories with emphasis
on philosophical assumptions and applied implications of each theory for
therapeutic interventions.
PSYC 672. Learning Theory Approaches to Behavior Modification. (3)
The course focuses on application of learning theory, emphasizing reinforcement
principles, in a variety of settings to modify behavior of children and
adults in order to facilitate desirable adaptation to their environments.
PSYC 673. Legal and Ethical Issues. (1)
One hour lecture.
Exposes students to the legal and ethical issues in professional practice
and research. Ethical guidelines of professional organizations; legal rulings
which influence practice; and the course of professional development will
be discussed.
PSYC 681. Introduction to Individual and Group Psychotherapy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: Satisfactory graduate standing in clinical psychology or
permission of instructor.
Introduction to current systems of psychotherapy. Each system presented
and critiqued from the perspective of its usefulness to the student in an
applied setting.
PSYC 682. Techniques of Individual and Group Psychotherapy. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory graduate standing in clinical psychology
or permission of instructor.
Examines various techniques used in interviewing, Mental Status Examinations,
psychotherapy and crisis intervention. Students required to evaluate and
interview other volunteers in order to acquire the skills necessary for
practicum placement.
PSYC 685. Clinical Psychopathology. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Abnormal psychology or permission of the instructor.
Emphasizes knowledge of and ability to use the current Diagnostic and
Statistical Manual (DSM). Theoretical and empirical research into the major
clinical syndromes will be reviewed.
PSYC 688. Consultation in the Schools. (2)
Two hours lecture/discussion.
Prerequisite: PSYC 665 or equivalent experience in the schools.
Provides a theoretical framework for consultation, as well as exposing
the student to a wide variety of techniques that facilitate successful consultation
with teachers, administrators, parents and organizations. Utilizes role-playing,
videotaping, small group discussion and lecture.
PSYC 690. Seminar in Psychology. (1-3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor.
Presentation and discussion of current issues in various areas of psychology
which are not considered in other courses. Content varies from semester
to semester. A single topic or area selected by the instructor for discussion
during the semester based on current student interest and developments in
psychology. Previous topics have included: Cortical Bases of Behavior, Human
Sexuality, Divorce Counseling, Rorschach, Computers in Personnel and Appraisal
in Industry.
PSYC 694. Clinical Intervention with Children and Adolescents. (3)
Three hours lecture-discussion.
Prerequisites: PSYC 663: Childhood Psycho-pathology with a B or above,
satisfactory graduate standing and permission of instructor.
Explores clinical psychological treatments for children and adolescents.
Specific methods currently utilized by professionals in the field to treat
various forms of child psychopathology are introduced. Specific topics include
psychoanalytic, humanistic, behavioral, cognitive and eclectic therapies.
Also covers important aspects of professional behavior, including client
confidentiality, ethics, consent, proper utilization of supervisory process
and conflict resolution.
PSYC 698. Directed Study. (1-4)
Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor. Approval of the adviser
and department chair.
Provides graduate students opportunity to work individually with faculty
members on topics of mutual interest. Pass/Fail. See Directed
Study.
PSYC 699. Research and Thesis. (1-6)
Hours and credit to be arranged with the approval of the dean of the
Graduate College.
See Thesis.
PSYC 771. Group Dynamics in Processing and Counseling. (3)
Two hours lecture, two hours laboratory.
Prerequisite: PSYC 641 and permission of instructor.
Course will consider theories and techniques of group counseling, including
focus on content, process, and leadership issues. Groups with special populations
will also be considered. The course will also include an experiential component
in which the student will be required to participate in a group.
PSYC 772. Marriage and Family Systems Counseling. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: PSYC 641 or permission of the instructor.
An analysis of the family as a social system and the identification
of problems which occur in family systems are included. A number of marriage
and family counseling theories and techniques used to ameliorate family
adjustment problems are presented and evaluated.
PSYC 773. Diagnosis and Treatment of Addictive Behaviors. (3)
Three hours lecture
Prerequisite: PSYC 641 or permission of instructor.
Considers the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of addictive behaviors,
including substance abuse. Seeks understanding of the dynamics of the many
types of addiction and considers professional strategies for change.
PSYC 774. Introduction to Psychopharmacological Medications. (1)
One hour lecture.
Prerequisites: Graduate standing
Course provides students with rudimentary information regarding commonly
prescribed psychopharmacological medications including basic classifications,
indications, and contraindications. Issues of making appropriate referrals
and the identification of effects and side effects will also be addressed.
PSYC 775. Special Topics in Counseling Psychology. (1)
One hour lecture.
Prerequisite: Either PSYC 610 or 611, the latter of which may be taken
simultaneously.
Course is designed to engage the student in current research areas in
counseling psychology. Counseling research will be reviewed, analyzed and
critiqued. Individuals will conduct a review of the literature in a selected
area of research. Pass/Fail.
PSYC 776. Human Sexuality Counseling. (3)
Three hours lecture.
Prerequisite: PSYC 641.
Provides foundation of knowledge concerning basic human sexual functioning,
knowledge of sexual diseases, awareness and acceptance of sexual variance,
knowledge of sexual dysfunctions and an understanding of basic treatment
and sex therapy techniques. Legal and ethical issues and concerns pertaining
to sex counseling/therapy will be considered. A seminar format utilized.
PSYC 781, 782. School Psychology Practicum I and II. (4,4)
Two-hour seminar, 8-hour practicum in the schools.
Prerequisites: PSYC 631, 636, 665 and acceptance by the School Psychology
Committee into the Educational Specialist degree program.
A pre-internship experience for second-year school psychology students
offering supervised field work. Includes intellectual, behavioral and curriculum-based
assessment techniques with emphasis on educational interpretation and remedial
implications of assessment data. Supervised field interventions include
pre-referral interventions, consultation, individual and group counseling,
behavior management, in-service education, parent training and counseling
and program evaluation. Students work under the dual supervision of practicum
instructor and on-site field supervisor (certified, experienced school psychologist).
Students spend a minimum of eight hours per week in the schools plus a two-hour
weekly seminar.
PSYC 789. Consultation Practicum. (2)
One hour seminar per week; four hours practicum experience per week.
Prerequisites: PSYC 688 with a grade of "B" or better. Concurrent
registration for PSYC 681.
Practical experience in the public schools consulting with regular education
teachers, special education teachers, school administrators and parents.
On-site supervision provided by an approved, experienced school psychologist;
weekly seminars provide the student with small group supervision.
PSYC 795:796. School Psychology Internship. (6:6)
Forty hours per week.
Prerequisites: Completion of all course work, other than directed study,
including practica, in the School Psychology Program, a "Pass"
in both practica, and permission of the School Psychology Committee at least
four weeks prior to registration. Applications are available in the department
office.
A full-time paid professional experience under the dual supervision
of a member of the School Psychology Committee and an approved on-site field
supervisor. Intern functions as a staff member in professional settings
to gain experience in the use and application of psychological techniques
and procedures used in performing the services of a professional school
psychologist. Internship grades recorded as "Pass" or "Fail."
Courses must be taken in sequence and may not be taken concurrently. Interns
are required to attend our on-campus seminars each semester.
PSYC 798. Professional Internship. (3-6)
Hours may vary from 10 to 25 per week.
Prerequisites:Permission of instructor; enrollment in a graduate program
in Psychology at Radford University.
Note:This course may be repeated for a total of 12 credits; students
should consult with their faculty advisers for specific requirements within
their area of concentration.
A part-time professional experience under the supervision of the Psychology
Graduate Faculty. The student will function as a staff member in professional
settings to gain experience in the use and application of psychological
techniques and procedures. Common emphases of all sections will be on developing
professional identity through an experiential component. Ethical practice
and responsibilities will also be an emphasis for all sections of the course.
Internship grades will be recorded as Pass or Fail. Each internship section
will have a specific and detailed course description of the content of the
course as related to the specific graduate concentration of the student. |