Psychology

Overview

Get psyched about your next career step.

Discover the science of human behavior and begin your career with the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology offered by Notre Dame College Online.

The online B.A. in psychology emphasizes health skepticism and intellectual curiosity along with a comprehensive understanding of both the psychology field and psychological treatment.

Your course of study will include classes from each of the below tracks:

• Clinical and Counseling Psychology
• Developmental Psychology
• Psychology as a Science
• Applied Psychology

Topics of Study

You will have the opportunity to gain academic experience in all four areas which allows you to gain a broad understanding of many topics crucial to the field, such as:

• Behavioral science statistics
• Biopsychology
• Tests and measurements
• Lifespan development
• Multicultural psychology
• Learning and behavior
• Cognitive psychology
• Abnormal psychology
• Sensation and perception
• Child psychology
• Aging
• Personality

Psychology is a widely applicable course of study. When you graduate, you will have the skills necessary to enter a variety of careers or continue on with graduate studies. You may go on to work in therapy, counseling or in other in other fields directly related to mental health. You may also go on to work in instruction, marketing, research, advertising or to any number of pursuits that emphasize an understanding of behavior.

We are particularly proud of our instructors. They bring years of real-world experience and are invested in helping you advance your professional skills and accelerate your personal growth.

Because the online B.A. in psychology is offered in a fully digital format, you will have the ability to earn your degree without disrupting your life. An online degree offers ultimate flexibility, allowing you to study when and where it is most convenient.

This Program Is Designed for:

• Those who want to academically explore the field of psychology
• Individuals wishing to gain an academic foundation for graduate study in mental health
• Working adults who want a flexible path towards degree completion
• Current police officers who are looking for an accelerated path* towards career advancement.

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

Your course of study will help you earn the credential you need to take the next step in your career. Our online B.A. in Psychology requires a total of 49 credit hours within the major: 25 hours of core courses and 24 hours in psychology tracks. Additionally, all students are required to complete 71 credit hours of foundational studies.

Core Curriculum: Foundational Studies (71 hours)

Foundational studies courses offer students a comprehensive introduction to a range of subject areas, and help build skills necessary for academic and personal success.

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (49 hours)

Core Courses (25 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
PY 201	General Psychology This course introduces the science of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis is placed on the principles, methods and theories of modern psychology. Major topics covered include research design, lifespan development, personality, learning, memory, biopsychology and psychopathology. Prerequisites: None. (Student learning outcomes 1, 2, 3, 4)	3
PY 202	Professional Development in Psychology This course engages the psychology major in the discipline and science of psychology. It covers the current state of the field with an emphasis on the skills and knowledge required to succeed in a field that offers a wide variety of opportunities. The course lays the groundwork for the higher-level courses in psychology by building on the basic knowledge and skills from other courses (i.e. APA style in composition and general content knowledge in PY 201), by covering career opportunities and development, the nature of the science of Psychology including basic scientific methodology and the publication process. Students are required to complete individual and small group projects and presentations applying and synthesizing the information introduced in the course. Prerequisites: Psychology major and after or concurrent with PY 201.	3
PY 222	Behavioral Science Statistics This course provides instruction in the application of descriptive and inferential statistics to the analysis and interpretation of data in the social sciences with an emphasis on hypothesis testing. Students develop skills in the communication of statistical information. Students learn theory and application of statistical hypothesis testing, to test for significance of relationships between variables and differences between groups in a variety of situations. Students learn to clearly and accurately communicate findings and accurately interpret the presentation of statistical findings encountered in research. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, MA 110; MA 221 strongly recommended.	3
PY 251	Lifespan Development The course provides an overview of current research and theories of human development from conception to death with an emphasis on physical, cognitive and social development. The student learns to conduct theory evaluation and comparison and to be able to identify and evaluate contemporary and global aspects of development. Prerequisite: PY 201.	3
PY 307	Behavioral Science Research Methods This course provides students with an introduction to the research methods most commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Also, emphasis will be placed on the ethical issues involved in human subject research. An important aspect of the course is getting students prepared to read academic, peer-reviewed journal articles and to write an APA style research proposal or research report. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, PY 222.	4
PY 325	Biopsychology This course introduces the student to the idea that behavior is controlled by neurophysiological processes. Three content areas covered in the course include: 1) an in-depth examination of neurons and the electrical and chemical events that underlie neural transmission, 2) the structure and function of the peripheral and central nervous systems and 3) the involvement of the central nervous system in various behavioral phenomena, including learning and memory, drug addiction and consciousness. Students demonstrate mastery of the material through written assessments aimed toward the integration of the information provided in course with information from other primary sources. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 385	Psychological Tests and Measurements This course provides a survey and evaluation of current psychological tests with a focus on the areas of personality testing, intelligence testing and achievement testing. There is also an emphasis on the statistical and theoretical underpinnings of test construction, reliability and validity, as well as ethical issues. Interviewing techniques and the Graduate Record Exam are covered both in theory and with short practical exercises. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, MA 221.	3
PY 498	Psychology Senior Seminar This course focuses on the integration of psychological methods and theories. Psychology majors, with faculty assistance, choose a major issue in psychology to investigate and discuss in seminar-style course sessions. This work culminates in a major course presentation and theoretical paper written in APA style. Prerequisite: Senior standing or instructor permission, PY 201, PY 202	3

Psychology Tracks (24 credits)

Students are required to take two courses from each of the four tracks. To complete a track, which is optional, the student must successfully complete all courses in the track.

Clinical and Counseling Psychology

Course	Description	Credits
PY 225	Multicultural Psychology This course introduces theories and research in the study of psychosocial issues of racial, ethnic and cultural groups. Students examine the relationship of race, culture and social course and discuss the research implications for the multicultural study of psychology. Students learn major theoretical perspectives in multicultural psychology and begin to build cultural competence, a critical skill in the application of psychology. Students demonstrate skills through evaluation of research and critical writing, as well as a comprehensive course project. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 301	Gender Psychology This course introduces the study of the psychological differences and similarities between women and men. Students examine gender-related beliefs, stereotypes and behavior. In addition, they study the evidence for male-female similarities and differences and develop an understanding of the mutual links between gender roles and the structure of relationships. Students demonstrate skills through personal reflection and critical reading and writing. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 379	Clinical and Counseling Psychology This course provides a comprehensive overview of major approaches to counseling and clinical psychotherapy, including the therapeutic process, the client-therapist relationship and specific techniques used in practice. The historical origins of theories are examined. Students learn about ethical, legal and professional issues in counseling and clinical practice. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, PY 370.	3
PY 370	Abnormal Psychology This course introduces the definition and classification of abnormal behavior. In addition, the course will explore various theoretical approaches concerning the causes. Students receive a comprehensive overview of the symptoms, demographic features and typical progression of major forms of psychopathology. They also address several constructs that enhance the study of human mental disorders, including the importance of the context in which disordered behavior occurs, the connection between the mind and the body and the multiple causality model of psychopathology. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3

Developmental Psychology

Course	Description	Credits
PY 253	Child Psychology This course provides students with a thorough understanding of infant and child development. The course covers child development research and the ways that such research can be used to enhance the lives of children and their families. Major child development theories are discussed and provide the foundation for understanding the sequence of child development and the processes that underlie it. In addition, this course highlights the impact of culture on child development. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 254	Adolescent Psychology This course provides students with knowledge about the biological, cognitive and socioemotional processes that are characteristic of adolescence. The course is a comprehensive overview of the history of the field of adolescent development and of current lifespan developmental issues pertinent to this field of study. Students are familiarized with the various theories of adolescent development and the field of adolescent development research. Students in the course learn to discuss the biological, cognitive, socioemotional and cultural aspects of the development of adolescent behavior. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202	3
PY 351	Adult Development and Aging The goal of this course is to introduce students to adult development and aging. The course emphasizes the many issues facing the adult as he or she ages, with an emphasis on aspects related to preparing young adults for successful aging. Topics covered include age-related physical changes, changes in mental health, cognitive changes with advanced age, changes in personality and ways to deal with approaching death. Questions addressed include: Is age-related decline in functioning inevitable? Are there things we can do to prevent some of the negative aspects of the aging process? How is the concept of aging different among different cultures? Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202	3
PY 375	Personality Psychology This course assists the student in understanding personality – both their own and others – through an understanding of the field of personality psychology. The course is designed to create a sense of the total functioning of the individual by understanding how the different parts of personality interact. The student learns to describe and examine personality through understanding its structural and dynamic nature. Personality development in children, adolescents and adults is included as well. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3

Psychology as a Science

Course	Description	Credits
PY 210	Social Psychology This course is an introduction to the psychological study of how thoughts, feelings and behaviors of individuals are influenced by group settings. Students learn social psychological methodology as well as the application of social psychology to historical and current events. The course explores topics such as aggression, interpersonal attraction, attitude formation and change and conformity and obedience to authority. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 340	Learning and Behavior This course introduces the student to theory and research in the area of learning processes and behavior. The course focuses on the historical movement of research and theory in the area of learning from behaviorism to the cognitive revolution up to the more modern day research on the neurobiology of learning. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, PY 325.	3
PY 380	Cognitive Psychology This course provides the student with an introduction to research and theory on the nature of cognitive processes from an information processing perspective. The focus is on the processes used to transform, store, manipulate and retrieve information. A neurocognitive emphasis is given as well. Topics include attention, pattern recognition, memory and language. Students conduct a mini-experiment in which they collect data, analyze and interpret the collected data and present the results of their research to the course. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, PY 325.	3
PY 425	Sensation and Perception This course provides the student with an in-depth look at how the sensory systems (visual and auditory systems) and the brain transform physical stimuli into mental representations. The course will follow the physical stimulus of light or sound from the external world through the sensory organ and into the areas of the brain designed to process the information. Individual differences in perceptual processes are emphasized. A major component of the course is an analysis of a specific area of sensation and perception through a literature review and the writing of an APA style literature review. Prerequisites: PY 201, PY 202, PY 325	3

Applied Psychology

Course	Description	Credits
PY 235	Sport Psychology This course is an introduction to the psychological study of people and their behavior in sport environments. Emphasis is placed on the mental skills associated with high-level performance in sport, as well as in other areas of life. The course addresses the question of how sports participation can contribute to a person’s overall psychological health and well-being. Prerequisite: PY 201	3
PY 389	Industrial/Organizational Psychology This course introduces the methods used by industrial/organizational psychologists to increase organizational effectiveness. The emphasis is on understanding employees, employee management relationships and behaviors. Topics include job analysis, employee selection and training, performance appraisal, job attitudes, workplace motivation, organizational culture and the work environment. Prerequisite: PY 201. (Student learning outcomes 1, 4, 5)	3
PY 360	Forensic and Law Psychology This course surveys a wide range of psychological principles and research findings that have been applied to the criminal justice system. It encompasses both the contributions of the more basic psychological fields (i.e., the area of Law and Psychology) and the more applied psychological fields (i.e., the area of Forensic Psychology). Topics include expert witnesses, lie detection, police psychology, correctional psychology, police lineups, false memories, juries and investigative psychology and psychological profiling. Students read and discuss textbook chapters, original research articles and case studies and relate them to each other. Prerequisite: PY 201, PY 202.	3
PY 390	Human Factors Psychology This course provides a survey of our current knowledge of the capabilities and limitations of human operators. It focuses on how this knowledge can be used to guide the design of systems and human-system interfaces. It links theories of human performance with the real world and also includes specific examples of human factors failures and what has changed in light of these failures (Wickens, Lee, Liu, & Gordon-Becker, 2003). In addition, students find and design a human factors project, including a cost/benefit analysis and present their project. Prerequisite: PY 201.	3

Psychology Electives

Psychology electives are optional for students who are pursuing research or practical experiences in preparation for graduate training and/or a career in an applied field.

*Police officers who have successfully completed OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) as designated by an official transcript or certificate may use their experience to transfer up to 30 credit hours towards this degree. Students who have completed police academy training out of state may also be eligible.

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the online B.A. in Psychology must meet the following requirements:

1. A minimum of 2.5 GPA

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online B.A. in Psychology must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official high school transcripts or GED score
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• Career counselor
• Community educator
• Researcher

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.