Degree Requirements​

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The program of study for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology consists of 120 credits as follows:

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I. General Education Requirements   60 credits
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Requires completion of STA 201 within the general education requirements

STA 201         Introduction to Statistics (3 credits)

Develops an understanding of statistical methodology and use of critical judgment in analyzing data sets. Includes descriptive statistics, measures of central tendency, introduction to probability, both normal and binomial distributions, hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, linear regression, and correlation. Emphasizes developing the practical skills of interpreting and reporting descriptive and inferential univariate and bivariate statistical information.

Prerequisite(s): None

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II. Major Requirements   36 Credits

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A. Requires the following 18 credits in Psychology courses:

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PSY 101          Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)

Provides a comprehensive introduction to the science of psychology. Addresses historical perspectives, research methods, biological bases to behavior, sensation and perception, learning, memory, motivation, emotion, language, lifespan development, intelligence, stress and health, personality, and social behavior. Also examines abnormal behavior and treatment options. Discusses applications of psychology in a culturally diverse world.

Prerequisite(s): None

 

PSY 280          Human Growth and Development (3 credits)

Provides students with a broad knowledge and understanding of the field of developmental psychology. Emphasizes major theories, perspectives, and associated research as they relate to the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial aspects of development from conception through the end of life. Examines typical growth and development patterns, as well as factors that lead to disruption and change in those patterns. Students will develop insight into the factors that make people the way they are and how to support healthy human growth and development.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 322          Research Methods in Psychology (3 credits)

Introduces experimental design and inference in the field of psychological research. Teaches the experimental method and its application to recent problems in psychological research. Discusses research-related ethics and the feasibility of different research designs.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): STA 201 (Introduction to Statistics)

 

PSY 331          Introduction to Counseling (3 credits)

Discusses the role, dynamics, and goals of counseling. Examines the nature of the helping relationship; counseling skills and techniques; ethics in counseling; components of effective helping in a theoretical, as well as practical framework; and counseling resources.

Prerequisite(s): None

 

PSY 360          Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)

Presents in-depth analyses of the historical and philosophical foundations of abnormal psychology and psychopathology. Examines the development of classification systems for mental disorders and the implications for diagnosis and treatment. Discusses the integrated roles of biology, psychology, and social context in the assessment and diagnostic process, legal considerations, and the role of ethics and morality.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 490          Senior Thesis in Psychology (3 credits)

Serves as the culmination of the psychology major. Requires the development of a project based on existing research and data sets that models the application of appropriate research methodology. Examines the process of publishing research in the field of psychology. Note: Credit may not be earned for both PSY 490 and PSY 491.

Prerequisite(s): ENG 101 (English Composition I), PSY 322 (Research Methods in Psychology), STA 201 (Introduction to Statistics), and senior standing in Psychology major

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B. Requires 3 credits from the following:

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PSY 290          Multicultural Psychology (3 credits)

Explores international and domestic diversity from a psychological perspective. Applies psychological theories and methods to develop an understanding of how diversity in many aspects of life, including gender, age, mental and physical ability, race, ethnicity, relationships, socioeconomic status, family structure, and religion impact human perspectives and interactions. Explores the psychological impact of racism, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, privilege, and oppression on society, politics, and education. Considers the role of social movements and consciousness-raising in psychologically empowering individuals and minority groups.

Prerequisite(s): None

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PSY 370          Social Psychology (3 credits)

Provides an introduction to social psychology, including research, theory, and general principles of how people interact with and influence each other both individually and in groups. Covers the processing of social information, social influence, persuasion and attitude change, social interaction, prejudice, conformity, social psychology in court, and group phenomena. Highlights landmark studies in social psychology and applies social psychology principles to current social problems and topics.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)

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PSY 397          Group Dynamics (3 credits)

Provides an understanding of group processes, group formation, and the development of social skills in small groups. Covers group development, power structures in groups, leadership, group processes, communication in groups, decision making, conflict, and bias. Investigates the application of theory to contemporary issues in group dynamics.

Credit given for PSY 397 or SOC 397

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)

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C. Requires 3 credits in Ethics from the following:

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ETH 315         Torah Growth and Development (3 credits)         

Examines one’s religious self-growth in three different spheres: the relationship with one’s self, with others, and with Hashem. Uses traditional and modern sources to uncover the ethical messages found in Rabbinical literature with an emphasis on how they can be applied to daily living.

Prerequisite(s): None

 

ETH 325         Tomer Devora: Pathways to Ethical Living (3 credits)                            

Explores the development of compassion as exemplified by G-d’s compassionate acts towards the Jewish People. Delves into the Tomer Devora by Rabbi Moshe Cordovero, which examines G-d’s thirteen attributes of rachamim. Explores ways of emulating G-d’s attributes to improve one’s character, live ethically, and enhance interpersonal relationships. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 325A and ETH 325B).

Prerequisite(s): None

 

ETH 337         Business Ethics and Jewish Law (3 credits)                                  

Studies Jewish law as it relates to the world of commerce and business and its application to modern situations. Focuses on classical halachic literature, including Talmud and related commentaries. Explores the ethical principles that govern conduct in the world of commerce. Emphasis is placed on common ethical questions and the practical application of Jewish moral principles to the business world. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 337A and ETH 337B).

Formerly RAB 337 (Jewish Law: Economics and Business Ethics)

Credit given for ETH 337 or JLW 337

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

 

ETH 358         Relationship Building and Family Dynamics (3 credits)

Explores, through the framework of the parent-child relationship, the critical skills required for all interpersonal relationships. Includes hands-on, practical application of skills, both at home and in the classroom. Investigates and discusses Torah sources on the topic of parenting, both Biblical and contemporary. Includes an analysis of the relevant research based on the topic of parenting. Emphasizes the fine art of respectful communication as well as the delicate skill of listening. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 358A and ETH 358B).

Prerequisite(s): None

 

ETH 390         Ethical Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)

Studies the Jewish laws of interpersonal communication. Emphasizes the laws of speech, drawing from the Chofetz Chaim, Gemara, Medrashim, Rambam, Rabeinu Yona, and other Rishonim and Acharonim.

Formerly JST 390 (Ethical Interpersonal Communication)

Credit given for ETH 390 or JLW 390

Prerequisite(s): None

 

ETH 466       Medical Ethics and Jewish Law (3 credits)                            

Discusses the structure and development of Jewish ethics and halacha (law) connected to the fields of health and medicine. Explores the development of medical ethics and the evolution of halacha related to medicine. Covers the Jewish approach to health and healing and major ethical issues and debates that arise in the field of medicine. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 466A and ETH 466B).

Formerly JST 466 (Judaism in Medicine: History, Ethics and Halacha)

Credit given for ETH 466 or JLW 466

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

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D. Requires an additional 12 credits in Psychology electives from the following:

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ETH 358*         Relationship Building and Family Dynamics (3 credits)

Explores, through the framework of the parent-child relationship, the critical skills required for all interpersonal relationships. Includes hands-on, practical application of skills, both at home and in the classroom. Investigates and discusses Torah sources on the topic of parenting, both Biblical and contemporary. Includes an analysis of the relevant research based on the topic of parenting. Emphasizes the fine art of respectful communication as well as the delicate skill of listening. May be offered as two courses of 1.5 credit hour each (ETH 358A and ETH 358B).

Prerequisite(s): None

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PSY 225*          Psychological Perspectives on Psalms (3 credits)

Discusses the various songs of Tehillim and explores the psychological, theological, and historical elements that are found in each individual psalm/song. Explores how to connect to the diversity of raw emotions portrayed in the text and discover the therapeutic function and tools in the psalm. Discusses the psychological and theological elements of each song and how to integrate them into one’s personal and professional life. Delves into the mystical Hebrew alphabet to see the significance of King David’s alphabetizing the verses of his longest psalm, #119.

Credit given for PSY 225 or BIB 325

Prerequisite(s): Completion of 12 credits of Jewish studies or permission of the Executive Dean/Menaheles

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* Cannot use both ETH 358 and PSY 225 as a psychology elective

 

PSY 230          Psychological Foundations of Education (3 credits)

Studies the psychological foundations of learning, memory and creativity, as related to educational processes. Emphasizes characterization of educational approaches in the context of important physical, cognitive, and motivational variables. Surveys relevant scientific research and relates research findings to practical applications within and beyond the classroom. Addresses complex topics such as standardized tests, bilingual populations, and the influences of home and community attitudes towards learning and education.
Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 290          Multicultural Psychology (3 credits)

Explores international and domestic diversity from a psychological perspective. Applies psychological theories and methods to develop an understanding of how diversity in many aspects of life, including gender, age, mental and physical ability, race, ethnicity, relationships, socioeconomic status, family structure, and religion impact human perspectives and interactions. Explores the psychological impact of racism, discrimination, stereotypes, prejudice, privilege, and oppression on society, politics, and education. Considers the role of social movements and consciousness-raising in psychologically empowering individuals and minority groups.

Prerequisite(s): None

 

PSY 301          Principles of Management and Organizational Behavior (3 credits)

Provides a comprehensive analysis of individual and group behavior in organizations. Offers an understanding of how organizations can be managed more effectively while enhancing the quality of employees’ work-life. Covers topics including motivation, rewarding behavior, stress, individual and group behavior, conflict, power and politics, leadership, job design, organizational structure, culture, decision making, communication and organizational change and development. Explores international organizational cultures and global perspectives of management.     

Credit given for PSY 301 or MGT 301

Prerequisite(s): None

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PSY 352          Theories of Personality (3 credits)

Explores major personality theories and related research. Covers basic personality traits and their measurements and developmental influences.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 370          Social Psychology (3 credits)

Provides an introduction to social psychology, including research, theory, and general principles of how people interact with and influence each other both individually and in groups. Covers the processing of social information, social influence, persuasion and attitude change, social interaction, prejudice, conformity, social psychology in court, and group phenomena. Highlights landmark studies in social psychology and applies social psychology principles to current social problems and topics.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)
 

PSY 378          Psychobiology (3 credits)

Focuses on the relationship between biological and psychological phenomena (i.e., the mind-body connection). Explores the genetic foundations, developmental processes, and neurobiological systems that underlie and influence behavior, cognition, emotion, motivation, learning, memory, vision, sensation, and movement. Develops an appreciation for the reciprocal relationship between psychological experiences and environment and neurological development and brain functioning. Also studies the various illnesses and disabilities that occur when biological and psychological processes go awry and how knowledge of psychobiology can contribute to diagnosis and important treatment decisions.

Credit given for PSY 378 or BIO 301

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)
 

PSY 381          Differentiated Instruction (3 credits)

Introduces the principles of differentiated instruction, including reading across the curriculum, implementation of individualized education plans (IEPs) in the general education classroom, and teaching through different modalities. Focuses on effective co-teaching, universal design for learning, formative and summative assessment, and response to intervention/multi-tiered systems of support.

Credit given for PSY 381 or EDU 415

Prerequisite(s): PSY 383 (Survey of Exceptional Children)
 

PSY 383          Survey of Exceptional Children (3 credits)

Introduces the concepts and principles of special education, and the academic, behavioral, and physical disabilities practitioners may encounter in the field. Discusses the construction and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Covers basic diagnostic procedures, interventions, and strategies for the inclusive classroom.

Prerequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

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PSY 390          Field Experience in Psychology (3 credits)

Offers students an opportunity to engage in a community-based field practicum, immersing themselves in the field of psychology. Students will gain practical experience by working in programs that provide services in the field of psychology. Students will receive comprehensive training from their assigned agency or organization to equip them for their field placement. Through a 15-week clinic placement (or equivalent summer semester), students will dedicate a minimum of 135 hours to gain hands-on experience in a professional work environment.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology)

 

PSY 397          Group Dynamics (3 credits)

Provides an understanding of group processes, group formation, and the development of social skills in small groups. Covers group development, power structures in groups, leadership, group processes, communication in groups, decision making, conflict, and bias. Investigates the application of theory to contemporary issues in group dynamics.

Credit given for PSY 397 or SOC 397

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): PSY 101 (Introduction to Psychology) or SOC 101 (Introduction to Sociology)

 

PSY 406          Independent Study in Psychology (3 credits)

Provides an opportunity to develop advanced knowledge in the field of psychology and examine an area of interest related to psychology and/or psychology services. May involve the completion of independent research or an in-depth project related to the field of psychology. Enrollment requires development of a written independent study proposal and preapproval by the Academic Dean. Limited to a maximum of 6 credits over the course of the degree.

Prerequisite(s): Junior standing in the Psychology major or minor; minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in the major or minor  

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PSY 497          Internship in Psychology I (1 credit)

Provides opportunity for exploration of the field of psychology in a professional setting. Allows students to integrate theory and practice and engage in a team-based work environment. Requires completion of 45 classroom hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in the field. Requires a special application.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): 6 credits in related field

 

PSY 498          Internship in Psychology II (2 credits)

Provides opportunity for exploration of the field of psychology in a professional setting. Allows students to integrate theory and practice and engage in a team-based work environment. Requires completion of 90 classroom hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in the field. Requires a special application.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): 6 credits in related field

 

PSY 499          Internship in Psychology III (3 credits)

Provides opportunity for exploration of the field of psychology in a professional setting. Allows students to integrate theory and practice and engage in a team-based work environment. Requires completion of 135 classroom hours under the supervision of a licensed practitioner in the field. Requires a special application.

Prerequisite(s) or Corequisite(s): 6 credits in related field

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III. Free Electives   24 Credits​​

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The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology requires a total of 36 credits in Jewish studies. The required credits in Jewish studies may be completed as part of the humanities, general education elective or free elective requirements. Three credits can be completed as part of the major.

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 A minimum of 30 credits must be taken at WITS, of which at least 15 credits must be at the 300/400 level.

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A double major in Judaic Studies or a minor in another discipline may be completed in conjunction with the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

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