Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences Course Descriptions
LIB 500 Library and Information Use & Research
This course is required for all entering students and provides an in-depth review of library organization, collections, services, and online resources; presents the methodologies of information searching, strategy development, and evaluation; and reviews the evaluation of information and information sources. (0 credit hrs)
PSY 620 Scientific Thesis – Psychological Research and Writing
This course is required for students in the Pre-Ph.D. concentration and guides them through all the phases of planning and executing a scientific project that results in a master’s thesis. The thesis must have an applied science emphasis informed by the Catholic-Christian vision of the person with the overarching goal of supporting the flourishing of the whole person. Through this thesis work students have the unique opportunity to further explore scientifically at a deeper level, a topic related to an area of interest, work, or ministry. The topic may be informed by but is not required to be related to prior work on the capstone project. Students will generate research knowledge that can be shared professionally with others through their thesis, conference presentations, or peer-reviewed published articles to engage with the scientific and broader community. PSY 620 is a 1-credit course; students in the Pre-Ph.D. concentration will register for this course for six consecutive terms which will take the place of two elective courses.
PSYS 504 Psychological Measurement
This course establishes a solid foundation of knowledge about psychological testing, a practice that impacts virtually every corner of modern life – from education to vocation to remediation. Covering all variations of testing and exploring social issues that are raised by testing, students will gain extensive knowledge about the characteristics, objectives, and wide-ranging effects of psychological testing.
Additionally, this course covers the application of statistical thinking to the measurement of psychological phenomena. It presents statistical concepts basic to psychometrics. Classical reliability theory, generalizability theory, item response theory, and others are all examined. Scaling, central tendency, individual differences and correlation, principles of test development and standardization, and the various forms of reliability and validity and the threats posed to them by design and respondent characteristics are addressed. Practical issues in psychometrics are presented. (3 credit hrs)
PSYS 718 Research Design for the Psychological Sciences
Building on the foundations of PSYS 504 (Psychological Measurement), this course continues the scaffolded process toward the dissertation by examining the fundamentals of research methodology and design. A variety of research methodologies are examined: quantitative (experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental), qualitative, and mixed. Specific emphasis is placed upon searching for, understanding, and writing a literature review of empirical research for application to clinical practice. Students propose an empirical quantitative methods study on a clinical, integrative topic that will scaffold their subsequent dissertation research proposal. (3 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PSYS 504)
PSYS 729 Advanced Statistical Methods
This course builds on the basic concepts presented in PSYS 504 to examine more advanced statistical analyses. These include factorial and multivariate analysis of variance, multiple regression, meta-analysis, and structural equation modeling. Primary emphasis in the class will be in understanding and critiquing the statistical analyses presented in clinical psychology journals as an adjunct to lifelong learning. (3 credit hrs)
PSYS 896 Independent Study
Individualized plan of study designed through agreement between the instructor and student, and approved by the department chair. Such plans may include designated readings, viewing of videotaped learning resources, individual meetings for discussion with the instructor, research, and writing, as well as other types of assignments. The instructor determines in advance the requirements and criteria by which a grade is assigned and the number of credit hours to be awarded. (1-3 credit hrs)(Prerequisite: consent of faculty advisor and program director)
PSYS 899 Dissertation
Registration for dissertation hours is required for all Ph..D. students from the time the dissertation chair is appointed until their dissertation is defended. (1-3 credit hrs)
PSYS 730 Advanced Qualitative Research
This course delves into the advanced theories, methodologies, and practical applications of qualitative research in the psychological sciences. Emphasizing the systematic exploration of complex social phenomena, students will develop a sophisticated understanding of qualitative research designs, methods of data collection and analysis, and the integration of theory into qualitative inquiry. (3 credit hrs)
PHT 505 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology I
This course examines a Catholic Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing, and its application for clinical psychology through the appraisal of several models for integrating psychology, philosophy, and theology. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person, body, and relationality; flourishing through relationships, vocations, and commitments; and flourishing through developing natural capacities and growing one’s freedom. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs)
PHT 506 Philosophical and Theological Anthropology II
This course examines a Catholic Christian integrative vision of the person and flourishing. The course addresses the implications of different anthropological models on concepts of person and body; creation and goodness; the person as an image of God; equality, difference, and complementarity of the sexes; fallenness and the effects of sin; and redemption, divine grace, and hope. The course further examines classic philosophical psychology; the foundational human capacities of sensation-perception, emotion, reason, and free judgment and responsibility. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on initial interviewing and case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505)
PHT 614 Practical Reasoning and Moral Character
This course examines the foundations of freedom, moral development, and moral character using an integrative approach. It addresses themes of practical reasoning; freedom and responsibility; moral development and moral character; the principal virtues—both philosophical and theological—and their sub-virtues, as well as opposing vices. It also integrates psychological perspectives on moral development, meaning making, virtue, and flourishing. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, supporting an understanding of the whole person with emphasis on case conceptualization. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505 and 506)
PHT 635 Theology of Marriage and Family
This course examines friendship, marriage, family life, and other vocational states, using a Catholic Christian integrative approach. It addresses themes of person and use; friendship and community; sexual drive, love, and attraction; the law of the gift; marriage as an institution—based in nature and science—that supports the flourishing and protection of individuals, families, and society; and Christian marriage and sacramentality. Students explore themes of impediments, disorders, and privations related to marriage, family life, and other vocational states. This includes the realities of separation and divorce, and children of divorce; as well as supporting strengths and transformational practices. Application for clinical psychology is a theme throughout, with emphasis on case considerations. (2 credit hrs) (Prerequisites: PHT 505, 506, 614)