College of Health Sciences

Glendale, AZ Campus

Midwestern University

Core Course Descriptions

Clinical Psychology Program

Prerequisites are listed for those courses with such requirements. When no prerequisite is listed in a course description, it is implied that there is no prerequisite.

CORE 1560, 1570, 1580

Interdisciplinary Healthcare

The Interdisciplinary Healthcare course involves the Colleges of Dental Medicine, Health Sciences, Optometry, Osteopathic Medicine, and Pharmacy. The course is designed to teach all clinically-based students about each other's clinical programs and how they interact together as part of an interdisciplinary healthcare team: cardiovascular sciences, clinical psychology, dental medicine, nurse anesthesia, occupational therapy, optometry, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physician assistant, physical therapy and podiatry students learn about the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to patient care. The class consists primarily of online presentations that are delivered by interdisciplinary team members from each of the clinical programs. Associated quizzes will also be completed online. Occasional lectures will also be given in the classroom in a seminar format or in conjunction with panel presentations.

Credits: 0.5 credits each course

PSYC 1501

Professional Issues and Ethics

The legal, ethical, and professional issues are discussed in the context of the delivery of mental health services. These issues include APA ethical standards, privacy issues, confidentiality, mental health codes, mental health law and legislation, certification and licensure, ethical standards in research, confidentiality in insurance and managed care contexts, and ethical standards in private practice, schools, hospitals and clinics, community settings, and government.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1502

Life Span Development I

This course examines the major developmental issues from birth through adolescence. The topics include normal and abnormal development in the context of physical, biological, cognitive, social, and emotional functioning. Other topics include a study of models of development including learning theory, cognitive theory (Piaget), and other theories. Speech and language development are also examined as a basis for later human cognition. Developmental factors related to issues of culture, ethnicity, disabilities, and gender are addressed.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1503

Life Span Development II

This course examines the biopsychosocial factors in adult development and aging. Topics include physical and psychological changes that occur from early adulthood through senescence, and normal and abnormal changes through this cycle including cognitive changes. The course examines the role of work and career as it impacts on basic adult life processes. Retirement is examined as it relates to psychological consolidation and the prospect of death and dying. Cross-cultural, gender, familial, and gender perspectives are included.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1510

Statistics

The course examines basic statistical measures including parametric and nonparametric tests at both the theoretical and applied levels. The course will allow the student to understand the statistical methods used in clinical research. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of the students for their own clinical research. Topics include complex factorial ANOVA, Repeated Measures ANOVA, multiple regression, power analysis, MANOVA, and factor analysis.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1514

Research Methods and Design

This course is a survey of the methods used in empirical clinical research, program evaluation, and clinical outcomes studies. Students will learn both experimental and quasi-experimental designs. Strategies for research design, subject selection, and statistical analysis will also be examined.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1515

Tests and Measurements I

This is the first in a two course sequence about the measurement of individual differences designed for students in the clinical psychology program. This course examines the philosophical, historical, and methodological foundations of psychological testing, assessment, and measurement. The course focuses on the statistical basis of validity, reliability, tests of intelligence, personality assessment, counseling and assessment, neuropsychological assessment, computer-assisted assessment, and the assessment of persons with disabilities.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1516

Tests and Measurements II

This course continues the examination of the measurement of individual differences and prediction designed for students in the clinical psychology program. The course focuses on the measurement of behavior, affect, achievement, relationships, attitudes, traits, and self-concept that are appropriate in clinical practice. The course prepares students to effectively evaluate different psychological tests and to select tests for particular referral questions and special populations.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 1515 Tests and Measurements I

PSYC 1520

Clinical Appraisal and Interviewing

This course provides the student with basic principles and techniques of clinical interviewing and assessment. The approach is both didactic and experiential with the student conducting mock interviews of patients. Emphasis is placed not only on understanding verbal information but also on meta-communication including body language, voice quality, and pacing, and other aspects of nonverbal interpersonal interaction. Students are introduced to differential diagnosis, report writing, inferential analysis, diversity issues related to appraisal and interviewing, and psychological inference.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1570 Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent; PSYC 1572 Psychopathology: Anxiety-Based and Personality Disorders; PSYC 1573 Psychopathology: Psychotic and Mood Disorders

PSYC 1524

Intelligence Testing I

This course introduces the student to the theory, administration, scoring, and interpretation of standard intelligence tests. Intellectual assessment scales examined include the Stanford-Binet, and the various Wechsler Scales. Basic interpretation and report writing skills are developed. Biopsychosocial, cultural, ethnic, and disability factors affecting test validity and interpretation are also examined.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1525

Intelligence Testing II

The purpose of this course is to emphasize using the clinical instruments to assess cognitive functioning of children and adults. The course is designed to develop competency in administration and report writing and consists of lecture, demonstration, practice administrations, and individual checkouts of competencies in test administration. The students receive constructive feedback in the areas of test administration, scoring, interpretation of results and report writing.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: Must be taken concurrently with PSYC 1524 Intelligence Testing I

PSYC 1526

Personality Assessment I

This course introduces the student to the administration, interpretation, and scoring of the objective tests for personality assessment. Tests examined include the MMPI2, and Millon Scales. Basic interpretation and report writing skills are taught for the objective personality assessment instruments. Biopsychosocial, cultural, ethnic, gender, and disability factors affecting assessment validity and interpretation are also examined.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1527

Personality Assessment II: Projective Techniques

This course provides the clinical psychology student with instruction and practice in the administration, scoring, and interpretation of the projective techniques including the Rorschach, TAT, and projective drawings. The course addresses relevant cultural, ethnic, gender, and disability factors in considering interpretation of results and in the development of integrative report writing.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1530

Introduction to Psychotherapy

From a historical basis, this course introduces the student to the various psychotherapeutic traditions. Treatment approaches examined include psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, Gestalt, behavioral, cognitive/behavioral, interpersonal, and others. Through both didactic and experiential means, the student will be exposed to the fundamental aspects of each treatment approach. Also reviewed is the current literature on empirically verified treatment approaches as well as issues related to culture, ethnicity, gender, and disabilities.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1550

Biological Bases of Behavior

This course examines the historical and current understandings of the physical/neurological underpinnings of human behavior. Recent advances in imaging techniques are examined as they relate to our understanding of the structure and function of the neurological substrate in human functioning.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1560

Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior

This course explores the role of thought and emotion in its influence on human behavior. Normative cognitive and affective processes are examined, including major theoretical perspectives, research findings, and controversies. Historic and current research is examined in support of various models as well as gender, cultural, ethnic and disability issues.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1565

Professional Writing

This course introduces the student to the basic foundations of professional writing including the use of the APA style of writing. The course examines several applications of writing style to such diverse activities as research report writing, clinical chart documentation, SOAP charting, and psychodiagnostic report writing.

Credits: 1

PSYC 1570

Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent

This course provides the student with a basic understanding of the major psychological disorders of childhood and adolescence. Topics include an examination of developmental disorders, impulse disorders, eating disorders, and disorders of behavior and affect. Theories on the etiology of the disorders are reviewed in the context of both diagnosis and treatment.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1502 Lifespan Development I

PSYC 1572

Psychopathology: Anxiety-Based and Personality Disorders

This course reviews the theory and research underlying the anxiety-based and personality disorders. Topics include anxiety disorders, dissociative and somatoform disorders, personality disorders, impulse control disorders, and psychosexual disorders.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1573

Psychopathology: Psychotic and Mood Disorders

This course reviews the theory and research underlying the psychotic and mood disorders. Topics include symptoms and symptom presentations of schizophrenia, depressive and bipolar disorders, other psychotic disorders, cognitive disorders, and substance abuse and dependence. The importance of cultural, gender, ethnic, and disability factors will be discussed in relation to the psychiatric disorders.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1582

Clerkship I

The clerkship is a supervised field experience for clinical psychology students, focusing on the development of clinical inquiry skills, assessment ability, knowledge of community resources, diversity issues, and consultation skills. The clerkship is a supervised experience that may take place at hospitals, clinics, human service agencies, schools, shelters, or faith based institutions. Students participating in the clerkship are under the direct supervision of a site supervisor and also receive feedback from faculty in the clinical psychology program.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1583

Clerkship II

This is a continuation of PSYC 1582.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1582 Clerkship I and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1584

Clerkship III

This is a continuation of PSYC 1583.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1583 Clerkship II and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1601

Advanced Professional Development and Ethics

This course examines the role of the psychologist in divergent settings. Topics include ethics, standards of practice, models and techniques of supervision, practice development and management, documentation needs, record keeping, and information protection in light of the latest Department of Health and Human Services and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability regulations and liability management.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 1501 Professional Issues and Ethics

PSYC 1610

Diversity in Clinical Psychology

This course examines the impact of culture, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and religion on theory and practice in clinical psychology. The course looks at the interaction between the clinician's own perceptions of culture and that of the patient. The impact of these issues is also discussed as it affects the delivery of psychological and psychiatric services. The societal impact due to differential access to services is also examined along with possible solutions to this problem.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1620

Advanced Assessment

This course concentrates on the development of skills needed in the interpretation of test findings. Emphasis is placed on a synergistic understanding of the contributions of various test findings to the formulation of a valid diagnostic impression. Students are expected to continue development of skills in formulating diagnostic conclusions, clinical report writing, research report writing, and examination of differential diagnoses.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1520 Clinical Appraisal and Interviewing; PSYC 1524 Intelligence Testing I; PSYC 1525 Intelligence Testing II; PSYC 1526 Personality Assessment I; PSYC 1527 Personality Assessment II: Projective Techniques

PSYC 1631

Cognitive Theories & Approaches to Psychotherapy

From the pioneering work of Beck and Ellis to the current theory and practice of such therapists as Meichenbaum and Freeman, this course examines the major paradigm shift in clinical psychology with the so-called "Cognitive Revolution." The course reviews the impact of cognitive therapy on the development of empirically verified treatment approaches. It also reviews the current research supporting the use of a cognitive psychotherapy approach with certain diagnostic conditions, and populations.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy; PSYC 1560 Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1632

Psychodynamic Approaches to Psychotherapy

Beginning with the seminal work of Freud, this course examines the theory and technique in the psychodynamic psychotherapy. Classical and newer models, such as Self Psychology and Object Relations, are included, The work of Freud, Klein, Kernberg, and Kohut among others will be reviewed illustrating the rich and diverse approaches within the psychodynamic tradition.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy; PSYC 1560 Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1635

Marriage and Family Counseling and Therapy

Taking from family systems theory, this course examines the basic models, theories and assumptions underlying marriage and family therapy while considering the biopsychosocial perspective. Using case studies, films, and videotapes, the course examines fundamental techniques of both therapy and diagnostic evaluation such as the use and development of the genogram.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy

PSYC 1636

Behavioral Therapy

Beginning with the work of the major learning theorists such as Pavlov, Hull, Thorndike, and Skinner the course examines the basic theories and techniques that underlie the behavioral therapy approach in clinical psychology. Using recent studies in empirical verification of therapeutic approaches, the course will review the use of specific behavioral interventions with such disorders as anxiety, behavior problems, phobia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy; PSYC 1560 Cognitive-Affective Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1639

Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

This course focuses on the skills needed to provide psychological services in primary care settings. Topics include consultation and collaboration with primary care physicians; improving patient adherence to medical treatment regimens; flexibility of scheduling to match services to patients' identified needs; brief, focused assessment and intervention strategies; and health behaviors for lifestyle changes.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy; Core 1560 Interdisciplinary Healthcare I; Core 1570 Interdisciplinary Healthcare II; Core 1580 Interdisciplinary Healthcare III

PSYC 1640

Introduction to Neuropsychology

This course reviews the major systems and structures of the brain and central nervous system. In addition to examining normal neurological functioning, the course discusses common impairments in cognition, language, and perception with a neurological base. Topics covered include neurological syndromes such as cerebral vascular accidents, head trauma and concomitant brain injury, seizure disorders, and various forms of dementia. An overview of neuropsychological assessment instruments will be introduced.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1550 Biological Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1649

Group Therapy

This course includes the history and current models and theories of group therapy. Both didactic and experiential methods are used to introduce the student to different kinds of group interventions. The recommended uses of group interventions for different types of problems, settings, and age groups are included.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy

PSYC 1650

Psychopharmacology

This course examines the development and use of pharmacological agents in the treatment of psychopathology. Further, the course examines the use of medication with empirically verified therapy approaches. All classes of psychopharmacological agents are reviewed including neuroleptics, anxiolytics, mood stabilizers, and antidepressants.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1550 Biological Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1654

Social and Cultural Bases of Behavior

This course examines the influence of socioeconomic and cultural influences on behavior. Normative and abnormal behavior is examined in the biopsychosocial context. Also covered is the assessment of individual behavior in new or unfamiliar sociocultural contexts.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1655

History and Systems

This course is a survey of the historical development of both experimental and clinical psychology. Major systems of psychology include sensory-perceptual psychology (Gestalt), Freudian, psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, social, family, humanistic, and existential psychology. Major theorists such as Freud, Adler, Jung, Maslow, Skinner, Piaget, Beck, and Meichenbaum, are examined.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1680

Research Seminar

This course provides supervision for the student in the development and analysis of student-based research. The faculty advisor provides the student with direction in the formulation of the research question, research design, analysis, and write-up. Effectiveness and Efficacy of various interventions are also reviewed.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 1510 Statistics; PSYC 1514 Research Methods and Design

PSYC 1682

Practicum I

This course is designed to provide the practical experiences in psychodiagnostics and psychotherapeutics that are appropriate for the training of practitioners in the human services.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1683

Practicum Seminar I

Students come together from various practicum sites for the purpose of supervision and discussion of the clinical experience. Students are supervised in order to maximize the learning experience in a typical clinical setting.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1684

Practicum II

This is a continuation of PSYC 1682.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1682 Practicum I and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1685

Practicum Seminar II

This is a continuation of PSYC 1683.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1683 Practicum Seminar I and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1686

Practicum III

This is a continuation of PSYC 1684.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1684 Practicum II and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1687

Practicum Seminar III

This is a continuation of PSYC 1685.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1685 Practicum Seminar II and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1688

Practicum IV

This is a continuation of PSYC 1686.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1686 Practicum III and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1689

Practicum Seminar IV

This is a continuation of PSYC 1687.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1687 Practicum Seminar III and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1708

Mental Health Law

This course provides an overview of the judicial/legal aspects as they pertain to the practice of psychology. Risk management considerations, forensic psychological issues, and other mental health law issues will be explored.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1601 Advanced Professional Development and Ethics

PSYC 1711

Advanced Statistics

This course focuses on clinical research with emphasis on research design and multivariate analysis. Particular attention is given to the application of research methodology, and psychometric issues regarding theory and practice.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1510 Statistics; PSYC 1514 Research Methods and Design

PSYC 1730

Advanced Psychotherapy Practice

The course is designed to assist the student in training to develop a personal approach to psychotherapy practice, based upon their training in theoretical models and treatment, and their individual personality. The course focuses on using the student's theoretical model to conceptualize their clients and to provide appropriate treatment interventions within that theoretical model. Case management and ongoing evaluation are discussed.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy

PSYC 1732

Supervision and Consultation Models & Practice

This course focuses on supervision and consultation in psychology. Major models of supervision and consultation will be presented. Both didactic and experiential methods of instruction will be used to expose students to the implementation and practices of supervision and consultation.

Credits: 3

PSYC 1739

Issues in Substance Abuse

This course presents major theories of etiology and treatment of substance abuse and dependence. Addictions to different classes of substances, intoxication and withdrawal effects, and methods of assessment, diagnosis, treatment, management, and relapse prevention will be discussed.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1530 Introduction to Psychotherapy; PSYC 1550 Biological Bases of Behavior

PSYC 1751

Advanced Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

This course focuses on the practice of psychology integrated with primary healthcare. Issues regarding practice concerns, diversity issues, and consultative skills will be addressed.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1639 Integrated Behavioral Healthcare

PSYC 1771

Advanced Psychopathology

This course focuses on the clinical manifestations of psychopathology of the major clinical entities of children, adolescents, and adults. The course will examine the major differences seen among cultural groups, gender, and persons with disabilities. Comorbidity and approaches to complex diagnostic problems will be considered. The wide range of disorders will be reviewed in the context of current research outcomes.

Credits: 2

Prerequisites: PSYC 1520 Clinical Appraisal and Interviewing; PSYC 1570 Psychopathology: Child and Adolescent; PSYC 1572 Psychopathology: Anxiety-Based and Personality Disorders; PSYC 1573 Psychopathology: Psychotic and Mood Disorders

PSYC 1780

Practitioner Scholar Project Development

This course focuses on the development of a scholarly project. It will assist the student with exploring an area of interest and developing that idea into formalized project proposal. Students will be able to utilize the seminar-based process to receive consultation from the instructor as well as class members.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1781

Practitioner Scholar Project Seminar

This seminar-based course focuses on the implementation of the Practitioner Scholar Project. Other aspects of the project (review of the literature, etc.) are reviewed. Practical considerations, such as a timeline for completion of the project are developed.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1780 Practitioner Scholar Project Development

PSYC 1782

Advanced Practicum I

This practicum experience offers the opportunity to enhance the student's skills in a particular area of interest.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1688 Practicum IV and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1783

Advanced Practicum Seminar I

This seminar reviews the progress of students enrolled in the advanced practicum. Students meet on campus to discuss training experiences.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1689 Practicum Seminar IV and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1784

Advanced Practicum II

This is a continuation of PSYC 1782.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1782 Advanced Practicum I and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1785

Advanced Practicum Seminar II

This is a continuation of PSYC 1783.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1783 Advanced Practicum Seminar I and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1786

Advanced Practicum III

This is a continuation of PSYC 1784.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1784 Advanced Practicum II and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1787

Advanced Practicum Seminar III

This is a continuation of PSYC 1785.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1785 Advanced Practicum Seminar II and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1788

Advanced Practicum IV

This is a continuation of PSYC 1786.

Credits: 3

Prerequisites: PSYC 1786 Advanced Practicum III and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1789

Advanced Practicum Seminar IV

This is a continuation of PSYC 1787.

Credits: 1

Prerequisites: PSYC 1787 Advanced Practicum Seminar III and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1794,1795,1796,1797,1798,1799

Practitioner Scholar Project

Completion of the Practitioner Scholar Project is required for the doctoral degree.

Credits: 2-9 credits each course

Prerequisites: PSYC 1781 Practitioner Scholar Project Seminar and Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1800

Internship

The internship is a 12-24 month commitment (2,000 hours) that is designed to provide an intensive clinical experience expanding upon the required didactic and the practicum experiences.

Credits: 50

Prerequisites: Approval of Program Director

PSYC 1811,1812,1813,1814

Practitioner Scholar Project Continuation I, II, III, IV

This course sequence is reserved for students on internship needing additional time for completion of the required Practitioner Scholar Project.

Credits: 0.5 credits per quarter

Prerequisites: PSYC 1799 Practitioner Scholar Project; Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 1800 Internship; and Approval of Program director.

PSYC 1820

Practitioner Scholar Project Advanced Continuation

This course is reserved for students needing additional quarters beyond the internship year in the program to complete the required Practitioner Scholar Project.

Credits: 1 credit per quarter

Prerequisites: PSYC 1799 Practitioner Scholar Project; Concurrent enrollment in PSYC 1800 Internship; and Approval of Program director.

PSYC 1821

Internship Continuation

This course is reserved for students requiring additional time to complete internship requirements beyond the fourth year in the program.

Credits: 0.5 credits per quarter

Prerequisites: PSYC 1800 Internship and Approval from Program Director

College of Health Sciences

Glendale, AZ Campus

Midwestern University

Core Course Descriptions

Clinical Psychology Program

Abbreviation/Number

Course Name