Master of Science in Psychology

The course provides theoretical, methodological and applied frameworks related to mental skills training. Different mental strategies such as arousal regulation, concentration (attention), imagery, self- talk, self-confidence will be discussed. Measurements and instruments to assess the efficacy of training programs targeting psychological skills and strategies in sport will be presented.

The course will examine the impact that sport performance can have on the athlete’s mind and body as they devote time, energy, and effort into developing their skills in their given sport. Socialization through sport has been linked positively to mental health; however the pressures associated with sport participation can been seen. Student-athletes navigate unique stressors and can be at greater risk to experience a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Topics to be covered may include athlete identity, personality disorders, disordered eating, substance abuse, body dysmorphia, and other psychiatric disorders.

The purpose of this course is to provide an overview of the psychological theories and principles that influence human behavior in sport and physical activity contexts. The American Psychological Association (Division 47) defines sport and exercise psychology as "the scientific study of the psychological factors associated with participation and performance in sport, exercise, and other types of physical activity". Sport and exercise psychology practitioners focus primarily on: (1) helping individuals use psychological principles and skills to achieve optimal performance and derive satisfaction through sport participation and (2) understanding how participation in sport, exercise, and physical activity affects psychological development, health, and well-being.

This course explores sport and culture across the globe. Students learn about the role that sport plays within the culture, as well as business principles and practices that guide sport managers' decisions. Content aims to compare and contrast constructs across cultures pertaining to leadership, training, motivation and performance.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to legal, ethical and professional issues pertaining to the practice of psychology.  In this regard, there will be a review of the current literature of the discipline and engagement in recent and current research.

Advanced study of the contemporary field of cognitive psychology; survey of topics may include memory, attention, perception, decision-making and judgment, language, and mental representations. Course will focus on established empirical and theoretical findings that exemplify general principles of mental functioning with an emphasis on information processing.  This will include a review of the current literature of the discipline and engagement in recent and current research.

The purpose of this course is to provide an in-depth understanding of the neurobiological mechanisms that underlie drug addiction. We will be looking at how the brain changes as a function of drug taking and how learning and genetics contribute to the development of addiction (both substance and behavioral addictions). We will look at both behavioral and substance addictions to understand how processes in the brain change after long term exposure to these types of external influences.

This course will explore the interface of psychology and the law, with an emphasis on forensic psychology. Forensic psychologists help courts make informed decisions about cases when some aspect of psychology is involved. Landmark legal cases that pertain to psychology will be discussed. Students will explore the various options for careers in the field of forensic psychology. Specific topics covered include eyewitness and expert testimony, psychopathy, repressed memories, profiling, victimization and trauma, competence, the insanity defense, lie detection, juvenile justice, civil commitment, and custody evaluations.