The remainder of your credits are covered under the General Electives umbrella.  Each program includes a set of general elective requirements, as shown below:

General electives allow you to pursue interests, explore new fields, or complement your chosen major with additional depth, minors, or industry credentials beyond what is required by your program of study.  The following recommendations are just a few examples of courses that will fulfill your general elective requirements.  These courses were selected because they relate directly to your chosen major, however, you are also encouraged to branch out and explore other disciplines and topics of interest to you.

For a full list of course options, please review the course description list in the Academic Catalog.  In addition to providing course codes and course descriptions, this list will also include the required prerequisites for each course.

Recommended Electives by Major

Child Psychology

PSY-432 Cognitive Psychology

The Cognitive Psychology course introduces the basic principles and models that fall under the wide umbrella of Cognition. The course includes: models of cognitive psychology, and examination of the basic principles and theories pertinent to the study of thought processes, problem solving, perception, attention, memory, linguistics, neuropsychology, thinking and intelligence, information processing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The course is designed to permit a large degree of student discussion, with examples to apply the information to the real world.

PSY-455 Systems of Care for Children and Families

This course is designed to enhance student exposure and understanding of macro and clinical interventions available for youth and families, with a close examination of systems. Topics covered include theoretical underpinnings of our systems of care, safety planning, wraparound services, and in-home therapy. Students will investigate multi-levels of care, all while ‘imagining better’ and thinking creatively about what that might look like. This course will explore services and care through a diversity lens, aligning goals and ideals with race, equity, and inclusion. A special focus will be placed upon learning the development and execution of critical documents and written reports necessary for advocacy with young people. This course is designed to provide students with a solid platform on which they may continue to develop a rich and meaningful practice with youth and families.

SOC-210 Marital and Family Systems

This course investigates the structure and function of the family as a social system. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the family and other social institutions utilizing cross-cultural and historical perspectives. Discussions of marriage, family structure, family functioning, and family disorganization are included.

SOC-305 Domestic Violence 

This course explores various forms of domestic violence and abuse including neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among intimate partners and children. Issues pertaining to culture, sexual orientation, family dynamics, abuse of elders and the disabled, and the cycle of abuse are reviewed. Key issues related to treatment and community resources are addressed. Students will also investigate the etiology of abuse.

CRJ-342 The Juvenile Justice System

This course will consist of an overview of the juvenile justice system in the U.S. The history and origins of juvenile court, causes of delinquency, the legal rights of juveniles, juveniles and the police, juvenile court trials and dispositions, juveniles in adult court, probation and dispositional alternatives, juvenile corrections, custodial sanctions and parole, and restorative justice will be considered.

Counseling Foundations

PSY-341 Drugs and Behavior

This class examines drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Analysis of the present opiate epidemic, types of illicit drugs, behavioral and biological effects, the common pathway for the addictive process, and the etiology of addiction as a brain disorder including the relative roles of genetic and environmental influences are explored. Psychological impact of addiction, as well as various forms of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step recovery, and medication assisted treatment, are also addressed. Students will understand the consequences of use, for both the individual and for society, and some of the failed responses of government and the legal system to this disease.

PSY-346 Health Psychology

This course explores the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social factors that affect physical health. Prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques will be discussed with an emphasis on approaches to changing unhealthy practices and maintaining health.

PSY-361 Principles of Case Management

This course explores the principles, practices, and issues in case management with an emphasis on prevention and intervention strategies. Students will review the history and evolution of case management as a delivery strategy used in human services and related fields such as social work, counseling, and healthcare. Models of case management and the phases of assessment will be explored in order to develop the skills to create strength-based assessments and service plans. Students will develop their knowledge and skills in the areas of planning, assessment of community resources, referral procedures, crisis intervention, and setting appropriate boundaries. Through the use of case studies, students will assess client needs and determine the types of data necessary to ensure the ethical delivery of services. Issues related to ethics, cultural humility, and advocacy in case management delivery will also be explored.

SOC-210 Marital and Family Systems

This course investigates the structure and function of the family as a social system. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the family and other social institutions utilizing cross-cultural and historical perspectives. Discussions of marriage, family structure, family functioning, and family disorganization are included.

SOC-305 Domestic Violence 

This course explores various forms of domestic violence and abuse including neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among intimate partners and children. Issues pertaining to culture, sexual orientation, family dynamics, abuse of elders and the disabled, and the cycle of abuse are reviewed. Key issues related to treatment and community resources are addressed. Students will also investigate the etiology of abuse.

Forensic Psychology

SOC-305 Domestic Violence 

This course explores various forms of domestic violence and abuse including neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among intimate partners and children. Issues pertaining to culture, sexual orientation, family dynamics, abuse of elders and the disabled, and the cycle of abuse are reviewed. Key issues related to treatment and community resources are addressed. Students will also investigate the etiology of abuse.

CRJ-120 Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course will be an introduction to the criminal justice system in the United States. Crime, criminals, victims, explanations of criminal behavior, law and the criminal justice system, policing strategies, police and the law, courts and courtroom workgroups, proceedings before trial, conviction by trial and guilty pleas, sentencing, community corrections, prisons and jails, prison life and juvenile justice are the topics that will be covered.

CRJ-202 Victimology and Criminology

The scope of victimology, gauging the extent of criminal victimization, the costs of being a victim, remedying the plight of victims, restorative justice, victimization at work and school, and victim rights will be studied. Criminology and crime theory, different perspectives— classical, biological, psychological, and sociological – and measuring crime will be examined.

CRJ-333 Introduction to Victim and Offender Mediation

The purpose of this course is to give the student dual insight into offender treatment and victim advocacy through a holistic approach to restorative justice. During this course, students will examine a variety of social issues that contribute to the rise in adult offenders, treatment of the criminal population, and opportunities for victims in terms of acknowledgement, acceptance, and recovery.

PSY-432 Cognitive Psychology

The Cognitive Psychology course introduces the basic principles and models that fall under the wide umbrella of Cognition. The course includes: models of cognitive psychology, and examination of the basic principles and theories pertinent to the study of thought processes, problem solving, perception, attention, memory, linguistics, neuropsychology, thinking and intelligence, information processing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The course is designed to permit a large degree of student discussion, with examples to apply the information to the real world.

Foundations in Drug and Alcohol Counseling

PSY-335 Psychology of Criminal Behavior

Criminal behavior is studied in the context of societal and genetic influences on personality formation. Juvenile delinquency and the early expression of anti-social behaviors are discussed. The psychological aspects of violence, addiction, and how mental illness contributes to criminal behavior are addressed. Gender issues related to crime are presented.

PSY-341 Drugs and Behavior

This class examines drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Analysis of the present opiate epidemic, types of illicit drugs, behavioral and biological effects, the common pathway for the addictive process, and the etiology of addiction as a brain disorder including the relative roles of genetic and environmental influences are explored. Psychological impact of addiction, as well as various forms of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step recovery, and medication assisted treatment, are also addressed. Students will understand the consequences of use, for both the individual and for society, and some of the failed responses of government and the legal system to this disease.

PSY-342 Crisis Intervention for Community and Mental Health Settings

This course will provide students with a basic understanding of mental health crisis intervention and de-escalation strategies, milieu management, and how to work and communicate effectively with individuals who may be presenting with impaired judgement or impulsive tendencies. Elements of self-awareness and self-care are embedded throughout this course, as well as components related to ethical considerations and trauma informed care. Students will also gain an understanding of larger systems issues and how to determine appropriate dispositions.

PSY-346 Health Psychology

This course explores the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social factors that affect physical health. Prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques will be discussed with an emphasis on approaches to changing unhealthy practices and maintaining health.

PSY-405 Counseling Diverse Populations

This course provides students with an understanding of the sociocultural context that influence personal biases and the explanations of psychological processes. Students will be invited to consider the roles of power and privilege in the development of psychological theories and methods.

PSY-432 Cognitive Psychology

The Cognitive Psychology course introduces the basic principles and models that fall under the wide umbrella of Cognition. The course includes: models of cognitive psychology, and examination of the basic principles and theories pertinent to the study of thought processes, problem solving, perception, attention, memory, linguistics, neuropsychology, thinking and intelligence, information processing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The course is designed to permit a large degree of student discussion, with examples to apply the information to the real world.

SOC-210 Marital and Family Systems

This course investigates the structure and function of the family as a social system. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the family and other social institutions utilizing cross-cultural and historical perspectives. Discussions of marriage, family structure, family functioning, and family disorganization are included.

SOC-305 Domestic Violence 

This course explores various forms of domestic violence and abuse including neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among intimate partners and children. Issues pertaining to culture, sexual orientation, family dynamics, abuse of elders and the disabled, and the cycle of abuse are reviewed. Key issues related to treatment and community resources are addressed. Students will also investigate the etiology of abuse.

Human Services and Rehabilitation 

PSY-341 Drugs and Behavior 

This class examines drug and alcohol abuse and dependency. Analysis of the present opiate epidemic, types of illicit drugs, behavioral and biological effects, the common pathway for the addictive process, and the etiology of addiction as a brain disorder including the relative roles of genetic and environmental influences are explored. Psychological impact of addiction, as well as various forms of treatment, including cognitive behavioral therapy, 12-step recovery, and medication assisted treatment, are also addressed. Students will understand the consequences of use, for both the individual and for society, and some of the failed responses of government and the legal system to this disease.

PSY-346 Health Psychology

This course explores the behavioral, cognitive, emotional, and social factors that affect physical health. Prevention, intervention, and treatment techniques will be discussed with an emphasis on approaches to changing unhealthy practices and maintaining health.

PSY-405 Counseling Diverse Populations

This course provides students with an understanding of the sociocultural context that influence personal biases and the explanations of psychological processes. Students will be invited to consider the roles of power and privilege in the development of psychological theories and methods.

PSY-406 Counseling Ethics and Professional Development

This course provides students with the foundation in counseling ethics. This course will cover basic ethical principles such as informed consent and confidentiality; during this course, students will demonstrate an understanding of ethics by comparing codes across the mental health professions. This course will also cover professional issues such as self-awareness and the business of psychopathology.

PSY-430 Clinical Psychology

This course explores some of the key areas within the field of clinical psychology, with particular emphasis on assessment (cognitive, personality, and diagnostic) and treatment (crisis intervention and psychotherapy). Various forms of psychotherapy, including psychodynamic, cognitive, and humanistic/experiential therapy, will also be examined.

PSY-432 Cognitive Psychology

The Cognitive Psychology course introduces the basic principles and models that fall under the wide umbrella of Cognition. The course includes: models of cognitive psychology, and examination of the basic principles and theories pertinent to the study of thought processes, problem solving, perception, attention, memory, linguistics, neuropsychology, thinking and intelligence, information processing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The course is designed to permit a large degree of student discussion, with examples to apply the information to the real world.

SOC-210 Marital and Family Systems

This course investigates the structure and function of the family as a social system. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationship between the family and other social institutions utilizing cross-cultural and historical perspectives. Discussions of marriage, family structure, family functioning, and family disorganization are included.

SOC-305 Domestic Violence 

This course explores various forms of domestic violence and abuse including neglect and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse among intimate partners and children. Issues pertaining to culture, sexual orientation, family dynamics, abuse of elders and the disabled, and the cycle of abuse are reviewed. Key issues related to treatment and community resources are addressed. Students will also investigate the etiology of abuse.

CHL-101 Introduction to Community Health

This course is designed to introduce basic concepts of community health, including education, demography, and epidemiology as they apply to members within a community over the lifespan. Community health organizations, professionals in the field, an overview of the nation’s health, populations, settings and environmental health topics will be explored. Emphasis is placed upon the student gaining knowledge related to learning responsibilities, competencies and skills required for the community health professional. Students will learn how to navigate in health-care systems and advocate for community health initiatives.