https://www.pacific.edu/liberalarts/academics/departments-and-programs/psychology
Phone: (209) 946-2133
Location: Psychology/Communications Building
Carolynn Kohn, Chair and Director of Graduate Studies
Degrees Offered
Bachelor of Science
Master of Arts Behavioral Psychology
Majors Offered
Psychology
Psychology with Departmental Honors
Minors Offered
Overview of the Psychology Program
The programs offered by the Psychology Department are designed to help students understand the behavior of human beings and other organisms. Behavior is complex—whether it’s a young adult developing healthy habits, a child learning language, or a team working to improve performance—and psychology provides multiple scientific approaches for studying behavior.
Our department’s curriculum and faculty expertise reflect this breadth. Students explore areas such as:
- Health behaviors and habit formation
- The development of positive body image
- Verbal behavior and language
- Ethical decision making
- Behavioral assessment and intervention
- How people perceive, report, and understand their own behavior
All students take foundational coursework in core areas of psychology—behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, sensation and perception, and social psychology. After completing training in research methods and statistics, students progress to advanced laboratory courses that offer hands-on research and applied experiences aligned with faculty specialties.
This diverse curriculum is unified by a department-wide commitment to scientific inquiry. Across their coursework, students learn to answer questions about behavior using empirical research, applied practice, and theoretical analysis.
Why Study Psychology?
The Psychology major offers several key benefits:
- A deeper understanding of behavior
- Strong preparation for a wide variety of careers
- A solid foundation for graduate and professional study
Increased Understanding of Behavior
Students drawn to the liberal arts often choose psychology to better understand themselves and others. Coursework, research opportunities, and field placements provide direct experience with a wide range of human behaviors and applied challenges. The perspectives and skills gained support careers in health, education, science, sports, business, marketing, the arts, and many other fields.
Career Preparation
A Bachelor’s degree in Psychology equips students with transferable skills that employers consistently value—critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, teamwork, cultural awareness, and the ability to understand, measure, and influence behavior.
Psychology graduates pursue roles in:
- Health, wellness, and behavioral health
(health coaching, behavior support, community health outreach) - Human services and social assistance
(case management, youth and family programs, residential support, advocacy) - Education and early intervention
(instructional support, behavioral intervention, ABA paraprofessional roles) - Business, nonprofits, and organizational settings
(human resources, training and development, consumer research, program coordination) - Research and analytics
(research assistantships, data analysis, program evaluation)
Students interested in more specialized psychology-related roles may pursue focused experiences in applied behavior analysis, research, or business applications of psychology.
Preparation for Graduate and Professional School
Students aiming for master’s, doctoral, or professional programs—such as psychology, counseling, education, law, or healthcare—can complete an intensive sequence of coursework, research, and practicum experiences. Many students:
- Participate in research starting as early as first year
- Present at conferences and co-author research papers or posters
- Work directly with community agencies in supervised placements
These experiences significantly strengthen preparation for graduate study and future professional success.
Graduate Program Offered
Master of Arts in Behavioral Psychology
The department offers a graduate program of study that leads to the MA degree in psychology with special strengths in behavior analysis and behavioral psychology.
The hallmark of all of our graduate programs in College of the Pacific is close personal interactions with dedicated faculty members who have a passion for teaching, research, and learning. For graduate students, this means discussion-based, personalized interactions with instructors in the classroom as well as opportunities to collaborate on or assist with faculty with research projects and to co-author or co-present in professional venues. Graduate students in the College also have the opportunity to acquire additional training and apply their knowledge through internships in professional settings. Many also work with our undergraduates as teaching assistants, laboratory instructors, discussion leaders, and coaches. All graduates of our programs emerge “practice-ready,” prepared for employment in their field or entry into advanced degree programs.
Mission
The mission of the Master's program in behavioral psychology is to train students to be researchers and clinicians using a scientist-practitioner model. Through a combination of coursework and practical experiences, we provide training that spans the domains of behavior analysis: the experimental analysis of behavior, applied behavior analysis, and service delivery. We have assumed this mission because we believe the solutions to many problems of great social significance require professionals who are engaged with the science and ethics of behavior analysis throughout their careers.
All students:
- take the same courses and receive formal academic training in behavior analytic principles and techniques.
- earn their funding through supervised clinical work in applied settings and/or through teaching assistantships.
- Engage in applied work and receive research experience
The Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) has verified that our course sequence meets the coursework requirements for eligibility to take the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB)® exam**. We also provide supervised clinical experience which meets the BACB® Fieldwork requirements.
**updates regarding accreditation are coming beginning in January 2027.
Supervised clinical experience is available in many settings including homes, schools, care homes, and treatment centers, and include working with typically developing children, children diagnosed with developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorders, and adults diagnosed with developmental disabilities or mental illnesses. All students are supervised by masters-level BCBAs within our program.
Our students have a high rate of sitting for and passing the BACB® exam. Doctoral preparation students have a high rate of being accepted into quality doctoral programs. A list of former graduate students and their current employment or academic placements upon graduating our program is available upon request.
The program prepares students for:
1) Sitting for the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® exam (www.bacb.com) and subsequent employment in settings where applied behavior analysis is used.
2) Applying to PhD programs in behavior analysis.
3) Applying to PhD programs in behaviorally-oriented clinical/counseling psychology.
Answers to FAQs can be downloaded here
Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology
Students must complete a minimum of 120 units with a Pacific cumulative and major/program grade point average of 2.0 in order to earn the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in psychology.
I. General Education Requirements
For more details, see General Education
Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:
A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)
| CORE 001 | Problem Solving & Oral Comm | 3 |
| CORE 002 | Writing and Critical Thinking | 4 |
Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.
B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)
| At least one course from each of the following areas: | ||
Artistic Process & Creation | ||
Civic & Global Responsibility | ||
Language & Narratives | ||
Quantitative Reasoning | ||
Scientific Inquiry | ||
Social Inquiry | ||
World Perspectives & Ethics | ||
Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.
C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement
| All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units) | ||
Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.
D. Fundamental Skills
| Students must demonstrate competence in: | ||
Writing | ||
Quantitative Analysis (Math) | ||
Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.
II. Breadth Requirements
Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)
III. Major Requirements
| Minimum 53 units that include: | ||
| PSYC 001 | Orientation to the Psychology Major | 1 |
| PSYC 002 | Professional Development in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 031 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| MATH 035 | Elementary Statistical Inference | 3-4 |
| or MATH 037 | Introduction to Statistics and Probability | |
| or PSYC 035 | Introduction to Statistics in Psychology | |
| PSYC 050 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 150 | Advanced Research Methods in Psychology | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Biology | ||
| Principles of Biology | ||
| Principles of Biology | ||
| Elements of Chemistry | ||
| Human-Computer Interface Design | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Symbolic Logic | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| History and Systems of Psychology | ||
| Select four of the following Psychology Core courses: | 16 | |
| Introduction to Cognitive Science | ||
| Abnormal and Clinical Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Select two of the following Psychology Advanced Lab courses, must be two different course numbers: | 8 | |
| Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Clinical Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Child Clinical Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Developmental Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Social Psychology | ||
| Take an additional 4 units in PSYC at Pacific from one of the following options: | 4 | |
| Practicum | ||
| Practicum | ||
Another Psychology Core course | ||
Another Psychology Advanced Lab: If an Advanced Lab is taken, it may be the same numbered course as a previously taken Lab IF the title of the course is different. | ||
Note: Only courses graded with a C- or better will count in the major.
Bachelor of Science Major in Psychology with Departmental Honors
To be awarded a degree in Psychology with Honors at graduation, you must accomplish three learning outcomes: 1) A minimum overall GPA of 3.4. 2) A minimum GPA of 3.8 for courses within the major. 3) An applied or research project approved and supervised by a faculty member in the Psychology department.
I. General Education Requirements
For more details, see General Education
Minimum 28 units and 9 courses that include:
A. CORE Seminars (2 courses)
| CORE 001 | Problem Solving & Oral Comm | 3 |
| CORE 002 | Writing and Critical Thinking | 4 |
Note: 1) CORE Seminars cannot be taken for Pass/No Credit. 2) Transfer students with 28 or more transfer credits taken after high school are exempt from both CORE seminars.
B. Breadth Requirement (7 courses, at least 3 units each)
| At least one course from each of the following areas: | ||
Artistic Process & Creation | ||
Civic & Global Responsibility | ||
Language & Narratives | ||
Quantitative Reasoning | ||
Scientific Inquiry | ||
Social Inquiry | ||
World Perspectives & Ethics | ||
Note: 1) No more than 2 courses from a single discipline can be used to meet the Breadth Requirement.
C. Diversity and Inclusion Requirement
| All students must complete Diversity and Inclusion coursework (at least 3 units) | ||
Note: 1) Diversity and Inclusion courses can also be used to meet the breadth category requirements, or major or minor requirements.
D. Fundamental Skills
| Students must demonstrate competence in: | ||
Writing | ||
Quantitative Analysis (Math) | ||
Note: 1) Failure to satisfy the fundamental skills requirements by the end of four semesters of full-time study at the University is grounds for academic disqualification.
II. Breadth Requirements
Students must complete 60 units outside the primary discipline of the first major, regardless of the department who offers the course(s) in that discipline. (Courses include general education courses, transfer courses, CPCE/EXTN units, internships, etc.)
III. Major Requirements
| Minimum 53 units that include: | ||
| PSYC 001 | Orientation to the Psychology Major | 1 |
| PSYC 002 | Professional Development in Psychology | 1 |
| PSYC 031 | Introduction to Psychology | 4 |
| MATH 035 | Elementary Statistical Inference | 3-4 |
| or MATH 037 | Introduction to Statistics and Probability | |
| or PSYC 035 | Introduction to Statistics in Psychology | |
| PSYC 050 | Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| PSYC 150 | Advanced Research Methods in Psychology | 5 |
| Select one of the following: | 3-5 | |
| Human Anatomy and Physiology | ||
| Introduction to Biology | ||
| Principles of Biology | ||
| Principles of Biology | ||
| Elements of Chemistry | ||
| Human-Computer Interface Design | ||
| Artificial Intelligence | ||
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
| Symbolic Logic | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| History and Systems of Psychology | ||
| Select four of the following Psychology Core courses: | 16 | |
| Introduction to Cognitive Science | ||
| Abnormal and Clinical Psychology | ||
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Social Psychology | ||
| Sensation and Perception | ||
| Select two of the following Psychology Advanced Lab courses, must be two different course numbers: | 8 | |
| Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Clinical Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Child Clinical Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Developmental Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Behavioral Psychology | ||
| Advanced Lab in Social Psychology | ||
| Take an additional 4 units in PSYC at Pacific from one of the following options: | 4 | |
| Practicum | ||
| Practicum | ||
Another Psychology Core course | ||
Another Psychology Advanced Lab: If an Advanced Lab is taken, it may be the same numbered course as a previously taken Lab IF the title of the course is different. | ||
Note: Only courses graded with a C- or better will count in the major.
Master of Arts in Behavioral Psychology
Students must complete a minimum of 32 units with a Pacific cumulative grade point average of 3.0 in order to earn the master of arts in psychology.
Minimum 28 units, including each of these required courses:
| PSYC 207 | Psychology of Learning | 4 |
| PSYC 251 | Behavioral Treatment/Applications | 4 |
| PSYC 258 | Behavioral Assessment | 4 |
| PSYC 262 | Ethical Behavior | 4 |
| PSYC 278 | Controversial Treatments in Applied Settings | 4 |
| PSYC 283 | Research Design | 4 |
| PSYC 299 | Thesis | 2 or 4 |
| Four units from the following: | ||
| Personnel Supervision and Management I | ||
| Personnel Supervision and Management II | ||
| Graduate Independent Research | ||
Notes: 1) Students are expected to spend four semesters and one summer in residence in Stockton as part of completing the program. 2) All students must complete a one year research apprenticeship with the same faculty research mentor during their first year. During their second year, students may continue with the same faculty mentor, change faculty mentors, or remain with the same faculty mentor and join additional research teams. 3) Registration for Psyc297 and Psyc285e/Psyc285f is by instructor permission and is based on students' performance.
Psychology Courses
PSYC 001. Orientation to the Psychology Major. 1 Unit.
This is a 1-credit seminar designed to familiarize students with the psychology major at the University of the Pacific. The logic and basic elements of the psychology curriculum will be reviewed, and students will be introduced to each of the faculty members in the psychology department. Additionally, the seminar will review several foundational skills necessary for success as a psychology major, including, but not limited to study skills, professional and ethical behavior, and time management. The class is for beginning Psychology majors only. Prerequisite: Psychology major.
PSYC 002. Professional Development in Psychology. 1 Unit.
This is a 1-credit seminar designed to familiarize psychology majors with various professional issues related to the field of psychology, including preparation for graduate school and career. Prerequisites: PSYC 001; Psychology major; Junior or Senior standing.
PSYC 015. Introduction to Cognitive Science. 4 Units.
Cognitive science is an exciting cross-disciplinary filed devoted to understanding how the mind works. It draws on research done in a wide variety of disciplines, including philosophy, psychology, artificial intelligence, linguistics, and neuroscience. This course examines some of the main assumptions, concepts, methods, applications, and limits of the cognitive scientific approach to the mind. Questions include: Is the mind a computer and, if so, what kind of computer? What are the prospects for genuine artificial intelligence? How is the mind organized? Does the mind have innate structures? Can we explain memory, action, perception, reasoning, and social cognition? What can the brain tell us about the mind, and what can we learn from damaged brains? How did minds evolve? To what extent does cognition depend on the body and the environment? (GE3C, GESO)
PSYC 017. Abnormal and Clinical Psychology. 4 Units.
This course covers the history of mental health and mental health diagnoses; past and current research findings, and prevailing thoughts and current controversies in the field of mental health and treatments. (DVSY, ETHC, GE1A, GEDI, GESO)
PSYC 029. Developmental Psychology. 4 Units.
This course provides an overview of the growth and change that occurs in physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains across the life span. Current theory and findings from empirical research are highlighted. (GE1A, GESO)
PSYC 031. Introduction to Psychology. 4 Units.
This course is an introduction to the major fields within psychology. Topics include: 1) experimental methods in psychology, 2) physiological psychology, 3) sensation and perception, 4) psychology of learning, 5) memory, 6) cognition and language, 7) cognitive abilities, 8), motivation and emotion, 9) human development, 10) personality, 11) abnormal psychology and treatment of mental illness, and 12) social psychology. (GE1A, GESO, PLAW)
PSYC 035. Introduction to Statistics in Psychology. 4 Units.
Introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics as tools for evaluating data from psychological research. Topics include measures of central tendency, descriptive statistics, measures of variability, correlation and regression, sampling distributions, hypothesis testing procedures including t-tests and analysis of variance, and selected other topics. Application of hand computation will be emphasized and taught alongside the use of software to facilitate the interpretation of statistical analyses.
PSYC 050. Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology. 4 Units.
This course aims to provide students with the critical thinking skills necessary to become a better consumer of information—both in psychology and in the real world. Students will learn how to systematically evaluate the validity of different claims they may encounter in textbooks, research articles, and the media. This course is designed to introduce students to and help them develop the following skills: comparing, contrasting, and evaluating research methods and designs, understanding the applications of basic statistical procedures, evaluating of the scientific merit of research findings, and understanding basic ethical guidelines as they apply to human research. Prerequisites: Psychology major and a grade of C- or higher in MATH 035 or MATH 037 or PSYC 035.
PSYC 053. Behavioral Psychology. 4 Units.
This course provides an introduction to the science and application of basic principles related to learning and behavior. Students learn about approaches to behavioral observation, measurement of behavior, gathering and analyzing of data using single subject designs, classical and operant conditioning and the application of behavior change principles to oneself and society.
PSYC 069. Social Psychology. 4 Units.
Social psychology is the scientific study of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors of individuals in social situations. This course examines the theories, research, and applications of social psychology. Specific topics to be covered include: self-awareness, self-esteem, self-deception, the power of first impressions, nonverbal communication, stereotypes and prejudice, interpersonal attraction, love and romantic relationships, altruism, aggression, conformity, obedience, persuasion and propaganda, leadership, and group behavior and decision-making. Throughout the course, these topics will be discussed as they inform us about human behavior in domains such as politics, sports, entertainment, health, education, advertising, and law.
PSYC 079. Sensation and Perception. 4 Units.
This course is an introduction to human sensory systems and perception. Building upon a detailed analysis of visual processing, students explore through lectures, readings, demonstrations, case studies, and investigations how scientists research various sensory systems and how they shape our experience of, and interaction with the world. This draws on diverse fields such as biology, physics, philosophy and art in addition to psychology. (GE3C, GESO)
PSYC 087. Internship. 1-4 Units.
This internship course gives experiences in a work setting, and is contracted on an individual basis. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 089. Practicum. 1-4 Units.
The practicum offers non-classroom experiences in activities related to the curriculum under conditions that is determined by the appropriate faculty member. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 115. Advanced Lab in Cognitive Psychology. 4 Units.
This advanced lab will focus on more in-depth exploration of a specific topic area within the field of Cognitive Psychology. The course will include strong research/applied component that will help students get more hands on feel for research and/or application of the concepts within the field. Possible topics include Memory, Thinking Fast and Slow, or other topics. Prerequisites: PSYC 015 and PSYC 050, both with a C- or higher.
PSYC 117. Advanced Lab in Clinical Psychology. 4 Units.
This course is intended to give students a broad overview of the field of clinical psychology as well as experience grappling with some of the current controversies in the field. This course covers several topics, including: foundations and early history; current research and practice; major theoretical orientations; diagnoses and the DSM, ethical standards; differences between the doctoral degree in clinical psychology and a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or marriage and family therapy, and current controversies in these fields. Prerequisites: PSYC 017, PSYC 053, and PSYC 050, all with a C- or higher.
PSYC 118. Advanced Lab in Child Clinical Psychology. 4 Units.
This lab is a more in depth look at topics within the field of clinical child psychology. Each time the course is taught, a specific topic of study such as parenting, child mental health, etc. will be the focus. The course relies heavily on becoming aware of the available research within the field of Clinical Child Psychology as well as more effectively accessing and understanding research in general. Experiential opportunities will be included. Prerequisites: PSYC 017 and PSYC 050, both with a “C-“ or higher.
PSYC 125. History and Systems of Psychology. 4 Units.
This course traces the development of “modern psychology” from its birth in early philosophy to its founding as an independent discipline in the late 1800s to its current status with an emphasis on modern behaviorism and cognitive psychology as the two dominant theoretical systems in psychology. In addition, other modern developments such as evolutionary psychology and cognitive neuroscience are discussed. The course focuses on specific content areas and ideas in psychology and the individuals who are most credited with their development.
PSYC 129. Advanced Lab in Developmental Psychology. 4 Units.
This advanced lab will focus on a more in-depth exploration of a specific topic area within the field of Developmental Psychology. The course will include a strong research/ applied component that will help students get a more hands on fells for research and/ or application of the concepts within the field. Possible topics include The Study of Infants, Psychology of Aging, Cognitive Aging, or other topics. Prerequisites: PSYC 029, PSYC 050 with a C- or better. (ETHC)
PSYC 150. Advanced Research Methods in Psychology. 5 Units.
The purpose of this course is to teach students how understanding research methods can help them become better consumers of information and better professionals, no matter their career. This course includes a lab component to facilitate hands-on learning. The goals for this course align with the psychology department’s program learning outcome of scientific literacy and critical thinking. They also align with the university-wide core competencies of critical thinking, information literacy, quantitative reasoning, and written communication. Upon completion of this sequence, students will be able to: Discuss the role of research in advancing our knowledge of psychological phenomena, read and evaluate psychological research, identify the ethical issues surrounding the conduct of psychological research, distinguish scientific sources from pseudoscientific sources, state the basic research designs and the types of data analyses for conducting sound psychological research, write research reports using APA style. Prerequisites: Psychology major and a Grade of C- or higher in PSYC 050 and a Grade of C- or higher in one of the following: MATH 035, MATH 037, or PSYC 035.
PSYC 153. Advanced Lab in Behavioral Psychology. 4 Units.
This advanced lab will focus more in-depth exploration of a specific topic area within the field of Behavioral Psychology. The course will include a strong research/ applied component that will help students get a more hands on feel for research and/or application of the concepts within the field. Possible topics may include Behavioral Economics, Behavioral Approaches to Common Childhood Problems, the Power of Habit, or other topics. Prerequisites: PSYC 053 and PSYC 050, both with a C- or higher.
PSYC 169. Advanced Lab in Social Psychology. 4 Units.
This advanced lab will focus on a more in-depth exploration of a specific topic area within the field of Social Psychology. The course will include a strong research/applied component that will help students get a more hands on feel for research and/ or application of the concepts within the field. Possible topics may include Social Influence, Conformity, or other topics. Prerequisites: PSYC 069 and PSYC 050, both with a C- or higher.
PSYC 187. Internship. 1-4 Units.
This internship course gives experiences in a work setting and is contracted on an individual basis. PSYC 187 represents advanced internship work that involves increased independence and responsibility. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 189. Practicum. 4 Units.
The practicum offers non-classroom experiences in activities related to the curriculum under conditions that is determined by the appropriate faculty member. PSYC 189 represents advanced practicum work which involves increased independence and responsibility. Students may register for only one course listed below in any semester and may receive no more than four units of credit for any of these courses. Pass/no credit is the only grading.
PSYC 191. Independent Study. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 195. Seminar. 4 Units.
PSYC 197. Independent Research. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 207. Psychology of Learning. 4 Units.
This course focuses on the scientific investigation of learning and behavior. Both experimental and related theoretical developments are considered, as well as applications of the basic principles of learning to issues of social significance.
PSYC 251. Behavioral Treatment/Applications. 4 Units.
This course focuses on the application of behavior analytic principles and methods in applied settings, with an emphasis on behavior change procedures, maintenance and generalization of behavior change, and emergency interventions. Topics addressed include the definition and characteristics of applied behavior analysis, selection and evaluation of intervention strategies, measurement of behavior, display and interpretation of behavioral data, and behavioral assessment. Additionally, basic behavioral principles, single-case experimental design, and ethical issues are discussed in the context of behavioral assessment and intervention. Prerequisite: Open only to graduate students in the psychology major.
PSYC 258. Behavioral Assessment. 4 Units.
Students study an overview of behavioral assessment techniques is examined. Specific topics covered include data collection, inter-observer agreement, social validity, treatment integrity, functional assessment, stimulus preference assessment, indirect assessment techniques, and functional analysis procedures.
PSYC 262. Ethical Behavior. 4 Units.
This course will cover professional conduct and ethical behavior with the broad discipline of psychology, as well as the specific ethical and professional guidelines for the Behavior Analysis Certificate (BACB®). This course addresses ethical decision-making, regulatory standards, and professional behavior in assessment, treatment, and research, in a variety of settings. Although this course will encompass a variety of disciplines and settings within psychology, primary attention will be given to those disciplines intersecting with the practice of applied behavior analysis and on those settings in which behavior analysts in practice are most likely to operate. Topics include accountability, confidentiality and informed consent, quality of services, quality of life, emergency management, research and academic settings, professional collaborations, boundaries, cultural competence, and ethical safeguards. Prerequisites: Psychology major and graduate student status.
PSYC 278. Controversial Treatments in Applied Settings. 4 Units.
This graduate seminar covers the varieties and consequences of pseudoscience in the helping professions and how to avoid being influenced by them. The helping professions comprise a significant industry in the United States. This includes medicine, psychology (including behavior analysis), psychiatry, social work, and other forms of counseling. It includes community mental health centers, and other venues such as mental hospitals, crisis centers, and schools. Each profession has a code of ethics that calls on professionals to help clients, to avoid harm, to honor informed consent requirements and promote independence. Professional codes of ethics call on professionals to draw on practice-related research findings. What do we find if we look closely at their everyday behavior? To what extent do professionals and researchers honor obligations described in such codes of ethics? Although this course will encompass a variety of disciplines and settings, primary attention will be given to those disciplines intersecting the practice of applied behavior analysis and on those settings in which behavior analysts in practice are most likely to operate. Prerequisites: Psychology major and graduate student status.
PSYC 283. Research Design. 4 Units.
Students learn the design and analysis of research using single subject and group designs.
PSYC 285E. Personnel Supervision and Management I. 1 or 2 Unit.
This course focuses on personnel supervision and management. Students will learn how to train others to design and implement behavioral assessments and interventions and oversee the implementation of behavioral programs by others. Students will also attend behavioral program planning meetings and review program-relevant literature. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
PSYC 285F. Personnel Supervision and Management II. 1 or 2 Unit.
This course focuses on personnel supervision and management. Students will learn how to train others to design and implement behavioral assessments and interventions and oversee the implementation of behavioral programs by others. Students will also attend behavioral program planning meetings and review program-relevant literature. Prerequisites: Instructor permission.
PSYC 287. Graduate Internship. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 289. Practium. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 291. Graduate Independent Study. 1-4 Units.
PSYC 297. Graduate Independent Research. 1-4 Units.
Pass/No Credit grading only.
PSYC 299. Thesis. 2 or 4 Units.
This course requires students, under the guidance and supervision of a designated faculty research advisor, to independently plan, organize, conduct, evaluate and write-up an original research project as partial fulfillment of the MA degree. Permission of instructor. Pass/No Credit grading only.
Knowledge Base
- Students use the concepts, language, and major theories of the discipline to account for psychological phenomena
Communication
- Students communicate ideas clearly and accurately.
Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
- Students evaluate the quality of information and empirical evidence to distinguish between scientific and pseudoscientific claims in psychology.
Psychology Faculty
Andrea Ramirez Barajas, Lecturer, August 2025, BA 2019, MA 2022, PhD 2026, UC Davis, aramirezbarajas@PACIFIC.EDU
Richard Colombo, Assistant Professor, July 2026, BA, Vangauard University, 2010; MS, CSU Los Angeles, 2014; PhD, The Chicago School of Psychology
Vani Kakar, Assistant Professor, 2025, BA, University of Delhi, India; MA, University of Delhi, India; M.Phil.,National University of Educational Planning & Administration, Ministry of Education, Development, Government of India; Ph.D., Macquarie University, Australia , vkakar@pacific.edu
Carolynn Kohn, Professor, 2003, BA, UC Santa Barbara, 1991; MCP-Hahnemann University (now Drexel University), MA, 1996 and PhD, 2000, ckohn@pacific.edu, PSYCOM 127
Matthew Normand, Professor, 2007, BA, Western New England College, 1997; MA, Western Michigan University, 1999; MS, Florida State University, 2002; PhD, 2003., mnormand@pacific.edu, https://www.theskinnerbox.com
Fernanda Oda, Assistant Professor, 2024, BS, Federal University of Parana, 2013; MA, University of Houston-Clear Lake, 2019; PhD, 2024, University of Kansas, odaf@pacific.edu
Rammy Salem, Assistant Professor of Teaching, 2024, BA, Cornell University, 2010; MA 2021, PhD 2024, UC Santa Barbara, rsalem@pacific.edu, 209.932.3110, PSYCOM 128
