Applied Psychology Course Descriptions

Course descriptions are listed numerically. Prerequisites, if any, are indicated in italics above the course descriptions. These prerequisites have been established to assure an adequate and uniform background for students in advanced classes. Franklin University reserves the right to alter course offerings or course content without notice. Not all courses are offered every trimester.

PSYC 110
General Psychology (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Learning Strategies (PF 321).
A survey of the various fields of study comprising modern scientific psychology. The course examines the theories, research findings, and applications in each of the major areas of psychology, with the goal of providing students with practice information they can apply to their personal and professional lives. The topic areas covered in the course include learning and memory, motivation and emotion, human development, theories of personality, psychopathology, and social behavior.

PSYC 204
Principles of Motivation (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): College Writing (COMM 120) and Learning Strategies (PF 321). Not open to students with credit for PF 304.
This course is a systematic study of various theories and approaches to work motivation, with assessments of the research and practice evidence supporting their scientific validity and applicability to the work environment. Students will explore factors that contribute to motivation and strategies that today’s manager can use to become a successful motivator.

PSYC 310
The Psychology of Personal Development (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): College Writing (COMM 120) and Learning Strategies (PF 321).
This psychology based course provides evidenced-based information and application strategies for improving personal and professional adjustment and effectiveness. The purpose of this course is to enable students to address and utilize more of their inherent potential. Students will use a self-coaching model to apply principles and methods taken from a variety of current sources, i.e. emotional and social intelligence, multiple intelligences, and positive psychology and executive coaching. The primary course outcome will be a plan for effecting improved adjustment and performance in students’ personal and professional lives.

PSYC 315
Applied Psychology: Theory to Practice (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): General Psychology (PSYC 110), College Writing (COMM 120), and Learning Strategies (PF 321).
This course is an exploration of the expanding field of Applied Psychology. The framework of inquiry incorporates an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the current state of the field and its career possibilities. The principal focus is on applying scientific and humanistic perspectives derived from psychology to individual, social, and institutional opportunities.

PSYC 325
Coaching in Organizations (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): College Writing (COMM 120), Learning Strategies (PF 321), and General Psychology (PSYC 110) OR Psychology of Personal Development (PSYC 310). Principles of Motivation (PSYC 204) recommended.
This course is designed to introduce students to the use of coaching skills for improving the adjustment and performance of individuals in an organizational setting. Topics to be covered include: the scope of coaching practice, optimal practitioner characteristics, benefits for coaches, related organizational dynamics, and coaching interventions and resources. This course also includes an emphasis on experimental learning through coaching practice activities.

PSYC 420
Assessment and Intervention in Organizations (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): The Psychology of Personal Development (PSYC 310), and either Applied Psychology: Theory to Practice (PSYC 315) or Coaching in Organizations (PSYC 325).
This course explores the use of psychological instrumentation as a means for improving individual and organizational performance. The emphasis is on the assessment of strengths and positive psychological functioning. Students will become acquainted with various psychological instruments including their selection, construction, and administration. Additionally, students will gain experience with the interpretation and delivery of instrument results and their translation into individual and organizational improvement interventions.

PSYC 480
Special Topics in Psychology (1-4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Determined on a course-by-course basis and published in the trimester Course Schedule.
A variable content classroom course in Psychology in which students pursue topics or subjects of current interest that are not part of the regular curriculum. A specific course description will be published online in the Course Schedule for the trimester the course is offered.

PSYC 495
Applied Psychology Capstone (4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all Professional Core and Major Area courses.
This course provides a culminating, integrative experience for all Applied Psychology majors. The purpose is to provide an opportunity for students to demonstrate their mastery of the learning outcomes associated with the major. Students will self-select a capstone project that can be completed within the duration of the course that will provide evidence of their subject matter learning as well as provide a benefit to themselves and a participating organization.

PSYC 499
Independent Studies in Psychology (1-4 cr. hrs.)

Prerequisite(s): Minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA, at least 16 credit hours completed at Franklin, related coursework completed with minimum grade of “B” and permission of Program Chair.
Independent studies courses allow students in good academic standing to pursue learning in areas not covered by the regular curriculum or to extend study in areas presently taught. Study is under faculty supervision and graded on either a Pass/No Credit or a letter grade basis. (See “Independent Studies” for details.)