Mountain State University Psychology
School of Arts and Sciences

Graduate Certificate in Psychology Studies

18 Hour Graduate Certificate in Psychology Studies
This Mountain State University graduate certificate is designed for a wide array of graduate learners.  The program provides foundational knowledge in psychology that could serve as a basis for advanced graduate study in psychology, community college teaching, and/or other professional aspirations. Students completing the certificate may apply to the MSU Interdisciplinary Studies master’s program with a focus area in psychology studies.  

Core Content
The following five courses will be considered core content. The student will then choose an additional psychology course as an elective to best complement professional aspirations.

GIDS 563: Research Methods will focus on methodologies pertinent for the social/behavioral researcher. Formulation of problems, techniques/methods of gathering data, presentation/reporting of data, use of appropriate scholarly sources, APA writing guidelines, the IRB process, and ethics will be reviewed.

GIDS 520: Research in Physiological Psychology is an investigation of current research, emerging and promising trends, challenges, and dilemmas in the field.  This course will focus on how biology, behavior, and experience interact. Areas of study include topics such as the communication of the nervous system, neurotransmission, the nature-nurture problem, classic antipsychotic/atypical antipsychotic interventions, mind-body interaction, and weight control.

GIDS 519: Psychology of Psychotherapy and Counseling reviews a variety of approaches to psychotherapy. Topics include subjects such as ethics, counseling styles, contributions of historical figures, social justice, diversity, and the strengths and weaknesses of differing perspectives in the field.

GIDS 517: Advanced Developmental Psychology is a directed study course that investigates human development from an in-depth holistic perspective. Developmental psychology is a complex and dynamic subject that requires the consideration of a wide array of variables such as how biology, genetics, and environment interplay.

GIDS 518: Psychology of Psychopathology and Diagnosis is an academic investigation of abnormal psychology and diagnosis from an in-depth holistic perspective. Psychopathology and diagnosis is a complex and dynamic subject that requires the consideration of a wide array of variables such as how biology, genetics, and environment interact. Additionally, variables such as politics, gender, class structure, and culture are integral to the discussion.

Electives

Choose one additional course from this list of current electives:
GIDS 521:  Advanced Educational Psychology orients the student to excellence in learning and instructional theory across the lifespan. A primary focus will include analysis of innovative educational models that meet and exceed the demands of an ever complex world.

GIDS 522:  Psychology of Spirituality and Religion explores the connections of spirituality-religion and underlying psychological life. The emphasis is nonsectarian in nature and incorporates diverse and challenging perspectives. Topics such as why religion exists, neurobiological manifestations of religion, belief development, and evolutionary psychology will be investigated. 

GIDS 523:  Psychology:  Professional Ethics and Legal Issues examines professional aspects of education, psychotherapy, and institutional guidelines protecting human and animal participants in research. The history, current aspects, and future trends will be analyzed.