Department of Psychology and Child Development

This department has two independent academic programs.  The main contact person is listed below for each academic program.

Psychology

William Potter, Ph.D., Department Chair 

Professors: Baker, Cook, Cortez, Cotter, Guichard, Luevano, Nelson, Potter, Roy, Stanislaw, Strongin
Associate Professors: Harven, Pedersen, Subramaniam, Williams, Wiskow 
Assistant Professors: Campbell, Jin, Montenegro, Paradis, Timmons, Turley, Williams, Wiskow
Lecturers: Bianchi, Forester, Garcia, Grimes, Hernandez, Snell

Office: Bizzini Hall 231
Phone: (209) 667-3386

Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology  with optional concentrations in Developmental Psychology  or Experimental Psychology 
Master of Arts in Psychology  General 
Master of Science in Psychology  with a concentration in Marriage and Family Therapy and in Behavior Analysis
Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis   

The University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Social Sciences with an interdepartmental major in Psychology and any other two disciplines within the Social Sciences. (See the Social Sciences  section of this catalog.)

Teaching Credentials

Psychology students interested in obtaining a single subject teaching credential are directed to the Social Sciences Subject Matter Preparation Program  in the Social Sciences section of this catalog. Also refer to the Teacher Education  section of this catalog for other requirements to be completed in obtaining a single subject credential.

Special Education Credentials

Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Extensive Support Needs

Students planning careers in the field of teaching exceptional children should consult with the credential adviser in the Department of Teacher Education  regarding program requirements.

Master of Arts in Psychology

The M.A. program in General Psychology  is designed (1) to prepare students for advanced graduate work, and (2) for students who desire a research-oriented program. This is a 30-unit program including a master’s thesis. Students following the course plan will complete this program in 1.5 years. 

Master of Arts in Applied Behavior Analysis

The M.A. program in Applied Behavior Analysis  is designed to provide students with knowledge and experience in applying the science of Behavior Analysis to a variety of areas in society. This is a 40-unit program including a master’s thesis. Students following the course plan will complete this program in 2 years. The program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International meeting the 5^th Edition coursework requirements for students taking the Board Certified Behavior Analysts® (BCBA) examination.

Master of Science in Psychology: Marriage and Family Therapy Concentration

The M.S. program is designed to train masters level professionals who can apply the techniques and knowledge of psychology to the solution of human problems. The M.S. program has two tracks: Behavior Analysis and Counseling. Both tracks meet the educational requirements for the California Marriage Family Therapist (MFT) license. The program is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. 

Behavior Analysis Track 

The M.S. Behavior Analysis track is a 61-unit program including a master’s thesis. Students following the course plan will complete this program in 3 years. The Behavior Analysis track meets the academic requirements of the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for the licensure in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT). In addition, the program includes a Verified Course Sequence (VCS) approved by the Association for Behavior Analysis International meeting the 5^th Edition coursework requirements for students taking the Board Certified Behavior Analysts ® (BCBA) examination. This track is unique in that it provides extensive training in behavioral theory, experimentation and application, as well as extensive training in counseling theory and techniques.

Counseling Track 

The M.S. Counseling track is a 60-unit program including a master’s thesis. Students following the course plan can complete the program in 2.5 years of full-time participation.  This program prepares the student to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam and become a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) in California.

Child Development

Rosanne Roy, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Professors: Cook, Cortez, Roy
Associate Professor: Paradis
Assistant Professor: Timmons, Turley
Lecturer: Grimes, Hernandez

Office: Bizzini Hall 231
Phone: (209) 667-3386

Child Development Center Director: Smith

Child Development Center Demonstration Teacher: Hernandez
Phone: (209) 667-3036

Programs

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development 
Minor in Child Development 
Liberal Studies degree concentration in Child Development 
Child Development M.A.  

Bachelor of Arts in Child Development

The program leading to a Bachelor of Arts, Child Development provides students with a background of knowledge and skills in child growth and development. The degree is delivered by the Department of Psychology and Child Development. Courses are selected from child development and related fields and include laboratory and field experiences at the Stanislaus State Child Development Center (CDC) as well as other applied settings.  The Child Development major is designed to prepare students for professional occupations with children and families as well as to prepare students to pursue advanced studies or research careers.

Master of Arts in Child Development

The Master of Arts in Child Development is a 34-unit program that integrates developmental theory and research with practice. Students begin with a foundation of theory and research courses in preparation for topical graduate seminars in social-emotional, cognitive-language and physical-motor development. Thematic topics of the advanced graduate seminars change each term, a unique feature to this program that enables faculty and students to explore new research and technologies. The program includes integration of content knowledge into applied areas, such as: literacy, intervention, curriculum, and social cognition, as well as field experience. Finally, students complete a thesis, project or comprehensive exam. These culminating experiences provide opportunities to give back to the community and discipline. This program is designed for students who are professionals in the community as administrators, educators, child and family service workers, etc., as well as those individuals committed to pursuing doctoral study. Visit Master of Arts in Child Development webpage here.

State of California Children’s Center Permits

California requires that individuals who serve as teachers and administrators of funded child development programs hold permits issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. See your academic adviser for coursework that is likely to meet these requirements. Applications for the Child Development Permit may be found here.

Transitional Kindergarten, Elementary, Secondary, and Special Education

Students pursuing teaching in public elementary or secondary schools or special education should consult Stan State’s credential programs or the University Catalog for the most current information regarding credential requirements and prerequisites to be completed concurrent with or upon completion of the baccalaureate.

Program Learning Outcomes

B.A. in Psychology

Psychology majors will:

1. Demonstrate psychological literacy.
2. Be able to identify strengths and weaknesses in psychological studies.
3. Apply psychology concepts to address real-world problems.
4. Communicate effectively in formal and informal written and oral modes.
5. Be able to identify the commonalities and differences among different theoretical frameworks.
6. Describe and act in accordance with the scientist-practitioner model.
7. Act according to ethical principles adopted by the profession.

M.A. in Psychology

1. Provide students with research methodology and statistical skills, enabling them to conduct and evaluate research.
2. Successfully mentor students in the advanced study of a specific area in Psychology.
3. Provide students with problem-solving skills related to the ethical issues of research and professional conduct.

M.A. in Applied Behavior Analysis

1. Demonstrate understanding in the theoretical and philosophical aspects of the analysis of behavior.
2. Apply the principles, techniques, and methodologies of behavior analysis in hands-on-experience settings.
3. Conduct original research that contributes to the knowledge base of behavior analysis.
4. Develop problem-solving skills related to legal and ethical issues regarding the application of behavioral principles and clinical interventions.
5. Demonstrate understanding of how the science of behavior analysis can be applied to a variety of areas in society.
6. Meet the academic requirements for professional careers as a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA).
7. Function effectively with other professions in traditional psychological settings.

M.S. in Psychology

1. Provide students with exposure to multiple approaches to therapy.
2. Provide students with counseling skills, and problem-solving skills related to working with clients.
3. Provide students with exposure to working with a variety of populations (e.g., children, families, couples, indigent individuals, various diagnoses, etc.).
4. Provide students with research methodology and statistical skills, enabling them to conduct, evaluate, and apply research.
5. Prepare students to meet the majority of the Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) academic requirements to obtain the MFT license in California and for the Behavior Analysis concentration, cover the academic content required by the Behavior Analysis Certification Board (BACB).
6. Provide students with legal and ethical competence consistent with being a professional psychologist.

B.A. in Child Development

1. Development: Students will communicate a basic knowledge of developmental theories and current research findings as they apply to children’s and adolescents’ social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical development. Students will understand implications for practice, supporting children and families’ overall health and wellness. 
2. Relationships: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how to foster a positive network of relationships and contribute to reciprocal relationships between children, adolescents, their families, and professionals. 
3. Diversity: Students will identify strength-based, family-centered, and collaborative practices to support children and families of diverse backgrounds, such as families from various contextual, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds, children with special needs, dual language learners.  
4. Research: Students will demonstrate information competency, the ability to critically evaluate research, and an understanding of research and developmental methods as well as ethical issues related to doing research with children. Students will understand the importance of observation and documentation for use in assessment and application of research into practice. 
5. Professionalism & Ethics: Students will be aware of child and family rights and use reflective practices demonstrating professional and ethical behavior while advocating for children, families, colleagues and the profession, working effectively with others to negotiate differences, and facilitating the development of common goals. 

M.A. in Child Development

Graduate students will:

1. Demonstrate child development knowledge to include theoretical perspectives, developmental domains, lifespan and contextual influences;
2. Demonstrate research processes to include ethics, methods, designs, critical analysis, and APA presentation;
3. Demonstrate professional practice to include legal and organizational infrastructure, developmentally appropriate practices and intervention strategies, and anti-bias strategies; and,
4. Demonstrate integration of theory, research and application in culminating experience.