Applied Psychology Program: Important Courses
- Abnormal Psychology
- Ethics in Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Cultural Psychology
- Statistics for Applied Psychology
An applied psychology degree program can prepare students for many exciting and fulfilling careers. Depending on the area in which students wish to specialize, a sample of the careers that are available to persons with an applied psychology degree include clinical psychologists, career counselors, developmental psychologists, forensic psychologies, research psychologists, and school counselors.
The courses required to complete this degree are typically split up into three categories: general education courses, psychology-related courses, and electives. General education courses are required for all programs whereas electives allow students to choose courses that align with their chosen areas of specialty. Psychology-related coursework may vary from one school to the next, but five of the most common courses in this category are described below.
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1. Abnormal Psychology
One important course required to complete an applied psychology degree program is known as Abnormal Psychology. During this course, students will examine such topics as anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, adult and childhood-onset schizophrenia, personality disorders, and intellectual learning disorders. Areas of study include characteristics of each disorder, common biological and neurological causes, the effects of family and social interactions, and common treatments. Students will also examine a variety of case studies pertaining to various disorders.
2. Ethics in Psychology
Another course that is required to complete an applied psychology program is Ethics in Psychology. To ensure that clients receive the most confidential and best care possible, psychology professionals must understand the code of psychological ethics as set by the American Psychological Association. Topics of study in this course include ethical concerns related to psychological research, patient confidentiality, legal issues in clinical psychology, and ethical treatment of patients with psychological disorders.
3. Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology is also among the most important courses in an applied psychology degree program. During this class, students will learn about the normal cognitive, physical, and behavioral development of human beings. They will also examine the many theories pertaining to each area of development. Research studies will be explored, and students will have the opportunity to discuss the nature versus nurture debate. Throughout the course, students will also learn about the areas of abnormal development and the possible reasons behind abnormal development.
4. Cultural Psychology
As our country becomes more and more diverse, it is important for applied psychology students to learn about the different beliefs and behaviors of various cultures. Because of this, another essential course in an applied psychology degree program is Cultural Psychology. Cultural Psychology explores the different practices, beliefs, values, and behaviors of the main cultures found in the United States. Students enrolled in this course will also learn how persons from different cultures interact and how culture can affect a person’s psychological health.
5. Statistics for Applied Psychology
Yet another course that is essential to completing an applied psychology degree program is Statistics for Applied Psychology. Before students can complete this course, they will need to complete one of the following math courses depending on their college or university’s requirements: College Algebra, Quantitative Literacy, or Statistics. By examining case studies and research projects, students in this course will learn how to evaluate and organize data and how it can be applied to the field of psychology and the general population.
Applied psychology students will need to complete a broad range of coursework to earn their degrees. Although the psychology-related courses they will be required to complete may vary depending on their school of choice, the five courses described above are among the most common courses in an applied psychology degree program.