Psychology is among the most popular academic programs, both at Casper College and and nationwide. The reasons are simple: It’s a wide ranging field that explores one of the world’s most fascinating subjects---behavior and mental processes. It’s also an preparatory  pre-professional  area with countless potential career opportunities.

Many students choose psychology as a major or minor field of study because they want to pursue eventual graduate training in psychology or a related field.  Others want to show employers that they are interested in people and interpersonal skills.  Still others find that psychology is an excellent compliment to majors such as addictionology, sociology, social work, biology, health professions, business  and communicating arts.

At Casper College, you work with professors who are experienced scholars, practitioners, and researchers.  Small classes, hands on experience and personal attention ensure you receive a quality education.  Casper college’s Psychology  faculty and course offerings are among the best that a community college can offer.

Casper College offers Associates degree in Psychology that include core courses in psychological research as well  as content areas such as human sexuality, forensic, developmental, biological, social and clinical psychology. Casper college also offers an addictionology degree that combines courses in psychology and addictionology.  Our degree in psychology also gives you the foundation to teach high school psychology.

Casper college Psychology graduates succeed at high level in bachelor’s degree programs and can even continue for the Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the UW-Casper College program.  Our graduates have an excellent record of being placed in masters and doctoral programs in psychology and related programs such as counselor education.  Whatever their career choices, our students think highly of their experiences with the Psychology Program at Casper College.

• Diana Quealy-Berge
  • Phone: (307) 268-2590
  • Office: AD 175A
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• Ruth Doyle, Ed.D.
  • Phone: (307) 268-2516
  • Office: PS 342
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• Shawn Powell, Ph.D.
  • Phone: (307) 268-2550
  • Office: AD 175A
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• Garth Shanklin, M.S., M.S. Ed.
  • Phone: (307) 268-2696
  • Office: PS 333
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• Associate of Arts/Associate of Science degree
  • Psychology

PSYC 1000 General Psychology (4L,4CR)[E][CS]:
One semester introductory psychology course designed to familiarize the student with the major areas of psychological research. Course orientation is directed toward understanding behavior through an experimental approach. Application of course content to everyday behavior situations is emphasized.

PSYC 2000 Research Psychological Methods (3L,2LB,4CR)[E][WB]:
Lecture and laboratory course designed to acquaint the student with the principles and methods employed in conducting and communicating behavioral research. Research strategies ranging from the case study through the laboratory experiment are reviewed. Practical experience in research design, data collection and analysis, and research report writing are emphasized. Laboratory work beyond regularly scheduled class hours is required. Prerequisite: an introductory course in psychology, completion of ENGL 1020, STAT 2050, 2070 or other four-hour statistic course with lab. Earned letter grade of “C” or better are required in each prerequisite course.

PSYC 2005 Forensic Psychology (3L,3CR):
This is an introductory level course that surveys the application and practice of forensic psychology in both the civil and criminal justice systems. The following topics are included: police and investigative psychology, family forensic psychology, psychology of crime and delinquency, victimology and victim services, legal psychology, expert witness testimony, and correctional psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000 or equivalent.

PSYC 2050 Introductory Counseling/Clinical Theories (3L,3CR):
An introductory course featuring a review of the development of psychotherapy, a study of psychological concepts basic to the therapeutic process, and understanding of the major models and principles of psychotherapy. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2080 Biological Psychology (3L,3CR)[E]:
Introduces biological bases of behavior. Includes ethnology and comparative behavior, psychobiological development, physiological and sensory mechanisms of behavior and evolution and behavioral genetics. Presents basic structural and functional properties of the nervous system. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000 and BIOL 1000 or equivalent.

PSYC 2200 Human Sexuality (3L,3CR):
An interdisciplinary course designed to acquaint the student with the major factors affecting human sexuality. Relevant research is reviewed in biology, psychology, sociology, and anthropology, as well as religious and historical perspectives. Prerequisite: three to four hours of a 1000 level introductory psychology or biology course. (Cross-listed as SOC 2200.)

PSYC 2205 Psychology of Deaf Persons (3L,3CR):
This course provides an introduction to the field of deafness from a psychological perspective. The effect of deafness on sensory, perceptual, cognitive, intellectual, linguistic and social-psychological processes will be considered. Clinical topics related to the impact of deafness and hearing impairment on children and families will also be covered. Selected contemporary issues such as the communications controversy, mainstreaming and the role of technology will be discussed. Students will have an opportunity to study basic concepts in American Sign Language (ASL) in the context of deaf culture. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2210 Drugs and Behavior (3L,3CR)[E]:
A survey of the drugs which affect behavior, emphasizing both psychotherapeutic agents and drugs with abuse potential. Includes a brief introduction to the chemistry of the brain and pharmacological aspects of each major class of psychoactive drugs will be discussed. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000 and three to four hours of 1000 level psychology or biology courses.

PSYC 2230 Sports and Exercise Psychology (3L,3CR):
An introduction to the field of sport and exercise psychology that focuses on the major areas of psychological research and application regarding sports and exercise environments, processes, performance enhancement, health and well being. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2260 Alcoholism (3L,3CR):
Patterns of alcohol use and theories of abuse and addiction will be presented along with current knowledge on the incidence, health effects, economic costs, and trends in treatment. Theoretical concepts will be based on constitutional, psychological and socio-cultural approaches. Issues ranging from pharmacology to societal concerns with problem drinking will be covered. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2300 Developmental Psychology (3L,3CR)[E]:
Provides an overview of child growth and development through adolescence using a lifespan approach, the theoretical bases for the area of child study, application of solutions to developmental problems, and the physical, psychological, social and emotional aspects of child psychology, as well as current research on the topic. Prerequisite: three to four hours of 1000 level introductory psychology.

PSYC 2305 Psychology of Language (3L,3CR):
This course will explore the psychological processes involved in language use. Topics include the perception of speech, parsing, memory for language, slips of the tongue, conversation, acquisition of a first language, brain mechanisms associated with language, and cultural facets of language. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2330 Psychology of Adjustment (3L,3CR)[E]:
This course is designed to bring students to an understanding of the more common problems of personal adjustment in terms of the general principles of psychology. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000.

PSYC 2340 Abnormal Psychology (3L,3LB,3CR)[E]:
A general study of abnormal behaviors including types, etiology, and treatment approaches. Prerequisite: seven hours of psychology or PSYC 1000 and four credits of biology.

PSYC 2360 Lifespan: Adulthood and Aging (1L,1CR)[E]:
An overview of the lifespan from adulthood to later maturity, the theoretical bases for adult development, and the psychological, physical, social and emotional aspects of adult transitions. Current research methodology on adulthood will be emphasized. Prerequisite: PSYC 2300 or concurrent enrollment with consent of instructor.

PSYC 2380 Social Psychology (3L,3CR)[E]:
Social Psychology familiarizes students with the psychology of human interaction.  Topics addressed include aggression, altruism, attitudes, attraction, conformity, group dynamics, perception of self and others, prejudice, social roles and social power. Prerequisite: PSYC 1000 or equivalent.

PSYC 2465 Special Problems in Psychology (1-3CR):
Directed study and research reserved for students who have successfully completed previous course work in psychology. A comprehensive research project or in-depth literature review is required. Topics must meet with the approval of the instructor the semester prior to initiating the course. Special problem work shall proceed under direct supervision of a Casper College psychology instructor. Prerequisite: PSYC 2000 or concurrent enrollment, or permission of the instructor.

PSYC 2490 Topics: (Subtitle) (2-3L,2-3CR) (Max. 6):
Offered in answer to specific need or public interest. A student may repeat this course twice under different subtitles to a maximum of six credit hours.

• Curriculum Worksheet
  

• American Psychological Association  http://www.apa.org/
• Association for Psychological Science http://www.psychologicalscience.org/
• Psychology careers  http://psyccareers.apa.org/
• Psi Beta National Honor Society in Psychology for Community  Colleges http://psibeta.org/

For information on careers, educational requirements, financial assistance, and licensing in all fields of psychology, contact:

• American Psychological Association
  Research Office and Education Directorate
  750 1st St. N.E.
  Washington, DC 20002-4242
  Internet: http://www.apa.org/students

For information on careers, educational requirements, certification,

• National Association of School Psychologists
  4340 East West Hwy., Suite 402
  Bethesda, MD 20814
  Internet: http://www.nasponline.org

Information about State licensing requirements is available from:

• Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
  P.O. Box 241245
  Montgomery, AL 36124-1245
  Internet: http://www.asppb.org

Information about psychology specialty certifications is available from:

• American Board of Professional Psychology, Inc.
  300 Drayton St., 3rd Floor
  Savannah, GA 31401
  Internet: http://www.abpp.org/

Casper College psychology majors are required to successfully complete an introductory survey course (PSYC 1000 General Psychology) as a prerequisite to all other courses in psychology, BIOL 1000 or 1010 with a lab and PSYC 2000 Research Psychological Methods are also required. Students should also note that STAT 2005 and MATH 1000 or STAT 2070 with an earned letter grade of "C" or better (or similar statistics type lab course) is a prerequisite for PSYC 2000. Depending on the selected degree (associate of arts or associate of science), nine  additional hours in psychology must be taken. As specified, general education requirements and approved electives must also be completed for "Psychology" to appear on the Casper College Diploma.

Students should refer to the academic policies and requirements of the intended transfer institution for further advisement.

Categories of Job Titles Relevant to Psychology Bachelor's Degree Holders

| School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Home Page | Office Hours |
| Psychology Departmental Report |

There are numerous opportunities within the School of Social & Behavioral Sciences at Casper College. The school is comprised of 13 departments including: Addictionology, Anthropology, Communication, Criminal Justice, Economics, Education, History, International Studies, Paralegal Studies, Political Science, Pre-Law, Psychology, and Sociology (which includes Social Work).

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