Course Descriptions

MBA655 Marketing Strategy (3 cr.)

This course addresses the principles of marketing and the tools and practices used to design and implement a comprehensive marketing strategy. It examines the frameworks and strategies behind making effective marketing decisions that build customer value and drive an organization’s growth. Topics include market research, target marketing, product development and positioning, brand-building, buyer behavior, pricing, distribution, and integrated marketing communications. In addition, the course focuses on achieving competitive advantage within the context of ethics and sustainability.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe different types of marketing research and construct a marketing research approach for a brand.

2. Formulate a marketing strategy based upon effective segmentation, targeting, and positioning.

3. Practice application of different pricing models and distribution strategies.

4. Develop integrated marketing communication and other strategies to leverage promotion opportunities.

5. Create comprehensive marketing plans in the context of strategic brand planning and product lifecycle management.

6. Explain the role of marketing in the context of ethics, mission, and sustainability.

MBA669 MBA Strategic Management Capstone (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): All other core courses
This course is the capstone for the MBA program. Students integrate knowledge from previous courses to analyze and evaluate competitive strategies used by firms. The case method is applied to a wide variety of industries and business issues. In addition, students have the live case experience of working with a sponsoring organization. Students assess the external and internal environments of the organization and develop a strategic plan.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Utilize appropriate tools to analyze and evaluate strategic decisions of firms.
2. Design strategies to obtain and sustain competitive advantage.
3. Create a strategic plan to address an organizational need.
    

MBA671 Banking Regulatory Environment (3 cr.)

This course explores the foundations of the banking system, including the stock market, derivatives, the Federal Reserve, and aspects of monetary policy. Special attention is given to banking regulation to combat the rise in economic crimes and economic policy following the financial crisis of 2008. 

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Distinguish the major components of the modern financial system.
2. Differentiate the operations of the stock market, including futures, call, puts, and swaps.
3. Contrast the origins, structure, and monetary policy tools of the Federal Reserve System with central banks outside the U.S.
4. Interpret the regulatory responses to significant economic and financial crimes.
5. Assess the major approaches to financial crises and banking panics.

DBA798 Primer (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Assigned as needed upon admittance to the DBA program
The purpose of this course is to enhance the quantitative skills of incoming DBA students.  Specifically, the course is designed to better prepare students in the areas of a) economics, b) finance, c) statistics, d) business math, and e) business analysis.  The student progresses through the aforementioned modules in order to ensure proper preparation for the academic and professional rigor of the DBA program.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify and evaluate the various challenges competitive firms face in the business environment.
2. Analyze the various forms of competition.
3. Analyze and evaluate the underpinnings of supply and demand in various forms of competitive markets.
4. Understand and evaluate how time value of money (TVM) impacts capital budgeting decisions.
5. Determine the relationship between financial risk and reward.
6. Understand the concept of normal distribution and how it applies to statistical analysis.
7. Understand how to apply hypothesis testing.
8. Use graphs to visualize and predict dependent variable outcomes.
9. Understand how the rate of change and marginal change impact business decision making.

DBA799 Student Orientation (0 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Admission to the DBA program
Attendance is required before DBA students begin coursework.  The orientation sessions introduce students to the faculty; provide a thorough description of the program’s academic expectations; introduce students to library services and the writing center staff; provide valuable information regarding course registration; demonstrate the use of Blackboard; and include a discussion of other important administrative matters.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Enroll in DBA courses online.
2. Procure appropriate services from the Library and Writing Center website or staff.
3. Contact his/her academic adviser.
4. Contact the Program Coordinator or Program Director.

DBA800 Global Markets and Resources (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA799 
This course examines the distribution of population and resources globally.  Trends in consumption, income, and employment are explored.  Political, institutional, and cultural forces affecting business are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the location and control of strategic resources.
2. Explain the evolution of the modern nation states and international alliances.
3. Analyze the effects of political and cultural forces on trade patterns.
4. Interpret current events within a global political and economic framework.

DBA801 The Developed World (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA803
This course continues the themes developed in DBA800 and focuses on the consumers, economics, and institutions of the industrialized nations.  Challenges and opportunities facing firms doing business in the developed counties are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the composition of the industrialized countries’ economic output.
2. Analyze the challenges and opportunities of doing business in an industrialized country.
3. Analyze the trade patterns of industrialized nations.
4. Summarize the economic and political risks faced by the developed countries.
5. Analyze the roles of the institutions that form the global financial systems.

DBA802 The Developing World (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA804
This course continues the themes developed in DBA800 and focuses on the consumers, economies, and institutions of the developing countries.  Challenges and opportunities facing firms doing business in the developing countries are compared and contrasted with those facing firms doing business in the developed countries.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the composition of the developing countries’ economic output.
2. Identify the root causes of the risks of doing business in developing countries.
3. Analyze the trade patterns of developing nations.
4. Critique the role of foreign aid in the developing world.
5. Compare doing business in the developed world with doing business in the developing world.

DBA803 Research Foundations (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA800 
This course establishes the framework for writing and critiquing scholarly research articles.  The fundamentals of study design, hypothesis testing, sampling techniques, and data analysis are discussed.  Emphasis is placed on ethical issues encountered by researchers.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop effective research questions and hypotheses.
2. Evaluate the differences between quantitative and qualitative research.
3. Evaluate social, political, and economic contingencies that impact organizations.
4. Evaluate ethical dimensions of organization research.
5. Evaluate sampling techniques.

DBA804 Quantitative Research Methods (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA801 
This course continues the themes developed in DBA803 and examines the use of parametric and non-parametric statistics in business research.  Topics include selection of appropriate statistical measures, regression analysis, and analysis of variance.  Time series models are emphasized.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze and evaluate the application of various quantitative methods.
2. Evaluate quantitative sampling methods.
3. Evaluate results and interpretation techniques.
4. Apply and evaluate research ethics to quantitative research design.
5. Conduct quantitative data analysis.

DBA805 Qualitative Research Methods (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA802  
This course continues the themes developed in DBA803 and examines the use of qualitative methods in business research.  The role of qualitative techniques in exploratory research is emphasized.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate the applications of various qualitative methods.
2. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate qualitative sampling methods.
3. Develop qualitative data collection instruments.
4. Analyze, synthesize, and evaluate qualitative data analysis, including coding.
5. Conduct qualitative data analysis.

DBA810 Social Responsibility and Ethics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA805  
This course examines the roles of for-profit and nonprofit organizations in society.  Differences and similarities in stakeholder expectations are explored.  Ethical issues arising in each of the functional areas are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze the roles of for-profit and not-for-profit institutions in meeting societal needs.
2. Discuss the roles of governments in meeting societal needs.
3. Analyze ethical dilemmas using a variety of frameworks.
4. Construct a social responsibility plan.

DBA811 Organization Development and Leadership (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA810  
This course applies the principles of organization development to the examination of the firm.  Topics include systems theory, organizational interventions, power and political structures, and effective resource management.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze organization life cycles through systems theory.
2. Apply and evaluate the effectiveness of organizational interventions.
3. Evaluate the role of power within the formal and informal political structures of an organization.
4. Apply organization development theory to an existing organization.
5. Evaluate models of resource management and economic forecasting for effective fiscal planning.

DBA812 Strategic Governance (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA811 
This course continues the themes begun in DBA810 and DBA811 and focuses on determining the strategic direction and governance of the organization.  Emphasis is placed on development of objectives consistent with the organizational mission and desires of stakeholders, and measurement of progress towards those objectives.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the competing values of different stakeholder groups.
2. Develop measurable objectives consistent with the organization’s mission and stakeholder desires.
3. Create a strategic governance plan.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of governance structures.

DBA813 Topical Papers in Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA812  
This course examines research issues central to the management of organizations.  Emphasis is placed on managing human resources.  Topics include organization change, leadership, power, motivation and performance, conflict and negotiation, and organization culture.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate historical and foundational works in the management field.
2. Critique and synthesize major areas of current management research.
3. Develop original research questions.

DBA814 Topical Papers in Strategy (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA813  
This course examines research issues in organization strategy.  Emphasis is placed on the relationship of the firm to the external environment.  Topics include planning and strategic management, organization structure and design, implementation of vision and mission, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critique and synthesize major areas of current strategy research.
2. Develop and refine a research question based on relevant literature.
3. Create a preliminary literature review to support a research question.

DBA815 Topical Papers in Innovation (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA814  
This course examines research issues regarding the role of innovation in the creation of new business models, improving customer experience, and opening of new markets.  Emphasis is placed on developing organization capabilities to meet market needs based on emerging trends.  Topics include theories of innovation leadership and innovation, adaptability, and the introduction of new products and services.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critique and synthesize major areas of current research in innovation.
2. Fully develop and refine a research question based on relevant literature.
3. Create a comprehensive literature review to support a research question.

DBA816 Topical Papers in Macroeconomics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA812  
This course examines research issues in macroeconomics.  Emphasis is placed on the results of decisions made by consumers, organizations, and governments.  Topics include unemployment, inflation, savings, investment, exchange rates, and the role of governments in markets.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate historical and foundational works in the field of macroeconomics.
2. Critique and synthesize major areas of current macroeconomics research.
3. Develop original research questions.

DBA817 Topical Papers in Economic Risk Management (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA816  
This course examines research issues in economic risk management.  Emphasis is placed on identifying and modeling risks faced by organizations.  Topics include measuring and quantifying risk, managing exchange and interest rate risks, and managing input and output price risks.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critique and synthesize major areas of current research in economic risk management.
2. Develop and refine a research question based on relevant literature.
3. Create a preliminary literature review to support a research question.

DBA818 Topical Papers in Finance (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA817  
This course examines research issues in finance.  Emphasis is placed on decision making within an organization attempting to satisfy multiple stakeholders.  Topics include capital budgeting, management of assets and liabilities, the role of financial markets, and the institutions of the global financial system.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critique and synthesize major areas of current research in finance.
2. Fully develop and refine a research question based on relevant literature.
3. Create a comprehensive literature review to support a research question.

DBA820 Advanced Research Writing for Business (3 cr.)

This course introduces students to doctoral-level academic writing in the field of business and guides them in developing a writing process for extensive research projects.  Through completing a literature review on a topic of interest, students build their research skills, develop an academic writing style, and apply APA citation and formatting guidelines.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand how purpose and audience shape workplace and academic writing.
2. Identify their strengths and areas for improvement as writers.
3. Locate and evaluate scholarly sources relevant to their research question.
4. Approach a topic from a multidisciplinary perspective, synthesizing sources from a variety of fields.
5. Incorporate source material using APA style, including correct use of summary, paraphrase, and quotation.
6. Provide effective feedback and revise their own writing based on feedback from others.

DBA830 Seminar (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): DBA815  or DBA818 
This course provides a forum for students to discuss and present research proposals relevant to their field of study.  This course is common to both tracks.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Design a research study for a topic of interest.
2. Present an original research design.
3. Critique original research designs created by other students.

DBA860 Comprehensive Exam (1 cr.)

DBA students are required to take a comprehensive examination upon completion of the coursework, including foundational courses or equivalents.  The comprehensive examination is an integrative experience requiring students to demonstrate personal mastery of concepts studied during the program and application of concepts to challenges in their areas of specialization.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Display abilities to analyze, synthesize, evaluate, and apply knowledge.
2. Display abilities to organize ideas and to communicate effectively both in writing and in speaking.
3. Display a breadth and depth of knowledge of management theories and strategies.
4. Display a breadth and depth of knowledge of economic, political, and cultural forces that shape the business environment.
5. Display abilities to research, write, and defend a meaningful doctoral dissertation.

DBA890 Dissertation (12 cr.)

Individualized sessions are conducted with the candidate’s committee chairperson to prepare the dissertation proposal and the dissertation as well as the presentation to the committee.  Upon successful defense of the dissertation proposal, the student submits the proposal to the Research Review Board for approval.  Candidates are required to register for at least one dissertation credit each semester until finished, with a minimum of 12 credits required to complete the degree.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate satisfactory progress has been made toward completion of the dissertation.

DBA900 Dissertation Defense (0 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of the D.B.A. Dissertation
Each student is required to provide a presentation of the dissertation project to the student’s committee and the public.  The committee and the public are encouraged to ask questions of the student regarding the research project, the student’s written dissertation, points developed in the presentation, or any other related matter.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Create a written, bound dissertation that meets all requirements of the student’s committee and the DBA program.
2. Create a public presentation of the dissertation project and its results.

BI343 Business Computer Applications (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BU403  and BU407 , or Program Director approval
This course provides in-depth coverage of Microsoft Excel and Access in the context of business applications. Excel topics include formulas and functions, charting, large datasets, pivot tables, and what-if analysis. Access topics include relational database concepts, database design, basic query construction, and report generation. This course combines online and hands-on learning.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop an understanding of Microsoft Excel and Access.
2. Utilize database and spreadsheet applications in a variety of simulations.
3. Attain the ability to create worksheets and workbooks.
4. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of popular business software.
5. Apply skills demanded by business.
6. Perform powerful data analysis in Excel.

BI351 Information Systems for Business Intelligence (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BI343  
This course focuses on the fundamentals of information systems and their foundational technologies as they can be used for business analysis and intelligence. Areas studied include hardware, operating systems, database systems, knowledge management, decision support systems, and networked computing concepts. Data oriented techniques for business intelligence and decision making are introduced.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze approaches to business information systems.
2. Evaluate the architectural elements involved in business intelligence.
3. Apply best practices of database design, administration, and implementation.
4. Reflect on ethical and social issues relating to information systems.

BI352 Data Analysis and Business Modeling (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BI343  
This course is designed to introduce the concept of business analytics.  Analytics helps businesses make better decisions by using sound judgment and data.  This is a skill development class that explores how statistics are used in business.  Students in this course develop a specialized skill set used in a variety of roles within an organization.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop an analytical framework to assess and improve business performance.
2. Apply basic concepts of statistics and probability to predict future outcomes.
3. Execute advanced forecasting models including multi-linear regression and exponential smoothing.
4. Communicate complex models in simple and concise terms to a variety of decision makers.
5. Demonstrate effective written communication of analytical work to professional audience.
6. Integrate external and internal data sets to evolve data into knowledge.

BI354 Data Mining for Decision Making (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BI351 , BI352  
This course provides both the theoretical and practical knowledge of data mining topics. Students have the opportunity to work with a number of exercises to practice and understand the uses of data mining in business organizations. Students complete a data mining project as part of the course requirements.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of popular data mining techniques.
2. Apply R software to assemble data mining techniques.
3. Compare the utility of different methods.
4. Reliably perform model/feature selection.
5. Apply resampling-based approaches to assess model performance and reliability.
6. Perform analyses of real world data.
7. Apply techniques and skills of creative and analytic thinking.

BI420 Business Analytics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BI351 , BI352 , BI354  
This course examines methods that have been studied in previous Business Intelligence major courses and those from the business core proven to be of value in recognizing patterns and making predictions from an applications perspective.  Course learning involves utilizing a variety of software to aid in the review of analytical cases to improve understanding of enterprise level analytics.  Students build a data warehouse, using data profiling and quality skills, and lifecycle models introduced in the course.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe and interpret the basic concepts of business modeling for competitive advantage.
2. Evaluate business problems and determine suitable analytical methods.
3. Plan, develop, and evaluate methods for pattern discovery, segmentation, and clustering.
4. Plan, develop, and evaluate methods for analysis and rule discovery.
5. Synthesize information to guide decision making.
6. Utilize Visual Basic programming language in data projects.
7. Construct a star schema and other relational databases using SQL to create architecture that supports enterprise-level decision making.
8. Execute advanced analytic models using programing language.
9. Assess the need for integrating an organization’s goals and objectives with the use of information technology.

BIA620 Business Analytics (3 cr.)

This course focuses on the complex nature of analytics at the enterprise level. Emphasis is placed on the techniques companies use to turn information into an asset.  Leadership and communication techniques are examined.  Additional topics include leveraging proprietary data, technology and organizational performance.  Best practices in project management are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Differentiate company products and services by monitoring and analyzing usage patterns.
2. Assess the financial aspects involved in a company’s analytics maturity cycle.
3. Integrate an enterprise perspective in coordinating the work of analysts to gain the greatest business value.
4. Apply business analytics strategy to complex scenarios.

BIA630 Data Analysis and Business Modeling (3 cr.)

This course provides an introduction to advanced concepts in predictive modeling and techniques to discover patterns in data, identify variables with the most predictive power, and develop predictive models. Students are introduced to descriptive, predictive, prescriptive analytics and optimization models. The course utilizes Microsoft Excel to engineer and analyze business models. Students identify the proper use of and complete regression, optimization, and exponential smoothing models.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Utilize datasets to develop statistics and probability to predict future outcomes.
2. Implement appropriate models needed to analyze and critically evaluate business objectives.
3. Develop written and oral communication skills required to report on data-intensive business situations.
4. Organize data-intensive content in a professional setting.
5. Execute advanced analytics techniques.

BIA640 Data Visualization and Storytelling (3 cr.)

This course explores best-practice data visualization techniques.  Professional storytelling and graphic design skills are introduced.  Students study effective strategies and visualization tools to communicate with business decision makers.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Source appropriate data to create effective visualizations.
2. Construct a compelling story with data to drive business action.
3. Design effective data visualizations in order to communicate information to the viewer.
4. Build visualizations that assist in error detection and data preparation.

BIA645 Communications and Content Strategies (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA630 , MBA633 , DIGA605 , BIA640 
This course focuses on explaining complex datasets, models, and analysis to a variety of stakeholders including internal and external organizations and personnel of various disciplines. Audience analysis, and effective strategic communication are studied. Students identify and analyze problems. Professionalism in both oral and written communication is expected.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Conduct stakeholder analysis and communications results.
2. Identify business problems and create analytical approaches to solve them.
3. Write reports based on best-practice data analysis frameworks.
4. Demonstrate best practice communication techniques to visualize, explore, and act on data science findings.

BIA650 Data Mining for Decision Making (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MBA618 , BIA630  
Supervised and unsupervised machine learning is explored. Discussion covers standard data mining techniques using machine learning algorithms, including correlation and association, discriminant analysis, nearest neighbor, cluster analysis, and neural networks.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Comprehend the mechanics of machine learning, and multiple techniques such as pattern recognition, or statistical hypothesis testing.
2. Apply the data requirements for regressions, classification, and clustering machine learning activities.
3. Implement data cleansing, normalization, and standardization techniques.
4. Evaluate model accuracy and implement improvements.
5. Apply advanced modeling techniques to a variety of business activities.

BIA661 Programming for Data Science: R Programming Language (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MBA618  
This course provides an introduction to the framework for utilizing the R programming language and framework for developing advanced analytical models and statistical studies. The course features R Studio as an interface and application for performing, creating, and scripting. Students practice importing external data to study a business problem and produce a method for communicating an analysis.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Write high quality, maintainable R programs and scripts.
2. Use the R Studio software for performing complex numerical analysis tasks.
3. Articulate the value of R language for analytical modeling.
4. Develop applications that offer a functional, sophisticated interface to the user.
5. Demonstrate the concepts and logic of structured computer programming.

BIA662 Programming for Data Science: Python Programming Language (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): MBA618 
This course focuses on the framework for utilizing the Python programming language and structure for developing advanced analytical models and statistical studies. The course features an interface and application for performing, creating, and scripting. Students practice importing external data to study a business problem and produce a method for communicating an analysis.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Write high quality, maintainable Python programs.
2. Articulate the value of Python programming language for analytical modeling.
3. Develop applications that offer a functional sophisticated interface to the user.
4. Demonstrate the concepts and logic of structured computer programming.

BIA665 Decision Support Systems (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA630 
Student learn how to build, assess, and support decision support systems such as data warehouses and data marts for data science. Students build a data warehouse. Project management strategies are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Articulate fundamental database concepts.
2. Explain the value of different types of databases, such as cloud computing versus localized databases.
3. Communicate architecture requirements via industry standard diagrams.
4. Evaluate relational table design and pitfalls of poor design.
5. Implement an operational data store with the fundamentals of structured query language (SQL).
6. Articulate appropriate program management strategies.

BIA670 Governance, Ethics, and Legal Considerations in Healthcare (3 cr.)

Examine ethical and legal considerations when working with healthcare data, including HIPAA, decisions made by providers, payers, drug companies, pharmacies, and medical product manufacturers. Students study real world cases illustrating data governance in health care organizations, issues in patient privacy, data ownership, and restrictions on data analysis.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Compare the relationship between healthcare data collection laws and analytic needs.
2. Evaluate project needs to determine the level of sensitivity required in data set analysis.
3. Explain the ethical and legal considerations with healthcare data and personal records.
4. Analyze the needs that different organizations have with data governance.

BIA671 Information Systems for Healthcare Analytics (3 cr.)

This course explores the performance management and technology management for the healthcare industry. This includes patient records, billing, operations, and organizations that support the healthcare industry. Students study healthcare informatics, patient portals, ERP systems, and data repositories such as data marts, data warehouses, and cloud computing. Common software used to collect and query data is also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate different decision support systems used in healthcare.
2. Differentiate between the various data requirements needed in healthcare organizations for analytics projects.
3. Execute simple SQL queries to pull data needed for an analytics project.
4. Create performance management metrics and measurements within the balanced scorecard framework.
5. Identify common entry points and technology in which users have access to patient and operational data.

BIA672 Artificial Intelligence for Healthcare (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA630 
This course covers the collection of data and the use of information as an asset in a healthcare organization.  Students learn how to collect and transform data for use in an artificial intelligence project using R-Studio. Students study patterns using machine learning techniques and incorporate business strategy in their analysis.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Assess data quality in patient and operational healthcare data.
2. Evaluate standards of excellence in data collection methods for artificial intelligence.
3. Build a quality dataset from raw data for use in machine learning models.
4. Create data mining predictions with categorical regression and data transformation. 
5. Implement statistical models to study and improve model accuracy.

BIA673 Healthcare Data Communications (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA670 , BIA671 , BIA672  
Students in this course explore best-practice techniques for communicating with stakeholders in the healthcare industry. The course explores how to understand the needs of the audience, including medical staff, executive management, and business teams. Healthcare data techniques, such as business problem framing, analytics problem processing, and storytelling, are explored.  Students create written, digital, and oral presentations, including data visualizations with sensitive data.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Conduct stakeholder analysis to prepare high-impact presentations.
2. Demonstrate written, digital, and oral communication techniques to visualize, explore, and act on data science findings.
3. Secure sensitive datasets for presentation.
4. Implement the data analysis lifecycle
5. Apply agile project management to produce optimized presentation materials.

BIA680 Python for Artificial Intelligence (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA630 , DIGA620 
This course focuses on the framework for utilizing the Python programming language for artificial intelligence applications. The course explores performing, creating, and scripting. Students gain experience in programming python scripts and data science applications.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Write high quality, maintainable Python programs for deep learning.
2. Import Python libraries for artificial intelligence development.
3. Articulate and demonstrate the value and concepts of Python programming language for analytical modeling.
4. Apply mathematical operations and code aligned with common machine learning techniques.
5. Evaluate common approaches to artificial intelligence application development.

BIA681 Introduction to Deep Learning (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA680 
This course introduces students to the complex nature of deep learning. Studying  supervised and unsupervised models, students explore the benefits that deep learning offers to businesses. Using Python, students build a neural network model using the Keras framework and interpret the results for stakeholders.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Communicate a conceptual understanding of why neural networks are gaining popularity.
2. Compare neural networks with other data structures and the situations that neural networks should be used over other structures.
3. Visualize and interpret the components of a shallow neural network.
4. Construct a basic deep neural network model using Python and the Keras library.
5. Explain deep neural network model results for stakeholders.

BIA682 Deep Learning: Special Types of Neural Networks and Applications (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): BIA681  
This course continues the exploration of deep neural networks by building special types of neural networks for various applications. Working with Python Keras, students build a neural network model and evaluate its results. Students explore different neural network architectures, such as recurrent neural networks and compare them to basic neural networks.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate the application of neural networks for time series/sequence data.
2. Evaluate and compare the usage of neural networks with traditional methods for time series/sequence data.
3. Construct prediction models using special types of neural networks with the Keras libraries.
4. Assess deep learning model results to improve accuracy.
5. Communicate neural network results to stakeholders.
6. Explain other deep learning techniques and applications.

BIA690 Capstone Project (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completion of all coursework or concurrent enrollment in final courses.
This course is a culmination of all the knowledge and skills learned in this program. Students may work with a company to complete a significant project. Students may create their own individual project of significance with a proposal approved by your program director.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Articulate a business problem and apply the data analysis framework to develop a solution.
2. Apply best-practice data analytics techniques to a business problem.
3. Apply best-practice business intelligence techniques to a business problem.
4. Professionally present findings to a project sponsor or another audience or committee.
5. Implement an analytical solution according to the data analysis framework.

COM309 Professional Writing (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): English Composition or equivalent
This course provides strategies for developing a clear, concise professional writing style. A variety of writing formats are addressed. Research for professional documents, writing in an electronic environment, and collaborative writing are considered. Voice, style, audience, purpose, the writing process, and strategies for editing and revision are examined in the context of interpersonal and ethical dimensions.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Write effectively in various forms of professional writing.
2. Demonstrate writing in a professional environment.
3. Exhibit a professional voice and writing style.
4. Effectively incorporate relevant research into professional writing.
5. Understand and apply the writing process to diverse audiences and purposes.
6. Effectively incorporate elements of professional document design into print and electronic documents.
7. Employ professional revision and editing skills.
    

COM310 Oral Communications (3 cr.)

Communication skills pertinent to organizational settings form the foundation of this course.  Effective methods for design and delivery of oral communication are examined. Other topics include communication styles, effective listening, interpersonal communication skills, dynamics of small group communication and persuasive speaking, all in the context of professional workplace communications.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate effective oral communication skills.
2. Demonstrate effective and active listening skills.
3. Recognize and adapt to differing communication styles.
4. Demonstrate skill in interpersonal communication.
5. Understand small group dynamics.
6. Demonstrate persuasive speaking techniques.
7. Effectively create and utilize graphics or other appropriate media in professional presentations.
8. Deliver organized, professional informational and persuasive presentations.
    

COM325 Prior Learning Exploration (3 cr.)

This course supports the development of the critical and analytical skills for a student to comprehensively document prior learning experiences in order to create an online portfolio to be submitted for consideration for college credit.  Emphasis is on the rigorous assessment of prior learning using applicable theories of adult learning, the researching of information as it pertains to the process, and the development of their skills in summary, reflective and expository writing, as well as the use of instructional technology.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Explain the difference between traditional and experiential learning.
2. Analyze prior experiences and synthesize their learning from those experiences.
3. Apply learning styles to explain their experiential learning.
4. Communicate through writing or other media the knowledge they have gained through experience and the impact of that learning upon them.
5. Create an e-portfolio that presents materials that document their prior learning.

COM330 Academic Writing (3 cr.)

Academic writing focuses on reflective, informational, and persuasive writing directed at an academic audience. Clear summarization of material, critical reading of texts, thoughtful and developed responses, effective secondary research, incorporation of sources into documents, appropriate document of research using APA format, and construction of persuasive and informative academic papers are addressed. The format and style of essays and research papers are explored. The course also emphasizes the development of a strong, formal academic voice and style.  The course is taught around a humanities theme, which assignments focus upon. Themes vary by semester.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Critically read and engage texts.
2. Express and explain, in a logical and developed manner, their responses to texts or ideas.
3. Develop a clear thesis statement and support it with evidence.
4. Develop a clear organization for a paper, and manage their ideas and sources within the paper.
5. Conduct secondary research using library databases and other appropriate academic research.
6. Apply APA format and documentation to a research paper.
7. Write in a formal academic style and voice.
8. Incorporate source materials effectively into their papers.
9. Identify and follow all ethical requirements of using source materials for a paper or presentation.
    

CJ300 Criminal Justice Systems (3 cr.)

This course examines the political, legal, social, and policy environments that affect the criminal justice system. It addresses training assessment, ethical issues, application of current research, strategies for creating partnerships, and working relationships among criminal justice organizations and professionals.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe political, legal, social, and policy contexts.
2. Conduct research focusing on criminal justice issues.
3. Identify ethical issues in criminal justice. 
4. Develop partnerships and working relationships with other public safety professionals.
5. Understand the processes for implementing and evaluating training programs.
6. Analyze evolving technologies and the use of social media within the criminal justice system.

CJ305 Criminal Justice Statistics (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CJ300  or equivalent
This course presents theory, procedures, and practical application for data formulation and analysis. The focus is on criminology and crime-related statistics that measure central tendency and dispersion, probability, and critical thinking skills regarding analysis of data sets.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify historical and current trends in the criminal justice system.
2. Utilize computer databases to identify information for problem solving within their community.
3. Identify statistical methods that are typically used in criminal justice related reporting. 
4. Construct and interpret data distributions concerning raw data in an ethical manner.
5. Explain measures of central tendency and understand how their presentation impacts public perception and policy.
6. Understand probability and probability distributions.
7. Identify and demonstrate working with single and multivariate data and analyze its validity.
8. Critique related statistics used to support assumptions and drive policy-making decisions.
9. Identify useful software and websites for analyzing data.

CJ400 Ethical Decision Making in the Criminal Justice Systems (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CJ300  or equivalent
This course reviews ethical philosophies used as a foundation for analysis and discussion of ethical issues facing criminal justice professionals. The philosophical foundations provide a range of approaches to address current criminal justice challenges, organizational issues, community expectations, and the impact of community on organizational and individual decision making.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Explain the legal requirements and code of ethics of their profession.
2. Articulate the differences among and apply laws, rules, regulations, and policies.
3. Analyze individual and organizational conflicts of interest and how to manage them.
4. Recognize how ethical issues develop within criminal justice organizations, and their social, political, and economic environments.
5. Assess the congruence between personal norms and an organizations’ written and unwritten ethical principles. 
6. Apply ethical concepts in resolving issues.
7. Demonstrate models of ethics in leadership throughout various roles in the organization. 
8. Identify relevant resources.

CJ405 Diversity in Criminal Justice (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CJ300  or equivalent
This course focuses on the changing role and societal expectations of criminal justice professionals and agencies in dealing with current societal issues, the challenges of an aging population, and the continued growth of new immigrant populations. The course also addresses the need for collaborative partnerships with all sectors of the community and government entities.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Articulate how ethnicity connects to culture, class, gender, race, and age.
2. Recognize and articulate dynamics and effects of racism, privilege, and discrimination in an understanding of multiculturalism.
3. Describe how the typical immigration pathways and historical backgrounds affect an ethnic group’s views on the criminal justice process. 
4. Develop policies and practices to foster organizational cultural awareness.
5. Navigate difficult conversations in order to build trust and communication, promote public trust, and enhance legitimacy of the criminal justice system. 
6. Apply relevant data to research, problem solving, and policy development.

CJ410 Criminal Justice Practice and Process (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CJ300  or equivalent
This course examines the legislative process, including law changes, budget implications, and risk management applications in criminal justice policy creation and agency training requirements. The course addresses the need for reviewing training curriculum and the proper vetting of trainers.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Analyze training needs, mandates, assessments, and programs.
2. Examine the legislative process and how it impacts individual communities and agencies.
3. Outline how best to work collaboratively with the legislative body and other criminal justice agencies.
4. Assess long- and short-term risk management within policy decision making.
5. Explain sentencing guidelines and the process used for creation and change.
6. Create and improve policy.
7. Apply evidenced-based practices in the criminal justice system.

CJ415 Wellness in Criminal Justice Environments (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CJ300  or equivalent
This course is designed to foster individual wellness by examining how a work environment affects criminal justice professionals. Students explore the impact of mental health and trauma on the individual, organization, and community. Strategies for creating a sense of well-being are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Explain the basic sources and processes of stress, with specific focus on the nature of work environment stresses.
2. Examine coping strategies and means to increase resiliency in criminal justice professionals. 
3. Discern the differences between acute stress incidents and chronic ongoing stresses and their impact on criminal justice professionals and organizations. 
4. Identify potentially traumatic experiences that may impact an individual, an organization, or a community.
5. Recognize the importance of organizational support in well-being and stress management.
6. Develop best practices and policies to create a healthy organization.

CRT605 Understanding Race and Culture (3 cr.)

Course participants explore their beliefs and educational experts’ perspectives on culture and race and their impact on teaching and learning. Emphasis is also placed on the systemic nature of the role of race in educational environments.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the varying perspectives, systemic nature, and challenges connected to race and culture, including their own.
2. Understand the implications of culture as a fluid and dynamic social construct in relation to K-12 settings.
3. Compare and contrast the culture of school environments to the culture of students.
4. Research and evaluate strategies that demonstrate an understanding of culture and race.
5. Demonstrate self-reflection in a collaborative environment where participants learn from and with one another.

CRT610 Principles of Culturally Responsive Classrooms and Teaching (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CRT605  
This course examines strategies to create an inclusive classroom environment that is responsive and relevant to students and their families and the ways in which all students learn. The course focuses on the linguistic, social, emotional, and academic systems in school communities for creating a community of learners.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify principles and strategies essential for creating a culturally responsive classroom.
2. Analyze the relationship among the lived experiences of learners in school, home, and community that impact student engagement and achievement.
3. Articulate the concepts related to a learner-centered approach to teaching and learning that incorporates cultural, linguistic, and community values.
4. Identify individual perspectives, biases, and strengths to facilitate more effective teaching.
    

CRT615 Eliminating Racial Disparities in Student Achievement (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CRT610  
This course addresses the specific issues that contribute to the disparities in student achievement that exist among K-12 student groups. Concepts, professional knowledge, and research-based strategies designed to address these disparities are discussed, analyzed, and applied through a case study approach.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Use data to define what disparities in student achievement are and how norming influences misconceptions.
2. Analyze situations to identify challenges and systemic conditions that lead to and/or contribute to the disparities in student achievement on standardized tests.
3. Research and evaluate solutions that eliminate disparities in student achievement.
4. Develop and modify instructional plans that integrate the essential skills, knowledge, and strategies to reduce the achievement gap.
5. Identify individual practices, biases, and strengths that perpetuate or eliminate disparities in student achievement to facilitate more effective teaching.
    

CRT620 Designing Culturally Responsive Teaching (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CRT 615  
In this course, the principles of culturally responsive teaching are applied to instructional planning and assessment. Topics include determining instructional objectives, aligning principles of culturally responsive teaching to district/local standards and frameworks, and designing and/or differentiating culturally responsive assessments.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the principles and concepts essential for rigorous and relevant instructional planning.
2. Employ strategies to develop rigorous and relevant curriculum, assessments, and learning environments that meet the needs of racially, ethnically and linguistically diverse learners.
3. Create integrated, standards-based instructional plans and assessments that document the principles of effective instructional design and culturally responsive teaching.
    

CRT625 Comprehensive Application of Principles (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): CRT 620  
In this course, students complete a comprehensive performance assessment that documents and presents their individual growth, understanding, and application of the program outcomes.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Comprehensively integrate essential concepts from the program to demonstrate their cultural competence.
2. Articulate the change in one’s own perceptions and approaches since the initial program assessment.
3. Evaluate the design and implementation of a culturally responsive instructional plan and the data on change in student achievement.
4. Evaluate relevant research utilized to shape professional practice.
    

PY599 Professional Psychological Writing (2 cr.)

This course provides students with an introduction to professional psychological writing and includes (a) an overview of American Psychological Association (APA) format, (b) writing experiences typical of those encountered in the coursework in the counseling and psychological services program, organized around typical professional issues, (c) writing necessary for the professional practice of psychology.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand APA Manual and writing style.
2. Apply professional writing skills.

PY600 General Psychology (3 cr.)

This course provides an overview of the discipline of psychology including basic psychological processes, concepts, and methods. Major theories and contributors are studied. This course MAY BE REQUIRED for students with minimal undergraduate credit in psychology, but cannot count toward total number of credits needed to complete the degree.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Overview major themes encompassed by the field of psychology.
2. Take into account both the biological basis of psychology and the role of culture as pivotal in shaping basic psychological processes.
3. Examine key conceptual orientations used by psychologists to describe psychological phenomena.
    

PY605 Developmental Psychology (3 cr.)

The course examines characteristic changes in behavior and functioning in each stage of life from conception to death. Physical, cognitive, affective, and social bases of behavior are explored. The elements of professional writing are applied.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the systematic nature of the patterns of growth and development in all human beings.
2. Examine the developmental tasks which the individual must master at each stage of his or her life span.
3. Describe potential developmental psychopathologies and their impact on the normative process.
4. Analyze the effects of social and cultural factors upon the individual’s development.
5. Apply principles of development to the understanding of individual behavioral reactions.
6. Analyze writings from research journals and mainstream press as they relate to the course content.
7. Apply professional writing style.

PY606 Psychophysiology (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY608  
This course examines the basic anatomy of the nervous system, the normal physiological functions of the nervous systems, the biological bases of behavior, behavioral disorders, and brain diseases. The course reviews current research on the role of biological basis of behavior.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Describe the basic anatomy and physiology of the nervous system.
2. Describe potential biological mechanisms of behavioral disorders and brain diseases based on an understanding of current research in the field.
3. Apply current research in the analysis of psychological disorders.
4. Evaluate reasons for diagnosis and treatment interventions.
5. Describe the biological basis of selected psychological disorders.

PY608 Psychopathology (3 cr.)

This course examines the healthy personality, maladjustment, transient disorders, anxiety states, psychosis, mood, psychosomatic, and personality disorders. The course focuses on the description of the main criteria and associated features of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnostic groups. In addition, etiology, prognosis, prevention, and treatment of the disorders are considered.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the classifications and categories of the major mental disorders, including the importance of incorporating a client’s cultural and educational background.
2. Apply the diagnostic criteria as defined by DSM to actual clinical cases.
3. Analyze clinical information and use diagnostic criteria to differentiate between mental disorders.
4. Evaluate the problems associated with diagnosing.
5. Utilize basic understanding of normal development, psychopathology, and client factors to develop a clinical treatment plan.
    

PY613 Counseling Theory and Technique (3 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Pre/Co-Requisites: PY605 , PY608 
Major approaches to counseling, psychotherapy, and personality theories are analyzed with emphasis on applications in the therapeutic relationship. Professional psychological writing style is practiced in this course.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Compare and contrast the major theoretical approaches to counseling.
2. Relate the major personality theories to the conceptualization of the counseling process.
3. Practice basic counseling skills.
4. Apply therapeutic theory to the skills and roles used in the practice of therapy.
5. Recognize basic ethical issues within the counseling relationship.
6. Apply professional psychological writing style.
7. Integrate one’s personal theory of counseling with personal therapeutic style.
8. Analyze the cultural implications of modern psychotherapy.
9. Apply an awareness and appreciation of diversity to counseling.
10. Support reasoning in application of theory and technique to diagnosis and treatment interventions.
11. Articulate the significance of research evidence and community standards of practice in selecting and evaluating interventions.

PY620 Statistical Techniques and Research Methods (3 cr.)

The course provides an overview of research methods commonly used in clinical and counseling psychology. Both research methodology and statistical analysis are reviewed. The course focuses on the interpretation and understanding of research and applied statistical procedures.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand basic descriptive statistics and the fundamentals of hypothesis testing.
2. Apply appropriate research and statistical methods to research questions.
3. Recognize the appropriate applications of statistical findings and their limitations.
4. Evaluate research presented in counseling/clinical psychology.
5. Apply the fundamentals of research to counseling psychology.
    

PY630 Advanced Research Methods (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY620  
In this course students develop skills in designing, conducting, and analyzing psychological research.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate different research methods.
2. Apply the most appropriate method to a problem or question.
3. Apply the most appropriate statistical analysis to evaluate research.
4. Evaluate research in the field.

PY636 Early Childhood Mental Health (2 cr.)

This course provides students with an overview of early childhood mental health.  Early Childhood development, attachment, and mental health concerns of young children are reviewed.  Assessment of early childhood disorders and treatment options are also explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Examine attachment patterns and the impact of attachment on the development and mental health of young children.
2. Analyze at a foundational level, normal childhood development as well as mental health concerns and behaviors of young children.
3. Demonstrate a competency knowledge with the diagnostic process and treatment modalities in treating mental health concerns of young children.

PY637 Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Counseling Approaches (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY613 
This course provides an introduction to the general principles, techniques, and practice of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).  Emphasis is placed on learning with which clinical populations and psychological disorders this evidence based therapy can be used, accruing basic clinical skills used in a DBT practice, and learning the mode of delivery of this therapy.  This course is not intended to be a replacement for formal DBT training. 

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate suitability of DBT as a counseling approach for a client. 
2. Apply DBT principles to sample clinical populations.    
3. Develop skills related to each of the four DBT modules: mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness.  
4. Analyze sample behavior chains and solutions based on learning theory.
5. Conduct a risk assessment, following the protocols of DBT, in a sample case.

PY641 Marriage and Family Counseling (3 cr.)

This course covers marriage and family therapy theories, their historical and cultural contexts, and their application to family therapy process.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply understanding of the major theoretical/conceptual frameworks of the family field, the historical roots, key concepts, and assumptions.
2. Evaluate couple, marriage, and family dilemmas using major models of marriage and family therapy.
3. Analyze and evaluate the relationships between major conceptual frameworks and therapy models.
4. Apply understanding of diversity and multiculturalism in one’s own developing model of marriage and family therapy.
5. Utilize professional databases and other professional resources in applying, analyzing, and evaluating the literature of the field, including efficacy research.
6. Create and articulate one’s own developing model of marriage and family therapy.
7. Analyze the significance of research evidence and community standards of practice in selecting and evaluating interventions.

PY643 Humanistic/Existential Counseling Approaches (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY613  
The course includes a study of the basic concepts of humanistic and existential psychology, and of well-known contributors to this philosophical and therapeutic approach.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the basic concepts of Existential Humanistic Psychology.
2. Differentiate theories of the three major theorists. (Rogers. Perls. May.).
3. Evaluate the ways theory is linked to practice.
4. Evaluate how the concepts apply to the student’s own professional counseling theory.
5. Develop skills necessary for establishing a therapeutic relationship.
    

PY644 Cognitive/Behavioral Counseling Approaches (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY613  
This course provides an introduction to the theory and practice of cognitive behavioral counseling. Various forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy are reviewed with emphasis on the approaches of Beck and Ellis.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the historical overview of cognitive-behavior therapy.
2. Analyze common elements of cognitive-behavioral techniques.
3. Contrast cognitive-based techniques with applied behavioral analysis and other forms of psychological treatment.
4. Apply practical skills needed to perform BASIC cognitive-behavior therapy.
5. Apply observation and feedback skills.

PY645 Introduction to Psychodynamic Psychotherapy (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY613 
This course provides an introduction to the general principles, techniques, theory, and process of psychodynamic psychotherapy. Emphasis is placed on identifying and understanding psychodynamic principles through presentation of case material and illustrations in the process of psychotherapy.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand and articulate the theoretical principles of psychodynamic psychotherapy.
2. Understand and differentiate the principles and practice of psychodynamic from other therapeutic approaches.
3. Apply a fundamental understanding of psychodynamic principles to case material.
    

PY649 Psychology and the Law (1 cr.)

This course presents an introduction and overview of the interface between psychology and the law. Topics such as criminal responsibility, police psychology, and mental health law are addressed.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the common areas that psychology and the law intersect.
2. Analyze the roles and procedures involving psychologists in the court system.
3. Apply mental health law to psychological practice.
4. Evaluate the complex ethical issues inherent within psychology and the law.
    

PY654 Chemical Dependency (2 cr.)

Addiction and recovery are examined from the perspectives of the clinician and the recovering individual, including assessment, intervention, treatment, and recovery.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand chemical use, abuse, and dependency.
2. Identify complexities and ramifications of chemical dependency and other addictions throughout the continuum of care.
3. Analyze addictive behaviors in clients.
4. Evaluate his/her therapeutic limitations and recognize when referral is necessary.
5. Assess how the therapist’s own defenses prevent effective recognition and intervention.
    

PY656 Psychopharmacology (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY606 , PY608 
This course provides a comprehensive survey of the basic psychiatric conditions for which psychoactive medication represents an appropriate intervention strategy. It is intended to be an introduction to the field and is designed to provide a working knowledge base to enable students to more competently address the experiences of their clients taking prescribed psychiatric medications.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the organization of the central nervous system, the major structures of the brain, and the neurotransmitters and their receptors.
2. Understand the different classifications of psychotropic medications.
3. Differentiate between medications and their application to diagnostic groups.
    

PY657 Aging: A Behavioral Sciences Perspective (2 cr.)

This course presents several theories of adult development and outlines broad issues that the presently old experience. Personal issues regarding aging are identified.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify major developmental themes of adult development.
2. Apply a basic theoretical framework.
3. Examine their own attitudes toward aging.
4. Understand the experience of aging from an older person’s point of view.
    

PY658 Human Sexuality (2 cr.)

This course covers theories of sexuality, the role of attitudes and values, and the importance of self-awareness. A variety of perspectives (ethical, psychological, legal, theological) related to clinical and educational settings are discussed.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Discuss sexual issues and topics in appropriate professional contexts.
2. Understand boundaries, counter-transference, values, biases, and attitudes affecting clinical work with clients with various sexual concerns.
3. Demonstrate skills necessary to write a complete sexual history.
4. Develop a treatment plan for a sexuality-related problem.
5. Understand key concepts related to child and adolescent sexuality, aging, transgender issues, homosexualities, HIV, S.T.Is, birth control, sexual victimization, and sexual abusers.
    

PY659 Brief Therapy (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY613  
This course provides an introduction to the methods of brief therapy. The focus is on client strengths rather than pathology and on the empowering of clients to develop solutions to problems.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the assumptions behind brief therapy strategies.
2. Apply strategies currently used in brief therapy.
3. Utilize personal creativity in brief therapy.
4. Evaluate the role of brief therapy in managed care.
5. Analyze strengths and limitations in providing brief therapy.
    

PY660 Introduction to Play Therapy (2 cr.)

PY668 Introduction to Correctional Psychology (1 cr.)

This course presents an overview of correctional psychology. Topics range from common psychopathology found among correctional populations to divergent roles that correctional psychologists may undertake.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand common professional roles and duties within correctional psychology.
2. Evaluate the wide variety of personality disorders and major mental illnesses that are found within correctional populations.
3. Analyze major treatment modalities that correctional psychologists employ.
4. Analyze complex legal and ethical issues faced by correctional psychologists.
    

PY669 Advanced Psychopathology (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY608  
The course includes a detailed study of major areas of psychology to enhance learning from previous courses. Topics include disorders involving mood, anxiety, personality, and psychosis, stress-related and disruptive behaviors. Etiology/underlying psychopathology, differential diagnosis, psychosocial difficulties, treatment issues, and ethical dilemmas are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate etiology psychopathology, conceptual complexities, and treatment methods of the major areas of psychopathology.
2. Apply knowledge of how personal and psychosocial difficulties experienced by individuals and those around them can affect the development and maintenance of psychopathology.
3. Analyze and synthesize professional and ethical issues related to diagnosis and treatment of psychopathology.

PY671 Child Sexual Abuse (1 cr.)

This course provides an overview of the current research and practice in the recognition, evaluation, and treatment of sexual abuse of children. Topics to be included are history and prevalence, characteristics, evaluation, treatment, and ethical considerations.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the cultural context within which current sexual abuse offenses can be viewed.
2. Identify common characteristics of children who have been sexually abused.
3. Describe the effects of sexual abuse.
4. Understand the prevalence of sexual abuse in the United States.
5. Differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate interviewing techniques of a child who is suspected of being abused.
6. Evaluate treatment possibilities for a child who has been abused.
    

PY672 Employee Assistance Counseling: Theory and Practice (1 cr.)

This course provides an introduction to and an overview of the field of employee assistance. Emphasis is placed on the role of the counselor. Topics include the history, structure, and purpose of employee assistance; an introduction to employee assistance professional organizations; and an introduction to current employee assistance enterprises.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify characteristics of an effective Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
2. Understand the historical background of EAP.
3. Differentiate the various types of employee assistance professional organizations and understand the certification process for becoming a Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP).
4. Understand the roles of a practicing Employee Assistance Professional.
5. Examine the role of the counselor in light of the purposes of EAP counseling.
6. Understand Management Consultations, Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISDs), and Department of Transportation (DOT) testing and referral process.
7. Relate counseling theory, social theory, and philosophy to EAP.
    

PY673 Clinical Use of Hypnosis (1 cr.)

This class provides an introduction to the basic concepts of hypnosis, corrects misconceptions about hypnosis, and presents the more common uses of hypnosis in the practice of psychology.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Develop basic skills in inducing a state of hypnosis in a cooperative subject, including the demonstration of two or more induction techniques.
2. Implement methods of inducing self-hypnosis.
3. Understand the application of hypnosis in the fields of psychotherapy, habit control, pain management and relaxation.
4. Apply hypnosis to chosen areas of interest.
    

PY674 Living with Experiences of Trauma (2 cr.)

This course covers a spectrum of human responses to traumatic experiences. Conceptual understanding of the therapeutic needs of trauma survivors are emphasized. Particular types of traumatic experiences and the impact of trauma on psychological, interpersonal, and societal systems are explored.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the immediate impact and ongoing life changes related to traumatic experiences.
2. Analyze responses to stories of trauma in preparation for listening and responding to clients.
3. Integrate conceptual and experiential understanding of the effects of trauma in people’s lives.

PY675 Clinical Issues: Bereavement (1 cr.)

This course covers the stages of grieving and the reorganization of self and social systems in the bereavement process. The effects of particular types of losses and factors affecting the bereavement process are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Identify the psychosocial needs of people who are experiencing loss and bereavement.
2. Apply the characteristic concepts and stages of the bereavement process to individuals and interpersonal situations.
3. Differentiate between various kinds of grief: anticipatory, acute, complicated (“pathological”), unresolved, new grief, ambiguous grief.
4. Apply guidelines and techniques for facilitating clients in resolving grief.
    

PY679 Psychology of HIV/AIDS (1 cr.)

This course presents information about the biology and clinical course of the illness and the attendant psychosocial, case management, special population, and self-care issues. The course also focuses on working with gay and bisexual men.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand critical information about the epidemiological, immunological, neuropsychological, and medical treatment aspects of HIV infection required for conducting effective psychotherapy and counseling for persons infected and affected by HIV disease.
2. Demonstrate the appropriate mix of counseling, psychotherapy, and case management skills to address the complex array of psychosocial needs of persons living at various stages of HIV disease.
3. Demonstrate treatment planning skills and a personal understanding of underlying concerns and attitudes, including cultural context, involved in working with people infected and affected by HIV in the course of devising a treatment plan.
4. Respond appropriately to the issues of grief and multiple loss that arise in the course of mental health treatment for people with HIV.
5. Respond appropriately to legal and ethical issues involved in the mental health treatment of people with HIV disease.
    

PY680 Stress Management (1 cr.)

This course offers participants an opportunity to understand stress and stress management concepts, and to develop skills to assist themselves and others. The focus is on exploring how the mind and body interact to create a stress response and on learning specific tools to regulate this response. Current research, techniques, and applications are considered.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the concepts of stress and stress management.
2. Utilize skills in stress management.
3. Analyze the interaction of body and mind in the creation of a stress response.
    

PY692 Practicum Completion (0 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY 710  and grade of IP in PY 711 
This course is a continuation of Practicum II (PY711 ) for students who require additional time to complete 350 hours for Practicum II and for students whose practicum sites require a time commitment beyond two semesters.

Upon completion of the course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply effective communication and therapeutic skills in professional work at practicum site.
2. Integrate knowledge of psychological theories, assessment, research, and ethics into the practice of psychology.
3. Integrate feedback from on-site supervision and seminar supervision into effective diagnosis, treatment interventions and therapeutic process.
4. Apply professional perspective regarding clinical issues in the practice of psychology.
5. Demonstrate inclusivity and multicultural perspective with clients and colleagues.
6. Plan for final integration paper.
    

PY701 Supervising Counselors and Psychotherapists: Theories of Supervision (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completed PY710  
This course examines theoretical models and related approaches in supervision of counselors and psychotherapists. Goals of supervision, relationships, and roles emphasize theoretical conceptualization and application of theory to supervision structure, dynamics and process. Opportunities to examine one’s own developmental learning needs and style in supervision are provided.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to do the following:

1. Explain the supervisory process from a variety of theoretical models.
2. Demonstrate critical thinking skills to conceptualize supervisory events and processes.
3. Apply various supervision models according to developmental level of the supervisees.

PY702 Supervising Counselors and Psychotherapists: Clinical Skills and Practice in Supervision (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completed PY710 
In this course, students learn and practice fundamental skills associated with the effective supervision of counselors and psychotherapists. The acquisition and application of supervision skills are emphasized. Ethics and diversity issues are addressed in the context of acquiring and applying supervision skills.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Demonstrate a repertoire of basic supervision skills.
2. Describe and employ supervision techniques and strategies that facilitate positive supervision outcomes and relationships.
3. Comprehend how theories of supervision relate to and inform supervision practices.
4. Apply appropriate supervision skills to a variety of supervision events and situations.
5. Explain the similarities and differences between basic counseling skills and basic supervision skills.
    

PY703 Issues, Ethics, & Research in Supervision (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): Completed  PY710 
This course examines some of the primary issues, ethical challenges, and research areas focused on the supervisory process from both the supervisor and supervisee standpoint. Issues addressed include multicultural awareness, transference and counter-transference, sexual and other attractions, and gender misunderstandings. Students also explore the components of critical thinking as it applies to the supervisory process. Opportunities to examine the self in the supervisory process are provided.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand major research and ethical issues in supervision.
2. Apply ethical principles to supervision.
3. Apply professional psychological writing style.
4. Articulate a personal theory of supervision and define personal style.
5. Evaluate the cultural implications of supervision.
6. Apply an awareness and appreciation of diversity to supervision.
7. Analyze current supervision process and needs, and articulate a process to continue development as a supervisor.
    

PY704 Clinical Treatment Planning (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY608 , PY613  
This course examines the therapeutic process of clinical treatment planning. Emphasis is placed on the integration of assessing client needs and readiness, case conceptualization, counseling techniques and strategies, treatment models, and therapeutic relationships. Current professional issues about use of evidence-based treatments and culturally competent interventions are examined in the context of measurable and meaningful treatment goals.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Use assessment information to develop a case-sensitive treatment plan that accounts for clinical setting, treatment format, client factors, and therapist competence.
2. Utilize basic understanding of normal development, psychopathology, and client’s in-session behavior in the process of conceptualization.
3. Abstract salient features of a case from which to draw hypotheses, inferences, and prognoses; and develop measurable treatment goals.
4. Demonstrate ability to think divergently about possible effects of different interventions, balancing current best-practice with culturally competent approaches.
5. Translate case-sensitive treatment plans into language and concepts congruent with professional expectations of reimbursement entities.
    

PY705 Evaluation Methodologies (2 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY620  
This course examines a range of evaluation methodologies to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of a range of clinical interventions, including individual and group therapy and programmatic services. The course focuses on critically evaluating and utilizing information from existing research literature, implementing and evaluating best practice guidelines and evidence-based practices (EBP), and conducting original evaluation projects.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Evaluate the outcome research literature to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of clinical interventions.
2. Locate, evaluate and implement evidence-based practices (EBP) for the assessment and treatment of mental disorders.
3. Develop and implement single-subject (N of 1) research studies.
4. Develop and implement program evaluation studies.
    

PY706 Writing for Professional Practice (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY608 
This course provides students with information they need to do writing required of professionals in the field of psychology. Students practice writing casenotes and treatment plans.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Understand the information expected by community standards of practice that would be included in casenotes, treatment plans, and other psychological writing.
2. Demonstrate the ability to write casenotes and treatment plans.
3. Analyze the ethical implications involved in psychological writing.
    

PY707 Advanced Multicultural Counseling (1 cr.)

Prerequisite(s): PY648 
This course builds on the knowledge and skills developed in the first multicultural counseling course, PY648. Students practice advanced multicultural counseling skills intended to develop multicultural counseling competencies applicable to specific populations. Students have the opportunity to focus their learning on a specific ethnic group.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Utilize knowledge of sociopolitical histories, cultural practices, and dynamics when counseling African Americans, American Indians, Asian Americans, and Latinos.
2. Identify and demonstrate appropriate communication style patterns for specific cultural groups.
3. Demonstrate counseling interventions that incorporate an understanding of intercultural differences.
4. Gain specific expertise with one ethnic group based on research and practice that is based on professional objectives.
5. Conceptualize and articulate personal and professional awareness, values, and ethics as related to multicultural counseling.
6. Demonstrate self-reflection skills related to unintentional consequences of therapeutic process on multicultural populations.
7. Identify specific cross-cultural competencies, standards, and applied skills that are consistent with culturally competent mental health workers.
    

PY708 Practicum I - Early Entry Psy.D Applicants (2 cr.)

Students work in a counseling or mental health setting under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, for a minimum of 20 hours per week for a total of 350 hours.  Half of the hours at the practicum site are in counseling and other direct services.  A practicum seminar must be taken concurrently as part of the practicum requirement.  The supervision seminar provides an environment for discussion of case materials as well as problems and concerns that arise in the practicum setting.  Personal and professional issues relevant to the practicum experience are examined.

Upon completion of this course, students are expected to be able to do the following:

1. Apply effective communication and therapeutic skills in professional work at practicum site.
2. Integrate knowledge of psychological theories, assessment, research, and ethics into the practice of psychology.
3. Integrate feedback from on-site supervision and seminar supervision into effective diagnosis, treatment interventions and therapeutic process.
4. Apply professional perspective regarding clinical issues in the practice of psychology.
5. Demonstrate inclusivity and multicultural perspective with clients and colleagues.