Preclinical Psychology

SPS Certificate website: https://sps.northwestern.edu/premedicine-prohealth/preclinical-psychology/

The Preclinical Psychology post-baccalaureate certificate program consists of nine psychology courses required for application to most graduate programs awarding either the doctor of psychology in clinical psychology (PsyD) or the doctor of philosophy in clinical psychology (PhD). While this program meets minimal requirements for application to clinical psychology graduate programs in the Chicago area, students are strongly advised to confirm the admission requirements of the graduate schools in which they are interested before enrolling to ensure that the SPS program will fulfill their needs. This program is designed for career changers who do not have an extensive background in science. Students who need only some of these courses may register as students-at-large or meet with an adviser to design a customized certificate, but will not be eligible for financial aid.

Preclinical Psychology Courses

PSYCH 110-CN Introduction to Psychology (1 Unit)  

A survey course reviewing primary psychological research and theories of human behavior. Carries social science credit.

PSYCH 201-CN Statistical Methods in Psychology (1 Unit)  

Measurement; descriptive statistics; probability and sampling; T-test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression. May not be audited. Carries social science or science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN and high school algebra.

PSYCH 205-CN Research Methods in Psychology (1 Unit)  

Methods of psychological research; experimental design; reliability and validity; review and application of statistics; execution and reporting of psychological research. May not be audited. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 201-CN.

PSYCH 215-CN Psychology of Personality (1 Unit)  

Nature of personality and its development. Modern theoretical interpretations. Biological and social bases of individual differences. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN.

PSYCH 228-CN Cognitive Psychology (1 Unit)  

Introduction to research into mental processes such as memory, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Carries science or social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN.

PSYCH 244-CN Developmental Psychology (1 Unit)  

Development of cognitive, social, and other psychological functions. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN.

PSYCH 303-CN Psychopathology (1 Unit)  

Understanding the nature of psychological, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Emphasis on current evidence regarding causes and characteristics of these disorders. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN.

PSYCH 306-CN Introduction to Clinical Psychology (1 Unit)  

Definition and history of clinical psychology, personality theory in clinical psychology, diagnosis and classification of disorders, assessment, psychotherapy, and ethical issues. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN. Completion of PSYCH 303-CN is recommended.

PSYCH 369-CN Psychological Tests & Measures (1 Unit)  

Explores the science of psychological assessment, including its history, test construction and evaluation, and common measures of personality, psychopathology, and ability. Students create and evaluate their own psychological measures. Carries social science credit.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 110-CN.