Psychology

Ellensburg
Psychology Bldg., room 421

509-963-2381
Fax: 509-963-2307
www.cwu.edu/~psych
See Web site for how this major could be used for educational and career purposes.

Faculty and Staff
Chair
Stephanie Stein, PhD

Professors
Terry L. DeVietti, PhD, physiological psychology, experimental
Roger S. Fouts, PhD, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies and Research, general experimental, language acquisition, primate behavior, comparative psychology
Eugene R. Johnson, EdD, school psychology, psychological and educational evaluation, exceptional children
Susan D. Lonborg, PhD, psychotherapy research, psychology of women, clinical and research ethics, career development, health psychology
Wayne S. Quirk, PhD, Provost, sensation and perception, neuroscience
Stephen B. Schepman, PhD, organization development, work motivation, personality theories
Anthony J. Stahelski, PhD, organization development, social psychology, small group interaction
Stephanie Stein, PhD, school psychology, behavior disorders in children, lifespan development, school-based assessment
Elizabeth M. Street, EdD, educational psychology, learning theory, exceptional children, behavioral analysis
Philip Tolin, PhD, sensation and perception, human factors, experimental

Associate Professors
Robert Brammer, PhD, multicultural counseling, counseling supervision, adolescent interventions, psychology of religion
W. Owen Dugmore, PhD, counseling, psychology of adjustment
Marte Fallshore, PhD, human learning and memory, development of expertise, statistics, cognition, environmental decision-making, crime severity
Megan D. Matheson, PhD, general experimental, primate behavior, comparative psychology
Jeffrey M. Penick, PhD, counseling psychology, health psychology, adult development
Terrence J. Schwartz, PhD, educational psychology, counseling psychology, statistical analysis
Wendy A. Williams, PhD, general experimental, single-subject design, experimental analysis of human and nonhuman behavior, and animal welfare

Assistant Professors
Jennifer Cates, PhD, multicultural counseling, family systems, drug and alcohol counseling
Kara I. Gabriel, PhD, general experimental, biopsychology, behavioral genetics
Ralf Greenwald, PhD, cognitive neuroscience, cognitive psychology, brain dynamics, electro-physiology
Danielle Polage, PhD, cognitive psychology, psychology and law, memory, lying, eyewitness testimony, jury decision making, and repression
Scott Schaefle, PhD, school counseling, child and adolescent counseling
Ryan Zayac, PhD, applied behavior analysis, developmental disabilities, early intensive behavioral intervention

Staff
Estelle Mathews, secretary lead
Loretta Ney, secretary lead
Donna Miglino, secretary
Chris Buchanan, engineering technician III
John Street, engineering technician II

Department Information
The Department of Psychology offers courses of study leading to the master of science degree in Experimental Psychology and Mental Health Counseling and to the master of education degree in School Counseling and School Psychology. For students already holding the master’s degree, certification-only programs are offered in School Counseling and School Psychology.

Admission Requirements
Admission to these programs is based on evaluation of the student’s prior scholastic record: verbal and quantitative scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), recommendations by instructors and/or employers, a statement of professional objectives, and, where appropriate, the applicant’s potential to succeed in required practica and internships. If prerequisite background courses or their equivalents have not already been completed, they must be taken as soon as possible. Courses will not be accepted as meeting program prerequisites if taken on a credit/no-credit basis.

Each student is required to file a course of study form with the Office of Graduate Studies and Research by the end of their first quarter. The course of study is structured in consultation with the student’s academic advisor and is approved by the department chair. The student is expected to complete at least 30 credits after full admission to the program. Students who wish to use faculty time or departmental resources for completion of thesis work must register for at least one (1) credit of PSY 595 or PSY 700 during each quarter in which they require assistance and resources. Students must be registered for two (2) credits of PSY 595 or PSY 700 during the quarter in which the final thesis defense is held.

Background Check and Liability Insurance: Students admitted to the Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling, or School Psychology programs will be required to have on file a completed, current background and fingerprint check. Also, in order to enroll in clinical training courses (practicum or internship), a student must arrange to purchase individual professional liability insurance. More information regarding procedures, costs, and types of insurance coverage available may be obtained from the department chair or program director.

Practica and Internships: Satisfactory completion of all required practica and internships is mandatory for retention in all degree and certification programs. Grades assigned in these courses are S or U.

Final Examination: Candidates for the master’s degree must pass an oral final examination on work offered for the degree. This examination will include a presentation and defense of the thesis and may include a review of courses completed in the student’s area of specialization.

Master of Education and/or Certification in School Counseling and School Psychology
The mission purpose and governance structure of the School Counseling and School Psychology programs is the scientist-practitioner model. This approach asserts that:

The practice and theory of counseling and the provision of school psychological services must be interconnected
Applied skill must be melded with existing scientific knowledge
While school counselors and school psychologists are primarily trained as practitioners, scientific principles, methods, and approaches should be utilized when working with clients
Knowledge evolves through the interaction of experimentation, practice, and study

This framework for the professional preparation of School Counseling and School Psychology is divided into three facets:
     Facet 1: Coursework
     Facet 2: Practica
     Facet 3: Internship and thesis
The three facets are interrelated. Students begin without significant academic knowledge. As they begin academic work, their initial assumptions are challenged, guiding them to new understandings of practice and knowledge of counseling and psychology. Their maturity through academics and practica culminate with the final facet where they begin their independent work both in practice (internship) and science (thesis). Students are highly encouraged to meld their academic work with their applied work at each level, and their theses are encouraged to connect to the work they pursue in their internship.

The director of the school counseling program is Dr. Robert Brammer. School psychology is directed by Dr. Gene Johnson. Contact the psychology department for more information about either program.

School Counseling, MEd
Program Director:
Robert Brammer, PhD
Psychology Building, room 118

The MEd and certification programs in School Counseling train specialists to provide individual and group counseling in the schools and to consult with parents and teachers concerning the social, educational, and developmental tasks of children and youth.

The State Board of Education’s standards for certification of school counselors require that the candidate complete an approved master’s degree program in counseling which has been developed in concert with school and professional organizations. CWU is affiliated with and Educational Staff Associate (ESA) professional Education Advisory Board for the preparation of school counselors. The program emphasizes supervised practicum and field experiences. Upon completion of the master’s degree and certification program, the individual will be qualified for the residency-level certificate as a school counselor in the state of Washington. Candidates for residency certification generally follow the two-year program leading to the master of education degree in School Counseling. Candidates who have already earned a master’s or doctoral degree in a related field, such as education, special education, mental health counseling and school social work are not required to earn a second master’s, but must complete all requirements for the MEd degree and certification program in school counseling, with the exception of the thesis or project. The certification program also requires satisfactory completion of a comprehensive examination.

Prerequisites: PSY 362 and 363 (or approved equivalents) may be taken concurrently with certain program courses. In addition, the following undergraduate courses are strongly recommended: personality or abnormal; social or developmental; learning; physiological, and a course in history and systems of psychology. Students hot having these courses should expect to do additional work when prior course knowledge is needed. Please note the background check and liability insurance requirements described in the general departmental information section.

School Psychology, MEd
Program Director
Eugene R. Johnson, EdD
Psychology Bldg., room 118

The State Board of Education’s standards for certification of school psychologists require that the candidate complete an approved master’s degree program in psychology that has been developed in concert with school and professional organizations. (Note: candidates who have already received a master’s degree in a related field are not required to earn a second master’s, but must complete all requirements or their equivalent.) Successful completion of the preparation program at Central leads to eligibility for the Residency Certificate as an Educational Staff Associate (ESA) school psychologist and national certification through the National Association of School Psychologists. The certification program also requires satisfactory completion of the PRAXIS II examination in school psychology. The MEd degree and certification program in school psychology is fully approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).

Prerequisites: PSY 362, PSY 363, (or approved equivalents) may be taken concurrently with certain program courses.

Master’s Degree Requirements
The master of education degree in School Psychology is granted to the candidate upon completion of 99 quarter hours of coursework including thesis. The following courses (or approved equivalents) are required:

Master of Science
Experimental Psychology
Program Director:
Wendy Williams, PhD
Psychology Bldg., room 426

The experimental psychology graduate program reflects our commitment to providing students with a generalized background in experimental psychology at the graduate level. Two specializations are available: general experimental psychology and applied behavior analysis. Students are expected to complete a set of required core courses and additional requirements within either of the two specializations. Applicants for admission should indicate their interest area(s) in their personal statement of goals. Upon enrolling students will meet with their faculty advisors to discuss academic objectives and to establish a research plan. Collaborative research that is developed in conjunction with a faculty advisor and that may lead to the student’s thesis is encouraged.

Prerequisites: PSY 300, 362, 363, (or approved equivalents). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses. Only students in the ABA specialization are required to complete PSY 301 as a prerequisite.
MS in Experimental Psychology Core Courses

General Experimental Psychology Specialization
Advisor
Wendy Williams, PhD
Psychology Bldg., room 426

The general experimental psychology specialization requires students to complete the required core courses and a set of electives that allow the students to concentrate in areas of study adequately represented among the faculty. These areas currently include cognitive psychology, physiological psychology, social psychology, educational psychology, and animal behavior.
It may be possible to develop curricular tracks in other areas of psychology and/or interdisciplinary programs. However, to be certain that a curriculum can be developed that meets the student’s needs, it should be planned in consultation with a faculty advisor prior to enrollment in the program.

The educational requirements of the Animal Behavior Society’s Associate Applied Animal Behaviorist Certificate can be met by completing the degree program with an appropriate selection of core and elective courses.

Prerequisites: PSY 300, 362, 363, (or approved equivalents). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses.

Applied Behavior Analysis Specialization
Advisor
Ryan Zayac, PhD, BCBA
Psychology Bldg., room 452

The specialization in ABA is designed to prepare graduates with the knowledge and skills of behavior analysis for later doctoral study or for work with individuals and organizations in clinical or research settings such as education, developmental disabilities, mental health, business, and industry. This program provides the educational requirements to become a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA). Additional BCBA requirements include supervised hours of practice and a board examination.

Prerequisites: PSY 300, 362, 363, (or approved equivalents). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses.

Master of Science
Mental Health Counseling
Program Director
Robert Brammer, PhD
Psychology Building, room 118

The MS program in mental health counseling trains mental health professionals for careers in a variety of settings. The orientation of the program is eclectic, with particular emphasis on those active counseling skills which are appropriate to short-term counseling. In addition, the program’s scientist-practitioner emphasis may be useful to those students interested in pursuing doctoral study. The MS program in mental health counseling is accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Programs (CACREP).

The student shall complete a comprehensive exam and an approved course of study filed with graduate studies and research. The course of study normally consists of the courses below.

Prerequisites: PSY 362 and 363 (or approved equivalent). Prerequisite courses may be taken concurrently with certain program courses. In addition, the following undergraduate courses are strongly recommended: personality or abnormal; social or developmental; learning; physiological, and a course in history and systems of psychology. Students not having these courses should expect to do additional work when prior course knowledge is needed. Please note the background check and liability insurance requirements described in the general departmental information section.