Online psychology program curriculum
Developed by psychology experts, our online psychology program curriculum provides a strong foundation in the concepts, principles, and applications of general psychology. Classes are divided into four main groups: Orientation; Foundations of Psychology; The Mental Process; and Development, Theories, Disorders, and Treatments.
Introduction to Psychology Orientation
Introduction to Psychology Orientation
In this course, you’ll examine the goals and values of Ashworth College, time management, a realistic weekly and monthly study schedule, the nature and purpose of assessments, how to study effectively to prepare for and take an online examination, and developing the skill sets necessary for success in the twenty-first century.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:
Familiarize yourself with the goals and structure of Ashworth College’s Introduction to Psychology course.
Coordinate your learning style with time management skills and assessment preparation.
Establish a set of skills for occupational success.
Lesson Group 1: Foundations of Psychology
This course will provide an overview of psychology, including various perspectives and current viewpoints. You will examine the value of scientific research while developing an understanding of studies, variables, and conditions. The course then explores how genetics affect thoughts and actions. In detailing these relationships, you will study the communication processes of the brain and nervous system while also learning about how body rhythms impact mental states. Lastly, aspects of sensation and perception are investigated for their influence over physiological systems and powers.
By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:
Define psychology while differentiating early schools and major perspectives.
Analyze scientific research methods with variables, conditions, and findings.
Understand how genetics affects the psychology of thoughts, feelings, and actions.
Examine the functions of the brain and nervous system.
Explore the impact of biological rhythms, along with the processes of sensation and perception.
Lesson Group 2: The Mental Process
This course will explore classical and operant conditioning before turning to learning theories. These foundational elements will further the examination of contextual behaviors, thinking processes, intelligence factors, and memory models. You will finish this course with the interplay of how cultural, genetic, and gender factors impact emotions, stress, and health.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Analyze conditioning systems and their impact on learning theories.
- Understand the social and cultural contexts of human behaviors.
- Detail the psychological approaches to thinking, intelligence, and memory.
- Investigate the factors that affect emotion, stress, and health.
Lesson Group 3: Development, Theories, Disorders, and Treatments
This course will assess the psychological abilities and development associated with infants, children, adolescents, and adults. You will analyze the psychodynamic theory of personality. Finally, the course offers insight into psychological disorders along with opportunities for treatment and therapy.
By the end of this course, you’ll be able to do the following:
- Examine the development of infants, children, adolescents, and adults.
- Recognize personality theories and influences.
- Develop an understanding of psychological disorders, treatments, and therapies.
Program Description
The Introductory to Psychology certificate program is designed to provide you with an introductory knowledge of psychology, including research, theories, conditioning processes, and learning systems, all of which incorporate physiological factors, social norms, and cultural contexts in shaping human development and combating disorders with treatment and therapy.
After completing the Introduction to Psychology program, students will be able to:
Outline the origins and development of psychology as a field of study, describe why psychology is considered a valid field of study, and explain the five major psychological perspectives that inform the field.
Describe psychology as the study of individual and group behavior and explain the role of biology, intelligence, culture, attitudes, social norms, and so on, on this behavior.
Identify the different research methods used by researchers and explain the components, typical experimental conditions and controls, and advantages and disadvantages of each, as well as how to evaluate and communicate findings.
Identify the components of the nervous system, including the structures of the brain, and describe the form and function of chemical messengers in the nervous system, including the relationship among hormones, thoughts, and emotions.
List the major theories of psychology, explain their viewpoints and principles, and describe the work done by the researchers most closely associated with those theories.
Identify methods for assessing psychological disorders and explain the accepted classifications of mental illness.
Focus on career opportunities
Ashworth College's API Program Name Career Diploma program helps you develop the confidence you need to reach for your career goals because we integrate job search prep into your studies. With the online tools at the Ashworth College Central Network, you’ll get step-by-step guidance as you create polished, professional resumes and letters. After you graduate, you’ll keep your Ashworth College Central Network account so you can revisit the tools any time you need to make a good impression on a potential employer. Learn more about it at the Career Services page.
