Course Descriptions
Prevention Science
PSC 7000
Introduction to Prevention Science
3 credits
This course provides an interdisciplinary overview to prevention theory, research, and practice. A common core of concepts, methods, and terminology is presented. Although topics vary, examples of issues covered in past courses include health risks such as malnutrition, school failure, delinquency, child abuse and neglect, and family and community-based interventions designed to counteract risk factors and promote healthy development. This course would be the prerequisite for all other courses.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7001, PSC 7002, and PSC 7003
PSC 7001
Graduate Level Prevention Science Content
0 credits
This course can be any graduate level content course directly related to Prevention Science. This class can be transferred from another graduate level program, with approval from the program chair.
PSC 7002
Graduate Level Prevention Science Practice
0 credits
This course can be any graduate level practice course directly related to Prevention Science. This class can be transferred from another graduate level program, with approval from the program chair.
PSC 7003
Graduate Level Research Methods
0 credits
This course can be any graduate level research course. This class can be transferred from another graduate level program, with approval from the program chair.
PSC 7101
Human Development and Prevention Science
3 credits
Interdisciplinary study of theories and research on human development across the lifespan with a focus on prevention science, risk, and resilience.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7001, PSC 7002, and PSC 7003
PSC 7102
Families and Prevention Science
3 credits
Introduction to current theory and research about micro and macro forces related to family relationships and development through the life course with a focus on prevention science, risk, and resilience.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7000
PSC 7103
Community Well-Being and Prevention Science
3 credits
This course is designed to promote an understanding of the factors associated with developing and implementing prevention practices and programs to promote healthy communities. It provides a comprehensive overview of the relevant skills and theories including: ecological/systems theory/models; community theories (sense of community, social capital, environmental psychology), critical social theory, social justice, and social determinants of wellbeing.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7000
PSC 7104
Designing and Adapting Preventive Interventions
3 credits
Analysis and development of program delivery systems, curricula and evaluation models. Innovative effective prevention and intervention programs from theoretical, applied, and outcome evaluation perspectives.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7000, PSC 7101, PSC 7102, PSC 7103
PSC 7201
Applied Research Methods and Skills 1: Qualitative
3 credits
Introduction to process of qualitative research and methods in prevention science; techniques of research, data collection, and data analysis procedures. Engages the student with a range of current qualitative data collection, display and analysis methods, and overviews basic quantitative methods for use in mixed mode studies. Highlights the strengths, limitations and conditions of quality for specific data collection and analysis methods in the context of particular research methodologies. Includes an exploration of software innovations that support digital data storage, display and analyses. Lastly, explores the principles of ethical research practice and guides students to incorporate ethics concerns into their research.PSC 7202
Applied Research Methods and Skills 2: Quantitative
3 credits
Introduction to process of quantitative research and methods in prevention science; techniques of research, data collection, and data analysis procedures. Includes an exploration of software innovations that support digital data storage, display and analyses. Lastly, explores the principles of ethical research practice and guides students to incorporate ethics concerns into their research.
PSC 7203
Applied Research Methods and Skills 3: Mixed Methods Research
3 credits
An introduction to mixed methods research as a distinct methodology in prevention science research. Topics include the value and use of this approach, philosophical assumptions, various types of design, and approaches to designing and conducting mixed methods research. Highlights the strengths, limitations and conditions of quality for specific data collection and analysis methods in the context of particular research methodologies. Includes an exploration of software innovations that support digital data storage, display and analyses. Lastly, explores the principles of ethical research practice and guides students to incorporate ethics concerns into their research.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7201 and PSC 7202
PSC 7301
Guided Study
3 credits
Guided Study allows independent learning in a structured format with the guidance and feedback of a mentor.
Prerequisite(s): PSC 7000, PSC 7101, PSC 7102, PSC 7103, PSC 7104, PSC 7201, PSC 7202 and PSC 7203
PSC 7302
Guided Study II
3 credits
Guided Study allows independent learning in a structured format with the guidance and feedback of a mentor.
Prerequisite(s): PSC 7301
PSC 8000
Applied Inquiry Research I
3 credits
This course will provide the opportunity to apply existing theories and knowledge to address real-world issues. The Project Chair will guide the student in identifying a research question or questions that exist in the real world. Students will formulate a statement of the problem, a brief review of the literature, methods to be used, anticipated results, and potential implications of the project. Students will be prepared to verbally present their proposal to the Project Chair and project committee member(s) by the semester’s end.Prerequisite(s): PSC 7000, PSC 7101, PSC 7102, PSC 7103, PSC 7104, PSC 7201, PSC 7202 and PSC 7203
PSC 8001
Applied Inquiry Research II
3 credits
Utilizing evidence based findings and practice inquiry skills, the student will synthesize and integrate newly acquired knowledge and skills in the implementation of their project. Prior to data collection or interventions, students will complete the National Institute of Health (NIH) course, ''Protecting Human Research Participants'', and produce a copy of their NIH-issued completion certificate. If applicable, the Project Chair will also guide the student through Wilmington University’s Human Subjects Review Committee. With received approval, students begin to implement their selected project.Prerequisite(s): PSC 8000
PSC 8002
Applied Inquiry Research III
3 credits
Students continue to implement their project, prepare a scholarly paper for submission, measure outcomes, ensure sustainability of the project, and disseminate results. Students must present their work in a scholarly manner to colleagues and faculty. The completed project, presentation, and scholarly paper are required for completion of this course and subsequent graduation.Prerequisite(s): PSC 8000 and PSC 8001
PSC 8004
Applied Inquiry Research Continuation
0 credits
Students in this course continue to meet the requirements of their Applied Inquiry Research (dissertation) project, which was not completed in the series of courses PSC 8000, PSC 8001, and PSC 8002. Students will continue to implement and report the results of their Applied Inquiry Research, meeting all the criteria of their proposal and submitting the completed written dissertation. Once the Applied Inquiry Research project is complete, the student will present the results to their Committee to determine successful completion. This course must be taken on a continual basis to remain in good standing in the program until the PSC project is completed.Prerequisite(s): PSC 8001 and PSC 8002