Introduction to Psychology
PSYC-40028
Introductory Online Psychology Course: Explore Human Behavior and the Mind
This undergraduate-level introductory online psychology course provides a comprehensive foundation in the study of human behavior and mental processes. Designed for students with no prior background in psychology—or those seeking a refresher—this course explores core topics such as cognition, memory, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, and stress and coping. Through a dynamic mix of online lectures, videos, podcasts, and short readings, students will gain a practical understanding of psychological theories and research methods, learning how to apply these concepts to everyday life and personal development.
Learning Objectives
- Understand human behavior and functioning from a psychological theory perspective and describe the usefulness of this approach to understanding individual and group behavior.
- Identify and describe the major theoretical approaches in historical and contemporary psychology, analyzing their strengths and limitations.
- Describe key influences on psychological development across the lifespan, including environmental conditions, internal drives, social influences, stress and coping mechanisms, and psychological disorders.
- Explore and reflect on personal values and ideas related to human psychological development.
Course Format
This course is offered in an online asynchronous format. There are no set meeting times, however, students follow a weekly schedule and there will be deadlines to meet in terms of course requirements. This course cannot be completed at an accelerated rate.
Transferring for College Credit
Many UC San Diego Division of Extended Studies courses may transfer to other institutions for college credit. The receiving institution determines credit transfer. We recommend consulting with your intended institution's registrar's office before enrolling to confirm transfer eligibility.
Course Information
Course sessions
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Psychology 12th
by David G. Meyers and C. Nathan Dewall
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319050627
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 9/29/2025
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
Psychology 12th
by David G. Meyers and C. Nathan Dewall
ISBN / ASIN: 9781319050627
You may purchase textbooks via the UC San Diego Bookstore.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 1/20/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
Section ID:
Class type:
This course is entirely web-based and to be completed asynchronously between the published course start and end dates. Synchronous attendance is NOT required.
You will have access to your online course on the published start date OR 1 business day after your enrollment is confirmed if you enroll on or after the published start date.
Textbooks:
All course materials are included unless otherwise stated.
Policies:
- No refunds after: 4/6/2026
Schedule:
Instructor:
Kyle Caler
Kyle Caler received his BA in Philosophy at West Virginia Wesleyan, his MSW with a clinical focus at Temple University and his PhD in Social Work at Rutgers University. Kyle worked in the field of disability support services for 7 years in a variety of positions before returning to obtain his PhD. During this time, he gained experience developing behavioral supports and using CBT & DBT therapy techniques with this population. Kyle has been involved in studies exploring the civic engagement of individuals with serious mental illness and the discharge and community placement process of a closing psychiatric hospital. Kyle’s dissertation involves the intersection of Q methodology and Critical Realism to explore the decision-making process of direct support staff in group homes for people with disabilities. Kyle is currently an assistant professor at California State University- Sacramento where he teaches classes in social work practice and human behavior in the social environment.
