Dr. Sophie Rubin earned her Ph.D. in psychology from Western Michigan University in 2009. She began teaching college classes in 2003 and started teaching for the Psychology Department at GRCC in 2011. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience providing treatment for people with issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, substance use disorders, anxiety disorders and marriage/family problems. She has published multiple book chapters and articles related to psychology. She is passionate about teaching and creating lifelong learners.
I teach the following courses:
PY 201 (General Psychology)
Description: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. This course is an
introduction to the many different areas of which this discipline is comprised. These areas include:
psychological theories, research methods, the relationship between brain and behavior, human
development, learning, memory, cognition, group dynamics, personality theories and the identification
and treatment of abnormal behavior.
PY 231 (Abnormal Psychology)
Abnormal Psychology is the scientific study of abnormal human behavior. This course examines
contemporary scientific understanding of a wide variety of psychological disorders that affect people. Of
particular focus are the causes, symptoms and effective treatment of psychological disorders from
psychological, biological and sociocultural perspectives.
PY 241 (Intro to Behavior Analysis)
This course provides an overview of the concepts, principles, and applications of behavior analysis. It
examines the theoretical foundations and underpinnings of behavioral psychology as it relates to
respondent and operant conditioning, contingency analyses, and the critical examination of empirical
data. The course also introduces students to the applications of behavior analysis in areas such as self-
management, child management, autism, developmental disabilities, behavioral gerontology, business
and industry, community behavior analysis, animal training, ethics, and psychological disorders.
Dr. Rubin visits Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary
PY 285 (Behavior Analysis Practicum)
This course provides supervised experience in the application of behavior analysis and behavior
management principles to improve the social, academic, and adaptive behavior of individuals diagnosed
with autism or other developmental disabilities. Students will be assigned to work in applied settings for
10 hours per week and be supervised by a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in order to meet the training
requirements to receive certification as a Registered Behavior Technician. Students will also complete
course activities related to career development, workplace ethics, diversity in the workplace, and
behavior analytic principles, procedures, and techniques used to improve the lives of those diagnosed
with autism and other developmental disabilities. Students must possess a high school diploma, be at
least 18 years old, and pass a background check.
Degrees and Certifications
- Licensed Psychologist
