Northern State University

BS in Psychology

This program might be a good fit for you if you:

• Have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Are skilled at observing, analyzing, and interpreting information
• Demonstrate concern for and sensitivity to others
• Are able to resolve or mediate conflicts
• Have strong critical and inferential thinking skills
• Are good at problem-solving and decision-making
• Engage in ethical practice
• Are a good listener
• Are good at problem-solving and decision-making

• Psychology Students will recognize the value of diversity within the discipline of psychology. (Cross-curricular Skill: Intercultural Knowledge)
• Psychology Students will develop analytical and decision-making skills. (Cross-curricular Skill: Critical and Creative Thinking)
• Psychology Students will develop knowledge of professional ethical standards and their responsible application within the discipline. (Cross-curricular Skill: Ethical Reasoning)
• Psychology Students will develop cognitive, affective, and behavioral skills that support effective and appropriate interaction in a variety of cultural contexts. (Cross-curricular Skill: Diversity, Inclusion, and Equity)
• Psychology Students will develop skills in connecting ideas and experiences; synthesizing and transferring learning to new and complex situations. (Cross-curricular Skill: Integrative Learning)
• Psychology Students will develop skills in effectively communicating topically specific psychological concepts used in research, assessment, and diagnostics. (Cross-curricular Skill: Inquiry and Analysis)
• Psychology students will develop specific knowledge of applied psychological research techniques and insight.

First Year Fall

• IDL 190, Freshman Seminar 2
• ENGL 101, Composition I 3
• SPCM 101, Fundamentals of Speech * 3
• MATH 114/L, College Algebra * 3-4
• PSYC 101, General Psychology 3

First Year Spring

• ENGL 201, Composition II 3
• SOC 100, Introduction to Sociology* 3
• BIOL 101/L, Survey of Biology I* 3
• PSYC 221, Lifespan Developmental Psychology** 3
• PSYC 303, Cognition and Learning** 3

Second Year Fall

• MUS 100, Music Appreciation* 3
• HIST 121, Western Civilization I* 3
• BIOL 211/L, Environmental Biology* 3
• PHIL 100, Introduction to Philosophy* 3
• PSYC 300, Introduction to Scientific Psychology 3

Second Year Spring

• PSYC 313, Biological Psychology** 3
• PSYC 451, Psychology of Abnormal Behavior** 3
• Additional Math or Science Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Fall

• PSYC 325, Child and Adolescent Development** 3
• PSYC 371, Statistics in Psychological Research 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Third Year Spring

• PSYC 373, Research Methods in Experimental Psychology 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Fall

• PSYC 441, Social Psychology** 3
• PSYC 461, Theories of Personality*** 3
• PSYC 477, Psychology Testing and Measurement*** 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3

Fourth Year Spring

• PSYC 489, Senior Capstone 3
• PSYC 492, Special Topics in Psychology** 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3
• Elective or Minor Course 3-4

*Fulfills a General Education Requirement. Other course options may be available.
**Fulfills a major requirement. Other course options may be available.
***Fulfills a general elective. Other course options may be available.

This plan of study is not an official document. Depending on placement scores, developmental courses may be required. Course rotations may change. Please visit with a professional advisor at least once a semester to review appropriate course choices and plan updates.

Suggested Double Majors: Sociology, Criminal Justice, Communication Studies

Suggested Minors: Communication Studies, Criminal Justice, Health, Philosophy, Religious Studies, Sociology

With a degree in psychology, you will be well prepared to serve in a variety of professions, including:

• Community and social service worker
• Advertising assistant
• Caseworker
• Community relations representative
• Crisis intervention counselor
• Human resources
• Personnel management/supervisor
• Law enforcement officer
• Educator
• Mental health coordinator
• Television/media research

Internships

At Northern, we believe getting you out of the classroom and into a real-world workplace setting is a critical part of your education. NSU psychology students have interned with several regional social service providers, including New Beginnings Center, Safe Harbor, Lutheran Social Services and Aspire.