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Psychology Minor

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Description

The psychology major provides students with a solid grounding in the knowledge base of psychology. It encourages students to integrate and apply knowledge, and allows flexibility in course selection to help students meet their career goals. The major emphasizes scientific research and application to significant areas of human activities.

Students planning to work in the mental health field are encouraged to take Abnormal Psychology, a counseling course, Behavior Modification, psychological assessments, and at least one substance abuse studies course. Students who plan to enter a graduate program should take the GRE during their junior year. Students should take Statistics, Research Methods, and Practicum in Psychological Research in consecutive order. Further, it is recommended that students planning to attend a doctoral program should take the Advanced Practicum, Experimental Psychology, and as many of the foundation courses as possible. Students who are hoping to become substance abuse counselors should take the substance abuse minor courses.

Students majoring in psychology may also qualify for entrance into NSU's Master's in Occupational Therapy program. Students interested in this career objective should work closely with their academic advisor to ensure that proper prerequisites are met.

Students not sure about which specialty they are most interested in should take as many of the foundation courses as possible at the start of their program of studies. Division advisors will help students design individual courses of study that will help them meet their career goals.

The psychology major is offered during the day and evening on NSU’s main campus, as well as off-campus at NSU’s Student Educational Centers in Jacksonville and Miami/Kendall. It is also available as an online program.

Learning Outcomes

A successful psychology graduate is expected to:

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the major theories, principles, and concepts that underlie the following core areas of psychology:
   1. Learning, Memory, & Cognition;
   2. Sensation, Perception, and Biological Bases of Behavior;
   3. Human Development;
   4. Clinical, Abnormal, and Personality;
   5. Social influences on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors;
   6. Research Measurement, Design, and Methodology;
2. Integrate and apply the major theories, principles, and concepts of psychology to address research and/or applied issues in the field of psychology using critical thinking skills, skeptical inquiry, and when possible, the scientific approach;
3. Present written psychological information in a clear, concise manner that is consistent with professional standards (e.g., APA format).

Curriculum Requirements

General Education Requirements (30 credits)

Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program.

Psychology Major Requirements (54 credits)

Core Courses (30 credits)
MATH 3030 Applied Statistics II (3 credits)
PSYC 1020 Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 2330 Interpersonal Communication (3 credits)
PSYC 3000 Psychological Research Methods (3 credits)
PSYC 3710 History and Theories of Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 3760 Multicultural Issues in Psychology (3 credits)
TECH 1110 Technology in Information Age (3 credits)

Select 3 credits from the following courses:
PSYC 4800 Practicum in Psychological Research (3 credits)
PSYC 4810 Practicum in Community Psychology (3 credits)

Select 3 credits from the following courses:
PSYC 4840 Advanced Practicum in Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 4880 Senior Seminar in Psychology (3 credits)

Select 3 credits from the following courses:
PHIL 2000 Moral Issues (3 credits)
PHIL 3010 Ethical Issues in Communication (3 credits)
PHIL 3180 Biomedical Ethics (3 credits)
PHIL 3200 Ethics and Sport (3 credits)
PHIL 3360 Environmental Ethics (3 credits)

Major Foundation Electives (12 credits)
Select 12 credits from the following foundation courses:
PSYC 2350 Life-Span Human Development (3 credits)
PSYC 2380 Child and Adolescent Development (3 credits)
PSYC 3160 Social Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 3210 Personality (3 credits)
PSYC 3260 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
PSYC 3510 Human Learning and Cognition (3 credits)
PSYC 4600 Biological Bases of Behavior (3 credits)

Other Psychology Major Electives (12 credits)