Mission Statement

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Psychology seeks to understand the biological basis of behavior, the role of learned behaviors acquired through experience, and the roles of sensation, perception, memory, and cognition in human experience.

The psychology department at Nevada State College is committed to providing students with rigorous academic preparation in the science of psychology.  This preparation includes the opportunity for students to apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts in both written and oral formats.  The psychology student will take courses in the central areas of psychology, with emphasis in the areas of behavior analysis, physiological psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, sensation and perception, and social psychology.  The department emphasizes an empirical approach to the study of psychology with particular focus on research methodology and the critical evaluation of evidence. The department strives toward fostering professionalism in its students and enhancing opportunities for both employment and graduate education. 

 

Learning Outcomes

 

Critical Thinking

1. Critical thinking.  The successful psychology student will demonstrate critical thinking skills in their ability to recognize individual biases, welcome opposing views, and tolerate ambiguity.   Students will demonstrate the ability to make informed decisions based on sound evidence, challenge claims, apply their knowledge to novel situations, and think independently.
2. Application.  The successful psychology student will demonstrate proficiency in the central theoretical perspectives of psychology and show the ability to apply these principles to complex human behavior.  

Communication

1. Methodology.  The successful psychology student will demonstrate methodological proficiency in their ability to employ a variety of research methods to critically evaluate claims and form testable hypotheses.    

Effective Citizenship

Professional Integrity.  The successful psychology student will demonstrate the ability to interact and communicate with people in a variety of professional contexts, including collaborating on research teams, assisting in community service projects, and presenting research in an oral and written format.  Students will demonstrate the ability to uphold standards of integrity and adhere to the ethical standards of the discipline, in accordance with the American Psychological Association.

 

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

I.       College Core Curriculum ....................................................................... 32-42

A.      English (3-6 credits)

1. ENG 101 – Composition I ......................................................................... 3
2. ENG 102 – Composition II ........................................................................ 3

Note: Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B.      Study and Technology Skills (2 credits)

1. CEP 121 – Introduction to the College Experience ................................................................... 1
2. CEP 122 – Enhancing Academic Success..................................................................... 1

C.     Mathematics (3-5 credits) - Refer to the Mathematics section of the Core Curriculum

D.     Natural Sciences (6-8 credits) - Refer to the Natural Sciences section of the Core Curriculum

E.      Social Sciences (3 credits) - Refer to the Social Sciences section of the Core Curriculum

F.      Fine Arts (3 credits) - Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

G.     Humanities (6 credits) - Refer to the Humanities section of the Core Curriculum

H.     Constitution (3-6 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

I.       Community-Based Learning Capstone (3 credits) - Refer to the Community-Based Capstone of the Core Curriculum

II.     Additional College requirements.................................................................... 6-20

A.      Foreign Language – 3 options (0-14 credits)

1. Complete and/or transfer to NSC a fourth semester in a foreign language or American Sign Language (AM)
2. Demonstrate proficiency through a placement exam
3. Show transcript evidence of successful completion of a fourth year high school course in foreign language

B.      ANTH 101 – Introduction to Cultural Anthropology............................................................................ 3

C.      Another Social Science course: ECON, GEOL, PSC, WMST........................................................................ 3

III.    Major Requirements ................................................................. 36

A.      Introductory course (3 credits)

1. PSY 101 - General Psychology ...................................................................... 3

B.      Methods (6 credits)

1. PSY 210 – Introduction to Statistical Methods ........................................................................ 3
2. PSY 240 – Introduction to Research Methods ........................................................................ 3

C.      Foundations and Principles (12 credits)

Choose four courses from the following:

1. PSY 403 – Physiological Psychology....................................................................... 3
2. PSY 405 – Perception...................................................................... 3
3. PSY 416 – Cognitive Psychology ...................................................................... 3
4. PSY 420 – Psychology of Learning ........................................................................ 3
5. PSY 430 – Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Childhood ..................................................................... 3
6. PSY 434 – Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Adulthood......................................................................... 3
7. PSY 460 – Social Psychology....................................................................... 3

D.      Applied Methods and Populations (3 credits)

Choose one course from the following:

1. PSY 307 – Principles of Educational Psychology....................................................................... 3
2. PSY 435 – Personality.......................................................................
3. PSY 436 – Drugs, Addiction, and Mental Disorders.........................................................................
4. PSY 441 – Abnormal Psychology ......................................................................
5. PSY 466 – Psychology of Sex.................................................................... 3
6. PSY 481 – Principles of Psychological Assessment.......................................................................... 3

E.      Direct Learning (3 credits)

Choose one course from the following:

1. PSY 375 – Advanced Undergraduate Research......................................................................... 3
2. PSY 497 – Supervised Field Experience.................................................................... 3

F.      Psychology Electives (9 credits)

Except for PSY 101 and PSY 210, all psychology courses, including those listed above, may be considered electives. At least 18 credits in the major field must be upper division.

 

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

College Core Curriculum ................................................................................ 32-42

Additional College Requirements........................................................................... 6-20

Major Requirements............................................................... 36

Electives (at least 22 must be upper division).......................................................... 30-54

Total Credits ........................................................................... 128

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

I.       College Core Curriculum ....................................................................... 37-45

A.      English (3-6 credits)

1. ENG 101 – Composition I .................................................................. 3
2. ENG 102 – Composition II ........................................................................... 3

Note: Students who place in ENG 102 are not required to complete ENG 101.

B.      Study and Technology Skills (2 credits))

1. CEP 121 – Introduction to the College Experience.................................................................... 1
2. CEP 122 – Enhancing Academic Success 1

C.      Mathematics (4 credits)

1. MATH 181 – Calculus or higher....................................................................... 4

D.      Natural Sciences (10-12 credits)

1. One course in Biological Science
2. One course in Physical Science AND
3. One course in Earth Science
4. One course must be completed with a lab

E.      Social Sciences (3 credits)

1. SOC 101 – Principles of Sociology......................................................................... 3

F.      Fine Arts (3 credits) - Refer to the Fine Arts section of the Core Curriculum

G.     Humanities (6 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

H.      Constitution (3-6 credits) - Refer to the Constitution section of the Core Curriculum

I.       Community-Based Learning Capstone (3 credits) - Refer to the Community-Based Capstone of the Core Curriculum

II.     Additional College requirements (6 credits)

A.      Another Social Science Course: ECON, GEOG, PSC, ANTH......................................................................... 3

B.      PHIL 102 – Critical Thinking.................................................................... 3

III.    Major Requirements ............................................................................................. 45

A.      Introductory course (3 credits)

1. PSY 101 – General Psychology ............................................................ 3

B.      Methods (9 credits)

1. PSY 210 – Introduction to Statistical Methods......................................................................... 3
2. PSY 240 – Introduction to Research Methods ........................................................................ 3
3. PSY 375 – Advanced Undergraduate Research......................................................................... 3

C.      Foundations and Principles (15 credits)

Choose five courses from the following:

1. PSY 403 – Physiological Psychology....................................................................... 3
2. PSY 405 – Perception...................................................................... 3
3. PSY 416 – Cognitive Psychology ...................................................................... 3
4. PSY 420 – Psychology of Learning ........................................................................ 3
5. PSY 430 – Developmental Psychology: Infancy and Childhood ..................................................................... 3
6. PSY 434 – Developmental Psychology: Adolescence and Adulthood......................................................................... 3
7. PSY 460 - Social Psychology....................................................................... 3

D.      Applied Methods and Populations (6 credits)

Choose two courses from the following:

1. PSY 307 – Principles of Educational Psychology....................................................................... 3
2. PSY 435 – Personality....................................................................... 3
3. PSY 436 – Drugs, Addiction, and Disorders......................................................................... 3
4. PSY 441 – Abnormal Psychology ...................................................................... 3
5. PSY 466 – Psychology of Sex.................................................................... 3
6. PSY 481 – Principles of Psychological Assessment.......................................................................... 3

E.      Direct Learning (3 credits)

1. PSY 497 – Supervised Field Experience.................................................................... 3

F.      Psychology Electives (9 credits)

Except for PSY 101 and PSY 210, all psychology courses, including those listed above, may be considered electives. At least 18 credits in the major field be upper division.

 

Summary of credit requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Psychology

College Core Curriculum ................................................................................ 37- 45

Additional College Requirements .......................................................................... 6

Major Requirements ............................................................................................. 45

Electives (at least 22 must be upper division) ................................................................................. 32-40

Total Credit .............................................................................. 128

 

Psychology Minor

PSY 101 – General Psychology................................................................................. 3

Foundations and Principles

(Select from PSY 403,405,416,420,430,434,460)............................................................................ 6

Applied Methods and Populations....................................................................... 3

(Select from PSY 307,435,436,441,466,481)

Psychology Electives...................................................................................... 6

 

 

Addiction Treatment and Prevention Minor

The Addiction Treatment and Prevention Minor provides students with a background in addiction, treatment, and prevention. Students have two options in this minor. To complete the academic minor, students must complete 18 credits of coursework. To pursue certification as a Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, students will need to complete a year-long internship in an accredited substance abuse treatment program. Upon completion of the minor and the bachelor’s degree (in psychology or nursing), students will be eligible to make application to the Board of Examiners for Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors to become a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor Intern. Upon completion of 1,500 hours of internship in a community agency, students will have the prerequisites to sit for the Certification Examination for Addiction Counselors for the State of Nevada.

COU 300 – Introduction to Human Services and Counseling........................................................................ 3

COU 315 – Counseling Skills in Human Services................................................................... 3

COU 320 – Drugs and Behavior............................................................................. 3

COU 322 – Perspective on Addictions................................................................................... 3

COU 427 – Identification & Assessment in Addictions................................................................................... 3

COU 430 – Advanced Professional Issues in Substance Abuse..................................................................... 3 

The following is not required for the minor, but is recommended:COU 497 – Supervised Field

Experience................................................................................. 6

 

Domestic Violence Treatment and Prevention Minor

The Domestic Violence Treatment and Prevention Minor consists of a sequence of six courses totaling 18 credits. If students are interested in pursuing a career in this area, it is recommended that they complete a year-long internship in an accredited domestic violence treatment program.

 

COU 300 – Introduction to Human Services and Counseling........................................................................ 3

COU 315 – Counseling Skills in Human Services................................................................... 3

COU 360 – Contemporary Marriage and Family Relationships............................................................................ 3

COU 376 – Perspective of Domestic Violence................................................................... 3

COU 377 – Identification and Assessment of Domestic Violence................................................................... 3

COU 431 – Advanced Professional Issues in Domestic Violence...................................................................................... 3

 

The following is not required for the minor, but is recommended:

COU 497 – Supervised Field Experience................................................................................. 6

 

 

Gerontology Minor

COU 300 – Introduction to Human Services & Counseling................................................................................ 3

COU 315 – Counseling Skills in Human Services................................................................... 3

NURS 486 – Gerontology.............................................................................. 3

NURS 493 – Biology of Aging.................................................................... 3

PSY 442 – Psychology of Aging.......................................................................................... 3

HCA 480 – Organization and Management of Long-Term Care Services...................................................................................... 3

 

The following is not required for the minor, but is recommended:

COU 497 – Supervised Field Experience................................................................................. 6