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As an NSU psychology major, you'll enhance your knowledge of human behavior and mental health.
About The Program
If you’re driven to learn more about the human mind, a psychology major at NSU is for you. Our psychology department offers a wide range of courses to ensure you’re well-prepared to apply your studies in the real world. Our professors apply a diverse approach, ranging from the academic rigor of the scientific method to the development of theoretical perspectives and sound scientific philosophies.
 
Also, as an NSU psychology major, you are now eligible for priority admission into Northern's counseling master’s program!
 
 
Wondering if this program is for you?

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 criticial 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
Careers
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. Learn more about opportunities for internships and other forms of experiential learning at School of Education!

Scholarships

The NSU WolfPACT is the highest guaranteed, four-year scholarship in the region. But that isn't the only scholarship available at Northern. Visit School of Education Scholarships for more scholarship opportunities! For details, please call the School of Education at 605-626-2415.

Courses

Psychology (BS) Course Requirements and Student Learning Outcomes

 

Psychology Minor Course Requirements

Sample Plans of Study

Psychology (BS) Plan of Study

Program Success/Outcomes
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

“I was originally recruited for Northern’s track team and to compete in the decathlon. I knew that I wanted to look for a smaller college so that I could get to know the other students around campus well. Northern has turned out to been a great choice, and I would make the same decision a hundred times over! Around campus, I am involved in a total of 13 different events on the track team, work as a videographer and soccer commentator for the women’s soccer team, and I am the managing editor of the student-led newspaper, The Exponent. I’m also lightly involved in the chess club. I have been lucky enough to be nominated for Homecoming Marshal. I have gained so many close friendships here at Northern, and if I had gone to a bigger school, I don’t think this opportunity would have been possible. After I graduate, I plan to move back to Washington and hopefully get an editorship or news writing job. I would be happy anywhere though, as long as there are people I can talk to and mountains I can climb.”—Kelson Brewer, Stanwood, Wash. #beNORTHERN #unleashYOURpotential #NorthernStateU #WhyNSU #WolvesMaskUp

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Study Abroad

Experience the world while earning your degree through NSU Study Abroad! With hundreds of opportunities available around the globe, Northern can make your study abroad dream become a reality. Learn more at Study Abroad!

Undergraduate Research

At Northern, you'll have the chance to conduct cutting-edge research that can have real-world impacts - while still an undergraduate student. Now with our brand new, state-of-the-art Jewett Regional Science Education Center, the sky is truly the limit. Learn more at Undergraduate Research!

Contact Information

Ready to take the next step? Contact us today:

Want to learn more about living and learning at Northern? Contact NSU Admissions today 605-626-2544 or admissions@northern.edu!

 

Still unsure of a major? We can help! Contact Career Services at 605-626-3007 or careerservices@northern.edu.

A student on a laptop talks to another student

Jeffrey Howard

Jeff Howard

Chair, NSU Institutional Review Board

 

Ph.D., M.A., Wichita State University

M.S., Fort Hays State University

B.A., Washburn University

B.S., Kansas State University

 

Website

 

Dr. Jeffrey Howard joined NSU's faculty in 2009. He received a Ph.D. degree in human factors psychology from Wichita State University, Wichita, Kan., in 2007; an M.A. degree in experimental psychology from Wichita State University in 2004; an M.S. degree in clinical psychology from Fort Hays State University, Hays, Kan., in 2001; a B.A. degree in psychology from Washburn University, Topeka, Kan., in 1999; and a B.S. degree in radio/TV journalism from Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kan., in 1990.

 

Research Interests

Music cognition

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Junwei Jia

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Tim Moffett

Tim Moffett

I am the academic advisor for health and physical education and psychology and business administration at Northern. Since 2015, I have greatly enjoyed working with Northern students. Before moving to South Dakota, I worked and lived in Minnesota, Illinois, Wyoming, South Korea, and Wisconsin. I graduated with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology from Eureka College (Illinois) and a master's of science in counseling (K-12 and higher education) from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

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Christopher Puglisi

instructor photo
Ph.D., Counselor Education and Supervision, animal-assisted interventions, State University of New York at Buffalo (2022)
Master of Science, School Counseling, Canisius College (2011)
Bachelor of Science, Hospitality Administration, State University of New York at Buffalo State College (2008)
 
Dr. Chris Puglisi has experience as a school counselor at the elementary, middle, and high school levels, working with a diverse population and in several classroom settings. He has also worked as a counselor in the Upward Bound Program at Penn State University, an adjunct instructor at several colleges and universities in Western New York, and as a life skills trainer for people with developmental disabilities. He has engaged in advocacy for students with special needs and is a certified school counselor in the state of New York.
 
Research Interests
Animal-assisted interventions
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Bixi Qiao

Bixi Qiao
Ph.D. University of Kansas, 2021
M.S. University of Kansas, 2018
 
Dr. Qiao joined NSU in 2021. She earned a Ph.D. in 2021 and a master’s degree in 2018 from University of Kansas, with a specialization in development and learning. Her research has focused on developmental and cultural issues related to bullying, such as peer influences, empathy skills, teacher-student relationship, organizational climate, and cognitive, emotional, and professional influences of bullying, responses towards bullying, coping with bullying, and institutional policy on bullying.
 
Courses Taught
PSYC 101 General Psychology
PSYC 221 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
PSYC 300 Introduction to Scientific Psychology
PSYC 304 History of Psychological Ethics
PSYC 325 Child and Adolescent Development
PSYC 451 Psychology of Abnormal Behavior
PSYC 492/…
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Heather Scott

Heather Scott
M.S.Ed. Counseling, Northern State University
B.S. Psychology, Northern State University
 
Heather Scott is completing her Ph.D. in psychology with specialization in the integration of technology, learning, and psychology from Grand Canyon University. She has served as a professional in higher education for nearly 20 years in a variety of administrative roles that include assistant vice president for academics, director of institutional research, and director of assessment. She has extensive experience working with and preparing documentation for specialized programmatic and regional accreditation organizations. Ms. Scott served as one of two graduate student ambassadors for the American Psychological Association (APA), Division 15 from her university. Ms. Scott’s primary research focus is on the role of metacognition and self-regulation in distance education.
 
Research Interests
Technology…
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