Department of Psychology

An overview of the principal issues in the psychology of adjustment. The causes and patterns of behavior are analyzed to enable students to acquire insight and understanding regarding the actions of the emotionally healthy as well as the emotionally disturbed.

A study of the basic principles of human behavior, giving attention to developmental patterns, motivation and adjustment, learning and memory processes, and individual differences in aptitude, personality, and mental health. 

Course fees attached.

A study of the vast array of employment opportunities in the field of psychology. This course will provide opportunities for students to learn how to write a curriculum vitae, research about various employment opportunities in the realm of psychology, and hear from guest speakers who use psychology in their jobs.

A study of growth and development of human beings from conception to death, with emphasis on the areas of cognitive processes, language development and social interactions.

A study of qualitative and quantitative research methodology. Students will learn the basics of how to use professional psychological research, design research around a hypothesis, and the basics of research writing.

Course fee attached.

Students will be introduced to SPSS and the process of independent data collection.

This course examines the psychological theories and methodologies of motivation and the elements of leadership, including motivating and demotivating factors, benefits of motivations, individual and team leadership, leadership styles and personalities. Applications for the organizational systems, individuals and groups will be studied. Fee: Additional fee required.

This course will prepare students for practicum in psychological settings, including orientation, psychology ethics, resume writing, and identifying possible sites and contact persons. All psychology students seeking practicum experiences in approved agencies must satisfactorily complete this course prior to registering for PSYC3960. 

A variety of subjects is presented. Different topics are covered each offering. May be repeated for credit with change of topic.

A study of the etiology and dynamics of psychopathology, designed to give the student a working vocabulary of terminology and concepts in the area of abnormal behavior. The course includes discussions about treatments and ethics involved in caring for those suffering from mental disorders.

A course that integrates experimental methodology and statistical data analysis procedures in behavioral science. Emphasizes statistical descriptions, statistical inference, and hypothesis testing.

Course topics include strategies appropriate to this subject field, instructional materials and tools, and curricular structure common to this subject in the secondary school. Includes opportunities for candidates to assist and teach for a minimum of 20 hours. (See EDUC3670)

A study of the fundamental theories of counseling and psychotherapy, with emphasis on the processes, APA ethics, and Idaho state laws involved in counseling.

An introduction to the application of the principles of counseling and psychotherapy and identification of and practice in the basic helping skills.

This course will focus on exploring the various areas in the ever growing field of forensic psychology. Students will be introduced to different facets in forensic psychology in both the civil and criminal justice systems, to include specializations in adult and juvenile corrections, law enforcement, litigation processes and support, expert testimony, family law, case consultation, jury selection, criminal insanity, forensic mental health assessments and psychological evaluations, forensic interviewing, criminal profiling, and applying knowledge and expertise to a variety of legal contexts covered in this course.

This course provides an introduction to early childhood development. It explores best practices for supporting both typically and atypically developing children. Key topics include curriculum design, recognizing atypical development, effective teaching strategies for young children, and collaborating with families, among others.

This course will examine the effect suicide has on individuals, families, communities, and cultures. Students will reflect on the ways suicide has impacted their own lives and discuss different attitudes involving the morality, legality, stigma, and spiritual implications of suicide. Students will then have the opportunity to contextualize their knowledge by hearing from individuals who work closely with those at risk of suicide, analyzing suicide within the context of their state and local community, developing an awareness campaign, and practicing suicide prevention techniques. 

A comprehensive study of basic brain organization and function and the neural substrates of emotion, motivation, learning, and memory. Recommended as background: BIOL2010, BIOL2030, or BIOL2230

An examination of the basic processes underlying brain function and behavior. Major emphasis will be placed on brain function and structure and neurological anomalies in the brain.

Readings and supervised practicum experience designed to give the student practical application in the areas of assessment, counseling, and behavior modification. May be repeated for a maximum of four credits.

Over the course of 3 credits, the student will develop independent research with the supervision of a professor and cooperation of a senior research student. Course should be taken 1 credit at a time (but a student may sign up for 2 credits with advisor's permission) for a minimum of 3 credits total. May be repeated for a maximum of 4 credits.

The Psychology major field test is a required portion of the Capstone experience. The major field test is designed to assess student understanding of the basic concepts of the field of Psychology.  This course will have a pass/fail grade.

Students must be concurrently enrolled in a Capstone class (PSYC4010 or CRIM4010 or HUMN4010, etc).

This course provides students with a context for reflection and self-analysis regarding their educational experience at NNU. The approach in this course to self-analysis and critical reflection is two-fold: 1) students will reflect on their comprehensive educational experience through the lens of the four university outcomes, and 2) students will think about and discuss the integration of their learning with their future, post-university lives. (See CRIM4010, HUMN4010, SPAN4010) 

Students must be concurrently enrolled in the Psychology Field Test course (PSYC4000) to complete the Capstone requirement.

A study of human sexuality addressing biological, social, emotional, cognitive, and spiritual aspects. Sexuality, encompassing all that we are as females and males, will be taught from a holistic framework.

This course examines the multifaceted levels of diversity in humanity and will review ways to approach diversity in a sensitive and appropriate manner. Topics to be covered include a history of human diversity, cultural diversity, age differences, gender issues, spirituality, sexuality, religious diversity, physical impairments, and how to be sensitive to issues of diversity as they pertain to working with people. Key human rights and understandings will be explored. 

Fulfills a General Education Cultural Competency (CC) requirement. This is a CAP1 (Cultural Awareness Program) designated course.

This course includes scientifically based behavior change methods, functional assessments, observation methods, goal and objective writing, various reinforcement techniques, data collection and interpretation, development and monitoring of an appropriate intervention based on the function of the problem behavior. Meets Behavioral Analysis course requirement for Habilitative Intervention certificate.

A study of the development, structure, and modification of human personality. Modern theories of personality are submitted to critical analysis. 

A study of the interrelationships of individuals and their social environments, including the methods of investigation and some of the theories and findings of the field of social psychology.

An introduction to the theory, problems, methods and content of psychological testing. The first part of the course deals with the basic concepts of the purpose of testing, test administration, scoring, standardization, reliability, validity, and evaluation. The remainder of the course covers the principal intelligence, achievement, aptitude, interest and personality tests. 

An introduction to the psychology subfields of neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. The content involves an understanding of the relationships between brain and behavior. Students will be introduced to the anatomy and functions of the brain, the way brain functioning affects cognition and behavior, situations that can lead to deviations in behaviors and cognitions, and how pharmacological agents interact with the brain to treat mental illness and brain trauma.

An historical survey of modern psychology and an analysis of its classical systems and contemporary theories.

An historical survey of modern psychology and an analysis of the classical systems and contemporary theories in psychology. Students will visit historical sites and classic psychological and social science venues that are presented in the PSYC4762 course. Fee: Additional fee required.

Explores key principles of the psychology of adjustment and how they apply to personal well-being. Students will examine factors that influence psychological health, learn strategies for managing stress and emotions, and develop practical skills for fostering resilience and positive relationships. The goal is to help students gain insight into their own mental and emotional well-being while applying psychological concepts to enhance their overall quality of life.