Psychology Major

Student looking at brain scans with professor

The Psychology Major provides a strong introduction to the basic principles and theories in the Psychological Sciences as well as coverage of the primary content areas in this discipline. During the major, students can to explore specialty areas of Psychology through pursuing Concentrations. Those seeking a Psychology major may pursue certain careers where a bachelor’s degree in Psychology is helpful or may pursue graduate programs in Psychology.

"After taking my first psychology course, I found myself wanting to learn more and sign up for more psychology-based classes. I have always been interested in different ways of obtaining happiness and how to help others obtain happiness. Through learning more about psychology, I knew I wanted to major in it because it was my passion. I am now getting ready to pursue a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling so I can continue to help people obtain happiness."

ANALISE OSGOOD

2021 Psychology Outstanding Graduating Senior

To review the program description, lists of required and elective courses, and concentrations, visit the Psychology Major bulletin listing by selecting the link below.

Concentration Areas

Upper division electives for the Psychology Major are organized into concentration areas, which provide students opportunities to more deeply explore particular areas of psychology. Concentrations include capstone experiences consisting of either mentored research or practicum. Students preferring a more open selection of electives without a capstone can pursue the Interdisciplinary Concentration. See a description of the major's concentration areas below.

Courses focus on topics of relevance to mental health and preparation for further education in clinical psychology. Topics include abnormal psychology, health psychology, personality theory, positive psychology, neuropsychology, ethics and practice in clinical psychology, and psychopharmacology.

Courses focus on topics of concerning the brain's mediation of behavioral, cognitive, and emotional processes. Topics include neuropsychology, psychophysiological measurement, and psychopharmacology.

Courses focus on topics of relevance to developmental psychology. Topics include child, adolescent, and adult developmental psychology.

Courses focus on topics of concerning cognitive and behavioral theory. Topics include animal behavior, analysis of behavior, neuropsychology, social cognition, and sensation and perception.

Courses focus on topics of concerning the personality theory and social psychology. Topics include psychology of personality, social cognition, and psychology of race, ethnicity, gender, and culture.

Courses provide students the flexibility to select upper division courses from other concentrations. This concentration does not require a practicum or research experience.

For PSY460 Practicum/Research capstone experiences, a number of local agencies and organizations have offered applied learning opportunities. Explore our listings by visiting the link below and discuss with your major advisor the opportunities that best fit your psychology concentration and post-NMU goals.

The Department of Psychological Science offers a fully online Psychology Major through Global Campus. NMU’s Global Campus houses all online and extended learning academic programs and oversees the first of its kind Educational Access Network, providing broadband LTE internet access to students throughout the region. The online Psychology Major includes the choice between the Interdisciplinary Psychology Concentration or the Mental Health & Pre-Clinical Psychology Concentration. To apply for this program, visit the Global Campus Apply Now page.

Relevant Links

Programs in the Psychology Department

Research Laboratories

Global Campus