Department of Psychology

This is an archived copy of the 2021-22 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.ndsu.edu.

Undergraduate Programs of Study

  • Psychology (major, minor)
  • Neuroscience (minor)

Graduate Programs of Study

  • Psychology

Degrees Offered

  • Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
  • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department Description

Psychologists study the brain, the mind, behavior, and their inter-relationships, relying heavily upon the methods of science. Some areas of psychology are most closely related to the natural and biological sciences while other areas within psychology are more closely related to the social sciences, especially sociology, anthropology, and communication. Both an undergraduate major and an undergraduate minor in psychology are available. Psychology majors may select the degree program that best suits their needs and interests from the B.A. and B.S. tracks outlined in this section.

All majors must complete 30 credits in psychology as listed in the outline for the degree. Additional courses in psychology may be selected, in consultation with the adviser, from any of those listed under the department’s offerings. Courses in the major field may not be taken on a pass/fail basis (except PSYC 494 Individual Study and PSYC 496 Field Experience, which may be graded on a pass/fail basis by the instructor).

The B.S. psychology major also requires a supporting track in one of the following areas:

  1. Natural Science Track: 14 additional credits in math, computer science, statistics, and/or science
  2. Social Science Track: 14 additional credits in social science (other than psychology)
  3. A Minor in an approved area of study

Career Orientation Overlays

An undergraduate education in psychology leads to a number of career choices following graduation. To assist students in preparing for post-graduate work and careers in psychology or related fields, the department has prepared several Career Orientation OverLays (COOLs).

COOLs establish curriculum guidelines and suggestions for students who may be interested in a variety of careers, including medicine and neurosciences, business and industry, graduate school in psychology, or mental health and applied psychology. COOLs, when used in conjunction with the counsel of an adviser, are intended to help a student select the best courses within and outside of psychology (e.g., biology for medicine or business for industrial psychology) to suit particular interests and career goals.

Advising

Freshman and transfer students receive introductory academic advising from the department’s professional advisor in conjunction with NDSU’s Career and Advising Center. This preparatory advising continues until students are assigned to a faculty advisor to start their junior year. In addition to these professional and faculty advisors, students can use our web-based advising center to obtain information about the psychology curriculum and career planning. Printed handouts with this information are also available from the department.