Psychology B.A.

Mission Statement

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The field seeks to understand the biological, social, and cognitive underpinnings of behavior. In doing so, psychology examines nearly every facet of human experience, from memory, to helping behavior, to the nature of prejudice.

The Department of Psychology at Nevada State University is dedicated to providing students with rigorous academic preparation in the science of psychology. This preparation emphasizes an empirical approach to the study of psychology with a concerted focus on the use of research methodology and statistical analysis to solve problems. Psychology students will be introduced to the core areas of the field through a variety of active learning techniques and hands on experiences.

Ultimately, the psychology department aims to cultivate intellectually and emotionally well-rounded students with the knowledge and lifelong learning skills needed to succeed in the workplace and in graduate school.

Learning Outcomes

The learning outcomes represent the essential knowledge and abilities a student should acquire upon graduating from the psychology program at NSU. They largely reflect intellectual growth, but the prime components of these outcomes are the confidence and ability to address pertinent real-world problems, particularly through the application of sound quantitative reasoning skills (i.e., knowledge of research methods and statistics).

Goal 1: Knowledge Base

  • 1.1 Demonstrate an understanding of the major theoretical perspectives (e.g., biological, clinical, cognitive, developmental, social/personality), historical trends, and major research findings in psychology. 
  • 1.2 Evaluate psychology’s role in physical and mental health issues (e.g., psychological disorders, evidence-based treatments and therapy, stress and coping). 
  • 1.3 Use common psychological principles and concepts to understand and assess everyday life and/or to address real-world problems (e.g., individual, interpersonal, group, or societal issues).

Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry & Critical Thinking

  • 2.1 Value psychology as a scientific and empirically-driven discipline, and use the scientific method (e.g., research design) or quantitative reasoning (e.g., statistical inference) to make data-driven or evidence-based decisions. 
  • 2.2 Demonstrate the ability to critique methodological designs, interpret research findings, and/or critically evaluate claims made in scientific journals and popular media.

Goal 3: Social Responsibility & Engaged Citizenship

  • 3.1 Develop a multi-faceted understanding of systematic barriers to equality (e.g., differences in power/privilege, prejudice, discrimination) in order to demonstrate concern and respect toward those who differ from oneself in beliefs, behaviors, values, or views. 
  • 3.2 Develop a sense of responsibility as a productive citizen by determining how one could demonstrate ethical and prosocial behavior, take action against injustice, or participate in building a more just and equitable society.

Goal 4: Personal & Professional Development 

  • 4.1 Demonstrate effective communication skills (e.g., writing, presenting) following professional conventions in psychology (e.g., APA style). 
  • 4.2 Demonstrate effective interpersonal skills (e.g., teamwork, group projects, discussions) to achieve a common goal. 
  • 4.3 Enhance metacognition in order to enrich one’s own learning based on psychological principles.