Dr. Karen Y. Holmes
Department Chair
(757) 823-8573
The Department of Psychology offers the Bachelor of Arts Degree with concentrations in General Psychology, Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education, and Teacher Certification in Special Education. It plays a significant role in the overall mission of the University by contributing to the development of human resources through instruction in the behavioral sciences. Graduates from the three undergraduate programs offered by this department will be prepared to assume important roles in the community as paraprofessionals, teachers and behavioral science researchers. All programs are designed to prepare students for rigorous graduate training in psychology. The Department also offers a Master of Arts in Community/Clinical Psychology (currently inactive) and is part of the Virginia Consortium Program in Clinical Psychology that offers the Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology degree. The major aims of the Department are as follows:
- To provide a flexible, relevant, and fundamentally sound curriculum for students majoring in psychology.
- To prepare students thoroughly to render services initially as entry-level professionals, teachers and behavioral scientists; and eventually as professional psychologists.
- To provide a thorough behavioral science background for students whose expertise can be utilized in related human service fields of employment.
Psychology Courses
PSY 210 Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis on theoretical approaches, concepts, principles, and research findings. Overview of selected areas in psychology that provide the foundation for futher study in psycho
PSY 210H Honors Introduction to Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduction to the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Emphasis on theoretical approaches, concepts, principles, and research findings. Overview of selected areas in psychology that provide the foundation for futher study in psycho
PSY 211 Basic Principles of Psychology (3 Credits)
Overview of selected topics in psychology as a continued introduction to psychology begun in PSY210. Emphasizes theoretical approaches, concepts, principles, and research findings. Topics include sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, langua
PSY 211H Honors Baisc Principles of Psychology (3 Credits)
Overview of selected topics in psychology as a continued introduction to psychology begun in PSY210. Emphasizes theoretical approaches, concepts, principles, and research findings. Topics include sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, langua
PSY 220 Child Psychology (3 Credits)
Study of the physical growth and the psychological development of the child, emphasis on the significance of physical, social, cognitive, personality, and language development in the early years.
PSY 225 Adolescent Psycholgy (3 Credits)
Study of adolescents' physical growth, psychological development, and behavior. Emphasis on the major determinants of adolescent development and behavior, the theoretical approaches, concepts, principles, and research findings about adolescence and their
PSY 228 Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)
Comprehensive study of he psychological development of the individual, induding linguistic, social personality, and cognitive aspects of development from conception through late adulthood.
PSY 228H Honors Developmental Psychology (3 Credits)
Comprehensive study of he psychological development of the individual, induding linguistic, social personality, and cognitive aspects of development from conception through late adulthood.
PSY 230 Educational Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduction to the psychological principles relevant to the processes of education and the theory of educational institutions.
PSY 250 Social Psychology (3 Credits)
Study of the influence of social factors on behavior of individuals and small groups. Emphasis on interpersonal behavior. Exploration of theories concerning social interaction, social influence, aggression, prejudice and attitude change, and socialization
PSY 270 Psychological Statistics (3 Credits)
Study of the basic principles and techniques employed in the fields of descriptive and inferential statistics, as well as the fundamental laws of probability. Emphasis on techniques of summarizing and standardizing data; correlation and regression; sampli
PSY 280 Abnormal Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduction to the various descriptions and classifications of psychopathology and theories of the origin of mental disorders, including different approaches to the treatment of abnormal behavior.
PSY 311 Educational Tests and Measurements* (3 Credits)
Study of the general field of tests and measurements, including the application of statistics. Introduction to factors involved in the selection and administration of group tests of achievement, aptitude, mental ability, and personality.
PSY 312 Behavior Analysis (3 Credits)
Introduction to the concepts involved in behavioral change and in the planning of effective intervention strategies. Focuses on various methods of observing and measuring behavior with emphasis on behavioral task analysis.
PSY 313 Behavior Management (3 Credits)
Study of learning and behavioral programs. Emphasis on learning theory applications including contingency contracting, token economies, modeling, and similar techniques.
PSY 322 Psychology of Exceptional Children (3 Credits)
Study of the unique and typically abnormal psychosocial characteristics and stresses encountered by the handicapped child. Analysis of a child's behavior responses and personality development, ranging from normal adjustment mechanisms to the most serious
PSY 322H Honors Psychology of Exceptional Children (3 Credits)
Study of the unique and typically abnormal psychosocial characteristics and stresses encountered by the handicapped child. Analysis of a child's behavior responses and personality development, ranging from normal adjustment mechanisms to the most serious
PSY 331 Personality (3 Credits)
Introduction to the nature of personality, its development, and its functioning. Examination of classical and contemporary theories and data.
PSY 340 Psychology of the African-American (3 Credits)
Examination of the African-American person with a focus on the unique historical and current social influences on AfricanAmerican personality development and functioning.
PSY 340H Honors Psychology of African Americans (3 Credits)
Examination of the African-American person with a focus on the unique historical and current social influences on AfricanAmerican personality development and functioning.
PSY 360 Experimental Psychology (3-4 Credits)
Introduction to the application of experimental methods and techniques to psychological problems. Emphasis on experimental design, data collection and analysis, and fundamentals of report writing. (3 hours lecture/ 1 hour lab.)
PSY 360H Honors Experimental Psychology (3 Credits)
Introduction to the application of experimental methods and techniques to psychological problems. Emphasis on experimental design, data collection and analysis, and fundamentals of report writing. (3 hours lecture/ 1 hour lab.)
PSY 370 Principles of Cyberpsychology (3 Credits)
This course provides a broad overview of the, emerging field of cyberpsychology. Topics surveyed, are related to the fundamental areas of, introductory psychology but applied from the, perspective of their application to the current, digital landscape of the globally connected world., Specifically, examination of how current, technologies influence human behavior, decision, making, communication, mental health, and, expression of personality will be considered.
PSY 373 History & Systems of Cyberpsychology (3 Credits)
This course will survey the history of, cyberpsychology through present day with a focus, on the various applications of the discipline over, time. Students will examine the changing role of, technology over time, the influence of culture on, the trends and usage of technology, as well as the, various ways digital technologies have evolved to, become pervasive fixtures in the everyday lives of, most people around the world.
PSY 380 Physiological Psychology* (3 Credits)
Study of the physiological processes underlyng behavior, with emphasis on the role that the major systems of the body, in particualr the nervous system, playin behavior.
PSY 381 Topics in Psychology (3 Credits)
Supervised projects selected to suit the needs of the individual student.
PSY 381A Writing in Psychology (3 Credits)
Writing in Psychology, provides the basic tenants of effective writing in Psychology to include effective implementation of APA style, as well as the development of sound general writing skills.
PSY 381B Topic in Psychology: Positive Psychology (3 Credits)
Contact the department for specific course information.
PSY 381C Human Sexuality (3 Credits)
This course examines the physical, intrapsychic, and interpersonal aspects of sexuality.
PSY 381D Psychology of the Leader (3 Credits)
Psychology and the Leader explores various, leadership theories, styles, models, topics, and, best practices. This course provides an, opportunity for students to learn and discuss, leadership theories, and to develop a personal, understanding of leaders
PSY 381E Cyberpsychology (3 Credits)
Cyberpsychology provides an overiew of the applied field of Cyberpsychology, emphasizing the relationship between humans and technology. In this course, we will explore behavior, psychological processes and social issues as they apply in the ever-changin
PSY 381F Careers in Psychology (3 Credits)
This course will provide psychology majors with information and skills that will help students select and pursue a career in psychology or a related field. This course will focus on the critical skills and experiences required for entry into the workforc
PSY 381G Psychology of Groups* (3 Credits)
Group Dynamics is a field of social psychology concerned with the nature of human groups, their development, and their interactions.
PSY 381M Mindfulness (3 Credits)
Contact the department for specific course information
PSY 381P Positive Psychology (3 Credits)
Positive psychology focuses on the science of happiness and human strengths. It provides an overview of the major theories and research in this area.
PSY 381Q Conflict Analysis and Intervention* (3 Credits)
Introduction to the general field of conflict analysis, management, and resolution, with additional application to crisis intervention. Interdisciplinary emphasis on conflict theory and psychological conceptualization to determine the root causes of intra- and interpersonal conflict.
PSY 381R Psychology of Religion (3 Credits)
This course is an introduction to the scientific, study of psychological processes involved in, seeing something as special, set apart, and, sacred. There will be emphasis on how religion, can be studied as an explanation for certain, events, such as why
PSY 390 Fundamentals of Learning (3 Credits)
Survey of basic processes and principles of learning, as well as theoretical accounts of these processes. Examination of research findings from both human and animal subjects.
PSY 391 Readings in Psychology (3 Credits)
Directed readings and supervised independent study of contemporary issues. Comprehensive coverage of a subject from assigned materials required.
PSY 391A The Psychology of Women (3 Credits)
The purpose of this course is to examine the, lives of girls and women. We will include topics, such as gender stereotypes, the development of, gender roles, gender comparisons, women and work,, love relationships, sexuality, women's physical, and mental
PSY 391B Health Psychology (3 Credits)
Examination of selected topics in the area of health psychology. Health, illness and medicine are studied from psychological and cultural perspectives emphasizing theoretical approaches,concepts, and research findings within the field of health psycholog
PSY 391D The Psychology of Racism (3 Credits)
This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the psychological impact of racism in the United States. Through the use of writing and discussion, students will explore the impact of racism for Whites and people of color.
PSY 391G The Psychology of Marriage (3 Credits)
This course is a review of theory and research pertaining to the psychological processes of intimate relationships and marriage. The course addresses interpersonal attraction, sexual behavior, love, ways of dating, cohabitation and divorce.
PSY 391M Topics: Masculinity (3 Credits)
This course examines the diverse psychological-cultural-relational-spiritual experiences of males that identify as, "Black, African, African-American, and/or Caribbean (i.e. of the African Diaspora) with the North American/United States context.
PSY 392 Seminar in Community Resources (1 Credits)
Orientation to the activity of the mental health facility and other workplaces in Psychology. Agency representatives will serve as guest lecturers, and students will also gather information about potential practicum placements. Lectures, presentations, re
PSY 397 Research in Psychology (1-3 Credits)
Supervised independent research projects aimed at answering empirical questions. Also, intimately involves the student in the conceptualization, design, implementation, and analysis and interpretation of empirical questions and research findings.
PSY 410 Psychology of Adjustment (3 Credits)
Study of the multiple aspects of adjustment and mental health, emphasizing the promotion of good adjustment and the prevention and treatment of maladjustment. Analysis of reactions to stress and effective means of coping with stress, emotional control, an
PSY 420 Introduction to Psychological Testing (3 Credits)
Introduction to the theory and practice of psychological testing. Examination of intelligence, perceptual motor, and personality tests, along with their use in clinical, educational, and occupational testing settings.
PSY 430 Clinical Methods in Psychology (3 Credits)
Examination of clinical procedures in psychological evaluation and treatment. Introduction to the uses of psychological tests in making clinical judgments, and an overview of the various theoretical treatment methods such as individual, group, family, and
PSY 430H Honors Clinical Methods in Psychology (3 Credits)
Examination of clinical procedures in psychological evaluation and treatment. Introduction to the uses of psychological tests in making clinical judgments, and an overview of the various theoretical treatment methods such as individual, group, family, and
PSY 440 Drugs and Behavior* (3 Credits)
Survey of major principles and mechanisms of drug action including basic pharmacological principles, basic nervous system function and neurochemistry, behavioral analysis techniques, non-pharmacological variables, and a survey of specific classes of psychoactive drugs.
PSY 450 Systems in Psychology (3 Credits)
Critical survey of systems and theories in psychology, along with a broad overview of the historical and contemporary issues relevant to the study of psychology.
PSY 492 Psychology Seminar (3 Credits)
Presentation of recent experimental and theoretical advances in selected areas of psychology Class projects prepared and presented in a seminar format.
PSY 492H Honors Psychology Seminar (3 Credits)
Presentation of recent experimental and theoretical advances in selected areas of psychology Class projects prepared and presented in a seminar format
PSY 495 Practicum in Psychology (3-6 Credits)
Supervised field experience in an applied setting, i.e., a mental health agency or other appropriate institution.
PSY 495H Honors Practicum in Psychology (3 Credits)
Supervised field experience in an applied setting, i.e., a mental health agency or other appropriate institution.
PSY 496 Practicum in Psychol (3 Credits)
Supervised field experience in an applied setting, i.e., a mental health agency or other appropriate institution.
PSY 497 Research in Psychology (3 Credits)
Supervised independent research projects aimed at answering empirical questions. Also, intimately involves the student in the conceptualization, design, implementation, and analysis and interpretation of empirical questions and research findings.
Darlene Colson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
dgcolson@nsu.edu
757-823-9440
Joy Cooley-Doles, Psy.D., Professor
jacooley@nsu.edu
757-823-9439
Scott Debb, Ed.D., Associate Professor
smdebb@nsu.edu
757-823-8943
Ernestine Duncan, Ph.D., Professor
eduncan@nsu.edu
757-823-8310
Leah Floyd, Ph.D., Associate Professor
ljfloyd@nsu.edu
757-823-2659
Andrew Franklin, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
asfranklin@nsu.edu
757-823-2241
O'Shan Gadsden, Ph.D., Assistant Professor
odgadsden@nsu.edu
757-823-9057
Karen Holmes, Ph.D., Professor
kyholmes@nsu.edu
757-823-9055
Erica Russell, Ph.D., Associate Professor
errussell@nsu.edu
757-823-2228
Ronald Thomas rethomas@nsu.edu 757-823-9058 Ph.D. Professor