Psychology

Psychology is the scientific study of the mind. Psychology is a social science, which scientifically studies the human mind, mental processes and behavior. This includes topics as diverse as: anatomy, biology, biochemistry, cognition, emotion, evolution, interpersonal relationships, learning, memory, perception, personality, pharmacology and physiology. Psychologists try to understand the role of mental functions in individual and social behavior, while also exploring the underlying neurological and physiological processes. Psychological training can be applied to everyday life, from education, employment and family to the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. Our program offers a solid foundation for transfer to a four-year university, as well as an excellent, liberal arts education beneficial to many career paths.

Contact
Chairperson
Ali Ghassemi
Phone
(818) 947 - 2522
Email
ghassear@smcun.com
Office Location
111C Behavioral Science Building (BSC)
Office Hours
email for availability

Department
Psychology

Pathway
Social and Behavioral Sciences

Degree

 

Psychology Associates in Arts for Transfer

The Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T) is designed for students who aim to transfer to a 4 year institution. The study of Psychology provides a foundation for preparation in such diverse fields as social services, law, education, healthcare, government, and business. Upon completion of the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree, students will be able to evaluate behaviors and mental processes using psychological concepts and theories, distinguish various biological systems that are fundamental to behavior and experience, apply the logic of hypothesis testing in science to everyday life.

Psychology Associate in Arts for Transfer (AA - T) 

Psychology Events

Fall Psychology Events

Date Event Information

 

9/14/2024

 

Transferring from Community College Panel

Free, virtual event hosted by the CSUN Psychology alumni Association. Stop by and ask the panel of former Psychology Transfer students about their experiences as transfer students in psychology. If you wish to attend please register using the link on the flyer. If you have questions please reach out to Prof. Paz de la Vega (@email)

Flyer
9/20/2024 Getting into Research Event

Planning on transferring to CSUN as a Psychology major? Are you interested in Research? Then this is the perfect event for you! The event will be hosted in person at Cal State Northridge and will give students the opportunity to network with potential future mentors. If you are interested in attending or want more information please reach out to Prof. Paz de la Vega (@email)

Flyer
10/5/2024 Psychology Mentoring Event

Curious about different careers pathways in Psychology? This virtual mentoring event will give you the opportunity to meet and ask questions to professionals working in various Psychology fields (Clinical, counseling, Social, MFT, School counseling and many more). Use the link below to register and check out the flyer for all of the different careers. If you have questions please reach out to Prof. Paz de la Vega (@email)

Registration link
     

 

Faculty

Faculty Contact Information

Click below for faculty contact information.

Name Contact Information
Nikita M. Bajwa, Ph.D. bajwanm@laccd.edu
Ruby Christian-Brougham, Ph.D. christrrr@smcun.com
Wilson Chu, Ph.D. chuw@smcun.com
Yara N. Farah, Ph.D. farahyn@laccd.edu
Ali Ghassemi, Psy.D. ghassear@smcun.com
Luis Paz de la Vega, MA. pazdells@laccd.edu
Christina Peter, Ph.D. petercr@smcun.com
Nazli Saliminejad, LMFT salimin@smcun.com

 

Name Contact Information
Hasmik Arakaleyan  @email
Janet Carney-Clark @email
Megan Fischer @email
Donte Green @email
Sourena Haj-Mohamadi @email
Ramon Herrera @email
Michael Huff @email
Mary (Betsy) Jennings @email
Nihal Kaylor @email
Jessica King @email
Elizabeth Lozano-Castillo @email
Aida Mahmud @email
Ashley Maier @email
Kobe Masuoka @email
Sue Meier @email
Lisa Meneshian @email
Catherine Parker @email
Lilit Petrosyan @email
Claudia Rosenberg @email
Gavin Shafron @email

 

Faculty Profiles

Click below to learn about the Psychology faculty.

Dr. Nikita M. Bajwa

  • Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology, Loma Linda University  

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001), Stress Management (PSYCH 060), Research Methods (PSYCH 074), and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Learning, Memory, Diseases of the Brain, and Brains!  

  • I love meteor showers, star gazing, and all things in outer space!  

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Development and Cognitive Sciences, University of Southern California 

  • Statistics for the Social Sciences (Statistics 101), Research Methods in the Behavioral Sciences (Psychology 74), Developmental Psychology (Psychology 41), Introductory Psychology (Psychology 01) and Biological Psychology (PSYCH 002) 

  • Areas of interest: Decision-making, cognitive biases, health psychology and stress 

  • I love L.A-the food, the culture, the museums, the music and the people.

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Ella

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Cognitive Sciences, University of Southern California 

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001), Biological Psychology (PSYCH 002), and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Learning, Memory, Perception, Statistics, Decision Making, Vision & Brains! 

  • I’m color-blind. 

 

 

  • Ph.D. in Educational Psychology, Baylor University (TX) 

  • Teaches Statistics for Social Sciences (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Gifted and Talented Education, Special Education, Twice-Exceptional Learners, Classroom management, Assessments, Functional Behavior Assessment, and Research Methods. 

  • Psychology Club faculty advisor 

  • My favorite animal is the polar bear.  

  • Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

 

 

  • Introduction to Psychology (Psychology 1); Biological Psychology (Psychology 2); Adolescence (Psychology 12); Exceptional Child (Psychology 17); Health Psychology (Psychology 75); Introduction to Counseling (Psychology 90); Statistics (Statistics 101) 

  • Areas of Interest: Techniques of Psychotherapy 

  • Department Chair 

  • Go LA Kings!! #COYG 

 

 

  • Masters in Psychological Sciences from CSU – Northridge (CSUN) 

  • Teaches Introduction to Psychology (PSYCH 001) and Statistics (STAT 101) 

  • Areas of interest: Developmental, Cultural, Positive and Sports Psychology.

  • When I was 13, I played in a friendly game for the Peruvian U-14 Basketball team. 

  • Pronouns: He/Him/El

 

Dr. Christina Peter

  • Ph.D. Educational Psychology, University of Illinois Chicago  

  • Statistics for the Social Sciences (Statistics 101), Research Methods In The Behavioral Sciences (Psychology 74), Psychological Aspects Of Human Sexuality (Psychology 52), Introductory Psychology (Psychology 01) 

  • Research: I study romantic and sexual relationship health, sexual education, and sexual and gender-based harassment among teens and young adults.  

  • I first discovered psychology in middle school and have loved it ever since.  

  • Pronouns:  She/Her 

 

Nazli Saliminejad

  • Masters in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist – Pepperdine University 

  • Introductory Psychology (Psychology 1), Psychology of Personality and Social Development (Psychology 3), Lifespan Psychology (Psychology 41), Psychological Aspects of Human Sexuality (Psychology 52), Introduction to Counseling Psychology (Psychology 90) 

  • Areas of interest: Integrative Psychotherapeutic Approaches, Cross-Cultural Psychology, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction 

  • I produced a play in my 5th grade school theater and had the lead role 

 

Learn About Psychology

LAVC Video: Psychology

 

 

Schedule, Catalog, & 2 Year Schedule

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