2017-2018

Psychology, Bachelor

Arts and Sciences

Online & Education Innovation &
Provost Office

This degree will enable you to develop a range of skills in written and oral communication, critical thinking, interpersonal relations, analysis, and synthesis necessary for scientific inquiry in the field of psychology. 

The psychology major supports the goal of a liberal arts education: developing well-rounded and well-educated citizens. It also provides graduates with a solid foundation in all the major areas of human behavior and mental processes: clinical, cognition, development, social psychology, physiological psychology, and health psychology.

This plan will not be available to new students after Summer 2019

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the liberal studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's diversity, liberal studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • At least 38 units of major requirements
  • At least 18 units of a minor or 15 units of a certificate
  • 6 units of communication skills
  • 12-16 units of foreign language for a Bachelor of Arts OR 12 units of science for the Bachelor of Science

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy Liberal Studies requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
Some online/blended coursework Required
AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A Recommended
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The mission of the Bachelor of Psychology degree program is to provide the opportunity to pursue an education in psychology for those students who because of employment, family obligation, and/or strong ties to their community are unable to attend traditional four year universities and colleges through a flexible program utilizing both traditional and on-line environments.

Student Learning Outcomes
Students will be able to:

  • Identify and describe the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, and empirical findings in psychology.
  • Describe the evolution of psychology from its philosophical roots to contemporary psychological science, and the scientific basis for how our psychological knowledge base has been and continues to be acquired. 
  • Demonstrate research skills in psychology.
  • Use computers and other technology for a variety of purposes including the acquisition of relevant and valid information
  • Understand and apply basic research methods in psychology, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
  • Conduct an empirical research project. This includes respect and use of critical and creative thinking, and skeptical inquiry.
  • Critically review empirical research and other psychological information reported by others.
  • Describe the basic concepts, theories, and ethical issues in psychology, and apply this knowledge in their professional and personal lives, and when possible, use the scientific approach to solve problems related to behavior and mental processes.

Major Requirements

  • Take the following to 77 - 81 units:

    • The following 38 units must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better.
    • At least 15 of these 38 units must be taken from Northern Arizona University.
Minor or Certificate

  • Complete at least 18 units from a minor other than Psychology.

    OR

    Complete at least 15 units from a Certificate other than Psychology.

  • Computer Literacy (3 units)
    This coursework must help you to understand, in general, the technical components of computers and information systems, how to solve problems using information systems technology, word processing, spreadsheet use, database management, graphic information software, website development, graphic design and use of statistical analysis software.

  • Communication Requirements (6 units)

    Choose 6 units in the following two categories. 

    • Performance-based courses, select one from the following (3 units)
      • CST 111, CST 311, CST 312, CST 314, CST 315, CST 318 (Performance-based courses are defined as having at least 51 percent of the evaluation of the student being based upon oral performance.)
      • Or advisor approved
    • Theory-based courses, select one from the following (3 units)

  • Please note that you cannot use CLEP or locally prepared exams to satisfy this requirement. Transfer credit used to satisfy this requirement must be approved by the program director.

  • Choose One:

  • Foreign Language Requirement (16 units)

    You must demonstrate proficiency in a language other than English that is equivalent to four terms of university coursework in the same language. You may satisfy this requirement by taking language courses or by testing out of all or part of it by taking CLEP exams.

  • OR

  • Science Requirement (12 units)

    Select from the following:

    • ANT 101, ANT 250
    • GSP 130, GSP 150
    • Courses with Astronomy, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Sciences, Geology, Mathematics, Nutrition, Physical Science, Physics, Statistics prefixes. Please note that other courses must be approved by the program director.
General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or liberal studies requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.