2023-2024

Psychology, Minor

Department of Psychological Sciences

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This minor provides students with an arena to explore the scientific study of behavior and the mind, beginning with foundational knowledge of major areas within psychology and following with other specialized topics such as child development, neuroscience, and sexuality. This minor can be an excellent companion to many majors and can build understanding of interpersonal and social interactions in various facets of life.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

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

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 18
Major GPA 2.0

Purpose Statement

Students who satisfy the requirements for the minor in Psychological Sciences will  develop an understanding and knowledge of psychological concepts and perspectives and to be able to synthesize information within various psychology sub-disciplines. These academic experiences, in addition to the practiced ability to critically evaluate scholarship, enrich a student’s chosen major and post baccalaureate plans. A minor in Psychological Sciences provides students with the opportunity to explore the scientific study of behavior and cognition, beginning with foundational knowledge of major areas within psychology and following with other specialized topics. This minor can be an excellent companion to many majors and can build understanding of interpersonal and social interactions in various facets of life including the workplace and possible careers. 

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Knowledge Base in Psychology Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology.  
  • Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking. Students will develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.  
  • Informational and Technological Literacy, Proficiency, and Efficacy. Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes. Students will become familiar with the importance of articulating an information need in order to develop a research question and the importance of rigor in the research process. 
  • Ethical and Social Responsibility.  Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behavior for professional and personal settings.   
  • Effective Writing and Oral Communication Skills. Students will demonstrate competence in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.  
  • Professional Development. Students will emerge from the major with abilities that sharpen their readiness for post-baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school.

Minor Requirements
  • Take the following 18 units, with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
    In addition, at least 6 of the 18 units required for this minor must be from courses offered by Northern Arizona University. These 6 units may not include individualized courses.

  • Students enrolled in this minor may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:

  • 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.