The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychological Sciences provides students with opportunities for focused study in this quintessential behavioral science and builds critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating scientific research within this discipline. This degree has proven useful for careers in psychology and in many other areas including law, writing, journalism, government, education, business, entertainment and the arts.
The BS in Psychological Sciences helps students learn about human behavior from several perspectives in the psychological sciences, the ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge within specific psychological domains, and research method skills in order to become critical evaluators of knowledge of human behavior.
If you find yourself fascinated about why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, consider pursuing a degree in psychological sciences. Psychologists take a scientific approach to studying behavior and mental processes, researching the ways in which life experiences, environment, culture, and biology all work together to shape the mind and brain. Our psychological sciences major can explore a wide range of topics such as compassion, creativity, health, development, interpersonal relationships, psychological disorders and treatments, cognition, neuroscience, and sexuality, and critically evaluate the research that professional psychologists use. Majors may also have the opportunity to complete undergraduate research, an internship and/or fieldwork during their coursework.
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.
The full policy can be viewed here.
In addition to University Requirements:
Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 120 |
| Major GPA | C |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| Research | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan | Optional |
| Some online/blended coursework | Required |
| AZ Transfer Students complete AGEC-A | Recommended |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences provides students with opportunities for focused study that builds critical thinking skills necessary for evaluating scientific research within this discipline. The ability to engage in critical analyses of psychological ideas and scientific evidence constitutes a valuable personal asset and is a key to success in many professions.
Completion of this degree helps students understand human behavior from several perspectives in psychological science, develop their ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge in specific psychological domains (e.g., developmental, social, personality, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience, clinical), and learn the fundamentals of psychological research methods in order to be a critical evaluator of scientific knowledge of human behavior. You will learn important skills such as problem identification and application of research findings, critical thinking skills, and communication skills (writing, visual, verbal).
Careers that are available for students with a BS in Psychological Sciences are varied and include early childhood behavioral specialist, occupational therapy assistant, administrative assistant, science technician, case manager, and many others. The BS in Psychological Sciences degree is also valuable for students interested in pursuing a masters’ degree in applied mental health professions such as clinical mental health counseling or social work, and in other related graduate programs. Students interested in pursuing a PhD in psychology or related field can strengthen their education by taking advanced research methods (PSY 304W), and undergraduate research with a faculty mentor (PSY 279, PSY 485, PSY 486C).
Student Learning Outcomes (See Detailed Student Learning Outcomes)
The major requires 37 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 37 units, with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Psychological Sciences Course Requirements (37 units)
Of the 37 units required for this major, 15 units must be upper-division courses. You may not use the same course to satisfy more than one degree requirement. In addition, at least 15 of the 37 units required for this major must be taken at Northern Arizona University.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
This program is available as an Accelerated Undergraduate/Graduate Plan wherein a student may start a master's degree while simultaneously completing their bachelor's degree.
Students enrolled at the Flagstaff campus for both undergraduate and graduate programs are eligible to complete the Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences and start a Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences at NAU.
Students accepted into the Accelerated Program should complete the following requirements:
Major Requirements
The major requires 43 units distributed as follows:
Take the following 43 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
Psychological Sciences Course Requirements (43 units)
Of the 43 units required for this major, 15 units must be upper-division courses. You may not use the same course to satisfy more than one degree requirement. In addition, at least 15 of the 43 units required for this major must be taken at Northern Arizona University.
Students enrolled in this plan may not enroll in or pursue the following due to the number of overlapping units:
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.
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.