The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology 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. Additionally the flexible option of allowing completion of a minor, certificate, or foreign language allows students to personally tailor their degree for their specific future educational or career path.
The Department of Psychological Sciences enables students to develop understanding of and knowledge about human behavior from several perspectives in psychological science, the ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge within specific psychological domains (e.g., research and statistics, developmental processes, social and personality, cognitive and behavioral neuroscience, learning theory and behavioral health), 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 majors 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. You may also have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or fieldwork.
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 | 2.0 |
| Highest Mathematics Required | MAT 114 |
| Foreign Language | Optional |
| Fieldwork Experience/Internship | Optional |
| University Honors Program | Optional |
| Progression Plan Link | View Progression Plan |
Purpose Statement
The Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology 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. 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. Careers that are available for students with a bachelor's degree in psychology are varied, and include human resource professional, case manager, early childhood behavioral specialist, occupational therapy assistant, administrative assistant, science technician, and many others. Students successfully completing this degree should be prepared to enter the workforce after graduation, and those that engage in undergraduate research should also be competitive for graduate studies in applied mental health professions such as clinical mental health counseling or social work, and in other related graduate programs.
This degree enables students to develop an understanding of and knowledge about human behavior from several perspectives in psychological science, the ability to apply and synthesize that knowledge within specific psychological domains (e.g., developmental, social, personality, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience, clinical), and research method skills in order to become a critical evaluator of scientific knowledge of human behavior. In addition students will have the opportunity to develop transferable skills (e.g., read with comprehension and identify major points, write in a particular style, work as a productive member of a team) that will provide further preparation for workforce entry or continued education at the graduate level. Both Psychology and Psychological Science majors complete a core sequence of courses including introductory psychology, a set of lower division breadth courses, introduction to statistics, research methods in psychology, a set of upper division depth courses, and a capstone course. However, Psychology majors are not required to complete additional training in research, as are Psychological Science majors. Instead, Psychology majors have the flexibility to complete a minor, certificate, or foreign language so that they may personally tailor their degree to fit their future educational and career goals.
Student Learning Outcomes (See Detailed Student Learning Outcomes)
Take the following 38 units with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
You may not pursue the Psychology Minor in conjunction with this degree.
The Department of Psychological Sciences prohibits dual majors with the department.
Additional Requirements - Complete ONE of the following:
The minor must have at least 18 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a minor that's appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Your minor advisor will advise you about this part of your academic plan.
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 through credit by exam.
Certificate Requirement
The certificate must have at least 15 units from those described in this catalog. In consultation with your advisor, you should select a certificate that is appropriate for your career aspirations and educational needs. Recommended, but not required, certificates include Professional Communication, Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (also online), Certified Police Manger (online), Innovative Thinking and Problem Solving, and Non-Profit and Social Entrepreneurship. Be aware some courses may have prerequisites you must also take. A PSY certificate can be used to meet this requirement.
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.