Psychology – Associate of Arts Degree

Program Details

Credential Received

Associate of Arts Degree Psychology

Overview

Program Summary

Have you ever wondered why we think, feel or act as we do?

Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour, and psychologists seek to understand all aspects of human thought, experience and action. For example, psychologists interested in decision-making might investigate the roles of reason or superstition in the choices people make. Other psychologists might focus on factors that influence emotions ranging from uncontrollable rage, paralyzing fear and suicidal depression to passionate desire and ecstatic joy. Psychologists are interested in the circumstances that might motivate an individual to risk their own life to save others at one moment and commit acts of great cruelty at another. Finally, psychologists apply insights gained through research to practical issues such as treatment of mental illness, increasing job satisfaction, reducing prejudice, increasing recovery from brain injury, preventing crime and developing youth programs that enhance self-esteem and achievement.

With your two-year associate of arts degree in psychology you will get most, if not all, of the requirements to enter third year of a major or honours psychology degree program. Complete a specified two years (approximately 60 credits) of courses with us, and then finish your degree at the university of your choice.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of an Associate of Arts program, learners will be able to:

1. Explain terms, concepts and theories of the discipline(s)
2. Read, write and communicate effectively and creatively across academic disciplines
3. Ask informed questions to deepen the level of enquiry
4. Use quantitative and qualitative evidence to support claims
5. Research and analyze evidence from scholarly and professional publications
6. Synthesize and summarize literature and data
7. Demonstrate developing critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills
8. Use current and emerging technology
9. Demonstrate collaborative skills in a multicultural environment
10. Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in an academic environment

Program Admission Requirements

Academic Requirements

In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, applicants to the University Arts and Sciences program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:

• Minimum grade of 60% in English 12 or English 12 First Peoples or equivalent. Students who do not meet this requirement must write the Language Proficiency Index (LPI) test and achieve a minimum of level 4 to attain equivalency.

Additional Requirements

• Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the college’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
• Mature students must meet the English 12 requirement.
• If you are a student who lacks the admission requirements, you may still gain entry to the program by taking a combination of Academic Upgrading and university courses in your first year. This may extend the length of your program.

Graduation and Promotion

All Associate of Arts students are required to complete:

• Two semester courses in first-year English
• Six semester courses in first-year Arts in two or more subject areas
• Three semester courses in UAS science and math at the 100 level or higher, of which, one must be a lab science and one must be a UAS math, statistics or computer science course
• Biology 101, Geography 130 and 232, and Geology are considered lab sciences
• Six semester courses in second-year Arts in two or more subject areas
• Six additional UAS courses
• Students must achieve a GPA of 2.00

Additional Program Policies