Psychology - Associate of Arts Degree
Overview
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:
- Explain terms, concepts and theories of the discipline(s)
- Read, write and communicate effectively and creatively across academic disciplines
- Ask informed questions to deepen the level of enquiry
- Use quantitative and qualitative evidence to support claims
- Research and analyze evidence from scholarly and professional publications
- Synthesize and summarize literature and data
- Demonstrate developing critical, creative thinking and problem-solving skills
- Use current and emerging technology
- Demonstrate collaborative skills in a multicultural environment
- Conduct themselves in a professional and ethical manner in an academic environment
Admission Requirements
In addition to meeting the general admission requirements to Selkirk College, as outlined in Policy 8600: Pre-Admissions Basic Skills Assessment (College Readiness Tool CRT), and Policy 8611: Admissions, Applicants to the University Arts and Sciences Program must meet the following requirements to be considered fully qualified:
Academic
a) Students entering UAS courses, with the exceptions in 2- below, require at least 60% or better in English Studies 12, 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.
b) French 102, Spanish 102, and English 51 do not require B.C. English Studies 12 or equivalent as a prerequisite. However, students enrolled in the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program wishing to take English 51 will be governed by the relevant policies and procedures of the International Education Program.
c) The English Studies 12 prerequisite may be waived for exceptional grade 12 students in the Transitions Program. Credit for transitions courses will be withheld until a grade of 60% or better in English Studies 12 is achieved.
d) Students whose first language is not English must fulfill the College’s English language proficiency requirement. See Policy 8611: Admissions.
e) Additional admission requirements may be necessary for particular certificate programs, diploma programs or associate degrees. Course prerequisites and program admission requirements are defined in the appendices at the end of this document, in the Selkirk College calendar, and on the College website www.selkirk.ca
f) Mature students must meet the English Studies 12 requirement and additional course requirements as specified in the college calendar.
- 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.
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
Note: This is a suggested listing of courses for a two-year Associate of Arts degree in Psychology. Students are advised to ensure that their course selections will meet the degree requirements of the subsequent institution(s) they plan to attend.
Associate Degrees
The Associate Degree is a formally established credential recognized province-wide. Graduation from this program requires the completion of sixty (60) credits of university-level study in selected areas with an overall GPA of 2.0. For details, see the B.C. Council of Admissions and Transfers at (www.bctransferguide.ca)
The School of University Arts and Sciences offers an Associate of Arts Degree program and an Associate of Science Degree program. It also offers specialized associate degree programs focusing on particular disciplines. The admission requirements, graduation requirements, and course of studies for each program are defined in the appendices at the end of this document, in the Selkirk College calendar, and on the College website at www.selkirk.ca
Courses
ENGL110 - College Composition
ENGL 110 introduces students to the world of scholarly writing -- reading it, thinking about it, and producing it as academic researchers. Students will explore how professional and/or academic writers across disciplines communicate to a variety of audiences. Students will practice active reading, writing and critical thinking skills by conducting scholarly research on a topic. This course aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need to write effectively within academic contexts.
PSYC100 - Introductory Psychology I
PSYC 100 Introductory Psychology I is an introduction to the methods, theory and practice of psychology as a science. Among others, topics will include motivation and emotion, learning and memory, biological foundations, sensation and perception. Other topics are added at the discretion of the individual instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options
Take:
one (1) 100-level Arts elective (not Psychology)
at least one (1) 100-level Math, Statistics, or Computer Science elective
one (1) 100- or 200-level Lab Science elective
See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.
ENGL111 - Introduction to Literature
ENGL 111 Introduction to Literature is about living more intensely. Rather than providing answers, literature prompts us to ask better questions of ourselves and each other. Drama, poetry, short stories, and novels will guide us in discussion, reflection, and writing about literature.
PSYC101 - Introductory Psychology II
PSYC 101 Introductory Psychology II covers topics include thinking and other cognitive processes, development of the individual, personality, mental disorders, health and social psychology. Other topics are added at the discretion of the instructor. Class demonstrations and activities are used to illustrate concepts. Teaching methods and resources in the course vary with the instructor.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options
Take:
one (1) 100-level Arts electives (not Psychology)
one (1) 100-level Arts elective
one (1) 100 open science elective
See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.
PSYC200 - Biological Psychology
PSYC 200 Biological Psychology is recommended for majors in psychology or other biological sciences. It will emphasize fundamental neurological processes which underlie sensation, perception, learning, and motivation, and will also explore selected topics in other areas.
PSYC230 - Mental Health and Psychological Disorders I
PSYC 230 Mental Health and Psychological Disorders I is the study of Abnormal Behaviour. Initially we will study the key concepts of major personality theories as they apply to abnormal psychology. This is followed by an introduction to the DSMIV (or DSMV) Classification System and research strategies used in abnormal psychology. The course begins its examination of specific disorders by considering disorders related to anxiety, trauma and stress. The final unit looks at Depressive and Bipolar disorders and Suicide.
PSYC240 - Child Development
PSYC 240 Child Development is an introduction to normal child development; this course explores selected aspects of the physical, cognitive, emotional, and moral development of children from birth to middle childhood; and examines the major theories of child development.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options
Take:
one (1) 200 level Arts elective - not Psychology
two (2) 100 or 200 level General electives
See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.
PSYC202 - Research Methods
PSYC 202 Research Methods. This course introduces prospective Psychology majors to the major methodological principles that guide research in Psychology. The primary focus is on experimental design, but students will be exposed to some elementary statistics. Topics include critical thinking and scientific reasoning, principles of measurement, types of variables, validity and reliability, and research ethics. Weekly labs offer hands-on applications of basic concepts to the design of research.
PSYC231 - Mental Health and Psychological Disorders II
PSYC 231 Mental Health and Psychological Disorders II is the second of two courses which study psychological disorders. In this course we will examine psychotic, pervasive and other major psychological disorders. We will consider the causes, prognoses and treatments of such disorders as: affective disorders; the schizophrenias; developmental disorders; eating disorders; substance-abuse disorders; and sexual disorders.
The following is a suggested selection of courses. Students are advised to meet with a Selkirk College counsellor to discuss course options
Take:
one (1) 200 level Arts elective - not Psychology
two (2) 100 or 200 level General electives
See the UAS Courses by discipline page for course selections.
Tuition & Fees
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