Discover people. Learn about childhood development. Find out how your brain works. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of mental problems. Think about what it means to be human. Learn about relationships. Discover new ways of seeing the world and your place in it.
Psychology is the study of thought, feeling, and behaviour. The BA Psychology is for those who are interested in understanding why people do the things that they do, and who want to gain insight into their own personalities and emotions. It is designed to introduce students to the major concepts and discoveries of psychology, and to equip them with basic skills in research design and interpretation, and in the application of psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
Specific skills you will acquire as a psychology major at Briercrest include critical and creative thinking, the ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret social science data, the ability to communicate well, and an increased level of interpersonal awareness. These skills are highly sought after by employers in a wide range of fields.
The BA Psychology offers a solid foundation for graduate study, as well as providing entry into a wide variety of social and human service occupations.
The BA Psychology at BCS requires 42 credit hours of major requirements including 27 credit hours at the 300-400 levels and 6 credit hours at the 400 level. In addition, three credit hours of cognate study are required. The BA Psychology requires a minimum of 39 credit hours of 300+ course work within the context of a 120 credit hour degree.
The program is offered with the written authorization of the Minister of Advanced Education effective July 1, 2018. This authorization was provided after the program proposal underwent a quality assurance review and was found to meet the standards established by the Minister. Prospective students are responsible for satisfying themselves that the program and the degree will be appropriate to their needs.
Credit Hours: 120
I. Required Psychology Courses (24 credit hours)
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology I
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology II
PSY 201 Research Methods in the Social Sciences
PSY 202 Statistics for the Social Sciences or STAT 200 Introduction to Statistical Methods
PSY 280 Human Development: A Lifespan Perspective
PSY 320 Social Psychology or PSY 330 Theories of Personality
PSY 350 Cognitive Psychology
PSY 351 Psychoogy of Counselling or PSY 379 Psychology of Personal and Interpersonal Dynamics
PSY 355 Biopsychology
PSY 401 History of Psychology
II. Psychology Electives (12 credit hours)
Students must take 12 credit hours of Psychology electives, including at least 9 credit hours at the 300-400 levels and 3 credit hours at the 400 level.
III. Cognate Requirements (3 credit hours)
BIOL 115 Human Structure and Function
IV. Free Electives (to bring credit hour total to 120 credit hours)
PRT 400 Senior Portfolio (non-credit)
SL 1-6 Service and Experiential Learning (non-credit)
In addition, all Bachelor of Arts degrees require the completion of Briercrest's core curriculum.
