Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Psychology focuses on the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Athabasca University’s online Psychology program is designed to develop or expand your knowledge of this field.

• The courses will provide you with a grounding in the concepts central to psychology as a science and has courses in applied areas.

Why take the Bachelor of Arts?

The Bachelor of Arts strengthens critical and creative thinking through a broad range of social, political and cultural studies. The program is designed to

• broaden your perspective on local and global affairs
• encourage community and social involvement
• prepare you for lifelong learning and occupational diversity

As a result of completing this program, students should be able to

• Demonstrate knowledge of theories, concepts, and key findings in psychology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of research methods and their uses in psychological research.
• Discuss issues and procedures involved with the ethical conduct of research and in the practice of psychology.
• Communicate information, arguments, and analyses clearly and accurately.
• Find and evaluate information both online and in traditional resources (e.g., articles, books).
• Use critical thinking skills to evaluate and critique psychological theories and research findings.
• Apply knowledge in psychology and related skills to everyday issues and situations.

Possible career options

• Group Home Co-ordinator
• Behavioural Therapist
• Crisis Intervention Counsellor
• Mental Health Worker
• Family Service Worker
• Rehabilitation Advisor
• Residential Youth Counsellor
• Addictions Counsellor
• Employment Counsellor
• Researcher
• Child Welfare Worker
• Program Coordinator
• Education Coordinator
• Fundraising Consultant
• Training and Technical Assistance Specialist
• Life Skills Worker
• Events Coordinator
• English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher

• Completion of high school in an English-speaking country.
• Completion of 15 university credits from a recognized English-speaking university, or 1 year at a non-university post-secondary institution with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).

English is the language of instruction and communication in SCIS graduate programs.

Proficiency in English is an essential requirement for admission to SCIS graduate programs. Although working and studying online requires a different level of English language skills than does the classroom situation, students must nevertheless be able to communicate effectively with faculty, administration, and with other students.

For more information on the English Language Prociency Requirements for Graduate Studies please refer to the AU graduate calendar.

• Minimum score of 6 on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
• Minimum score of 60% on the Canadian Academic English Language Assessment (CAEL).
• Minimum score of 80 on the Michigan English Language Battery (MELAB) test.
• Minimum score of 59 on the Pearson Test of English (PTE).
• Minimum score of 213 on the computer- or paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), with 4.5 on the Test of Written English (TWE).
• Minimum score of 80 with an essay score of 20 on the Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT).
• Successful completion of AU’s English Language Proficiency Program with an overall average of 75% (GPA of 3.0).
• See the English Language Proficiency Requirements Policy for further details.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

• How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.