Psychology, B.A.

The undergraduate major in Psychology prepares students to use psychological concepts and theories, and provides a foundation for working in community or business settings, as well as graduate study. Students may apply their knowledge to a number of settings, including community and private mental health centers and the business sector. Students completing the Psychology major, as well as all other degree requirements inclusive of 180 quarter hours, are eligible for the award of the Bachelor of Arts (B.A. degree).

The program is conveniently offered in both online only and blended formats.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

At the completion of the B.A. in Psychology program, students will be able to:

PLO1. Describe, compare, and contrast major psychological theories as applied to human behavior.

PLO2. Apply psychological research process and theoretical frameworks.

PLO3. Communicate effectively from a psychological perspective through writing and presentations.

PLO4. Apply psychological theory and skills in the professional environment.

PLO5. Demonstrate understanding of the complexity of sociocultural diversity in the inquiry and analysis of psychological issues.

Program Details:

• Requires 180 QH including 60 QH of General Education for completion 
• Requires a minimum grade of “C” in general education and program core courses
• Credit for Prior Learning is accepted for general education, elective credit and as determined appropriate by the faculty, toward program major requirements 
• Students may complete any minor or concentration that is not in the same area of study as their program major. Students must consult with their Academic Advisor to select a minor or concentration that best fits their career and personal goals.

Required Courses

Communications - 15QH

ENG 101	Beginning English Composition	5
ENG 201	Intermediate English	5
ENG 203	Effective Speaking for the Undergraduate	5

Humanities and Fine Arts - 15QH

ART 101	Art Appreciation	5
HIS 103	History Across the Globe	5
PHI 107	Ethics, Logic and Critical Inquiry	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any general education course in humanities or fine arts.

Quantitative Reasoning - 5QH

MTH 101

Introduction to Mathematical Concepts

5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any college-level mathematics course.

Physical and Life Sciences - 10QH

SCI 101	Physical Science	5
	and
SCI 102	Survey of Biological Science with Lab	5
	or
SCI 225	Human Impact on Environment	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use one course in any physical science and one course in any life science.

Social and Behavioral Sciences - 15QH

Choose two Social Science courses from the list below:

ECO 200	Macroeconomics for Today's Professional	5
	or
HIS 102	Civics and American Government	5
	or
SOC 101	Foundational Sociology	5
	or
SOC 222	Culture and Identity	5
	and
PSY 101	Introduction to Psychology	5

Note: Students transferring credit from other institutions or applying coursework previously completed at NLU may use any general education course in social and behavioral sciences. 

Additional General Education Requirements

Students must complete GEN 103 and one of the following course options:

Pathways Students

GEN 210	Think Global-Perspectives from the Field	3 TO 5
	and
BRV 200	Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator	5
	or
CAR 214	Creating and Communicating the Professional Brand	5
	and
BRV 201	Braven Leadership and Career Accelerator: Capstone Challenge	2
	or
CAR 217	Workplace Leadership	2

Transfer Students

CAR 202	Creating Professional Identity	2
CAR 203	You The Professional	0 TO 2

Note: GEN 103 may be waived for on-campus students who (1) enter NLU with an associate’s degree or 90 or more quarter credit hours of transfer credit; and (2) have maintained a cumulative GPA of 3.000 or above in their previous undergraduate studies. GEN 210 is required for Pathways students only.

Online Students

RES 200

Research, Writing, and Analysis

1

Note: RES 200 is required for students completing a fully-online program.

Program Core - 60 QH

PSY 305	Memory and Cognition	5
	or
PSY 401	Psychology of Learning	5
	and
PSY 306	Theories of Personality	5
PSY 307	Abnormal Psychology	5
PSY 311	Introduction to Community Psychology	5
PSY 315	Lifespan Development	5
PSY 330	Social Psychology	5
PSY 348	Cross-Cultural Communication	5
PSY 350	Culture and Self	5
PSY 402	Research Methods	5
PSY 425	Mental Health	5
PSY 450	Human Sexuality	5
	and
CAR 490	Internship Practicum	5
	or
PSY 499	Psychology Seminar	5

Note: HSM 400 may be used in lieu of PSY 402.

Electives

Choose additional courses to total 180 QH. These hours may be satisfied by completing any minor or concentration in consultation with your Academic Advisor.