The Associate of Arts Degree – Psychology provides students with a foundational understanding of psychological principles, theories, and practices. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and effective communication. Graduates may pursue entry-level positions in various fields or continue their education toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology or related disciplines. The program also prepares students for further studies in counselling, social work, and education.
The information on this program page is a summary of the official Program Information and Completion Guide approved by NLC’s Education Council. (Download a PDF of the current Program Completion Guide).
Career Prospects
The Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree provides introductory, university-level education for many different careers, particularly in Psychology.
Details
Intakes
| Location | Starting | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Chetwynd | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Dawson Creek | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort Nelson | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Fort St John | Fall | Full-Time, Part-Time |
| Winter | Full-Time, Part-Time | |
| Spring | Full-Time, Part-Time |
Length
60 credits (1050 hours), minimum.
This is a two year program taken over four semesters with minimum of 15 credits per semester. Part-time studies will take longer.
Estimated Program Fees
Program fee type: Academic
Costs indicated are estimates for a full-time course load.
Book, supplies and third-party fees are additional.
Domestic Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 3,726.30 | $ 152.76 | $ 158.63 | $ 4,037.69 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 3,800.83 | $ 155.83 | $ 0.00 | $ 3,956.66 |
International Fees
| Tuition | Student Fees | Instruction-related Fees | International Medical Insurance | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $ 12,915.00 | $ 162.42 | $ 51.36 | $ 289.80* | $ 13,418.58 |
| Year 2 (estimated) | $ 13,560.75 | $ 170.54 | $ 51.36 | $ 13,782.65 |
*Per four months
Still have questions?
Contact:
- info@nlc.bc.ca if you are in Canada
- info@international.nlc.bc.ca if you are outside of Canada
- academic-chair@nlc.bc.ca if you are currently an NLC student
Admission Requirements
*A. Domestic students and students from countries that practice Standard Written English (see Appendix A) must have official transcripts demonstrating that they have met the English Requirements: One of the following with a “C” grade or higher: English 12 or English Literature 12 or English First Peoples 12, ENGL 050, or ENGL 099. Alternatively, any university-level English course with a “C” grade or higher. Students who do not meet one of the above English requirements must complete the NLC Writing Assessment for appropriate course placement.
B. International students who do not meet the requirement A. above, and domestic students who received their secondary education in French or another language, must show that they have met the NLC English requirement: see Appendix A (General Academic English Language Proficiency Requirements) OR must have received a minimum overall band of 6.0 on the IELTS exam, with no band less than 5.5.
plus,
C. Students must have official transcripts demonstrating the following Math Requirement: One of the following with a ‘C’ grade (60%) or higher: Pre-calculus 11, Principles of Mathematics 11, Foundations of Math 11, MATH 040, or equivalent. Alternatively, readiness for MATH 050 as determined by the CCP Math appraisal.
*Note that some University Arts and Sciences and related programs elective courses have specific prerequisites. Meeting the entrance requirements for the program does not ensure course prerequisites have been met for all available courses.
Important Notes
- The program is eligible for Canada Student Loans. Visit StudentAidBC to apply for financial assistance online. Note that dual credit students are not eligible for Student Aid.
- Course transfer agreements allow students to receive course-by-course transfer to other colleges, universities, and institutes in BC, as indicated in the BC Transfer Guide.
- Transfer with an Associate Degree in BC provides preferential treatment to students continuing to complete a baccalaureate degree.
Program Requirements
| Residency Requirement | 50% of all coursework must be completed at Northern Lights College. Note that a minimum 60% or ‘C’ grade (60%) is required for courses to be considered for transfer into this program. The age of the course will also be considered in course transfer. |
|---|---|
| Minimum Grade Requirements | 2.00 program Grade Point Average (GPA) |
General Requirements
- 60 credits of first-and second-year courses (normally 20 courses). These must include a minimum of 18 credits (6 courses) in the Arts at the second-year level, in two or more subject areas.
Specific Requirements
- 6 credits in 100-level English: ENGL 100 , and 3 credits (1 course) from ENGL 105, ENGL 110, ENGL 111 OR ENGL 112
- 9 credits (3 courses) in the Sciences at the 100- or 200-level, including minimum of 3 credits in a 100-level or 200-level Lab Science
- 36 credits (12 courses) in the Arts including:
- 6 credits (2 courses) in a 100- or 200-level Humanities other than English but including the Creative/Performing Arts
- 6 credits (2 courses) Psychology: PSYC 101 (3 credits) & PSYC 102 (3 credits)
- 24 additional credits (8 courses) in Arts
- 9 credits (3 courses) in University level Psychology, including:
- PSYC 201 (3 credits) OR SOSC 220 (3 credits)
- 6 credits (2 courses) in University level Psychology at the second-year level
Note: An individual course may not be used to fulfill more than one of the specific requirements listed above.
Concentrations
Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degrees with a concentration or specialization require a minimum of 15 credits in Psychology; normally, 6 of these credits must be at the second-year level.
Credential
Associate of Arts Degree (Psychology)