Program overview
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
Routes and options
The Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major is an online degree program, with both a 3-year and a 4-year option. There are no set start dates – you can enrol at any time and register for courses right away.
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Concentration (3-year online degree)
- A 3-year degree is a well-respected and marketable credential in Canada and the United States.
- It does not provide direct access to graduate-level studies.
- You can extend your 3-year degree to a 4-year degree at a later date, if you wish. Learn more about degree conversion.
Bachelor of Arts, Psychology Major (4-year online degree)
- A 4-year degree prepares students for most graduate programs.
- The 4-year BA program allows you to pursue either a major and minor or a double major.
- Double majors must meet the requirements for both majors, which may restrict course selection or require additional credits above the 120 required for the BA.
- You should talk to an academic advisor about your program and courses if you’re considering a double major.
- To earn a minor you must complete 30 credits in that subject area.
- List of minors
- Anthropology
- Canadian Studies
- English
- French
- Global Studies
- History
- Humanities
- Inclusive Education
- Labour Studies
- Philosophy
- Political Economy
- Political Science
- Public Administration
- Sociology
- Women's and Gender Studies
- AU does not offer an Honours BA.
Completion times
Finish the concentration option in 3 years of full-time study, the major option in 4 years, or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion.
Admission requirements
There are no formal admission requirements for either the 3-year or the 4-year program. All you need is to be 16 or older. You can enrol anytime and start right away, regardless of your previous education.
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.
Make sure we get your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.
Transfer and advanced credit
If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree. If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.
Program requirements
To complete the program you will need to fulfill all the general requirements of the Bachelor of Arts, plus those specific to your major or minor.
Our program plans can give you an idea of what courses you need to finish this program, and how to plan the order in which you’ll take them If you’re feeling stuck, our academic advisors can help.
Required courses
Detailed information about courses in this program can be accessed using the following links:
Tuition and fees
Once you have paid the initial application fee, tuition is pay-as-you-go for each course registration. Course fees vary depending on your location and other factors.
You can estimate your total program cost by multiplying the cost of a 3-credit course by the number of courses you need to take for the program. Remember that tuition costs may increase each year.
Program learning outcomes
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
Continuing education
At Athabasca University:
At other educational institutions*
- graduate studies in psychology and related/unrelated disciplines
- education
- law
- police studies
- social work
- journalism
- teaching English as a second language (TESL)
* Some universities will not accept a 3-year degree for admittance into a graduate program. An additional year of study may be required. Entrance requirements vary among educational institutions. It is the students’ responsibility to research the entrance requirements of other universities.