Psychology, Minor
If you find yourself fascinated with why we think, feel, and behave the way we do, consider adding a minor in psychological sciences to your major. Psychologists take a scientific approach to studying behavior and mental processes, researching the ways in which life experiences, environment, culture, and biology all work together to shape mind and brain. Our psychological sciences minors gain an understanding of the foundations of psychology and go on to explore special topics such as child development, neuroscience, and sexuality. As an undergraduate, you will even be offered the opportunity to perform research and fieldwork with faculty and graduate students.
This minor provides students with an arena to explore the scientific study of behavior and the mind, beginning with foundational knowledge of major areas within psychology and following with other specialized topics such as child development, neuroscience, and sexuality. This minor can be an excellent companion to many majors and can build understanding of interpersonal and social interactions in various facets of life.
Requirements Accordion Open
University Requirements
A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.
To receive a minor (18 to 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.
Overview Accordion Closed
Overview
In addition to University Requirements:
- Complete individual plan requirements.
Please note that you may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.
No more than 50% of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.
| Minimum Units for Completion | 18 |
| Major GPA | 2.0 |
Purpose Statement
Students who satisfy the requirements for the minor in Psychological Sciences will develop an understanding and knowledge of psychological concepts and perspectives and to be able to synthesize information within various psychology sub-disciplines. These academic experiences, in addition to the practiced ability to critically evaluate scholarship, enrich a student’s chosen major and post baccalaureate plans. A minor in Psychological Sciences provides students with the opportunity to explore the scientific study of behavior and cognition, beginning with foundational knowledge of major areas within psychology and following with other specialized topics. This minor can be an excellent companion to many majors and can build understanding of interpersonal and social interactions in various facets of life including the workplace and possible careers.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge Base in Psychology Students should demonstrate fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings in psychology.
- Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking. Students will develop scientific reasoning and problem-solving skills, including research design, data analysis, and interpretation.
- Informational and Technological Literacy, Proficiency, and Efficacy. Students will demonstrate information competence and the ability to use computers and other technology for many purposes. Students will become familiar with the importance of articulating an information need in order to develop a research question and the importance of rigor in the research process.
- Ethical and Social Responsibility. Students will develop ethically and socially responsible behavior for professional and personal settings.
- Effective Writing and Oral Communication Skills. Students will demonstrate competence in written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Professional Development. Students will emerge from the major with abilities that sharpen their readiness for post-baccalaureate employment, graduate school, or professional school.
Details Accordion Closed
Details
Minor Requirements
- Take the following 18 units, with a Grade of "C" or better in each course:
- PSY 101 (3 units)
- Select one course from (3 units):
- Select three courses from (9 units):
- Additional units in psychology courses (3 units)
In addition, at least 6 of the 18 units required for this minor must be from courses offered by Northern Arizona University. These 6 units may not include individualized courses.
This minor is not available to students pursuing a Psychology B.S. or Psychological Sciences B.S.
Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also take. For prerequisite information click on the course or see your advisor.
