Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Do you find yourself wanting to know more about life? About how it makes sense? About how we relate to each other in our relationships? Berkshire’s Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program can provide you with a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary discipline of psychology. Our online psychology program covers a wide variety of topics like biological psychology, developmental psychology, psychopathology, social psychology, personality theory, and much more.
NU’s industry-current psychology curriculum aligns with the highest standards for psychology programs at the undergraduate level. Those standards are set by the American Psychological Association, the largest professional organization of psychologists in the world.
Preparation for the Major
MTH 210 Probability and Statistics* – 4.50
Prerequisite: MTH 12A and MTH 12B, or Accuplacer test placement evaluation
An introduction to statistics and probability theory. Covers simple probability distributions, conditional probability (Bayes Rule), independence, expected value, binomial distributions, the Central Limit Theorem, hypothesis testing. Assignments may utilize the MiniTab software, or text-accompanying course-ware. Computers are available at the University’s computer lab. Calculator with statistical functions is required.
PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology* – 4.50
Forms of data, gap analysis, model building, and interpretation will form the foundation for students to ethically apply data analytics to facilitate modern knowledge discovery techniques.
Requirements for the Major
PSY 426 History and Philosophy Psych – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
Explores the intellectual history and contemporary diversity of psychology in dialogue with a cultural understanding about the nature of the person. Topics include: psychology and science, philosophy of mind, functionalism, measurement, applied psychology, gestalt, behaviorism, the unconscious mind, phenomenological and existential psychology, clinical psychology and mental health, and qualitative perspectives.
PSY 427 Biological Psychology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
A study of the way in which the brain mediates behavior, emotion, and cognition. Topics include sensory systems, neural development, emotion, learning, memory, consciousness, reproduction, and neurological and psychological disorders.
PSY 428 Developmental Psychology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
A study of the major transitions from fetal development through death in the physical, cognitive, social and emotional domains. The impact of ethnic, gender and cultural factors on development will be examined.
PSY 429 Intro to Personality Theory – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
The study of psychological characteristics of the individual that endure in stable form for substantial periods of time. Examines influential theories of personality and supporting research.
PSY 430 Intro to Psychopathology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
An overview of sociocultural views and scientific theories of normalcy and deviance. The major psychological, cognitive, and behavioral disorders and their classification are examined.
ECE 420 Nature, Numbers and Technology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ECE 330
Focus on identification, design and delivery of developmentally age appropriate experiences that encourage active math, science and technology inquiry. Inquiry related to emerging notions of mathematical and scientific processes is basis for activities along with the inclusion of technology as a strategy.
ECE 430 Play as Pedagogy – 4.50
Prerequisite: ECE 330
Focus on play as the primary learning modality for young children. Theoretical basis for play as a means of teaching, role in learning and as a means of assessment emphasized.
PSY 432 Social Psychology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
A study of the responsiveness of individuals to various sources and forms of social influence. Major areas of study include persuasion, conformity, obedience, prejudice, attitude formation and change, social behavior, altruism, aggression and the influence of the mass media. Emphasizes social circumstances rather than variations in personal characteristics, as in personality theory.
PSY 433 Cognitive Psychology – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; PSY 100
The study of psychological functioning in the area of mental operations, largely uninfluenced by individual differences in personality or motivation. This encompasses the areas of attention, pattern recognition and other perceptual achievements, memory, problem solving, categorization and concept formation, language acquisition and use, textual interpretation and decision making.
PSY 441 Global Psychology – 4.50
Prerequisite: PSY 100
Covers the history, current status and future direction of cultural psychology theory and practice in the context of globalization. A critique of the Western bias of the field of psychology and of the effects of its application to non-European originated populations within the United States and around the world.
HUB 441 Research Design and Analysis – 4.50
Prerequisite: ENG 102; MTH 210; PSY 100
An evaluation of research in psychology and the behavioral sciences. Includes work on research methods and design, and the application and interpretation of basic statistics.
CHD 440 Drugs, Values and Society – 4.50
An examination of the history of substance use and abuse in the United States. Examines individual and institutional values that underpin chemically dependent behavior as well as socio-cultural factors, including media images, consumer product advertising, myths and stereotypes and subculture/life-style issues. Provides an overview of the social services structure, including outreach, education, prevention and treatment models.
And ONE of the following:
PSY 480 Senior Project – 4.50
Prerequisite: All other courses required for the major must be completed prior to enrolling in this course.
Development of a major cumulative paper integrating what students have learned in the program with an applied area of student interest. Covers empirical or theoretical study of specific topics in psychology with an emphasis on independent and creative activity. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better or must repeat the course.
PSY 491 Guided Study for Honors Student – 1.50
Prerequisite: Satisfactory completion of core courses with a GPA of 3.75 or higher
In this capstone course students will design a research project under the direction and supervision of a faculty member. The research project will include data gathering, data analysis and interpretation of data and will be written in APA style and format. Grading is H, S, or U only.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree; students must complete at least 180 quarter units as follows: a minimum of 69 units of the University General Education requirements; 76.5 units at the upper-division level, 45 units of which (including Senior Project) must be completed in residence at Berkshire. The following courses are specific degree requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, students may need to take additional general electives to satisfy the total units for the degree. Students should refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information on admission and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
Program Learning Outcomes
Articulate major theories, concepts, and historical trends in psychology
Explain behavior, cognition, and emotion from multiple schools of thought and multicultural perspectives
Identify a problem in psychology, examine available evidence, analyze assumptions, and apply research methods to solve the problem. This includes the ability to interpret numbers and apply basic statistical procedures
Perform information searches relevant to psychology and organize and evaluate the soundness of the information
Use current technologies in both research and communication
Write papers in psychology using different literary formats, e.g., narrative, exposition, critical analysis, and APA format
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