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The Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree is a two-year undergraduate degree offered by many institutions in the province of British Columbia and beyond. The Associate Degree program is designed to provide broad-based knowledge and experiences in preparation for entering the workforce, or as a foundation for further undergraduate study.
For full program description, requirements, and policies, see the Academic Calendar.
Our Associate of Arts Degree and Associate of Science concentrations:
Students of the Associate of Arts (Psychology) degree program will gain multi-disciplinary knowledge in the faculties of arts, humanities, and social science, and develop their critical thinking and research skills. The program also includes a customizable concentration in psychology, which allows students to explore different areas in psychology, including cognitive and abnormal psychology, data analysis, research methodology, and the scientific basis of human behaviour.
The Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree is a foundational degree consisting of 60 credits in total, typically completed over a two-year period. Program requirements include a minimum of 36 credits in arts, including 18 credits in first- and second-year psychology.
Transfer to 3rd/4th Year at a University
Upon completion of the Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree program, students may choose to enter the workforce or continue their undergraduate studies. An Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree may be transferrable to the third year of a four-year bachelor’s degree program at a university.
Some BC universities also admit Associate Degree graduates at a reduced GPA requirement. For more information on the option of transferring to a university upon completion of an Associate of Arts Degree, please consult the BC Transfer Guide or see an Academic Advisor.
Enter the Workforce
International students completing the Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree program at Alexander College are eligible to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit.
Our Associate of Arts Economics Degree Program will enhance skills as well as provide experiences and aptitudes in the following areas:
Understanding of cognitive development
Familiarity with human behaviour, including abnormal behaviours and mental illness
Knowledge of psychological testing and data analysis
Familiarity with current treatment practices for mental illness
The Associate of Arts Psychology Degree program consists of the following course requirements, which must be completed with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or greater.
I. 6 credits in first-year English
II. 9 credits in science which shall include at least:
III. 36 credits in arts which shall include:
IV. 9 credits in arts, science, or other areas
A concentration in Psychology allows students to explore this specific interest in the field, and makes possible a variety of career opportunities.
This degree can also qualify graduates for positions that demand greater responsibility than those achievable with a high school diploma.
With an Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree, students can seek entry-level employment in social services, education, business, and administration.
Examples of positions in these sectors include, but are not limited to:
Child and Youth Support Worker
Resident Care Worker
Community Support Worker
Customer Service Representative
Human Resource or Sales Assistant
Office or Administrative Assistant
Career Advising Services at Alexander College
Resume Writing - Visit the Writing & Learning Centre (WLC) for help with resume writing. Bring a draft of your resume, and our WLC staff can help you to make it great.
Job Search - Visit the Library for help with learning to use job search tools.
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Watch VideoHere are the top 5 questions about this program!
An Associate Degree requires completion of 60-64 credits, depending on the concentration area. Most courses carry a value of 3 credits, and some courses (e.g. laboratory sciences) carry a value of 4 credits. Most students will take 19 or 20 courses to complete an Associate degree. This assumes that all courses are passed and the program GPA remains 2.0 (C average) or higher.
The average student will complete 30 credits (10 courses) per year, based on taking 3 courses each term (not including summer intensive term). At this rate, most students complete the program requirements in approximately 2 years of study.
The exact duration of the program depends on various factors, e.g. the number of courses taken each term, the grades achieved in the courses, whether extra courses are taken during the summer term, whether the student has any transfer credit, etc.
Yes! Alexander College is a member of the BC Council on Admissions and Transfer (BCCAT) and we have transfer credit agreements for thousands of courses offered by other institutions in BC. If you have taken post-secondary coursework at any accredited, degree-granting post-secondary institution in Canada or anywhere in the world, we can evaluate your coursework to determine if any credit from your prior studies can be applied toward your Associate degree.
In addition to the requirement to complete 60 credits in specific subject/program areas, the program also requires a minimum program GPA of 2.0 (C average). This average is calculated based on the grades obtained in all courses which are used to meet requirements of the degree.
On completion of an Associate degree, graduates have several options:
Transfer to Bachelor degree program – many institutions in BC and elsewhere will grant Associate degree holders priority admission and/or block transfer of 60 credits towards a Bachelor degree program.
Entry into the workforce – use the skills you have obtained during your studies in an exciting new career. If you are an international student, you may also be eligible to apply for Post-Graduation Work Permit after graduation.
Looking to start the application process? You can apply online, review admissions requirements or request additional information below.
Looking to start the application process? Apply to AC here
You can apply online above or request additional information below.
