BA in Psychology (Bachelor’s Completion Program)

Students in APU’s B.A. and B.S. in psychology programs learn about human behavior and how to help people with their psychological and emotional needs.

48 units

Azusa Pacific’s bachelor’s completion program in psychology is designed for transfer students who have at least 30 units and are interested in completing a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at the High Desert, Inland Empire, Monrovia, Murrieta, Orange County, or San Diego regional location, or online. Students gain hands-on field experience as they learn about human behavior and how to analyze and solve problems in various settings, preparing them to make a difference in the lives of others.

Azusa Pacific’s bachelor’s completion programs allow students who began a program of study at another higher education institution to finish their degree at APU. In order to graduate, students must complete the required program units and General Education units, for a total of 120 units.

Requirements

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree completion program is ideal for students interested in clinical/counseling or other applied areas of psychology. The core requirements (Domain 1) give students grounding in the discipline and an understanding of the basics of human behavior. The career-focus electives (Domain 2) provide students with clear applications of psychology, clustered by common themes and areas of employment. And the applied integrative learning electives (Domain 3) offer internships and/or research experience.

Prerequisites
Introduction to Statistics 1
Biology and Society 2, 3
Science and Technology for Everyday Applications
Introduction to Astronomy
Domain 1: Core Courses
PRPS 110General Psychology 4, 53
PRPS 250Data Analysis in Psychology3
PRWR 260Writing 2: Psychology Subdisciplines and Career Trajectories 63
PRPS 360Abnormal Psychology3
PRPS 362Research Methods in Psychology3
PRPS 496Writing 3: Senior Seminar in Psychology and Christian Integration 73
Developmental
Choose one of the following:3
Human Growth and Development 5
Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development 5
Psychology of Adult Development
Neurocognition
Choose one of the following:3
Introduction to Brain and Behavior
Cognition
Psychology of Learning
Neurological and Behavioral Disorders
Sociocultural
Choose one of the following:3
Social Psychology
Multicultural Psychology 8
Domain 2: Career Focus18
Choose any six courses (18 units) from any of the following clusters. A course may be used to meet the requirement of Domain 1 or Domain 2, but not both.
Business and Community Cluster
Social Psychology
Industrial/Organizational Psychology
Psychology of Conflict Management and Mediation
Community Psychology
Multicultural Psychology 8
Political Psychology 9
Clinical and Counseling Cluster
Introduction to Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor Credentialing
Psychology of Personality
Psychology of Suicide
Group Process
Intervention Strategies with Children
Psychology of the Family
Counseling Theory
Interventions in Counseling
Substance Use Assessment and Interventions
Case Management in Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Development and Education Cluster
Human Growth and Development 5
Educational Psychology
Psychology of Child and Adolescent Development 5
Psychology of Adult Development
Psychology of Exceptional Children
Psychosocial Interventions in Pediatric Health Care
Advanced Child Development 10, 11
Family Systems Theory and Applications 10, 11
Coping Strategies for Children Experiencing Stress and Trauma 10, 11
Methods Cluster
History of Psychology
Research Experience I 12
Psychological Testing and Measurement
Theory, Research and Practice in Psychology 10, 11
Experimental Research Methods 10, 11
Non-Experimental Research Methods
Analysis of Variance 10, 11
Neurocognition Cluster
Introduction to Brain and Behavior
Cognition
Psychology of Learning
Bilingualism, Biculturalism, and Cognition
Cognitive Neuroscience
Neurological and Behavioral Disorders
Restoring Wholeness Cluster
Sports Psychology
Health Psychology
Psychology of Religion
Drugs, Behavior, and Society 13
Stress and Coping
Domain 3: Applied Integrative Learning3
Choose one of the following:
Field Experience 12, 13
Research Experience I 12
Total Units48
1

Meets the General Education Quantitative Literacy requirement.

2

Meets the General Education Natural Sciences requirement.

3

Astronomy with lab, geology with lab, or physics with lab may count for biology with lab requirement. 

4

An AP Psychology score of 3, 4, or 5 will be accepted for PRPS 110.

5

Meets the General Education Social Sciences requirement.

6

Meets the General Education Writing 2 requirement.

7

Meets the General Education Writing 3 requirement.

8

Meets the General Education Intercultural Competence requirement.

9

Meets the General Education Civic Knowledge and Engagement requirement.

10

Requires senior standing and departmental permission.

11

Distance-learning course.

12

Meets the General Education Integrative and Applied Learning requirement.

13

Can be double-counted toward the alcohol and drug counseling minor.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program shall be able to:
  1. DISCIPLINARY KNOWLEDGE- Demonstrate a working knowledge of psychology's content domains, key theories, concepts, principles, themes, and applications of psychology in society.
  2. CRITICAL THINKING, SCIENTIFIC INQUIRY AND EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION- Demonstrate effective expression of critical thought and scientific inquiry in their engagement with (a) psychology literature, (b) conduct of psychological research, and (c) written, (d) oral, and interpersonal communication.
  3. VALUES AND ETHICS- (a) demonstrate knowledge of the APA ethical (a.1) and multicultural ethical (a.2) standards for the practice of psychology and are able to utilize those standards in decision making and actions in scientific inquiry (a.3), sociocultural (a.4), and interpersonal contexts (a.5). Students (b) articulate and behaviorally express values that build and enhance interpersonal relationships and community engagement at local, multicultural, and cross cultural levels.
  4. APPLICATION TO VOCATION- Demonstrate the ability to utilize and apply psychological knowledge and professional skills to: (a) develop vocational post-baccalaureate goals, (b) work collaboratively with diverse others, (c) serve others needs, (d) self-regulate and manage projects successfully, and (e) solve increasingly complex problems.
  5. FAITH INTEGRATION- Demonstrate skill in the integration of Christian faith and theology with the science of psychology as it relates to the nature and content of: humanity (F1), knowledge (F2), values and ethics (F3), and vocational and spiritual formation (F4).