Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psych - Nipissing Unive

Students can choose between a BA option with greater flexibility in electives or a BSc option with a focus on neuroscience. The program emphasizes active learning, hands-on research opportunities, and strong faculty-student relationships, preparing graduates for diverse career paths in psychology and related fields.

Program Outline

Nipissing University offers both Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree programs in Psychology. These programs are designed to help students understand why people think, feel, and behave the way they do. They provide students with a strong foundation in core areas of psychology, ranging from cognitive processes and developmental psychology to social behavior and personality, alongside the opportunity to explore a wide range of specialized topics through various electives.

Program Objectives:
Provide students with a comprehensive understanding of core psychology principles
Develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication
Equip students with research methodologies and data analysis techniques
Prepare students for further academic pursuits or careers in diverse psychology-related fields
Program Description:
Both BA and BSc options offer a solid foundation in psychological theory and research, covering areas including:
Cognition
Developmental Psychology
Social Psychology
Personality
Physiological Psychology
Psychological Disorders
The BA program offers greater freedom in choosing humanities and social science electives, while the BSc program requires specific science electives, allowing students to specialize in neuroscience.
Both programs offer the option to complete one of several certificates:
Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) – Lifespan
Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention (EIBI) – Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
Program Evaluation and Applied Research (PEAR)
Neuroscience (with specific course requirements within either Honours BSc in Biology or Honours BSc in Psychology)

Outline:

Program Duration:

4 years for full-time study.

Program Structure:

Core Courses: All students will complete a set of foundational courses covering topics like:
Introduction to Psychology
Research Methods and Statistics
History and Systems of Psychology
Biological Bases of Behaviour
Developmental Psychology
Cognitive Psychology
Social Psychology
Personality
Abnormal Psychology
Elective Courses:
BA Option:
BSc Option: Requires students to take science-specific electives, potentially focusing on neuroscience with courses chosen from biology, chemistry, physics, or mathematics.
Students can also pursue additional certificates through specific course selections and requirements.

Assessment:

Methods of Assessment:

Examinations: Traditional written or online exams
Assignments: Essays, research papers, presentations, projects
Laboratory reports: Analyzing and reporting data collected in lab settings
Participation: Engaging in class discussions and activities

Assessment Criteria:

Assignments and essays will be graded based on:
Content, clarity, and originality of arguments
Critical thinking and analysis
Use of evidence and citations
Writing style and structure
Exams will test knowledge and understanding of key concepts covered in lectures and readings
Laboratory reports will be evaluated on accuracy and analysis of results, methodology, and scientific writing
Participation is assessed on the basis of:
Regular attendance
Actively engaging in discussions, asking questions
Demonstrating understanding and critical thinking

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

Lectures: Professors deliver presentations on core concepts and theories
Seminars and discussions: Smaller class discussions on specific topics, encouraging engagement and analysis
Laboratory exercises: Hands-on experiences applying psychological principles through experiments and data collection
Guest speakers and field trips: Opportunities to learn from experts and visit relevant institutes or organizations

Faculty:

The Psychology Department consists of experienced, research-active professors dedicated to student learning and mentorship. Their research areas range from aging and communication processes to human behaviour, neuroscience, mating, and social cognition.

Unique Teaching Approach:

The Psychology program emphasizes active learning with hands-on opportunities in research labs
Smaller class sizes compared to larger universities provide a more personal and interactive learning environment

Careers:

Possible Career Paths:

Psychology graduates pursue diverse career options in various sectors:
Education (e.g., teacher, school counsellor)
Mental health (e.g., social worker, therapist, counsellor)
Health care (e.g., rehabilitation counsellor, research assistant)
Business and industry (e.g., human resources manager, training consultant)
Government and non-profit organizations (e.g., researcher, program evaluator)
Marketing and communications
Law
Research

Additional Opportunities:

Psychology graduates may further their studies through graduate programs:
Master's degree in psychology or related field (e.g., counselling psychology, social psychology)
Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in psychology, leading to careers in academia or research-intensive positions.
Alumni testimonials highlight the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their desired career paths, including success in gaining admission to top graduate programs and securing rewarding jobs in diverse fields.

Other:

Experiential Learning:

Students have opportunities to participate in:

Research:
Joining faculty research labs to gain hands-on research experience
Conducting independent research projects to develop research skills and gain a deeper understanding of specific areas within psychology
Experiential Learning for Arts &

Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

Program Overview