Associate of Arts Psychology
| Type | Part Time Full Time |
|---|---|
| Length | 2 years |
| Campus | Prince George |
| Delivery | In Class |
| Fees* |
Check the fee schedule
*All fees are an estimate. |
| Starting Semesters | Fall 2026 Spring 2027 |
Overview
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behaviour. Psychology provides a wealth of insight into people's thoughts, feelings, and actions, both in personal and professional life.A background in psychology can be just as useful for understanding ourselves and our relationships as it can be for advancing to the next level in your education and career, whether in psychology or in one of the many fields that apply psychology.
Careers and Opportunities
Psychology is a strong foundation for a wide range of careers, including:
- Counselling
- Coaching
- Criminology
- Management
- Marketing
- Education and Training
- Health and Wellness
Associate degrees from CNC transfer into university programs and give you preferential admission at public universities and university-colleges in BC. (Consult the British Columbia Transfer Guide and check with CNC advisors to verify transferability of credits.)
What You Will Learn
By studying psychology, you'll learn to:
- Understand human behaviour
- Conduct research
- Analyse statistics
- Explore influences on human behaviour
Courses
Required Courses
Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
This general survey course includes topics such as a brief history of psychology, basic research methodology, biological psychology, sensation, perception, consciousness, learning, memory, language and thought.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
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Description
This course is a continuation of PSYC 101. Topics include developmental psychology, intelligence and intelligence testing, personality and personality assessment, motivation, emotion, stress and health, social psychology, an introduction to psychological disorders and their treatment.Typical Offerings
| Timing | All Terms, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
Description
A study of grammar, composition, and style. A vigorous program of essay-writing plus a variety of writing assignments or exercises dealing with specific problems in essay-writing. Strongly recommended for students who wish to improve their writing skills.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Fall/Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
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Description
This course introduces students to the concepts and applications of statistics in the social sciences. The focus will be on the analysis and interpretation of data using descriptive and inferential statistics. In the laboratory, students will gain experience with computerized data analysis.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course introduces the logic and application of various research methods in psychology. Students formulate research questions and choose appropriate research designs. Direct experience in data collection and research design is provided in the laboratory. Additionally, students will learn how to write a research report according to APA standards.100 level ENGL
Humanities - not ENGL
200 level Arts
200 Level PSYC
One of: PSYC-207 PSYC-209 PSYC 210
Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course is an introduction to the history, classification, research and theories of psychological disorders. It takes an integrative approach by emphasizing a variety of theoretical perspectives (i.e., biological, psychological, social). The causes, risk factors and treatments of several disorders (i.e., anxiety, somatic symptom and dissociative disorders, depression and bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders) will be examined from the various theoretical approaches. Additional topics may include other disorders (e.g., neurocognitive, substance use, eating, developmental) or mental health and the law.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Burns Lake, Mackenzie, Vanderhoof, Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
This course provides an overview of contemporary knowledge about the interrelationships among biological processes, the mind, and behaviour. Major topics include neuroanatomy, cellular communication, nervous system development, neuroplasticity, and the influence of drugs and hormones on behaviour. Methods of investigating biological processes and research methodology in biological psychology will be studied. Sensory and motor systems as well as higher cognitive processes such as learning, memory, and language will also be introduced. Students will learn about the role of biological mechanisms involved in stress, addictions and brain and psychological disorders.Typical Offerings
| Timing | Spring Only, Every Year |
|---|---|
| Locations | Prince George, Quesnel |
| Requisites |
|
Description
Cognitive Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and mental processes. Major topics include research methods in cognition, cognitive neuroscience, perception, attention, memory, language, concept formation, imagery, problem solving, and embodied cognition. The role of the nervous system in cognition will be studied. Topics may also include reading, expertise, imagery, executive processes, meta-cognition, artificial intelligence, and comparative cognition.Arts - any level
Lab Science with minimum 2 hour lab
Science
Electives Arts, Sciences that transfer to SFU, UBC, UNBC UVIC
Entry Requirements
Spring 2027 Intake and Onwards
For applications to the Spring 2027 intake (January start), you must meet the following requirements:
Program Specific Recommendations
To allow for greater course selection it is recommended that students have the following high school subject in addition to the admission requirements:
- Foundations of Math 11, or equivalent
We suggest that you consult with an Academic Advisor or the BC Transfer Guide when planning your Associate Degree to confirm the courses you take will satisfy the lower-level degree requirements at the University you plan to continue to.
Need help meeting these requirements? Check out our Academic Upgrading options.
Open admission
Any program of study that does not have a selective admission process or fixed capacity and is on a “first qualified, first admitted” basis.
Locations & Dates
CNC programs have varying lengths and start dates to meet your needs, and are offered across multiple campuses where possible. Don’t see the campus you’re looking for? Check back with us soon as this page is updated throughout the school year.
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Invest in your future
Please check the fee schedule for up-to-date information.
These costs are an estimate and do not include books. Costs may change without notice. Student fees vary by campus.
Books for this program can be purchased from the bookstore.
Paying for college
We're here to help. You can apply for scholarships and bursaries through CNC. We can also help you find loans and other funding. Visit Financial aid to find out how.
Salaries and employment
Looking for a job? Check the student employment opportunities.
