Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Department of Psychology at the University of Alaska Anchorage offers undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs aimed at preparing students: (1) for advanced study in the social and health sciences, and (2) to become members of the behavioral health workforce. The department also maintains the Psychological Services Center, a clinic that provides low-cost mental health services to campus and community members. The department strives to offer degree and certificate programs that meet the needs of the state of Alaska. 

Licensure and/or Certification

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a Concentration in Behavior Analysis is designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in the State of Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in other states. Please see UAA's Licensure and Certification website for more information.

Admission Requirements

• Complete the Admission Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees. 
• Students wishing to declare psychology as a major must have earned a minimum GPA of 2.50.

Graduation Requirements

• Complete the General University Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
• Complete the General Education Requirements for Baccalaureate Degrees.
• All psychology majors are required to take the exit examination, a standardized test of knowledge of psychology approved by the Department of Psychology. There is no minimum score required for graduation. The exam is taken in the UAA Testing Center, and a fee will be charged to students.
• Complete the following major requirements with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 (C):

A minimum of 120 credits is required for this degree, of which 39 credits must be upper-division.

Concentration in Behavior Analysis

This concentration provides foundational knowledge and professional skills to apply the science of behavior analysis across a range of settings and client populations, including staff in the workplace, children and adults with intellectual and cognitive disabilities, and individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

Completing the coursework below, in addition to required supervised practicum experience with a Board Certified Behavior Analyst, helps prepare students to apply for the Behavior Analysis Certification Board examination for becoming a Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analyst. 

This program is designed to meet the requirements for professional licensure or certification in the State of Alaska. However, the program might not meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in other states. Please see UAA's Licensure and Certification website for more information.

Honors in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology recognizes distinguished achievement by conferring programmatic honors in psychology. In order to receive honors in psychology, a student must meet the following requirements:

• Satisfy all requirements for a Bachelor of Science in Psychology;
• Maintain a minimum overall and psychology specific GPA of 3.50;
• Complete a total of three capstone courses:
  • One Psychology Capstone taken to meet the degree requirements.
  • PSY A499. The thesis project must be approved by the Undergraduate Studies Committee and carried out by following applicable departmental guidelines.
  • One additional Psychology Capstone course or a second term of PSY A499.
• Students intending to graduate with departmental honors must notify the Departmental Honors Committee in writing on or before the date they file their Application for Graduation with the Office of the Registrar.

Honors Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with departmental honors in psychology will possess:

• An advanced understanding and application of descriptive and inferential statistics and use of statistical software in data analysis.
• A broad knowledge of psychology’s historical foundation.
• The ability to conduct a critical review and analysis of existing psychological literature.
• The ability to design and execute empirical research that tests clearly stated hypotheses or addresses clearly articulated research questions.
• A clear understanding of research ethics and the responsible conduct of research in the field of psychology.
• The ability to communicate effectively in writing, in poster format, and in oral presentations, including mastery of APA style.
• The ability to draw conclusions from research findings, including recognition of the limitations, applications, and implications of the data, and a discussion of alternative explanations of the results.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Students graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology will be able to:

• Possess a broad knowledge of contemporary psychology.
• Have experience conducting psychological research.
• Be able to demonstrate skills in research design and data analysis.
• Be prepared for advanced study in psychology and related disciplines.

Sample Plan

The academic plan below is one pathway through the degree/certificate. It includes all requirements, taking into account recommendations from program faculty. Each student’s plan may vary according to their initial course placement, intended course load, additional majors and/or minors, and their placement into required prerequisite courses. Any change in the plan below can have an unforeseen impact on the rest of the plan. Therefore, it is very important to meet with your academic advisor to verify your personal academic plan.

Please review the following terms, definitions, and resources associated with the sample academic plan below.

• Each course in the far left column links to a pop-up bubble with a course description, prerequisite requirements, and associations with university requirements. For example, if a course fulfills a general education requirement, you will see that in the pop-up bubble.
• GER: indicates a General Education Requirement. GERs that also count toward degree/certificate requirements appear as a specific course in the plan. For these courses, "GER" is not indicated explicitly in the table, but if you click on the course, you will see the course's GER status in the pop-up bubble.
• Program Elective: indicates a specific course selection determined by program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
• Elective: indicates an open selection of 100-400 level university courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate.
• Upper Division Program Elective: indicates a specific 300-400 level course selection determined by the program faculty to fulfill a degree/certificate requirement. Students should seek assistance from their academic advisor.
• Upper Division Elective: indicates an open selection of 300-400 level courses to fulfill elective credits needed to meet the minimum total credits toward the degree/certificate. These courses must be upper division in order to meet General University Requirements for the particular degree/certificate type.