Complete the first two years of undergraduate science in psychology in a supportive, engaging environment at VCC. Earn an Associate Degree or credits that transfer to post-secondary institutions across British Columbia.
Associate of Arts (Psychology) Degree
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What you will learn
Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will be able to:
- Analyze, evaluate, and interpret written, spoken, and/or visual texts from a variety of academic disciplines
- Analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information collected through classroom presentations and individual research
- Construct effective essays, reports, and oral presentations that demonstrate an understanding of appropriate academic rhetorical strategies and research documentation
- Integrate knowledge from a variety of academic disciplines
- Apply general and specific disciplinary knowledge to solving problems in a classroom environment
- Work well independently and in teams
- Demonstrate effective computer skills to successfully complete academic projects
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained in the associate degree to higher-level study in third and fourth-year courses at a university or related institution
What to expect
Program Duration and Maximum Time for Completion
The expected length of the program is 24 months. Most courses are offered during the VCC Academic Year, from September to April. Courses are also offered in the Summer Term, from May to August. There is the option of part-time studies, which would result in a longer time frame for completion of the credential. The maximum allowable time for students to complete the program is five years.
Courses are presented using a variety of instructional strategies, resources, and activities and may include the following, depending on the academic discipline and specific course objectives: lectures, class discussion, group work, guest speakers, films/videos, online and blended learning, demonstrations, case studies, field trips, laboratories, applied practical experiences and other approaches as determined by the instructor.
Admission requirements
Program-specific
- Grade 12 graduation or equivalent
- English Studies 12 with a minimum 'C+' grade, or equivalent
Notes:
- Students are required to have successfully completed prerequisite courses leading to courses in the Associate degree (for example: a minimum grade of ‘B’ in English Studies 12 or equivalent is required to take ENGL 1100). See the requirements for each course.
- Specific post-secondary courses may be used to substitute for secondary school courses at the discretion of the appropriate departments.
General
- This program is available to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. See program options for international students at VCC International.
- Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous are strongly encouraged to connect with VCC’s Indigenous Education and Community Engagement team to learn more about VCC’s Indigenous Enrolment policy, application preparation/completion, program advising, and a range of other individualized services.
- Applicants must be 16 years of age or older or a graduate of a secondary school. (Some exceptions may apply.)
- Applicants must submit official transcripts and other documents as required by their course or program. Seats are offered to eligible applicants with completed applications, in order of application completion date (except for programs with competitive admissions). A complete application includes an application form, evidence of educational pre-requisites (e.g. transcripts), any required supporting documents (e.g. language proficiency, audition video), and the required deposit or fee payment. If you do not meet the requirements for the term applied, your application may be cancelled.
Missing prerequisites? Learn more about VCC's tuition-free academic upgrading or English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or discover which university transfer options are right for you.
Courses *
Prior learning assessment and recognition
Prior learning assessment and recognition is not available for this program.
The Associate of Arts degree requires the successful completion of a minimum 60 credits that have assigned or unassigned credit at Simon Fraser University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Victoria, or the University of Northern British Columbia.
Students are required to complete a minimum of 60 university-transferable credits at the 1st and 2nd-year level. These must include a minimum of 18 credits in Arts at the second-year level taken in two or more subject areas (See Specific Requirements C1).
No course can be used to meet more than one of the specific requirements (for example, MATH 1120 as both a Math requirement and a First Year Science requirement).
Students can accumulate credits at more than one institution and have them count as transfer credits towards the Associate of Arts degree at VCC as long as they meet the general and specific requirements of the credential.
Registration in courses is open to any student who meets the requirements for the course, regardless of program. Students in Open Studies or another program can later apply to the Associate Degree program, using any previously completed eligible courses toward associate degree requirements. However, students will need to meet the admission requirements to the program in order to complete the Associate of Arts degree.
For further details about how a course is defined (e.g. arts/science/other, first-year/second-year, lab science/non-lab science etc.) please see https://www.bctransferguide.ca/learn-more-about/associate-degrees/
Students must complete:
A. 6 credits in first-year English
B. 9 credits in Science which shall include at least:
B1. 3 credits in Mathematics, Computing Science or Statistics
B2. 3 credits in a laboratory Science
C. 36 credits in Arts which shall include:
C1. A minimum of 18 credits in second-year Arts taken in two or more subject areas
C2. 6 credits in the Social Sciences
C3. 6 credits in Humanities (including the Creative and Performing Arts) other than English
D. 9 credits in Arts, Science, or other areas.
Total Program Credits: 60.0 (minimum)
Psychology Pathway
| Course code | Course name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| English (6 credits) | 6 | |
| Academic Writing | ||
|
or ENGL 1101 and ENGL 1001
|
||
| English 2 | ||
|
or ENGL 1102 and ENGL 1002
|
||
| Math or statistics (3 credits) | 3 | |
| Introduction to Statistics | ||
| First-year Arts classes | 18 | |
| Psychology 1 | ||
| Psychology 2 | ||
| Introduction to First Nations & Indigenous Studies | ||
| Sociology 1: Intro to Sociology | ||
| Sociology 2: Canadian Society | ||
| Introduction to Philosophy | ||
| Second-year Arts classes (18 credits) | 18 | |
| Developmental Psychology | ||
| Cognitive Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Research Methods in Psychology | ||
| Sociology of Families | ||
| Philosophy of Science | ||
| Lab science (3 credits) | 3 | |
|
BIOL 1100
|
||
|
or CHEM 1121
|
||
|
or PHYS 1100
|
||
|
or PHYS 1110
|
||
| Math or science (3 credits) | 3 | |
| Electives (9 credits) | 9 | |
| Microeconomics | ||
| Macroeconomics | ||
| Introduction to Criminology | ||
|
Or other electives with department approval
|
||
| Total Credits | 60 | |
* This information is intended as a guideline only. Program and course details are subject to change with the approval of VCC's Board of Governors.
Apply now
Are you interested in this program?
Applications are open! Don't forget to:
- Submit your official transcripts to the Registrar's Office when you apply
- Check Important Dates for deadlines and registration information
Get started
Info Week at VCC
Join us online or in-person for our info sessions, April 28 - May 2.