Liberal Arts - Psychology Pathway
Overview
Degrees Offered: AA, AS
Program Begins: Fall, Spring, Summer
Delivery Method: Online, On Campus
Phone: 701-224-5486
Email: bsc.has@bismarckstate.edu
Description
Psychology is a broad discipline that scientifically studies individuals' behavior and mental processes as well as biological and environmental factors that influence them. Bismarck State College psychology faculty serve students by offering courses that meet program requirements, preparing students to seek higher degrees in psychology and related fields, and satisfying students' interest in the people around them.
Preparation
Students should have an interest in human behavior. High school class suggestions include psychology and/or other social sciences, math preparation for college algebra and statistics, and writing.
Requirements
Students who complete the suggested curriculum requirements receive a Liberal Arts - Associate in Arts degree or a Liberal Arts - Associate in Science degree.
BSC offers a four-year pathway in Behavioral Health, beginning with the Associate in Applied Science degree in Integrated Behavioral Sciences and leading to the Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Behavioral Health.
Bismarck State College also has many cooperative, articulation, or transfer agreements with postsecondary institutions both inside and outside of the North Dakota University System. Some of these agreements are established to allow students to remain on campus as they complete their bachelor’s degree. In all cases, students seeking to transfer after completing a degree at BSC should consult the academic catalog of their destination college and work with their academic advisor to plan for this transition.
Career Opportunities
Individuals with a bachelor’s degree in psychology are qualified to assist psychologists and other professionals in community and research settings. More opportunities are available with advanced degrees. They include clinical/counseling, education/teaching, experimental/research, organizational/industrial, social psychology, developmental psychology, psychometrics (testing), neuropsychology, vocational rehabilitation, and behavior analysis.
This pathway provides students with the opportunity to build foundational skills in counseling and human services before advancing to upper-level coursework focused on behavioral health theory, case management, crisis intervention, and community support. Graduates are prepared for careers in mental health agencies, healthcare, social service organizations, and other community-based settings, or for continued graduate study in the behavioral health field.