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Northern Arizona University

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Counseling and Psychology Degree Programs at Northern Arizona University

Northern Arizona University appears in our ranking of the 50 Top Online Bachelor of Psychology Degree Programs.

Counselors and psychologists work with individuals, families, and communities who are dealing with issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence and mental health problems. It is expected that positions for counselors and psychologists will increase by 14 percent over the next decade, higher than the expected growth of other industries. Northern Arizona University offers several degree programs designed to prepare individuals for careers as counselors and psychologists.

Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences provides students with an understanding of behavioral sciences as well as the research skills used in scientific inquiry. Students learn about human behavior from several perspectives and are able to apply knowledge within specific psychological domains. The program provides for focused study in behavioral science through four emphases and one certificate program, training students in advanced research skills and preparing them for entry into Ph.D. programs. The program is available on the Flagstaff campus only. The four emphases available include:

  • Clinical/Health Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Neurosciences
  • Social/Personality Psychology

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology provides students with an understanding of critical thinking skills necessary to evaluate scientific research as well as how to engage in critical analysis of psychological ideas and scientific evidence. Students learn of human behavior from several perspectives. They gain an understanding of developmental, social, personality, cognitive, behavioral neuroscience and clinical aspects of psychology. Although the Bachelor of Science in Psychology requires similar courses as the Bachelor of Science in Psychological Sciences, it does not require additional training in research. The program is available on the Flagstaff and Yuma campus as well as online.

Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences

The Master of Arts in Psychological Sciences program at Northern Arizona University is available in a thesis and non-thesis option. The program strengthens quantitative skills and provides students with research experiences. Courses provide an understanding of methodological procedures and quantitative reasoning as well as intermediate-level statistical applications. The program can be completed in two years. The thesis program requires students to research and report on an issue in psychology today under the direction of a faculty member. The non-thesis option requires students to complete an applied project which may include working with a faculty member or director of a local agency to complete a needs assessment or program evaluation. The program is available at the Flagstaff campus only.

About Northern Arizona University

In 1899, the Arizona Normal College opened with 23 students with the goal of educating teachers. The only books available were two copies of Webster’s dictionary. The first president of the school, Almon Nicholas Taylor, traveled the area in a horse and buggy trying to enroll students when he was not also teaching classes alongside the one other faculty member.

Until the 1930s, the school grew consistently but the Great Depression threatened its closure, especially when the only bank in the area closed in 1932. However, the school’s president at the time, Grady Grammage, convinced the community that the school was a critical part of the area and enrollment actually doubled during the Depression years. However, the growth was short-lived as World War II led to a significant reduction in enrollment.

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In an effort to keep the school open, the Navy held its V-12 training program on campus. The college was one of only 150 chosen out of 1,600 applicants for the Navy program. In addition, the Campus Civilian Defense Program on campus managed an aircraft spotting post.

After the war, enrollment grew as soldiers returned home and took advantage of the GI Bill and the school gained university status in 1966, becoming Northern Arizona University. Today, the school offers nationally ranked programs, is recognized for its research and is a leader in sustainability, science, business, green building, and cultural arts.

Northern Arizona University Accreditation Details

Northern Arizona University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Accreditation indicates that the school offers programs that are of the highest quality and that meet the criteria of the Commission. It also indicates that the University has the resources to meet its goals and objectives. Programs throughout the University are accredited by:

  • Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), Computing Accreditation
  • Accreditation Board of Engineering and Technology (ABET), Engineering Accreditation
  • Accreditation Commission for Programs in Hospitality Administration
  • Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs
  • Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education
  • Accreditation Review Commission on Education for the Physician Assistant
  • American Council for Construction Education
  • American Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics
  • American Psychological Association, Committee on Accreditation
  • American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology
  • Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
  • Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education
  • Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs
  • Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education
  • Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
  • Commission on Dental Accreditation
  • Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
  • Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation
  • Council for Interior Design Accreditation
  • Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language-Pathology
  • Council on Accreditation of Parks, Recreation, Tourism and Related Information
  • Council on Education for Public Health
  • Council on Social Work Education
  • National Association of Schools of Music, Commission on Accreditation
  • National Association of Schools of Theater, Commission on Accreditation
  • Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs and Administration
  • Society of American Foresters

Northern Arizona State University Application Requirements

Undergraduate applicants who have not earned college credit after high school graduation must complete an application and provide official high school transcripts. They also must provide official SAT or ACT scores. Applicants who have earned college credit after high school graduation may be accepted if they have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher or completed a two-year degree with a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

Graduate applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree or higher and must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0. They must provide official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official GRE scores, letters of recommendation and a current resume are also required.

Northern Arizona University Tuition and Financial Aid

Full-time undergraduate tuition for Arizona residents is $10,650 per year and for Western Undergraduate Exchange students is $15,975 per credit hour. Non-resident full-time undergraduate tuition is $25,270 per year. Online tuition is $470 per credit hour.

Financial aid is available and, each year, Northern Arizona University students receive more than $325 million assistance. In order to qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), regardless of income. Some aid is need-based while some is merit-based. Students may be eligible for scholarships, grants or loans. On-campus students may be offered work-study, fellowships or assistantships.

Northern Arizona University is built on a student-first foundation and has provided that type of education since it opened its doors 120 years ago. The traditions and values of the past at Northern Arizona University are now shaping the future of the school.