William Paterson University

Programme overview

William Paterson University's online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is a fully online, accelerated degree aimed at working adults. The program emphasizes understanding human mind, emotion, and behaviour while developing analytical, research and written communication skills relevant to both the workplace and further study.

What you'll study

The major requires 38 credits (29 credits of core courses and 9 credits of electives) within a 120-credit BA degree. Example required and prerequisite courses listed include:

• BIO 1200 Human Biology (4 credits, 7 weeks) — foundation biological science covering chemistry of living organisms, cells, tissues, organ systems, evolution, genetics, human body systems, bioethics and research methodology with laboratory exercises.
• PSY 1100 General Psychology (3 credits, 7 weeks) — survey of major theories, principles and methods in psychology including biological bases of behavior, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, personality and social bases of behavior.
• PSY 2020 Experimental I: Applied Statistics (4 credits, 7 weeks) — introduction to statistical procedures for behavioral sciences (probability, hypothesis testing, descriptive and inferential statistics, z, t, ANOVA, correlation, chi-square) with technology-intensive labs using software for data analysis and graphing.

Transfer credit is awarded for earned credits except where grades do not meet major requirements; there is no stated limit on transferable credits. At least 30 credits counted toward the William Paterson degree must be earned at William Paterson.

Entry requirements

Admissions are streamlined for online applicants. Requirements specified are:

• Cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Applicants must be at least four years post high school, or two years post high school with 60 or more college credits; accelerated WP Online programs require applicants to be at least two years post high school.
• Official transcripts from each college attended, or a high school transcript if no prior college experience.
• Complete the online application and submit a $50 application fee.
• Documents (transcripts, test scores, other materials) should be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and Enrollment Services (email: admissions@wpunj.edu; mailing address: Morrison Hall 102, 300 Pompton Road, Wayne, NJ 07470).

Career prospects

The program develops data analysis, critical thinking and written communication skills applicable to roles that require interpreting human behavior, supporting organizational or community services, and conducting basic behavioral research. It is presented as preparation for improved workplace performance and as a foundation for graduate-level study in psychology or related fields.

Scholarships & funding angle (general)

The online BA is offered on a pay-by-the-course basis. Published tuition for this BA program is $381 per credit hour ($1,143 per typical 3-credit course). All fees are stated as included in the total tuition; additional financial aid or scholarship details are not specified on the course text and should be confirmed with the university.