Psychology

Associate of Arts Degree Psychology · Coastline College · 2026-2027 Catalog

Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Students majoring in psychology learn the major perspectives for understanding human behavior: behavioral, biological, cognitive, cross-cultural, evolutionary, humanistic, and psychodynamic. Students will acquire skills to analyze behavior, including statistical methods and research design, and will learn to document findings in APA (American Psychological Association) style; descriptive research methods and experimental methods are covered. Students will gain an understanding of the following topics: neuroscience; sensation and perception; consciousness; learning; memory; thinking, language and intelligence; motivation and emotion; lifespan development; personality; social psychology; stress, health, and coping; psychological disorders; and therapies. Completion of the major provides a solid foundation for a psychology transfer program and many careers in the social service fields. A Master’s degree or higher is required for most counseling or research psychologist positions.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Characterize the nature of psychology as a science.
  2. Apply the major theories, principles, and concepts of psychology to everyday life.
  3. Utilize investigative methods to collect, interpret, and present scientific data on psychological topics.

REQUIREMENTS

Review the Associate in Science and Associate in Arts Graduation Requirements and General Education requirements.

CourseTitleUnits
Required Core
Complete the following:
PSYC C1000Introduction to Psychology3
PSYC C280Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology4
STAT C1000Introduction to Statistics4
Program Electives
Select nine units of the following:9
PSYC C116Child Growth and Development
PSYC C118Life Span Developmental Psychology
PSYC C165Principles of Human Sexuality 1
PSYC C170Psychology of Aging
orAGNG C170Psychology of Aging
PSYC C250Psychobiology
PSYC C255Abnormal Psychology
PSYC C260Social Psychology
Units Required for the Major20
Local General Education or CalGETC patternVaries
Electives to satisfy unit requirementVaries
Total Units60

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