Psychology

Psychology - A.A.-T Degree

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree is designed for students planning to transfer into the psychology major. A study of psychology is built upon the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. Students pursuing the AA for transfer into the psychology major will study the nature of consciousness and the development of the person, basic processes of human perception, learning, cognition and motivation; the relationship of behavior to physiology; and the nature of psychological disorders and how psychologists use their knowledge to help improve the quality of people's lives. Successful completion of the program with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 affords students specific guarantees for transfer to the CSU system such as admission to a CSU with junior status, priority admission to their local CSU campus and to a program or major in psychology or similar major. The Associate transfer degrees (AA-T) require the completion and certification of the California State University General Education (CSU GE) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, as well as the specific Associate for transfer (AA-T) major degree requirements. The AA-T does not require any additional college specific General Education requirements. Students interested in the AA for transfer degree in psychology should consult with the Social Sciences Department Chair and a counselor.

Students are required to:

• Complete 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

• Complete the California State University-General Education-Breadth pattern (CSU GE-Breadth); or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

• Complete a minimum of 18 semester units in the major

• Obtain of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Earn a grade of C or higher in all courses required for the major. A "P" (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Career Opportunities

The study of psychology enables one to better comprehend how people think, perceive, learn, develop unique personalities, manage stress, and interact with one another. Psychology careers include: jobs in therapy and counseling, schools, hospitals, prisons, courtrooms, community health and rehabilitation centers, sports, and corporate offices. The study of psychology is good preparation for many professions, as well as for one’s life.

Learning Outcome(s)

1. Apply multiple schools of psychology (e.g. psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, biological, and transpersonal) to life situations.
2. Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills rooted in psychological perspectives and exhibit an awareness of psychological dynamics in inter-relationship.
3. Increase awareness of self, others, and the environment in order to have greater agency and authentic expression.