The Psychology Department is committed to the highest possible standards in teaching and facilitating learning in a student centered environment. Formally defined as the systematic scientific study of behavior and mental processes, psychology is both a natural and social science in which people study human and animal behavior. As such it is a broad discipline, which includes basic science and the application of basic science in everyday life. Learning and teaching methods concentrate on the use of scientific methods to understand and predict behavior, to develop procedures for changing behavior and to evaluate treatment strategies. Areas of study within psychology are social psychology, developmental psychology, comparative psychology, cognitive psychology, organizational psychology, counseling psychology, and experimental psychology. This dynamic field promotes critical thinking and cognitive skills necessary for the interpretation and understanding of other individuals. It is the study of human beings, by far the most complex phenomenon on the planet.

An Associate in Arts Degree may be earned by completing a minimum of 60 units of degree credit coursework, including the major requirements and breadth requirements, with a minimum grade point average of 2.0. Students must complete all courses for the major with a grade of C or better.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Students who complete the program will be able to:

- Demonstrate an understanding of behavior, cognitive and biological processes.

- Demonstrate an understanding of cross cultural and contemporary psychological perspectives.

- Demonstrate an understanding of APA style, format and written psychological reports.

- Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles in psychological research.

- Demonstrate an understanding of research and apply psychological concepts and theories to scientific and/or popular media.

Career Opportunities:

Having an associate’s degree is valued by employers in everything from child care to human services. Schools offering psychology associates degrees cite the following as possible associate level career choices:
- Psychiatric nursing assistant or orderly
- Youth counselor
- Case technician
- Human services assistant
- Home care aide
- Addiction rehabilitation assistant