Psychology

Program Description

Psychology is a behavioral science that emphasizes the understanding of behavior (feelings, actions, and thoughts) of individuals. It should be noted that psychology typically focuses on the study of humans though psychologists have interests in other species. Psychology as a science is most closely related to the biological sciences, although its application often involves personal and/or cultural philosophical beliefs or values. Students who major in psychology are expected to be able to think critically and scientifically about behavior, and be able to apply the principles of psychology to the understanding of behavior.

Program Emphasis

The psychology program has two primary goals. The first is to provide the basic science courses that are foundations for further understanding of other courses in psychology and related fields as well as preparation for transfer to other institutions for further study. The second goal is to provide courses that may include additional information regarding psychology that are of general interest to community college students or are applications of psychological principles.

Career Options

Most career options directly related to psychology require graduate level degrees. However, there are several applied and paraprofessional occupations that may not require education beyond the associate degree. The following is a sample of the many career options available with preparation in this major beyond the associate degree: advertising researcher, clinical psychologist, community college instructor, school counselor, counseling psychologist, drug abuse counselor, employment counselor, engineering psychologist, industrial psychologist, manager,marriage and family counselor, mental health worker, organizational psychologist, personnel analyst, probation officer, psychometrist, and research psychologist.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who complete the program will be able to:

  • Describe the field of psychology including its philosophical, theoretical, and scientific roots and the multitude of professional options.
  • Explain how the scientific method lends itself to the goals of psychological research and statistical analysis of research data.
  • Distinguish between various components of the nervous system, and explain how they work together to influence behavior and mental health processes.
  • Analyze the influence of biological and environmental factors in the development of psychological processes such as sensation & perception, learning, memory, intelligence, personality, emotion, motivation, sexuality, mental health and social behavior.