Faculty: Dr. JoAnne Geron, Dr. Thomas Link, R. Martin Lobdell (FS); Dr. Joanne Bates, Leon Khalsa,(PY)
Degree: Associate of Arts (AA-DTA)
Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior, which forms a basis for making inferences about mental processes. It involves the study of mental states and processes, human behavior, and human nature and society. Pierce College’s psychology program prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions as psychology majors; helps prepare students for vocational certification or licensure in disciplines related to and supported by psychological training; and provides courses that contribute to the personal growth and well-being of students who seek more knowledge of themselves and the world around them.
Students planning to transfer as psychology majors should complete AA-DTA degree requirements and must check with transfer institutions regarding specific requirements and transferable credits. Up to 30 psychology credits may be accepted, depending on the transfer institution. Often, psychology majors are best served by gaining a strong background in anatomy and physiology, philosophy, sociology and anthropology well as in psychology. Students are strongly urged to work closely with faculty advisors to plan an overall program of study that best meets their transfer needs and career goals.
The following courses are recommended as part of the requirements for the AA-DTA degree:
| Psychology Major | ||
| Dept | Course Name | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BIOL 118 | Human Anatomy and Physiology for Non-Sci Majors | 5 |
| BIOL& 160 | General Biology w/lab | 5 |
| MATH& 141 | Precalculus I | 5 |
| MATH& 146 | Intro to Statistics | 5 |
| PHIL& 101 | Intro to Philosophy | 5 |
| PSYC& 100 | General Psychology | 5 |
| SOC& 101 | Intro to Sociology | 5 |
| Choose one: | ||
| ANTH& 100 | Survey of Anthropology | 5 |
| ANTH& 206 | Cultural Anthropology | 5 |
| Choose one: | ||
| ENGL 103 | Composition – Argumentation & Research | 5 |
| ENGL 107 | Composition – Writing about Literature | 5 |
| Choose one: | ||
| CMST& 101 | Introduction to Communication | 5 |
| CMST& 220 | Public Speaking | 5 |
| AND one or two of the following PSYCH courses: | ||
| PSYC& 180 | Human Sexuality | 5 |
| PSYC& 200 | Lifespan Psychology | 5 |
| PSYC& 220 | Abnormal Psychology | 5 |
| PSYC 230 | Intro to Personality | 5 |
