Psychology

Psychology is the empirical study of behavior, emotion and mental processes. In pursuing the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree, students acquire skills in research, information gathering, and analytic thinking. Students majoring in psychology develop critical thinking, problem solving and written and verbal communication skills.

Although some careers in psychology require an advanced degree (e.g., mental health therapist, behavior analyst, or university professor), students majoring in psychology will acquire a variety of skills that employers value. Review the American Psychological Association's The Skillful Psychology Student: Prepared for Success in the 21st Century Workplace for a summary of these marketable skills.

Career Opportunities

Academic Counselor, Administrator, Behavior Analyst, Career Counselor, Community College Instructor, Data Analyst, Drug Abuse Counselor, Employment Counselor, Forensic Psychologist, Human Factors Specialist, Marriage and Family Therapist, Mental Health Worker, Personnel Analyst, Probation Officer, Psychiatric Aide, Psychometrist, Public Health Statistician Trainee, Research Analyst, Research Technician, Social Research Trainee, Sports Psychologist, Student Affairs Officer, Survey Designer, Training Specialist, University Professor

Faculty

Transfer

Most colleges and universities offer psychology or behavioral sciences education. Thus, there are a variety of baccalaureate programs for psychology transfer students to consider. The public institutions highlighted in this section offer undergraduate psychology programs within California and nearby in the state of Nevada.

Southern California

• California State University, San Bernardino - Department of Psychology
  • Psychology (B.A.)
  • Biological Psychology (B.A.)
  • Industrial and Organizational Psychology (B.A.)
• University of California, Riverside - Department of Psychology
  • Psychology (B.A./B.S.)
  • Neuroscience (B.A./B.S.)
  • Psychology, Law & Society (B.A.)

Northern California

• Cal State East Bay - Department of Psychology
  • Psychology (B.A.)
  • Industrial/Organizational Psychology (B.S.)
  • Ergonomics and Human Factors (B.S.)
• University of California, Davis - Department of Psychology
  • Psychology (A.B.)
  • Biological Psychology (B.S.)
  • Quantitative Psychology (B.S.)

Nevada

• University of Nevada, Las Vegas - Department of Psychology
  • Psychology (B.A.)

UNLV's Psychology B.A. program can be completed online. UNLV offers reduced nonresident tuition for San Bernardino County residents. Inquire about the "Good Neighbor" classification.

Visit assist.org for official transfer and articulation information for California’s public colleges and universities. Please stop by the Transfer Center in Building 23 or make an appointment with a counselor if you have questions.

Psychology, AA-T

State Control Number: 33026
Program Code: PSYCT.AA or PSYCT.IGETC.AA
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Yes

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree is to prepare students for transfer to the California State University system to complete a degree in Psychology or similar major. It is specifically designed to satisfy the lower division requirements for the Baccalaureate degree in Psychology at a California State University. This degree complies with SB1440 and California Education Code section 66746. The Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology benefits students by providing a structured academic pathway to transfer as a psychology major within the CSU system. The completion of an advanced degree and/or professional certificate, such as a baccalaureate degree, is required for students to pursue employment, graduate studies, and/or careers in related psychological fields. 

To earn this degree complete the major coursework listed here with “C” grades or better and the following graduation requirements: 60 CSU transferable units; either the CSU General Education or IGETC (for CSU or UC) pattern; and a 2.0 minimum overall CSU GPA. Courses used in the major may also be counted in the general education areas. Courses used for this major may also be used to earn other degrees at VVC.

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Required Courses
PSYC 101	Introductory Psychology	3.0
PSYC 215	Introduction to Statistics in Social and Behavioral Sciences	3.0
PSYC 217	Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology	4.0
List A
Complete one course from the following:		3.0-4.0
BIOL 100	General Biology
PSYC 109	Biopsychology
List B
Complete one course from the following, or any List A course not used:		3.0
PSYC 110	Developmental Psychology
List C
Complete one course from the following, or any List A or B course not used:		3.0
PSYC 121	Intorduction to Human Sexuality
PSYC 204	Social Psychology
PSYC 213	Abnormal Psychology
SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology
Total Units		19-20

Applied Developmental Psychology Certificate of Achievement

State Control Number: 38779
Program Code: ADEVPSYC.CERT
Approved for Federal Financial Aid: Pending

The Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) Certificate of Achievement aims to prepare students to function in a variety of settings that serve individuals with developmental disorders. A student earning the Applied Developmental Psychology Certificate of Achievement will be prepared for entry-level positions as a behavior therapist, classroom paraeducator, or job coach for persons with disabilities where an associate or bachelor’s degree is not required, and where continued supervision is provided by a licensed or credentialed professional. Possible job titles include, but are not limited to, the following: Behavioral Therapist, Behavior Technician, Behavior Instructor, Behavior Interventionist, Child Care Worker, Shadow Aide, Behavioral Aide, Special Education Assistant, Instructional Assistant, Paraprofessional, and Paraeducator. 

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Required Courses
PSYC 101	Introductory Psychology	3.0
PSYC 110	Developmental Psychology	3.0
PSYC 213	Abnormal Psychology	3.0
Interpersonal Communication
CMST 106	Interpersonal Communication	3.0
Second Language
Complete one of the following courses:		4.0-6.0
ASL 122	American Sign Language I
ASL 123	American Sign Language II
ASL 124	American Sign Language III
ASL 125	American Sign Language IV
SPAN 101A & SPAN 101B	Fundamentals of Spanish 101A and Fundamentals of Spanish 101B
or SPAN 101	Elementary Spanish
Total Units		16-18

Psychology Courses

Program Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs) are statements of the kind of learning a program hopes a student will achieve. The PLOs describe the knowledge, skills, problem-solving, communication and values that apply to all certificates and/or degrees within that program. 

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate a breadth of knowledge and critical thinking skills as related to human behavior and mental processes.
2. Apply the scientific method to distinguish science from pseudoscience as it relates to behavior and mental processes.
3. Communicate scientifically to peers and to the community.
4. Demonstrate a general understanding of typical and atypical human development and functioning.
5. Effectively communicate with others to solve problems.
6. Develop beginner-level communication skills to work with diverse populations in educational, mental-health, and social services positions.