Psychology

Description and Goals

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.

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.

Program Learning Outcomes

• 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.

Career Options

Most careers require graduate level degrees, but you can still work in the industry in these positions with your associate degree:

• Advertising researcher
• School counselor
• Drug abuse counselor
• Employment counselor
• Marriage and family counselor
• Mental health worker
• Probation officer

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, California is the state that employs the most clinical, counseling and school psychologists.

Course Description

Click here for course description from Catalog

Faculty

Karla Blanco

Kim Sweeney

Kirsten Christensen

Kristen Cole

Marie St. George