Associate in Arts, Liberal Arts and Sciences

Program Description:

Psychology is a wide-ranging discipline that encompasses diverse academic and career pathways. Similarly, students are interested in psychology for a wide variety of reasons. Some have professional aspirations specific to psychology. Some have interests in related fields for which psychology provides a foundation. Others may be attracted for reasons of personal or interpersonal understanding or to increase their insight into human behavior. The Liberal Arts and Science Psychology Concentration is designed with these many types of students in mind. Primarily, it is a program designed for students who wish to transfer to a four year college or university in the areas of psychology. It provides students with a foundation of scientific knowledge, theories, research, and practical applications in psychology. It strengthens critical thinking skills necessary for personal and professional growth in psychology. Students may use these to further their goals in a number of ways. Faculty will work closely with students to provide academic and transfer advising based upon the student’s area of interest within psychology and the requirements of the specific transfer institution.

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Career and Transfer Outlook:

Most students in the Psychology Concentration will continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree. Students should identify the requirements of their intended transfer institution and meet with career and academic/transfer counselors at MCC to plan their specific program. Students may pursue a wide range of careers in psychology, including human services, clinical/counseling, educational and guidance, and industrial/organizational.

Helpful Hints:

Introduction to Psychology (PSY 101) is a prerequisite for other psychology courses and should be taken early in the program. Research Methods (PSY 138) is designed to be a capstone course and should be taken toward the end of the program.

Program Outcomes:

Graduates of the Psychology Concentration program will achieve the learning outcomes of the Liberal Arts and Sciences  degree. Additionally, graduates are prepared to:

• Articulate and explain major psychological concepts, theories, and empirical findings (APA Goals 3, 6, 7);
• Write and speak effectively, incorporating information and technology literacy skills as appropriate (APA Goals 3, 6, 7);
• Analyze and apply psychological principles to understand the causes of human behavior personally, socially and organizationally (APA Goal 4);
• Move from relying on “common sense” or biased patterns of thought to make sense of observations, and problem solve to effectively use the scientific method and critical-thinking approaches for these same  purposes (APA Goals 2, 3, 5);
• Discuss and demonstrate their understanding of, and respect for, diversity as a result of their study of psychological research and theory (APA Goal 8);
• Use self-reflection and self-assessment to develop strategies that enhance self-improvement, and to clarify and strengthen their sense of social responsibility (APA Goal 9);
• Emerge from the major with realistic ideas about how to implement their psychological knowledge, skills, and values in occupational pursuits in a variety of settings (APA Goal 10)