Psychology, Associate in Arts Degree
Banner code: 2_AA_PSYC
Control number: 18416
Financial aid: Eligible
Students learn how to analyze the various methods used to study behavior, including the naturalistic observation method, the correlational method, the experimental method, kinship studies, the epidemiological method, and the case-study method. Students choosing this major will gain an understanding of the definition of normal vs. abnormal behavior, as well as describe the different types of mental health professionals and the basic features of psychotherapy and drug therapies. The successful student will be able to: Characterize the nature of psychology as a science; understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues; use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments related to conclusions about psychological issues; identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as the origin and treatment of abnormal behavior, pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles, psychology-based interventions in clinical, educational community, and other settings.
The student places into the English and Math course levels listed for the major.
Program Level Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Characterize the nature of psychology as a science.
- Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- Use reasoning to recognize, develop, defend, and criticize arguments related to conclusions about psychological issues.
- Identify appropriate applications of psychology in solving problems, such as the origin and treatment of abnormal behavior, pursuit and effect of healthy lifestyles, psychology-based interventions in clinical, educational community, and other settings.
Associate Degree Graduation Requirements
(See GWC website for the most up-to-date information on Associate Degree Requirements.)
- Completion of General Education Requirements by one of the following methods:
- Completion of a minimum of 18 units as listed under Areas A through E, including the Cultural Diversity Requirement.
- Completion of a minimum of 39 units of CSU General Education requirements. Students who complete this pattern are also eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement in CSU General Education Breadth.
- Completion of a minimum of 34 (UC) or 37 (CSU) units of Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) requirements. Students who complete this pattern are also eligible to receive the Certificate of Achievement in IGETC.
- Completion of a Major or Area of Emphasis—a minimum of 18 units.
- Completion of additional elective units to a total of 60 units.
- 2.0 overall Grade Point Average at GWC and 2.0 overall Grade Point Average for all colleges attended.
- At least 12 units completed at GWC.
Students should consult a GWC counselor in order to select the best pathway to meet their educational goals. For students who intend to transfer, the choice of general education will be specific to both their major and transfer institution.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| PSYC G100 | Introduction To Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC G280 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| MATH G160 | Introduction To Statistics | 4 |
| Select 9 units from the following: | 9 | |
| ANTH G100 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH G185 | Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| PSYC G116 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSYC G118 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC G250 | Psychobiology | 3 |
| PSYC G260 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| SOC G100 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| Major Total | 20 | |
| GE Pattern (Local, CSU GE-Breadth, or IGETC) | 18-39 | |
| Total Units | 60 | |
Recommended Program Sequence
These sequences are general course maps for students to finish all major and general education requirements for two-year completion of degrees, completion of short-term certificates, and/or fulfillment of transfer requirements. However, this may not be an appropriate path for all students. The two-year sequence is based on English and Math placement and meeting other course prerequisites. Students are advised to meet with a GWC Counselor to review course selections and sequences to ensure that completion of this program will meet a student's transfer and career goals.
Year 1:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | ||
| PSYC G100 | Introduction To Psychology | 3 |
| ENGL G100 | Freshman Composition ^ | 4 |
| Area E: Lifelong Understanding and Self-Development or Area A: English Language, Area B: Natural Sciences, Area C: Arts & Humanities, Area D: Social & Behavioral Sciences | 3 | |
| Area C: Arts & Humanities course | 3 | |
| Elective coursework for a total of 3 units | 3 | |
| Units | 16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 2 | ||
| PSYC G140 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (recommended) | 4 |
| or MATH G160 | Introduction To Statistics | |
| Elective coursework for a total of 6 units | 6 | |
| Select one of the following: | 3 | |
| PSYC G116 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSYC G118 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC G250 | Psychobiology | 3 |
| PSYC G260 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| ANTH G100 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH G185 | Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| SOC G100 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
Year 2:
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 3 | ||
| PSYC G280 | Research Methods in Psychology | 4 |
| Elective coursework for a total of 9 units | 9 | |
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| PSYC G116 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSYC G118 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC G250 | Psychobiology | 3 |
| PSYC G260 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| ANTH G100 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH G185 | Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| SOC G100 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| Units | 16 | |
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Semester 4 | ||
| Area B: Natural Science course (PSYC G250 recommended if not already taken) | 3 | |
| Cultural Diversity requirement # | 3 | |
| Elective coursework to reach a minimum of 60 units | 3 | |
| Select one of the following NOT already taken: | 3 | |
| PSYC G116 | Child Growth and Development | 3 |
| PSYC G118 | Life Span Developmental Psychology | 3 |
| PSYC G250 | Psychobiology | 3 |
| PSYC G260 | Social Psychology | 3 |
| ANTH G100 | Introduction To Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
| ANTH G185 | Physical Anthropology | 3 |
| SOC G100 | Introduction To Sociology | 3 |
| Units | 12 | |
| Total minimum units required | 60 | |
| # | Cultural Diversity requirement list of approved courses |
| ^ | Program sequence may not be recommended for students who self-place into ENGL G100S. Students should see a Counselor for appropriate advisement. |