Psychology A.A. Degree (20500.AA)
School of Arts and Social Sciences
The Department of Psychology at Merced College offers students an exciting and challenging curriculum. The curriculum provides students with an opportunity to gain an understanding of how psychological research and theory can be applied to daily life experiences. Students also gain insight into the behavior and personality of themselves and others. The primary goals of the Department of Psychology are (1) to enable students to achieve their educational goals; (2) to teach students about the various theories and approaches to the scientific study of human and animal behavior; (3) to help students utilize critical thinking skills when examining questions and issues; and (4) to better serve the community as informed and concerned citizens who understand the importance of diversity and inclusion.
The focus of the Psychology Department is to serve students with a wide range of educational and career goals. To this end, the Psychology Department offers two degrees: The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T) and the Associate in Arts in Psychology (AA). For students who are planning on transferring, the AA-T enables them to transfer by successfully completing at least 60 transferable units that will include the psychology major courses, and CSU Breadth or IGETC certification. Students who earn the AA-T in Psychology will be granted junior status at a CSU and will be given priority admission to the psychology program. For students who are not planning on transferring, but who want to earn a degree, the Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology degree is available. This degree provides students with great flexibility in designing their educational plan. Students who benefit from the AA option include students whose career choice requires only an AA degree, as well as students who are returning to school to earn a degree for advancement at a current job and are not planning to transfer.
The Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology is designed for students who are interested in learning more about psychology, but not planning on transferring. Students who are planning on transferring to a California State University should consider the Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree (AA-T). Students should discuss these options with their counselors.
For this degree, students must complete the 18-unit curriculum listed below. These courses must be in addition to the basic graduation requirements (see catalog for information about the requirements including PE).
Important note: Students who complete this degree will not be granted priority admission to a CSU at junior status. Students who are planning on transferring should complete the AA-T (Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer).
Program Student Learning Outcomes
A. Analyze the major theoretical explanations of behavior in the field of psychology.
B. Appraise the applications of psychology.
C. Evaluate the credibility of a claim based on empirical evidence.
Visit the Program Mapper for more information on when to take classes and career information.
Program Requirements:
Program Core: (18 Units) | Units |
|---|---|
PSYC-01A Introduction to Psychology (3) | 3 |
Plus 15 units from the following electives: | |
ANTH-02 Sociocultural Anthropology (3) | 15 |
Total Units: (18 units) |
Completion of MCCD-GE Breadth: (23 units)
Elective (as needed to reach 60 units) Units: (13 Units)
Total Degree Units: (60 Units)
Programs of Similar Interest:
Contact Information | |
|---|---|
Dean | John Albano |
Phone | (209) 384-6073 |
School Office | IAC-A Social Sciences BLDG., 2ND Floor |
(209) 381-6478 | |