Psychology (A.A and A.S)

The Psychology program provides student's with the opportunity to choose from a wide range of topics within the field, which includes classes such as General Psychology, Forensic Psychology and Human Sexuality.

The coursework and content provide students with the opportunity to develop an understanding of the different specialties within the Behavioral Sciences.

The program provides guidance to the student about what is needed in order to transfer to another institution, as well as providing a special emphasis on the foundation of learning that is developed in the first two years.

A variety of courses are offered to meet each student’s diverse needs and interests, which grants the student the opportunity to fully immerse themselves into an educational environment that remains enjoyable.

The course work provided will help prepare students to move toward transfer and a basic ability to understand what might be required of a person working within the field of Psychology or related fields. Examples of these fields include Social Work, Human Services, Criminal Justice, and other professions within the behavioral sciences.

Labs & Classrooms

During class time, students can expect to engage in activities that bolster critical thinking development. This will be done through exposure to new content in class lectures, activities, and discussions. An emphasis will also be placed on diversity and global thinking, which will be incorporated into every class throughout the program. Refinement of these and other skills aid in facilitating personal growth, and an understanding of the diverse populous that is served by helping professionals.

Work Environment

Upon completion of any degree in Psychology or a related field, the graduate can expect to enter into a fast passed working environment. Professionals working in the field will need to be working on teams or individually to provide clients with support, crisis management, advocacy, and potentially counseling.

Job Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 14,100 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will increase as people continue to turn to psychologists for help with their problems. Psychologists also will be needed to provide services to an aging population, helping people deal with the mental and physical changes that happen as they grow older. Psychological services will also be needed for veterans suffering from war trauma, for survivors of other trauma, and for individuals with autism.

Employment of school psychologists will continue to grow because of the raised awareness of the connection between mental health and learning and because of the increasing need for mental health services in schools. School psychologists will be needed to work with students, particularly those with special needs, learning disabilities, and behavioral issues. Schools rely on school psychologists to assess and counsel students. In addition, school psychologists will be needed to study how factors both in school and outside of school affect learning. Once aware of those factors, teachers and administrators can use them to improve education. Job opportunities may be limited, however, because employment of school psychologists in public schools and universities is contingent on state and local budgets.

Employment of industrial–organizational psychologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2016 to 2026, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Organizations will continue to use industrial–organizational psychologists to help select and retain employees, increase organizational productivity and efficiency, and improve office morale.

Potential Job Titles

BA in Psychology or Social Work = case management and milieu management

MA in Psychology related field or Social Work = Licensed Professional in Counseling and Social Work.

PhD in Psychology related field or Social Work = Assessment, Research, Teaching, Counseling

Psychiatry, which will require medical training as well.

Salary

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual wage for psychologists was $81,040 in May 2021.

Student Profile

Elliott Cotton, England

As a student, I have loved how much the teachers care about you. They want you to succeed in whatever you want to do and are always willing to help. It makes it much easier to cope with change and classes that aren't your strong suit.

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Program Requirements / Classes

Psychology Designation	AA
Psychology	AS
Forensic Psychology	CERT

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.