Psychology A.A.

Understand the foundations of behavior

Psychology is the scientific study of human thinking and behavior, including brain function and development. Your coursework at CLC puts you on the path to understanding how. Use your critical thinking skills, empathy and social awareness for careers in health care, education, legal fields, public affairs, human services, business and more.

Additionally, you learn about the scientific method of investigation, build on written and oral communication skills and learn to apply theory and research to everyday experiences.

What can you do with an A.A. in Psychology?

A degree in Psychology can be very versatile. Maximize your career trajectory by working with an Academic Success Advisor who recommends the best way to transfer to your preferred university. An Associate in Art (A.A.) degree in Psychology prepares you for a variety of bachelor’s programs—not just psychology.

Former students have moved on to master’s and doctoral programs in a variety of fields, including mental health, research and teaching. Your desired role will likely require additional education.

Highlights

100% Online

This degree can be completed 100% online. It’s up to you!
Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).
Transfer Degree

Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, before financial aid, including grants, loans, and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials, and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,621
  
  Median
  
  $66,796
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $114,294
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.37
  
  Median
  
  $32.11
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $54.94
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.51%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  68.66%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  25.83%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $44,571
  
  Median
  
  $101,705
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $182,229
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $21.42
  
  Median
  
  $48.89
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $87.61
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Master's Degree
  
  8%
  
  Doctorate
  
  92%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $39,738
  
  Median
  
  $93,796
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $252,352
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $19.10
  
  Median
  
  $45.09
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $121.32
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Doctorate
  
  100%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,299
  
  Median
  
  $116,336
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $230,149
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.43
  
  Median
  
  $55.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  8.93%
  
  Certificate
  
  6.72%
  
  Some college
  
  1.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.33%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  63.38%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.38%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $48,494
  
  Median
  
  $65,902
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $116,620
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $23.31
  
  Median
  
  $31.68
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $56.06
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Associate Degree
  
  2.51%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  56.31%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  41.19%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $46,921
  
  Median
  
  $72,900
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $94,116
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $22.55
  
  Median
  
  $35.04
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $45.25
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  14.81%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  85.18%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $55,516
  
  Median
  
  $143,022
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $351,900
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $26.68
  
  Median
  
  $68.75
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $169.18
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  Some college
  
  3.85%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  3.85%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  57.69%
  
  Doctorate
  
  30.77%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, see the CLC college catalog.

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Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.	2	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ENG 121	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
MTH 142	MTH 142 General Education Statistics Class Description This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
PSY 121	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
ART 121	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 120 College Success Seminar Class Description This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
Credits	2
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	ENG 121 English Composition I Class Description This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	MTH 142
Course Title	MTH 142 General Education Statistics Class Description This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 121
Course Title	PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology Class Description This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ART 121
Course Title	ART 121 Introduction to Art Class Description This course will introduce students to an appreciation of the visual arts through an intercultural, social/historical approach. The course will also emphasize the nature of the creative process, integrating a study of the conceptual principles, with methods and materials which influence artistic critical thinking, problem solving, exploration, and discovery. Note: A museum visit will be required during the semester at student expense. See course syllabus for approximate cost.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other general education math electives instead of MTH 142. Students also can choose other courses instead of ART 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
ENG 122	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.	3	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
BIO 161	BIO 161 General Biology I Class Description This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.	4	Credit for prior learning available
ANT 221	ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology Class Description This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.	3	Credit for prior learning available Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
PHI 121	PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy Class Description This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.	3	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available
PSY 223	PSY 223 Abnormal Psychology Class Description This course provides a systematic presentation of the concepts related to mental health disorders with specific emphasis given to empirical research, diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, theoretical perspectives, etiology, treatment, and legal and ethical responsibilities.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 122
Course Title	ENG 122 English Composition II Class Description This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	BIO 161
Course Title	BIO 161 General Biology I Class Description This course introduces general biological principles of life processes common to all organisms. Topics covered include the nature of life, unifying themes underlying biology, chemical basis of life, cell structure and function, energetics, cell reproduction, concepts of genetics and inheritance patterns, molecular genetics, and biotechnology. This course is the first semester of a two semester sequence intended for biology majors and students seeking careers in medicine, pharmacy, dentistry, occupational therapy, physical therapy, or veterinary medicine. NOTE: Knowledge of chemistry is helpful.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ANT 221
Course Title	ANT 221 Cultural Anthropology Class Description This course is a study of the nature and development of culture. The economic, political, religious and social organizations of selected human groups (with an emphasis on non-Western and underrepresented groups) are examined, compared and evaluated. It explores the cultural determinations of individual human behavior and means of adaptation.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PHI 121
Course Title	PHI 121 Introduction to Philosophy Class Description This course discusses the ideas of major philosophers concerning questions of human knowledge, moral values, political and social philosophy, and identity. Students are encouraged to think through their own theories about these important topics. Students explore philosophical issues focused on human identity, human nature, and the human condition at the intersections of contemporary social issues.
Credits	3
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 223
Course Title	PSY 223 Abnormal Psychology Class Description This course provides a systematic presentation of the concepts related to mental health disorders with specific emphasis given to empirical research, diagnostic criteria, as described in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, theoretical perspectives, etiology, treatment, and legal and ethical responsibilities.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of BIO 161, ANT 221 and PHI 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CMM 121	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
GEG 121	GEG 121 Physical Geography Class Description This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.	3	Online/Virtual options available
PSY 222	PSY 222 Child Growth and Development Class Description This course is designed to familiarize students with the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development of the child from conception through adolescence in cultural context. Topics of discussion include genes and heredity; prenatal development and birth; brain development; motor, sensory, and perceptual development; cognitive and memory changes; intelligence and language development; development of the self and identity; attachment and social relationships; and moral development. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and the mutual influences of these domains on development. Several theories of child development and methods of studying development are introduced.	3
PSY 225	PSY 225 Social Psychology Class Description This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of individuals thinking, feeling, and behavior within their social environments. This course includes, but is not limited to: research methods, attitude formation and change, social cognition, interpersonal relations, group processes, and social influence.	3
JPN 121	JPN 121 Beginning Japanese I Class Description This course develops basic skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Japanese culture.	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CMM 121
Course Title	CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech Class Description For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	GEG 121
Course Title	GEG 121 Physical Geography Class Description This introductory physical science course examines the processes and agents that help to shape and change the environment in which humans live. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships that exist between the earth's heat and energy systems and the weather, climate, soils, vegetation, streams, oceans, landforms, and human activities.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 222
Course Title	PSY 222 Child Growth and Development Class Description This course is designed to familiarize students with the physical, cognitive, and socioemotional development of the child from conception through adolescence in cultural context. Topics of discussion include genes and heredity; prenatal development and birth; brain development; motor, sensory, and perceptual development; cognitive and memory changes; intelligence and language development; development of the self and identity; attachment and social relationships; and moral development. Emphasis is placed on the interrelationships among the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and the mutual influences of these domains on development. Several theories of child development and methods of studying development are introduced.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 225
Course Title	PSY 225 Social Psychology Class Description This course provides an introduction to the scientific study of individuals thinking, feeling, and behavior within their social environments. This course includes, but is not limited to: research methods, attitude formation and change, social cognition, interpersonal relations, group processes, and social influence.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	JPN 121
Course Title	JPN 121 Beginning Japanese I Class Description This course develops basic skills in pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, listening, comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Japanese culture.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other physical sciences courses instead of GEG 121. Students also can choose other world language courses instead of JPN 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
HUM 127	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.	3	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
SOC 222	SOC 222 Social Problems Class Description This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.	3	Online/Virtual options available
PSY 224	PSY 224 Theories of Personality Class Description This course is designed to present the student with a survey of the major theories of personality. Theorists will be studied according to the following categories: 1) psychoanalytic; 2) humanistic and existential; 3) biological; 4) trait; 5) behavioral; 6) cognitive. Emerging perspectives will also be addressed. Several case studies will be presented for analysis.	3	Online/Virtual options available
PSY 227	PSY 227 Psychology of Gender Class Description This course will examine the psychological perspectives on gender. Using empirical research from all areas of psychology, the course will explore the major concepts, theories, and research methods as they relate to gender development across the lifespan. Included is a review of how gender is perceived in relationships, work, education, health, the justice system, and the media. Lastly, the intersectionality of gender with sexual orientation, class, race, religion, ability, and age will be discussed. PSY 227 and GXS 227 are cross-listed.	3	Global citizenship Online/Virtual options available
JPN 122	JPN 122 Beginning Japanese II Class Description This course continues to develop the basic skills introduced in JPN 121: pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing of Kana and Kanji, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Japanese culture.	4	Credit for prior learning available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	HUM 127
Course Title	HUM 127 Critical Thinking Class Description Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one’s positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
Credits	3
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	SOC 222
Course Title	SOC 222 Social Problems Class Description This course introduces students to sociological perspectives on contemporary social problems. It examines competing definitions of social problems and conceptualizations of how social problems develop over time. The major research methods and theoretical traditions sociologists use to study social problems are presented. The course also analyzes research about contemporary social problems and evaluates social policies aimed at combating these problems.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 224
Course Title	PSY 224 Theories of Personality Class Description This course is designed to present the student with a survey of the major theories of personality. Theorists will be studied according to the following categories: 1) psychoanalytic; 2) humanistic and existential; 3) biological; 4) trait; 5) behavioral; 6) cognitive. Emerging perspectives will also be addressed. Several case studies will be presented for analysis.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSY 227
Course Title	PSY 227 Psychology of Gender Class Description This course will examine the psychological perspectives on gender. Using empirical research from all areas of psychology, the course will explore the major concepts, theories, and research methods as they relate to gender development across the lifespan. Included is a review of how gender is perceived in relationships, work, education, health, the justice system, and the media. Lastly, the intersectionality of gender with sexual orientation, class, race, religion, ability, and age will be discussed. PSY 227 and GXS 227 are cross-listed.
Credits	3
Global citizenship
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	JPN 122
Course Title	JPN 122 Beginning Japanese II Class Description This course continues to develop the basic skills introduced in JPN 121: pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing of Kana and Kanji, listening comprehension, and oral and written communication within the context of Japanese culture.
Credits	4
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of HUM 127 and SOC 222. Students can choose other concentration electives instead of PSY 224 and PSY 227. Students also can choose other world language courses instead of JPN 122.

Total Credit Hours

62

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Psychology at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

The A.A. in Psychology is 62 credit hours and takes an average of 2 years to complete. We offer students a solid foundation of the discipline through courses in research methodology and the main subfields of psychology, including developmental, abnormal/clinical, social, personality, cognitive, and neuropsychology. In addition, we provide opportunities for students to explore research methodology and get hands-on experience by participating in one-on-one work with a psychology professor collecting, organizing, and analyzing data in our Psychology Lab.
We offer courses in a variety of scheduling options (e.g., 8-week, 12-week, 16-week courses). Your classes include:
- Theories of Personality
- Adolescent Development
- Human Sexuality
- Cognitive Psychology
Your psychology professors have diverse backgrounds in human development, mental health, social psychology and cognition. Full-time faculty, passionate about helping students achieve their dreams, set aside 80 hours per week to offer tutoring and assistance throughout the semester.
You can complete your psychology degree 100% online or in-person depending on the courses you are interested in taking. Attend class in the way that works best for your goals.
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real time by taking classes that are taught in a live virtual classroom via Zoom during scheduled times.
- Online: Have flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In-person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.
Please note that we do not offer the following classes online:
- Industrial/Organizational Psychology (PSY 122)
- Social Psychology (PSY 225)
- Brain and Behavior (PSY 240)
Your transfer degree prepares you to continue your education at a 4-year university while giving you a head start in the professional world today. Once you choose a transfer school and meet with an Academic Success Advisor, follow the college requirements for associate degrees that transfer.
Through a mix of lectures, discussions, group work and experiential learning, your coursework in psychology can enhance your existing analytical, inter- and intra-personal skills that are sought by a wide range of employers. Free Open Educational Resources (OER) or low-cost textbooks for all psychology courses are available.
With low-cost tuition, experienced professors, small class sizes and guaranteed transfer to a number of four-year universities, starting with a transfer degree in Psychology is the smart start to your higher education.

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Understand the foundations of behavior

What can you do with an A.A. in Psychology?

Highlights

100% Online

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

Career Outlook

Child, Family, and School Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Clinical Neuropsychologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Compliance Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Healthcare Social Workers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 16 Credits

Semester 3 16 Credits

Semester 4 16 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Learn how CLC helps you transfer

Psychology at CLC

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Apply now: It's easy and free

Frequently asked questions

How long is the program?

Can I take my classes online?

What are the benefits of a degree in Psychology at CLC?

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