Associate in Arts for Transfer - Psychology

Diablo Valley College

The associate in arts in psychology for transfer major at Diablo Valley College (DVC) provides students with an introduction to psychology as the scientific study of thought, feeling, and behavior, and a helping profession dedicated to solving human problems. The associate degree curriculum meets lower division requirements for transfer to the CSU system baccalaureate degree programs in psychology and fulfills lower division general education requirements for transfer to the CSU system.

Psychology includes a variety of sub-fields, including clinical, counseling, developmental, forensic, social, cognitive, biological, and personality psychology. Most career options require more than two years of college study. The associate in arts in psychology for transfer degree provides preparation for transfer to psychology programs at baccalaureate granting institutions. Transferring, completion of a bachelor’s degree, and graduate studies in psychology can lead to careers as psychotherapists, college professors, scientific researchers, administrators, and business consultants. The associate in arts in psychology for transfer is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in a similar major at a CSU campus. Students completing this degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. In order to earn the degree, students must:

• Complete 60 semester CSU-transferable units.

• Complete the California State University-General Education pattern (CSU GE); or the Inter segmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern.

• Complete a minimum of 18 semester units in the major.

• Obtain of a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0.

• Earn a grade of “C“ or higher in all courses required for the major.

Students transferring to a CSU campus that accepts the degree will be required to complete no more than 60 units after transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree. This degree may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a university or college that is not part of the CSU system, or those students who do not intend to transfer.

Students completing the program will be able to...

A. identify the major theoretical orientations in psychology and demonstrate knowledge of basic psychological concepts regarding behavior and mental processes.

B. demonstrate knowledge of research methods, ethical considerations in conducting research, and effective use of the American Psychological Association (APA) style in presenting information.

C. utilize critical thinking skills to analyze, evaluate, and make decisions concerning complex contemporary issues in psychology.

D. recognize the complexity of social, cultural, and international diversity.

E. apply psychological principles to the development of interpersonal, occupational, and social skills, and life-long personal growth.

F. demonstrate understanding of major theories, concepts, and research findings in selected content areas of psychology, such as lifespan development, personality and social psychology, neuroscience, and abnormal psychology.

G. correctly apply statistical concepts to organize and understand data from psychological research.

H. demonstrate an understanding of biological processes underlying behavior and experience.

Possible career opportunities

Psychology students will find classes related to helping them understand, predict, and deal with their own behavior and that of others. Careers include psychotherapist, school psychologist, college professor, researcher, counselor and administrator. Most career options require more than two years of college study.