Psychology provides the key to understanding how—and why—people think and act. The degree also opens the door to careers in business, education, healthcare, and more.
Why Study Psychology?
Psychology is one of the most popular college majors for good reason: The discipline is not only interesting but also versatile. Psychologists are in demand, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the field to grow eight percent by 2030. Moreover, a psychology degree pays off — even for graduates who pursue careers in other fields. Skills taught in this program also are valuable for data analysis, decision making, dispute resolution, and more.
The Social Science (A.A.) degree with a concentration in Psychology is one of the most versatile programs available to Columbia-Greene students. Students of psychology engage with materials designed to enhance their understanding of mental processes and behavior, while being challenged to think critically about individual characteristics, social influences, genetic predispositions, and the diversity of the human experience. As a fascinating area of study, students will come to better understand themselves and the world around them. Grounded firmly in science, students will also come to know and appreciate the research techniques and statistical methods used by social scientists to make well-informed conclusions. Students who successfully complete this concentration can expect a straightforward and seamless transfer to a bachelor’s degree program in Psychology or related field.
Program Options
Curriculum Code: 0213 I Liberal Arts Credits: 45 I Program Credits: 16
This program provides an introduction to the field of Psychology and prepares students for transfer into a bachelor’s degree program. Multiple aspects of psychology are covered, as well as lab science, statistics, and the liberal arts. Students will engage in the scientific study of human behavior and will be challenged to think critically about individual differences, social behavior, human development, and scientific inquiry.
Students who successfully complete this concentration can expect advanced standing upon transfer to a bachelor’s program in this area of study.
| Course Code | Course | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| EN 101 | Composition | 3 |
| EN 102 | Composition and Literature | 3 |
| HI ELE | History Electives | 6 |
| HU ELE | Humanities Electives | 6 |
| MA 113 | Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences * | 3 |
| PY 101 | General Psychology * | 3 |
| PY 201 PY 205 | Life Span Development OR Child and Adolescence Psychology * | 3 |
| PY 203 | Social Psychology * | 3 |
| PY 215 | Theories of Personality * | 3 |
| PY 299 | Abnormal Psychology * | 3 |
| SC ELE | Lab Science Elective | 3 |
| SL 113 | Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences | 3 |
| SO 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| Liberal Arts Credits: | 45 | |
| CE 101 | College Experience | 1 |
| GN ELE | General Electives | 15 |
| Program Credits: | 16 | |
| Minimum Credits: | 24 | |
| * These courses meet the SUNY transfer path for a psychology concentration. |
Careers and Outcomes
In part, due to the program’s focus on analytical thinking, human understanding, and research, students who complete the Social Science (A.A.) Psychology Concentration should find themselves well-positioned for many in-demand careers across many different industries. Graduates of this program can expect to pursue meaningful occupations in areas such as counseling, social work, public relations, human resources, research, education, advertising, and many more.
Career Opportunities
A degree in psychology can prepare students for careers in psychology or counseling, as well as advertising, human resources, sales, and more. Options abound, as the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports workers with psychology degrees find jobs in community and social service, education, and management:
- Teacher
- Human Resources Manager
- Psychologist
- Psychiatrist
- Social Worker
Further Educational Opportunities
Columbia-Greene partnerships enable graduates to transfer to four-year colleges and universities including the University at Albany, SUNY Cobleskill, SUNY New Paltz, SUNY Oneonta, SUNY Plattsburgh, Marist College, Sage College, and Siena College.