Associate of Arts in Psychology

Psychology is the study of human and animal behavior. It seeks to understand and explain both normal and abnormal behavior, mental ability, perception, development, and individual differences. The psychological study explores human emotions, thoughts, and motives. Among the major sub-branches within psychology are educational psychology, social psychology, psychometrics, developmental psychology, comparative psychology, abnormal psychology, applied psychology, differential psychology, statistics, and child psychology.

PSYCH 101 General Psychology

PSYCH 101 is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The content focuses on the exploration of major psychological theories, concepts, methods, and research findings. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition, consciousness, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, approaches to psychotherapy, and applied psychology. Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Typically Offered: Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall. Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 110)

PSYCH 101H Honors General Psychology

PSYCH 101H is the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes. The content focuses on the exploration of major psychological theories, concepts, methods, and research findings. Topics include the biological bases of behavior, perception, cognition, consciousness, learning, memory, emotion, motivation, development, personality, social psychology, psychological disorders, approaches to psychotherapy, and applied psychology. The honors course is enhanced in one or more of the following ways:

1. Students have increased responsibility for leading class discussions and critical thinking exercises.
2. Homework assignments are focused on critical thinking and the analysis of important topics related to psychology.

Note: Sophomore standing preferred. Lecture 3 hours.
Prerequisite: Eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Typically Offered: Spring. Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 110)

PSYCH 103 Physiological Psychology

PSYCH 103 provides an introduction to the scientific study of the biological bases of behavior and its fundamental role in the neurosciences. Physiological, hormonal, and neurochemical mechanisms and brain-behavior relationships underlying the psychological phenomena of sensation, perception, regulatory processes, emotion, learning, memory, and psychological disorders are addressed. The course also includes historical scientific contributions and current research principles for studying brain-behavior relationships and mental processes. Ethical standards for human and animal research are discussed in the context of experimental research. Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 101.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 150)

PSYCH 104 Social Psychology

PSYCH 104 considers individual human behavior in relation to the social environment. The power of the situation, other individuals, and the social group are examined. Emphasized topics include aggression, prejudice and stereotypes, interpersonal attraction, attitudes, and attitude change, conformity, group phenomena, gender roles, cultural norms, person perception, and social cognition. Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 101.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/ Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 170)

PSYCH 105 Human Sexuality

PSYCH 105 is an introductory overview of the field of human sexuality. Human sexuality is examined from psychological, biological, sociocultural, and historical perspectives. Students are encouraged to become aware of their own sexual attitudes, values, and behaviors and to evaluate the consistency of their behaviors within their own moral frameworks. Current sex norms and various aspects of interpersonal and individual sexual adjustment are explored. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

PSYCH 106 Developmental Psychology

PSYCH 106 provides an overview, from a psychological perspective, of human development from conception through death, including biological and environmental influences. Theories and research in physical, cognitive, personality, and social development are examined, as well as attention to developmental problems. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Typically Offered: Winter/Spring/Summer/Fall.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 180)

PSYCH 110 The Psychology of Personal and Social Adjustment

PSYCH 110 has an applied focus for students interested in how psychology is used in everyday life and is related to other social sciences. The course surveys different psychological perspectives and theoretical foundations and how these are applied across a person’s life, taking into account the influence of factors such as culture, gender, ethnicity, historical cohort, and socioeconomic status. A broad understanding of how scientists, clinicians, and practitioners study and apply psychology is emphasized. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Course Typically Offered: Fall.
Transfer Credit: CSU. (C-ID PSY 115)

PSYCH 113 Psychology of Women

PSYCH 113 is a study of the psychological factors which contribute to the present emotional, sexual and economic status of the American woman. This study is designed to help the student better understand the experiences of women through the examination of family structure, social structure, female sexuality and self-esteem. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

PSYCH 115 Abnormal Psychology

PSYCH 115 introduces the scientific study of psychopathology and atypical behaviors, broadly defined. Students investigate abnormal behavior from a variety of perspectives including biological, psychological, and sociocultural approaches. An integrative survey of theory and research in abnormal behavior, and intervention and prevention strategies for psychological disorders are also introduced. Lecture 3 hours.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 101.
Course Typically Offered: Fall/Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 120)

PSYCH 131 Marriage and Intimate Relationships

PSYCH 131 studies the development of traditional and contemporary patterns of people living together with an emphasis on psychological and sociological theories and research. Topics examined include the historical development of marriage, diverse lifestyles (including single-parenting, the blended family, and gay and lesbian partnerships), partner compatibility, communication techniques, intimacy, conflict, child-rearing, dissolution of partnerships, and speculation about the future of relationships.

Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have completed SOC 131. Lecture 3 hours.
Recommended Preparation: Eligibility for ENGL 120 or ESL 151.
Course Typically Offered: Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

PSYCH 150 Educational Psychology

PSYCH 150 is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of the theoretical foundations of learning theories and their application in school settings. The course will focus on the evaluation of these applications as each contributed to the development of American Education. It will also provide a basis for understanding both failed and successful efforts toward remediations and reform, using psychology as a means of analysis. Lecture 3 hours.

Recommended Preparation: PSYCH 101 or SOCS 101; and eligibility for ENGL 101.
Course Typically Offered: Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

PSYCH 200 Research Methods for Psychology

PSYCH 200 is a lecture and laboratory course focusing on the nature of theory and the principles of descriptive and inferential research. Topics covered in the course include an analysis of the scientific method, research design, ethical principles, internal and external validity, and scientific writing. The course is built around the application of these topics in a laboratory environment. Note: This course may not be taken for credit by students who have successfully completed SOCS 200. Lecture 3 hours/Laboratory 1.5 hours.

Prerequisite: MATH 136 and PSYCH 101.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC. (C-ID PSY 200)

PSYCH 203 Physiological Psychology Laboratory

PSYCH 203 is an introductory science laboratory course that surveys the structure and function of the nervous system, neurological correlates of behavior, psychophysiological research methodology, and scientific research investigation. Main topics include neuroanatomy, behavioral neuroscience, consciousness, emotion, stress, sensation, and perception of vision, audition, touch, olfaction, and gustation. Laboratory 3 hours.

Prerequisite: PSYCH 103 Course
Typically Offered: Spring.
Transfer Credit: CSU, UC, USC

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Academic Calendar

• Semester system (16 weeks).
• Fall Semester begins at the end of August.
• Spring Semester begins mid-February.
• Summer Session (mid-June to mid-August.); along with a short-term Winter Session of six weeks in early January.

New International students applying directly from overseas can only apply for the Fall or Spring Semesters. The short-term Sessions offer limited class scheduling for "new" students and are best designed for "continuing students."

Admission Requirements

High School transcripts and Diploma; minimum of 2.0 or "C" grade point average, if transferring directly from a U.S.-based College or University. TOEFL score minimum 45 on iBT, or IELTS 'band score' of 4.5 minimum – if English is not your first language of instruction. Also, Affidavit of Support Form & Bank Statement, and one-page personal essay. "Conditional Admission" is available for students without TOEFL or IELTS, and transferring-in from a Language School program.

Application Deadlines (for overseas Applicants)

• July 1 for Fall Semester;
• December 1 for Spring Semester;
• [May 15th for “Summer Session” -- Summer only for students "transferring" inside the U.S. with a current and valid Form I-20.]
• Deadlines may be flexible; please contact the International Student Office for details.

Tuition & Fees/Living Expenses

• Tuition & Fees (Academic Year 2020-21): $7,581 USD (full-time; two semesters).
• Estimated off-campus living expenses: $13,000 USD.
• Total costs for bank statement = $22,965 USD.
• Note: above costs are subject to periodic/annual changes. [Please plan your budget accordingly].
• Tuition/Fees are paid per Semester upon registration.
• "Tuition Advanced Deposit" is not required.
• The College offers a tuition payment plan each semester.