Apr 23, 2024  
2023-2024 Catalog 
  
2023-2024 Catalog

Psychology, AA


Award: Associate of Arts

Degree Code: ASPR

Number of Credits: 60

Program Description

The Psychology degree provides the first two years of college for students preparing for a career in psychology, counseling or a related field.  The Psychology degree emphasizes the scientific study of behavioral and mental processes, with a focus on expanding students’ general knowledge of psychological theory while also enhancing skills of scientific inquiry and critical thinking.  Specific course work will focus on student ethical awareness and social integrity, communication skills across diverse presentation modalities, and application of psychological related theory to professional development.  This program is designed primarily for students desiring to transfer to a four-year college or university to earn a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.  Students selecting this program should consult with an academic advisor early in the program.  

Transfer Information

Cecil College has the following transfer agreements:  https://www.cecil.edu/student-resources/advising-transfer/transfer-agreements.  Additionally, transfer information is available at the ARTSYS website (The Articulation System of Maryland). Contact your advisor for detailed information.

Career Opportunities


Social worker, human resources representatives, rehabilitation advisor, and admissions recruiter in private corporations, social service agencies and education.

Required Courses


Program Electives


Please see Academic Advisor for elective selection.

Recommended Sequence


The following is a recommended sequence of courses for completing this program as a full-time student. Developmental and prerequisite course requirements, credit load, and/or course availability may affect a student’s individual progress. Students should consult their degree audit at MyCecil or an academic advisor for individual degree planning.

Program Learning Outcomes


Upon successful completion of this program, students will meet the General Education Student Learning Outcomes and be able to: 

  • Goal 1: General Knowledge in Psychology
    • Through the application of theory and concepts to simple psychological problems, students should demonstrate a basic knowledge of key terms, theoretical frameworks and historical milestones in the field.   
      • 1.1 Describe key concepts, principles, and overarching themes in psychology
      • 1.2 Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
      • 1.3 Describe applications of psychology
  • Goal 2: Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking
    • The use of the scientific method as it applies to understanding complex problems within the field is essential.  Students will be exposed to concepts of research methodology and critical behavioral analysis.  Using research in the field, students will learn basic skills information literacy, research design, and formation of hypotheses and conclusions. 
      • 2.1 Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
      • 2.2 Demonstrate psychology information literacy
      • 2.3 Engage in innovative and integrative thinking and problem solving
      • 2.4 Interpret, design, and conduct basic psychological research
      • 2.5 Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry
  • Goal 3: Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World
    • Students will learn basic skills of how to approach personal and professional interactions with ethical awareness and social integrity.  Ethical standards for behavior in the field will be discussed.  A specific focus on the impact of social-cultural variables will be provided to support increased diversity.
      • 3.1 Apply ethical standards to evaluate psychological science and practice
      • 3.2 Build and enhance interpersonal relationships
      • 3.3 Adopt values that build community at local, national, and global levels
  • Goal 4: Communication (ALL)
    • Students will demonstrate increased abilities to clearly present their ideas, both through written, oral and interpersonal communication.  Given that this is a skill present through all the courses, a developmental approach will be taken.  Students in entry level 101 courses will be required to demonstrate basic writing skills and adequate use of APA format in the course.  As students progress in the psychology sequence they will be required to demonstrate an ability to write for different purposes and give effective oral presentations to classmates. 
      • 4.1 Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes
      • 4.2 Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
      • 4.3 Interact effectively with others
      • 4.4 Use APA format effectively
  • Goal 5: Professional Development (PSY 227; PSY 228)
    • The emphasis in this goal is on application of psychology-specific content and skills, effective self-reflection, project-management skills, teamwork skills, and career preparation. Foundation-level outcomes concentrate on the development of work habits and ethics to succeed in academic settings. In addition, career professionals can be enlisted to support occupational planning and pursuit.
      • 5.1 Apply psychological content and skills to career goals
      • 5.2 Exhibit self-efficacy and self-regulation
      • 5.3 Refine project-management skills
      • 5.4 Enhance teamwork capacity
      • 5.5 Develop meaningful professional direction for life after graduation.