Psychology
Psychology Department
In studying psychology at College of Alameda, students will uncover the connection between mind, body and emotions to enhance their self-awareness and empower them to create the lives they desire and be agents of social change. Students apply theories to their own lives so that the information is useful and illuminating.
Stop acting so small. You are the universe in ecstatic motion. -Rumi
Our psychology courses address the whole person, including mind, body, and emotions, as well as how the self interfaces with one’s family, community, and culture. By taking these courses, you will learn:
- Cornerstone psychological theories and research methods (power of perception, consciousness, developmental psychology, conditioning, thinking and memory, social psychology, abnormal psychology), how they may apply to your life, and how they might apply to those you work with
- To become more aware of unconscious forces, destructive self-talk, and unhealthy behaviors in order to consciously create the life you desire
- An understanding of how the brain and your biology play a role in your emotional and psychological well-being
- Healthy communication and interpersonal relationship skills
- To understand diversity on a more insightful level, including various forms of systemic and internalized oppression and how to become a more conscious ally
- Mindfulness and other stress-management techniques
- Apply multiple schools of psychology (ie. psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, biological, and transpersonal) to life experiences.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills rooted in psychological perspectives and exhibiting an awareness of psychological dynamics in inter-relationship.
- Increase awareness of self, others, and the environment in order to have greater agency and authentic expression.
Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer AA-T Degree
Required Core:
PSYCH 1A Introduction to General Psychology 3
PSYCH 28 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology 3
MATH 13 Introduction to Statistics 4
List A: Select one
BIOL 10 Introduction to Biology 4
List B: Select one (3-4 units)
PSYCH 1B Introduction to General Psychology (3)
ENGL 5 Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing (3)
ENGL 1B Composition and Reading (4) 4
List C: Select one (3 units)
PSYCH 3 Introduction to Personality Theory (3)
PSYCH 7A Psychology of Childhood (3)
PSYCH 7B Adolescent Psychology (3)
PSYCH 9A Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYCH 9B Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYCH 12 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYCH 18 Psychology of Minority Groups (3)
PSYCH 24 Abnormal Psychology (3)
PSYCH 29 Introduction to Forensic Psychology (3)
PSYCH 34 Psychology of Resiliency, Stress Management, and Personal Growth (3)
Required Semester Units 20-21
AA Degree in Psychology
PSYCH 1A Introduction to General Psychology 3
PSYCH 1B Introduction to General Psychology 3
Select four courses (12 units) from the following:
PSYCH 3 Introduction to Personality Theory (3)
PSYCH 7A Psychology of Childhood (3)
PSYCH 7B Adolescent Psychology (3)
PSYCH 9A Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYCH 9B Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYCH 12 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYCH 18 Psychology of Minority Groups (3)
PSYCH 24 Abnormal Psychology (3)
Required Semester Units 18
Psychology careers include jobs in therapy and counseling, schools, hospitals, prisons, courtrooms, community health and rehabilitation centers, life coaching, motivational speaking, sports and corporate offices. Students may go on to advanced degrees that prepare them to become licensed psychologists, social workers, and researchers.
The study of psychology is good preparation for many professions, as well as for one’s life.