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Psychology Degree

Associate of Arts
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This program is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The pathway exposes students to important psychology coursework while incorporating key general education courses needed for transfer.

The program is structured to prepare students who ultimately plan to serve the psychology community as advocates in health care organizations, human services, education, research, social work, legal services, military roles and as mental health professionals.

Students selecting this program should consult with an academic and/or program faculty advisor early in the program.

This program can be completed either on campus or online.

Available Fully Online
Complete this degree or certificate on your schedule, from anywhere with an internet connection, by taking all your classes online. Find out more about online learning.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, a student will be able to: 

  • Critically analyze key concepts, principles, and themes in psychology and use scientific thinking and information literacy to identify, interpret, and apply empirical findings to everyday life. 
  • Identify how sociocultural influences and the interaction of biological and environmental factors impact human behavior, cognition, and human development.
  • Use written, visual, and/or oral presentation skills to effectively communicate psychological phenomena to a wide audience, including individuals from varied cultural, social, and educational backgrounds.
  • Critically evaluate psychological research by using ethical standards and the acknowledgment of one's own and others' worldviews on psychological science and practice.  

Program Advising

Meet with your academic advisor regularly to discuss your academic plans and make sure you are on track to graduate and/or transfer. The program advising guide outlines the degree requirements and is meant to supplement the advising process.

  • Find a Program Advisor 
  • For a printable degree planner, please go to the Programs of Study page in the catalog new window, locate and navigate to your program, and click on the "Print Degree Planner" icon at the top of the page.

Transfer Opportunities

MC has a long history of successfully preparing students for transfer to four-year institutions. See all transfer agreements.

Careers

For some positions listed, a bachelor's degree or higher may be required. Use the Career and Program Explorer to see a full report for this career field. See links below chart for further guidance and/or connect with a Program Advisor to discuss career goals.

There are many job opportunities for those with degrees in psychology.  Psychologists work in clinical settings, schools, research settings, community organizations, and businesses. Some of these careers require advanced degrees, such as a master's (MA or MS) or doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology, but there are also entry-level jobs available to those with a bachelor's degree (BA or BS) in psychology.

Some psychology majors work in the mental health field as psychiatric technicians, case workers, or rehabilitation advisors. Others work in research, statistical analysis, or data entry.  Yet other psychology majors go into fields outside of psychology, such as jobs in business. The American Psychological Association offers additional information on careers in psychology.

  • MC Student Employment Services: Speak with the Student Employment Specialist for help with resume writing, interviewing, setting up a College Central Network (CCN) new window account and other job search topics.
  • Career Coach: Explore Career Coach to learn more about this career and/or discover related majors and in-demand careers based on your current interests! Take a Career Assessment and then browse careers and job opportunities in the area.

Curriculum

Suggested Course Sequence: Psychology

A suggested course sequence for students follows.

  • All students should review the advising guide and consult an advisor.
  • Find out about related programs and course in the Fields of Study section.
  • Most courses have either assessment levels that must be met or prerequisites (courses that must be taken first). Part-time students and those who need to meet assessment levels or take prerequisite courses will take longer to complete a degree. An advisor will help make sure you are taking your courses in the right order.
  • All degree-seeking students must take a central group of General Education courses in English, mathematics, arts, behavioral and social sciences, humanities, and science. These courses are included in the suggested course sequence below.

Suggested Course Sequence

Students should complete the required English and Math foundation courses within the first 24 credit hours. All students should consult an advisor.

First Semester

Second Semester

Third Semester

Fourth Semester

* ENGL 1013 semester hours, if needed for ENGL 1023 semester hours/ENGL 1033 semester hours, or elective. Please consult an advisor or transfer institution for assistance with course selection.

** Students planning to transfer to the UMCP psychology program must complete BIOL 150.

† UMBC Foreign Language Requirement: Some transfer schools, including UMBC, have a Global Engagement/World Language requirement. Choose a single language through the 201-level, (e.g., a General Education language course offering a 101, 102, and 201 sequence). Exemptions are based on proof of completion of Level 4 of a language in high school or results of a language proficiency exam. Students may demonstrate foreign language proficiency through other methods, see: www.umbc.edu/mll/gfrs.html.

†† Program elective courses are: PSYC 204, PSYC 206, PSYC 207, PSYC 215, PSYC 216, PSYC 227, PSYC 228. Please consult an advisor or the transfer institution before selecting program elective courses.

††† Developmental Psychology courses are: PSYC 203, PSYC 215, PSYC 216.

Note: All AA and AS curricula require at least one course with a global and cultural perspectives (GCP) designation.

This program can be completed either on campus or online.


How To Apply and Register

Related Programs and Courses

General Studies Degree

Students who major in general studies explore personal, professional, and academic areas of interest within a flexible framework supporting transfer.

Workforce Development and Continuing Education

MC offers a wide variety of noncredit classes. These courses are designed to help you upgrade your skills, pursue career training, or learn something new.

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