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Psychology

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

Credits: 61 | Time to Completion: 2 years

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 CodeCourseCredits
EN 101Composition 3
EN 102Composition and Literature 3
HI ELEHistory Electives 6
HU ELEHumanities Electives 6
MA 113Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences * 3
PY 101General Psychology * 3
PY 201

PY 205
Life Span Development OR
Child and Adolescence Psychology *
3
PY 203Social Psychology * 3
PY 215Theories of Personality * 3
PY 299Abnormal Psychology * 3
SC ELELab Science Elective 3
SL 113Research Methods for the Behavioral Sciences 3
SO 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
Liberal Arts Credits: 45
CE 101College Experience 1
GN ELEGeneral 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.