Arts & Sciences Transfer, AA, Psychology Area of Concentration

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    Program Overview 

    The Associate of Arts Degree in Psychology is designed for students planning to transfer to baccalaureate colleges and universities.  This program option meets transfer requirements of our surrounding local four-year Institutions for the Bachelor Degree in Psychology.
     
    Psychology is a behavioral science that emphasizes the understanding of behavior (feelings, actions, and thoughts) of individuals. It should be noted that psychology typically focuses on the study of humans though psychologists have interests in other species.
     
    Psychology as a science is most closely related to the biological sciences, although its application often involves personal and/or cultural philosophical beliefs or values. Students who major in psychology are expected to be able to think critically and scientifically about behavior, and be able to apply the principles of psychology to the understanding of behavior.
     
    Third, transfer credit varies among colleges; therefore, students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university and earn a bachelor’s degree in this discipline should consult with an advisor to determine the specific college/university to which they plan to transfer to and to select courses that will meet the requirements for both the associate and baccalaureate degree programs.
     
    Transfer students may still earn an Associate of Arts degree in Psychology while preparing to transfer to a four year college or university.  

Job Description

  • The AA in Psychology is designed as a transfer degree leading to the BA and MA.  However, it is possible for a student to find a position in most entry-level professions that deal with counseling, human resources, and similar people-oriented fields.  
     
    Most career options directly related to psychology require graduate level degrees. However, there are several applied and paraprofessional occupations that may not require education beyond the associate degree.
     
    For example, staff member at Group Homes, staff member at addictions centers, and Mediations, Crisis hotline, staff member in a residential treatment centers for children and adults. 

    The following is a sample of the many career options available with preparation in this major beyond the associate degree: advertising researcher, clinical psychologist, community college instructor, school counselor, counseling psychologist, drug abuse counselor, employment counselor, engineering psychologist, industrial psychologist, manager, marriage and family counselor, mental health worker, organizational psychologist, personnel analyst, probation officer, psychometrics, and research psychologist.

Skills Needed

  • The ability to listen attentively, relate to people across a wide spectrum, and to communicate effectively. Be a decision-Maker in helping others manage multiple tasks. Enjoy helping others improve their situation. Be compassionate and not be judgmental. Must have patience, not all problems can be solved quickly. Be trustworthy in keeping private and personal moments confidential.   

    Finally, you must have a sense of ethics. You are dealing with sensitive information. The American Psychological Association has developed a rigorous ethics code and code of conduct all psychologists must follow. In order to be successful, a professional must be willing to adhere to these standards.

Program Faculty

  • Dr. Adia Garrett
    Liberty Campus, Main Building, Room 305C
    410-462-8017 (office)
    agarrett@bccc.edu 

    Dr. Karen Shallenberger
    Liberty Campus, Main Building, Room 303B
    410-462-7664 (office)
    kshallenberger@bccc.edu

    Dr. Elissa Abod
    Liberty Campus, Main Building, Room 303C  
    410-462-7459 (office)
    abod@bccc.edu