Psychology Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree

Program Description

Psychology is the study of behavior and mental processes. People sometimes think of psychology as the study of mental and emotional problems, or as psychotherapy, but the field is actually much broader than this. Psychology uses the scientific method to study human behavior in all its many forms, from the genetic level and the biological basis of behavior, to understanding how individuals and groups behave in everyday activities. Psychology includes the study of what we have in common with other human beings, such as how we learn and remember, along with what makes us unique individuals – our personalities. In Psychology, you will study what makes people thrive and grow, as well as what might lead to problems. The Psychology Transfer Pathway provides a broad base of general education relevant to psychology careers, and prepares students for transfer into a Psychology baccalaureate degree at Minnesota State universities.

Program Outcomes

By completing this program, students will achieve the following learning outcomes:

• Describe key concepts, principle and overarching themes in psychology
• Develop a working knowledge of psychology’s content domains
• Describe applications of psychology
• Use scientific reasoning to interpret psychological phenomena
• Demonstrate psychology information literacy
• Engage in systematic problem-solving inferred by psychological research
• Interpret, design or conduct basic psychological research
• Incorporate sociocultural factors in scientific inquiry
• Use statistical programs to augment scientific inquiry
• Apply ethical standards to evaluate and/or conduct psychological research and practice
• Build and enhance interpersonal relationships
• Explore values and/or practices that build community at local, national and global levels
• Demonstrate effective writing for different purposes including basic APA style
• Exhibit effective presentation skills for different purposes
• Interact effectively with others
• Demonstrate effective communication skills

Transfer Opportunities

The Psychology Transfer Pathway A.A. Degree offers students a powerful option: the opportunity to complete an Associate of Arts degree with course credits that directly transfer to designated Psychology bachelor’s degree programs at Minnesota State universities. The curriculum has been specifically designed so students completing this pathway degree and transferring to a Minnesota State university may enter with junior-year status. Courses in the Psychology Transfer Pathway associates degree will directly transfer and apply to the designated bachelor’s degree programs. Students should consult with an advisor for guidance regarding how to best meet the requirements of their intended baccalaureate program. Universities within the Minnesota State system participating in the Psychology Transfer Pathway include:

• Bemidji State University – BA/BS
• Metropolitan State University – BA
• Minnesota State University, Mankato – BA/BS
• Minnesota State University, Moorhead – BA
• Southwest Minnesota State University – BA
• St. Cloud State University – BA
• Winona State University – BA

Graduation Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

1. College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
2. Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
http://www.iseek.org/jobs/jobmarket.html