Associate Degree in Psychology
College of Alameda
Key Information
Campus location
Alameda, USA
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
4 semesters
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
USD 7,120 / per semester *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Aug 2024
* this is for a standard 15 credit semester including fees / price may vary depending on how many credits are taken
Introduction
In studying psychology at the College of Alameda, you will learn from supportive faculty that recognizes the mind-body-heart connection as core to the transformation of self, community, and our planet. Students will master both western and non-western psychological theories, methods, and practices to enhance their relationship with themselves and the world by being agents of social change. We support students having a keen understanding of who they are, which carries over to their interpersonal relationships and work with others. The COA psychology department prizes self-reflection, academic rigor, and experiential practice by having students apply theories to their own lives so that the information is understandable, useful, and illuminating.
What you will learn
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
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Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
Curriculum
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall 1
- ENGL 1A Composition and Reading -- 4 or 5
or
- ENGL 1AS Composition and Reading (w/ support) -- 4 or 5
- MATH 13 Introduction to Statistics (+213 Support Course) -- 4 or 6
- PSYCH 1A Introduction to General Psychology -- 3
- COUN 24 College Success -- 3
Total Number of Units 14-17
Spring 1
- COMM 5 Persuasion & Critical Thinking -- 3
or
- COMM 20 Interpersonal Communication Skills -- 3
- PSYCH 1B Introduction to General Psychology -- 3
- HUMAN 2 Human Values -- 3
- AFRAM 30 African-American History: 1865-1945 -- 3
- ENGL 5 Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing -- 3
Total Number of Units: 15
Fall 2
- GEOG 1 Physical Geography -- 3
- PSYCH 3 Personality Theory -- 3
- PSYCH 24 Abnormal Psychology -- 3
- SOC 5 Minority Groups -- 3
- LIS 74 Information Seeking Behavior -- 3 or 4
or
- BIOL 31 Nutrition -- 3 or 4
- GEOG 1L Physical Geography Laboratory -- 1
Total Number of Units: 16-17
Spring 2
- PSYCH 7A Psychology of Childhood -- 3
- PSYCH 18 Psychology of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. -- 3
- ANTHR 1 Introduction to Physical Anthropology -- 3 or 4
or
- BIOL 10 Introduction to Biology -- 3 or 4
- SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology -- 3
or
- PSYCH 28 Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology -- 3
- COMM 45 Public Speaking -- 3
or
- POSCI 1 Government and Politics in the United States -- 3
Total Number of Units: 15-16
Program Outcome
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Apply multiple schools of psychology (e.g. psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, biological, and transpersonal) to life situations.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills rooted in the person-centered approach and mindfulness-based skills.
- Increase awareness of self, others, and the environment in order to have greater agency and authentic expression.
Career Opportunities
What can I do with a degree in Psychology (PSYCH)?
Psychology careers include jobs in therapy and counseling, schools, social work, hospitals, prisons, courtrooms, community health and rehabilitation centers, sports psychology, life coaching, motivational speaking, and business. The study of psychology at COA provides solid foundational knowledge and research preparation for those transferring to 4-year academic institutions, most professions, as well as, for one’s life.