Psychology, Area of Concentration in Arts & Sciences (AA)
Award: Associate of Arts Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Associate Professor Nicollette Krenzien , 443-412-2263, nkrenzien@harford.edu; or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
This area of concentration is designed to prepare students for transfer to baccalaureate programs with major emphasis on psychology and the behavioral sciences. Students planning careers in a variety of related fields may also use this option as a general program guide.
The student may take all courses for the degree online or combination of online and face to face classes. Students who intend to complete all courses online should contact:
Manolya Bayar
443-412-2486
mbayar@harford.edu
Program Goals
Upon completion of the psychology program, students will be able to:
- Apply basic terminology of the discipline.
- Compare and contrast psychological models of behavior.
- Evaluate major psychological theories.
- Explain major research methods and provide examples of when they can be used most effectively.
- Compose research papers employing appropriate information literacy skills, and using standard writing formats such as APA or MLA.
Transfer Information
Students should consult the catalog of the college or university to which they plan to transfer to determine appropriate electives and the number of psychology courses which transfer toward a major. Students must still meet department requirements at the transfer institution.
There are many opportunities for transfer. One option for the Bachelor’s in psychology is the dual admissions program with University of Maryland University College. Interested students should contact academic advising.
Employment Information
Graduates with A.A. and B.A. degrees may be employed in community mental health agencies, crisis centers, correctional facilities, government agencies, and senior citizen centers. Degrees beyond the A.A. and experience are usually necessary for positions above entry level.
Those with a Master of Arts or Science degree may find employment in counseling centers, hospitals, law enforcement and other government agencies, primary and secondary schools, and community colleges.
Psychologists with a Ph.D. degree find employment in universities and colleges, research facilities, hospitals, mental health clinics and private and public counseling centers.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CMST 101 | Speech Fundamentals (GI) | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology (GB) | 3 |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) 1 | 4 | |
| History Elective (GB) 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| ENG 109 | English Composition: Research Writing | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GB) (D) | 3 |
| Biological/Physical Science Elective (GS) 3 | 3 | |
| Mathematics Elective (GM) | 3 | |
| Psychology Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GH) 2 | 3 | |
| Psychology Elective 2 | 3 | |
| General Elective 4 | 3 | |
| General Education Elective (GB) (GAH) (GI) (GL) (GM) (GS) 2 | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) 2 | 3 | |
| General Electives 4 | 6 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Psychology Electives 2 | 6 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
BIO 100 Fundamentals of Biology (GL) or BIO 120 General Biology I (GL) are recommended.
- 2
Electives should be chosen according to personal or career interests or to the requirements of the institution to which transfer is planned.
- 3
A four credit Biological/Physical Science Lab (GL) course may be substituted.
- 4
It is suggested that students choose from the following as part of their program of study: SOC 102 Social Problems (GB) (D) and CIS 102 Introduction to Information Sciences (GI).
The following courses are taught in online and face to face formats: PSY 101 General Psychology (GB), PSY 202 Child Psychology, PSY 204 Abnormal Psychology, PSY 208 Alcohol/Drugs: Impact on Behavior, PSY 209 Social Psychology (D), PSY 214 Human Development Across the Life Span, and PSY 216 Adolescent Psychology.
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)