Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Psychology

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Psychology provides the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who wish to specialize in psychological sciences or are preparing for graduate programs in psychology or related fields. With a bachelor`s degree, students may pursue numerous careers such as mid and top-level managers, market research analysts/specialists, human resources specialists/managers, social and human service assistants, psychiatric technicians, survey researchers, and probation officers/correctional treatment specialists. Most careers in psychology require graduate work. With a graduate degree, students may pursue a number of careers, including but not limited to: psychologists (industrial-organizational, clinical, counseling, and school), research scientists, psychiatrists, neuropsychologists, statisticians, teachers, and human factors engineers.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Psychology (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8122
Total credits required
60-64
Effective Term
Fall 2024
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn
  • Explain how Psychology is a science and interdisciplinary. (PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280, PSY290AB, PSY290AC)
  • Identify interrelationships between biological, psychological and socio-cultural processes. (BIO181++, BIO182++, BIO201++, BIO202, PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280)
  • Apply Psychological science to everyday life and career goals. (PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY231, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280, PSY290AB, PSY290AC)
  • Utilize a systematic method of investigation, design and conduct a psychology research project. (BIO181++, BIO182++, BIO201++, BIO202, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, PHY111, PHY112, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [MA])
  • Locate, interpret and evaluate research findings. (AJS109, ASB100, CRE101, GPH210, GPH213, PSY101, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY231, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [FYC], [MA])
  • Analyze and interpret data using quantitative and qualitative methods. (BIO181++, BIO182++, BIO201++, BIO202, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CIS105, CSC180, CSC180AA, CSC180AB, EDU/EED115, PHY111, PHY112, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY231, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [MA])
  • Utilize scientific findings and theories to generate new ideas. (PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [MA])
  • Evaluate the impact of socio-cultural diversity and societal inequality on social and psychological issues and research. (CRE101, PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280, [FYC], [HU])
  • Interact effectively with others using an understanding of the role culture, values and biases play in communication. (AJS109, ASB100, CRE101, GPH210, GPH213, PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [FYC], [HU], [MA], (COM))
  • Utilize effective written, oral and visual communication skills in varied contexts, in accordance with the professional conventions within the field of psychology. (BIO181++, BIO182++, BIO201++, BIO202, CHM150, CHM150AA, CHM151, CHM151AA, CHM151LL, CHM152, CHM152AA, CHM152LL, CIS105, CRE101, CSC180, CSC180AA, CSC180AB, EDU/EED115, PHY111, PHY112, PSY101, PSY132, PSY157, PSY215, PSY218, PSY225, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY231, PSY235, PSY240, PSY241, PSY248, PSY250, PSY260, PSY262, PSY266, PSY275, PSY277, PSY280, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [FYC], [HU], [MA], (COM))
  • Apply ethical standards and social responsibility to evaluate psychological science and practice. (AJS109, ASB100, CRE101, GPH210, GPH213, PSY101, PSY230, PSY230WL, PSY231, PSY290AB, PSY290AC, [FYC], [HU], (COM))
Required courses
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:11-14
FYE101Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3)1-3
PSY101Introduction to Psychology3
PSY230Introduction to Statistics (3) OR
PSY230Introduction to Statistics (3) AND
PSY231Laboratory for Statistics (1) OR
PSY230WLIntroduction to Statistics with Lab (4)3-4
PSY290ABResearch Methods (4) OR
PSY290ACResearch Methods (4)4

Course Sequence by Term

Restricted Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Credits:0-16
Complete requirements in the transfer option that best aligns with your academic and professional goals. If your intended transfer institution is not listed, then select a combination of courses from the transfer options listed in order to meet the minimum credits required in the Restricted Electives section. Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to prevent exceeding your university transfer program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). If academic and professional goals do not align with any of the transfer plans below, select elective courses in consultation with an academic, faculty, or program advisor.
Transfer Plan 1: Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4) OR
EDU/EED115Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning in Education (3)3-4
Related Area Course Credits:6
Students must complete two (2) courses for six (6) credits that transfer to ASU as direct equivalencies or departmental electives in the following ASU course prefixes: ASB, COM, HSE, ISS, POS, SOC. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.
Transfer Plan 2: Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Psychology, Bachelor of Science
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4) OR
EDU/EED115Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning in Education (3)3-4
Life Science Lab Course Credits:4
Complete a Life Science lecture/lab course that transfers to ASU in one of the following prefixes: BIO or MIC. This is required in addition to PSY290++ [SG] and the Natural Science [SQ] General Studies requirement.
Physical Science Lab Course Credits:4
Complete a Physical Science lecture/lab course that transfers to ASU in one of the following prefixes: AST, CHM, GLG, PHY. This is required in addition to PSY290++ [SG] and the Natural Science [SQ] General Studies requirement.
Related Area Course Credits:6
Complete courses that transfer as a direct equivalent or departmental elective credit (DEC) in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, COM, HSE, ISS, POS, SOC.
Transfer Plan 3: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
PSY132Psychology and Culture (3) OR
PSY157African/Black Psychology (3) OR
PSY215Sports Psychology (3) OR
PSY218Health Psychology (3) OR
PSY225Psychology of Religion (3) OR
PSY235Psychology of Gender (3) OR
PSY240Developmental Psychology (3) OR
PSY241Understanding and Changing Behavior (3) OR
PSY248Psychology of Adolescent Development (3) OR
PSY250Social Psychology (3) OR
PSY260Psychology of Personality (3) OR
PSY262Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being (3) OR
PSY266Psychological Disorders (3) OR
PSY275Biopsychology (4) OR
PSY277Psychology of Human Sexuality (3) OR
PSY280Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)3-4
Foundations of Behavior Credits:0-12
Complete up to four (4) additional courses for a total of zero to twelve (0-12) credits that transfer as either direct equivalency or departmental electives to courses in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, ASM, BIO, GCU, HPS, PHI, SOC. At least 2 of these courses must be from the same course prefix (subject).
Second Language Requirement:
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information.
Transfer Plan 4: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Science
PSY132Psychology and Culture (3) OR
PSY157African/Black Psychology (3) OR
PSY215Sports Psychology (3) OR
PSY218Health Psychology (3) OR
PSY225Psychology of Religion (3) OR
PSY235Psychology of Gender (3) OR
PSY240Developmental Psychology (3) OR
PSY241Understanding and Changing Behavior (3) OR
PSY248Psychology of Adolescent Development (3) OR
PSY250Social Psychology (3) OR
PSY260Psychology of Personality (3) OR
PSY262Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being (3) OR
PSY266Psychological Disorders (3) OR
PSY275Biopsychology (4) OR
PSY277Psychology of Human Sexuality (3) OR
PSY280Industrial/Organizational Psychology (3)3-4
Foundations of Behavior Credits:0-12
Complete up to four (4) additional courses for a total of zero to twelve (0-12) credits that transfer as either direct equivalency or departmental electives to courses in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, ASM, BIO, GCU, HPS, PHI, SOC. These courses can be shared with AGEC requirements.
Transfer Plan 5: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4) OR
EDU/EED115Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning in Education (3)3-4
Related Area Course Credits0-12
Complete up to four (4) courses (0-12 credits) that transfer as either Direct Equivalency or Departmental Elective (DEC) to courses in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, COM, JHR, POS, PSY, SBS, SOC.
Transfer Plan 6: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Science
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4)3-4
Related Area Credits:3
Students must complete one (1) course for three (3) credits that transfers as a direct equivalent or departmental elective in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, COM, JHR, POS, PSY, SBS, SOC.
Life Science Lab Course Credits:4
Complete a Life Science lecture/lab course that transfers to ASU in one of the following prefixes: BIO, FOR, LSC, MIC. This is required in addition to PSY290++ [SG] and the Natural Science [SQ] General Studies requirement.
Transfer Plan 7: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Forensic Psychology), Bachelor of Arts
AJS109Substantive Criminal Law3
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4) OR
EDU/EED115Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning in Education (3)3-4
Related Area Course Credits:0-3
Complete up to one (1) course for zero to three (0-3) credits that transfer as a direct equivalent or departmental elective credit in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, ASM, COM, JHR, POS, PSY, SBS, SOC. These courses may be used to fulfill any outstanding AGEC requirements simultaneously.
Transfer Plan 8: Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Forensic Psychology), Bachelor of Science
AJS109Substantive Criminal Law3
CIS105Survey of Computer Information Systems (3) OR
CSC180Computer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180AAComputer Literacy (3) OR
CSC180ABComputer Literacy (4) OR
EDU/EED115Digital Literacy for Teaching and Learning in Education (3)3-4
Life Science Lab Course Credits:4
Complete a Life Science lecture/lab course that transfers to ASU in one of the following prefixes: BCH, BIO, FOR, LSC, MIC. This is required in addition to PSY290++ [SG] and the Natural Science [SQ] General Studies requirement. May be completed after transfer to ASU.
Transfer Plan 9: Northern Arizona University, Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Complete three (3) courses for a total of nine (9) credits from the following:
PSY132Psychology and Culture3
PSY240Developmental Psychology3
PSY250Social Psychology3
PSY260Psychology of Personality3
PSY266Psychological Disorders3
PSY275Biopsychology4
PSY277Psychology of Human Sexuality3
Transfer Plan 10: University of Arizona, Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science
BIO181++General Biology (Majors) I (4) OR
BIO201++Human Anatomy and Physiology I (4)4
BIO182++General Biology (Majors) II (4) OR
BIO202Human Anatomy and Physiology II (4)4
Complete one of the following science options:
CHM150General Chemistry I (4) AND
CHM151LLGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
CHM150AAGeneral Chemistry I (5) OR
CHM151General Chemistry I (3) AND
CHM151LLGeneral Chemistry I Laboratory (1) OR
CHM151AAGeneral Chemistry I (4)
AND
CHM152General Chemistry II (3) AND
CHM152LLGeneral Chemistry II Laboratory (1) OR
CHM152AAGeneral Chemistry II (4)
OR
PHY111General Physics I (4) AND
PHY112General Physics II (4)8-10
Second Language Requirement:
Completion of second language courses at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information.
Transfer Plan 11: University of Arizona, Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
Second Language Requirement:
Completion of second language courses at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment is required for this university program. The second language requirement may be taken after transfer to avoid exceeding your program`s maximum transferable credits (typically 64). Please see the General Electives for more information.
Transfer Plan 12: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Psychological Science), Bachelor of Science
ASB100Introduction to Global Health (3) OR
GPH210Society and Environment (3) OR
GPH213Climate and Weather (3)3
Foundations of Behavior Credits:0-12
Complete up to four (4) additional courses for a total of zero to twelve (0-12) credits that transfer as either direct equivalency or departmental electives to courses in the following ASU prefixes: ASB, ASM, BIO, GCU, HPS, PHI, SOC. At least 2 of these courses must be from the same course prefix (subject).
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-ACredits: 9-41
A single course with an [L], [HU], [SB], [SG], or [SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, and/or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s). See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
First-Year Composition [FYC]Credits: 6
ENG101First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108First-Year Composition for ESL (3)6
 
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L]Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area3
May be met by PSY290AB or PSY290AC in Required Courses area
Note: PSY290AB or PSY290AC may be applied as Natural Science [SG] or Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L], but not both.
 
Mathematics [MA]Credits: 3-9
Before enrolling into a math course, speak to your Academic Advisor to ensure you are selecting the correct math for your transfer goals as MAT14+ is not applicable to all transfer plans
For Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts; Arizona State University (College of Integrative Sciences and Arts), Psychology, Bachelor of Science; Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts; Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Science; Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts; and Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Forensic Psychology), Bachelor of Arts; Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Psychological Science), Bachelor of Science:
MAT150College Algebra/Functions (5) OR
MAT151College Algebra/Functions (4) OR
MAT152College Algebra/Functions (3) OR
MAT155College Algebra/Functions with Review (5) OR
MAT156College Algebra/Functions with Review (6)
AND
MAT182Plane Trigonometry (3)
OR
MAT172Finite Mathematics (3)
OR
MAT187Precalculus (5)
OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-5)3-9
For Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Science and Arizona State University (New College of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences), Psychology (Forensic Psychology), Bachelor of Science:
MAT150College Algebra/Functions (5) OR
MAT151College Algebra/Functions (4) OR
MAT152College Algebra/Functions (3) OR
MAT155College Algebra/Functions with Review (5) OR
MAT156College Algebra/Functions with Review (6)
AND
MAT182Plane Trigonometry (3)
OR
MAT187Precalculus (5)
OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-5)5-9
For Northern Arizona University, Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science and University of Arizona, Psychology, Bachelor of Arts:
MAT140College Mathematics (5) OR
MAT141College Mathematics (4) OR
MAT142College Mathematics (3) OR
MAT145College Mathematics with Review (5) OR
MAT146College Mathematics with Review (6) OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6)3-6
For University of Arizona, Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science:
MAT212Brief Calculus (3) OR
MAT213Brief Calculus (4) OR
MAT220Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (5) OR
MAT221Calculus with Analytic Geometry I (4)3-5
 
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS]Credits: 0
Met by PSY230 in Required Course area.
 
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU]Credits: 0-6
Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area.6
May be met by Transfer Plan selections
 
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB]Credits: 0-3
Met by PSY101 AND
Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area.3
May be met by Transfer Plan selections
 
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ]Credits: 0-8
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4)
AND
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4)8
May be met by Transfer Plan selections. Note: PSY290AB or PSY290AC may be applied as Natural Science [SG] or Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L], but not both.
 
Awareness AreasCredits: 0-6
These requirements may be shared with other AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Cultural Diversity in the US [C]Credits: 0-3
0-3
 
Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G]Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course in the Historical [H] or Global [G] area.
 
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional RequirementsCredits: 0-6
Some courses in this area have [SB] and [L] designations and may also be applied to the corresponding AGEC requirements. See the AGEC matrix on aztransfer.com for course designations.
 
Oral CommunicationCredits: 0-3
COM100Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230Small Group Communication (3)0-3
 
Critical ReadingCredits: 0-3
CRE101College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0)0-3
Course Area Key
General Electives
Course #Course TitleCredits
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with a faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
Recommended for Transfer Plan 10: University of Arizona, Psychological Sciences, Bachelor of Science
Complete a language course at the elementary level (102 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment.
ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s)
ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s)
CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s)
FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s)
GER+++ Any GER German course(s)
ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s)
JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s)
SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s)
Recommended for Transfer Plan 3: Arizona State University (College of Liberal Arts and Sciences), Psychology, Bachelor of Arts OR
Transfer Plan 11: University of Arizona, Psychology, Bachelor of Arts
Complete a language course at the intermediate level (202 or equivalent) with a C or better OR demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment.
ARB+++ Any ARB Arabic course(s)
ASL+++ Any ASL American Sign Language course(s)
CHI+++ Any CHI Chinese course(s)
FRE+++ Any FRE French course(s)
GER+++ Any GER German course(s)
ITA+++ Any ITA Italian course(s)
JPN+++ Any JPN Japanese course(s)
SPA+++ Any SPA Spanish course(s)

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.