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Psychology
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Contact: Stacy BacigalupiTitle: Department ChairContact: sbacigalupi@mtsac.edu
Career Outlook Psychology

Humanities and Social Sciences Division
Degree A0324

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer introduces students to the psychological principles and methodologies used in the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors. Students will acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue post-secondary degrees in psychology and a variety of specialization in the field. The goals of this degree are to prepare students to identify research and statistical methods appropriate to psychology, to compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in psychology, and synthesize the relationships between biological and behavioral functions.

To earn an associate degree for transfer, a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

Required Courses

Industry StatisticsJob Titles & Salaries
Select a related job title below to view demand & salary information
    • Regulatory Affairs Managers

      Regulatory Affairs Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-9199.01

      Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $42.20

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $122,446.43
      Annual Job Openings
      14,486

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Compliance Managers

      Compliance Managers

      SOC Career Code: 11-9199.02

      Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $42.20

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $122,446.43
      Annual Job Openings
      14,486

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

      Industrial-Organizational Psychologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-3032.00

      Apply principles of psychology to human resources, administration, management, sales, and marketing problems. Activities may include policy planning; employee testing and selection, training, and development; and organizational development and analysis. May work with management to organize the work setting to improve worker productivity.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $46.77

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $142,400.17
      Annual Job Openings
      39

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

      Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-3033.00

      Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $42.44

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $125,804.11
      Annual Job Openings
      1,229

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • School Psychologists

      School Psychologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-3034.00

      Diagnose and implement individual or schoolwide interventions or strategies to address educational, behavioral, or developmental issues that adversely impact educational functioning in a school. May address student learning and behavioral problems and counsel students or families. May design and implement performance plans, and evaluate performance. May consult with other school-based personnel.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $44.50

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $106,432.86
      Annual Job Openings
      867

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Neuropsychologists

      Neuropsychologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-3039.02

      Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $31.64

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $102,070.44
      Annual Job Openings
      1,234

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Clinical Neuropsychologists

      Clinical Neuropsychologists

      SOC Career Code: 19-3039.03

      Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $31.64

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $102,070.44
      Annual Job Openings
      1,234

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

      Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors

      SOC Career Code: 21-1011.00

      Counsel and advise individuals with alcohol, tobacco, drug, or other problems, such as gambling and eating disorders. May counsel individuals, families, or groups or engage in prevention programs.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.71

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $58,446.40
      Annual Job Openings
      7,967

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors

      Educational, Guidance, and Vocational Counselors

      SOC Career Code: 21-1012.00

      Advise and assist students and provide educational and vocational guidance services.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $28.63

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $77,340.43
      Annual Job Openings
      4,026

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Marriage and Family Therapists

      Marriage and Family Therapists

      SOC Career Code: 21-1013.00

      Diagnose and treat mental and emotional disorders, whether cognitive, affective, or behavioral, within the context of marriage and family systems. Apply psychotherapeutic and family systems theories and techniques in the delivery of services to individuals, couples, and families for the purpose of treating such diagnosed nervous and mental disorders.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.46

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $52,999.43
      Annual Job Openings
      3,157

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Mental Health Counselors

      Mental Health Counselors

      SOC Career Code: 21-1014.00

      Counsel and advise individuals and groups to promote optimum mental and emotional health, with an emphasis on prevention. May help individuals deal with a broad range of mental health issues, such as those associated with addictions and substance abuse; family, parenting, and marital problems; stress management; self-esteem; or aging.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $21.71

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $58,446.40
      Annual Job Openings
      7,967

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Rehabilitation Counselors

      Rehabilitation Counselors

      SOC Career Code: 21-1015.00

      Counsel individuals to maximize the independence and employability of persons coping with personal, social, and vocational difficulties that result from birth defects, illness, disease, accidents, aging, or the stress of daily life. Coordinate activities for residents of care and treatment facilities. Assess client needs and design and implement rehabilitation programs that may include personal and vocational counseling, training, and job placement.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $17.65

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $43,901.92
      Annual Job Openings
      1,276

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Child, Family, and School Social Workers

      Child, Family, and School Social Workers

      SOC Career Code: 21-1021.00

      Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $23.79

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $65,846.68
      Annual Job Openings
      5,155

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Healthcare Social Workers

      Healthcare Social Workers

      SOC Career Code: 21-1022.00

      Provide individuals, families, and groups with the psychosocial support needed to cope with chronic, acute, or terminal illnesses. Services include advising family caregivers. Provide patients with information and counseling, and make referrals for other services. May also provide case and care management or interventions designed to promote health, prevent disease, and address barriers to access to healthcare.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $31.50

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $89,694.08
      Annual Job Openings
      2,623

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

      Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Workers

      SOC Career Code: 21-1023.00

      Assess and treat individuals with mental, emotional, or substance abuse problems, including abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and/or other drugs. Activities may include individual and group therapy, crisis intervention, case management, client advocacy, prevention, and education.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $24.60

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $71,786.84
      Annual Job Openings
      2,095

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

      Postsecondary Psychology Teachers

      SOC Career Code: 25-1066.00

      Teach courses in psychology, such as child, clinical, and developmental psychology, and psychological counseling. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $40.38

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $109,747.91
      Annual Job Openings
      19,689

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Psychiatrists

      Psychiatrists

      SOC Career Code: 29-1223.00

      Diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental disorders.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $71.87

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $292,831.95
      Annual Job Openings
      232

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages
    • Psychiatric Aides

      Psychiatric Aides

      SOC Career Code: 31-1133.00

      Assist mentally impaired or emotionally disturbed patients, working under direction of nursing and medical staff. May assist with daily living activities, lead patients in educational and recreational activities, or accompany patients to and from examinations and treatments. May restrain violent patients. Includes psychiatric orderlies.

      Typical Hourly Salary
      $17.10

      The figure above is based off a percentile of 25 percent. 100 mile radus icon for career resultsAll job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Top Entry-Level Education
      Chart Legend
      • Doctoral Degree Or More
      • Master's Degree
      • Bachelor's Degree
      • Associate's Degree
      • Some College
      • Certificate
      • High School Diploma Or Less
      Median Salary Earnings
      $43,325.15
      Annual Job Openings
      452

      Openings are regional vacancies due to growth and turnover in this career.All job data and figures based on a 100 mile radius from Mt. SAC

      Historical Wages

Certificate & Degree Details

Select a certificate below to expand details
  • Psychology

    Humanities and Social Sciences Division
    Degree A0324

    The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer introduces students to the psychological principles and methodologies used in the scientific study of mental processes and behaviors. Students will acquire the foundational knowledge necessary to pursue post-secondary degrees in psychology and a variety of specialization in the field. The goals of this degree are to prepare students to identify research and statistical methods appropriate to psychology, to compare and contrast the major theoretical perspectives in psychology, and synthesize the relationships between biological and behavioral functions.

    To earn an associate degree for transfer, a student must complete 60 semester units that are eligible for transfer to CSU that consist of: IGETC pattern or CSU GE breadth and a major of at least 18 units. Students must have a minimum GPA of 2.0 in all CSU-transferable coursework to receive an associate degree for transfer and all courses in the major must be completed with a C or better. Students earning an associate degree for transfer will not be required to complete any other local graduation requirements.

    Required Courses

    Course Prefix Course Name Units
    Core Courses
    PSYC 1AIntroduction to Psychology3
    or PSYC 1AH Introduction to Psychology - Honors
    PSYC 3Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology4
    or PSYC 3H Introduction to Research Methods in Psychology - Honors
    Choose one of the following:3-4
    PSYC 10
    Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
    MATH 110
    Elementary Statistics
    or MATH 110H
    Elementary Statistics - Honors
    List A
    Choose one from the following:3-4
    BIOL 1
    General Biology
    BIOL 4
    Biology for Majors
    or BIOL 4H
    Biology for Majors - Honors
    PSYC 1B
    Biological Psychology
    List B
    Choose one course from the following or any course not already selected from List A:3-4
    BIOL 13
    Human Reproduction, Development and Aging
    CHLD 11
    Child and Adolescent Development
    ENGL 1C
    Critical Thinking and Writing
    or ENGL 1CH
    Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors
    PHIL 3
    Introduction to Logic
    or PHIL 3H
    Introduction to Logic - Honors
    PHIL 8
    Critical Thinking
    PHIL 9
    Critical Thinking and Writing
    or PHIL 9H
    Critical Thinking and Writing - Honors
    PSYC 14
    Developmental Psychology
    SOC 1
    Introduction to Sociology
    or SOC 1H
    Introduction to Sociology - Honors
    List C
    Choose one course from the following or any course not already selected from List A or List B:3
    PSYC 5
    Psychology of Reasoning and Problem Solving
    PSYC 15
    Introduction to Child Psychology
    PSYC 19
    Abnormal Psychology
    PSYC 20
    Introduction to Social Psychology
    PSYC 25
    The Psychology of Women
    PSYC 26
    Psychology of Sexuality
    PSYC 33
    Psychology for Effective Living
    Total Units for Major19-22
    CSU General Education or IGETC Pattern 139-42
    Total Units60
    1

    Courses may be double-counted with either CSU-GE or IGETC.

    Psychology Website 

How to Complete the Program

Guided Pathways

Program Guided Pathways

Contacts

Department Contact

Contact: Stacy BacigalupiTitle: Department ChairContact: sbacigalupi@mtsac.edu

Office Contact

Location: Building 26B-2551CPhone: (909) 274-7500