The Psychology curriculum at Santa Barbara City College is designed to provide students with courses needed to prepare for transfer as a Psychology major, to offer courses which are a valuable part of general education, to provide support and ancillary skills for many professions that deal with humans, and to offer studies which are meant to be applied to practical everyday living experiences. Students who complete the Psychology major enter a variety of career fields and/or graduate programs, including business administration, law, recreation, social work, education, counseling, clinical psychology, industrial/organizational psychology, neuroscience, forensic science, communications, health psychology, management, personnel, sports psychology, sales, advertising, marketing and many others. It is important to keep in mind that many of these professional careers require training beyond the undergraduate level, and students with such interests should discuss their plans with a counselor or department adviser as early as possible.

Psychology is the social science discipline most concerned with studying the behavior, mental processes, growth and well-being of individuals. Psychological inquiry also examines the roles played by biological and sociocultural factors that affect behavior and mental processes. It is a broad discipline and profession, having both scientific and applied branches, with practical applications for personal growth and well-being. 

The AA degree will provide students with a background and foundation in Psychology, and prepare them for transfer to a four-year college and completion of a bachelor's degree. The AA degree in Psychology may also be used to prepare students for the work force.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

 Option A

Option B 

1. Explain the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and historical and contemporary trends in psychology.
2. Identify, understand, and apply statistical analyses appropriate for specific research problems in psychology.
3. Select and employ appropriate electronic statistical applications to analyze the results of psychology experiments.
4. Identify, understand, and apply scientifically-based research methods in psychology.
5. Use logic and empirical evidence to evaluate claims made about behavior.
6. Clearly express thoughts, ideas, and arguments, using appropriate tone, focus, grammar, and organization in their communications.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.