Associate in Arts for Transfer | SC Program: AA-T.1006

A psychology major is a good choice for students who want to work with people and are interested in understanding human behavior and mental processes. It prepares students for a variety of careers and is one of the most versatile undergraduate degrees.

This program introduces students to psychology as the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes and the practical application of psychology to personal and social issues. The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer degree is designed to provide students with a common core of lower division courses required to transfer and pursue a baccalaureate (4-year) degree in psychology in the CSU system.  

Choose your path

Map your education by viewing the program map for the degree or certificate you’re interested in earning below.  Meet with a counselor to create your official comprehensive education plan.

A program map shows all the required and recommended courses you need to graduate and a suggested order in which you should take them. The suggested sequence of courses is based on enrollment and includes all major and general education courses required for the degree.

Choose A Pathway

Fall Semester, First Year

13 Units Total
ENGL 1A
GE 4
College Composition
ENGL 1A
Units 4
Note: For students who would benefit from further instruction and individual support while taking their first college-transfer level English course, ENGL 1AX is a recommended alternative to ENGL 1A.

This course develops the reading, critical thinking, and writing skills necessary for academic success, emphasizing expository and argumentative writing as well as research and documentation skills. As a transferable course, it presupposes that students already have a substantial grasp of grammar, syntax, and organization, and that their writing is reasonably free from errors. A research paper is required for successful completion of the course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 3
GE M 3
Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences
SOC 3
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the basic statistical methods and analyses commonly used in the behavioral sciences. Topics include descriptive and inferential statistics; levels and types of measurement; measures of central tendency and dispersion; normal, t, and chi-square distributions; probability and hypothesis testing; and correlation and regression. Applications of statistical software to the behavioral sciences and/or other social science data is required. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 1A
GE M 3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Units 3
Advisory: College-level writing skills

This course provides an introduction to psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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STU 1
GE 3
College Success
STU 1
Units 3
This course is designed to help students increase their academic potential and begin learning and applying strategies for success in college and life-long learning. Topics include discovering personal and academic goals, self-discovery, study strategies, critical thinking, communication skills, and college resources and policies. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

16 Units Total
ENGL 1B
GE 3
Literature and Composition
ENGL 1B
Units 3
This course emphasizes the development of critical thinking and writing skills through close study of the major genres of literature: poetry, drama, short story and novel. Students receive further instruction and practice in analytical writing, developing arguments about literary works and the critical reception of those works. In discussion and writing, students will also examine arguments as such, learning to identify sound as well as fallacious reasoning in critical assessments of literature. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CMST 60
GE 3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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BIOL 10
GE M 3
General Biology
BIOL 10
Units 3
Note: BIOL 10 will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with BIOL 10L.

This course is an introduction to the major concepts of modern biology. Topics covered include biochemistry, cell biology, heredity, and nature of genes, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. Emphasis will be placed on those aspects of biology that are rapidly reshaping our culture. This course may be offered in a distance education format. This course will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with BIOL 10L.
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BIOL 10L
Pre. GE M Lab 1
General Biology Laboratory
BIOL 10L
Units 1
Note: BIOL 10 will meet the general education requirement for a lab science if taken with BIOL 10L.

This is a laboratory course that offers experiments and demonstrations covering the basic concepts of the lecture course BIOL 10. The laboratory is designed to expose student to biological techniques including microscopy, biochemistry, genetics, evolution, diversity of life, and principles of ecology. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 1
GE M 3
Introduction to Sociology
SOC 1
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course provides an introduction to the discipline of sociology. It examines interactions among social institutions, cultures, groups, and individuals. The focus is on how unequal power relations organize the social world and shape individual lives, and how individuals negotiate their lives in different social, cultural, and economic contexts. The course will examine a broad array of topics using a variety of theoretical perspectives and sociological research methods. The primary goal of this course is to recognize how people's experiences are shaped by social forces and reshaped through human action. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 2
GE 3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
Units 3
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

16 Units Total
PSYC 25
M 3
Introduction to Research Methods
PSYC 25
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C or higher, or English Placement Level 7

This course surveys various psychological research methods with an emphasis on research design, experimental procedures, descriptive methods, and the collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of research data. Research design and methodology will be examined through a review of research in a variety of areas of psychology. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ART 1
GE 3
Introduction to Art
ART 1
Units 3
This course provides a general introduction to art that offers a look at works of art through the study of theory, terminology, themes, design principles, media, and techniques, with an introduction to the visual arts across time and diverse cultures. This course is recommended as a Humanities elective. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
GE 3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ECE 1
GE M 3
Human Development
ECE 1
Units 3
This course involves a study of development and behavior throughout the human life span. Classic and up-to-date research on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains will be presented. Theories will be integrated with practical application concepts throughout the course, underscoring the importance of life-long learning and adaptation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 5
GE M 3
Human Sexuality
PSYC 5
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course.

This overview of human sexuality includes human development from conception to adulthood, the anatomy and physiology of sex, as well as historical perspectives, behavioral and social aspects of human sexuality, and myths and laws governing sexual practices. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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STU 90
1
Career Choice
STU 90
Units 1
This course is designed for students who are undecided about their educational and/or career goals. Through a series of group exercises and career development testing, students learn to identify personal values, interests, skills, aversions, and personality patterns and understand how they relate to choices in the world of work. Students learn to access occupational information, develop decision-making skills and set career goals. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

15 Units Total
ASTR 2
GE 3
Stellar Astronomy
ASTR 2
Units 3
This course is a survey course designed to introduce the science of astronomy concentrating on celestial bodies and phenomena beyond the solar system. This course covers aspects of the history of astronomy, light, telescopes, prominent scientists, the sun, stars, stellar evolution, galaxies, cosmology, gravity wave astronomy, and the possibility of other life forms in the Universe. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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POLS 2
GE 3
Introduction to American Government
POLS 2
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 1A or English Placement Level 7 or higher.

This course is an introduction to United States and California government and politics, including their constitutions, political institutions and processes, and political actors. An examination of political behavior, political issues, and public policy, this course satisfies the CSU requirement in U.S. Constitution and California State and local government (US-2 and US-3). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 17A
GE 3
United States History
HIST 17A
Units 3
Advisory: ENGL 1A with a grade of C or higher

This course is a survey of the history of the United States from Pre-Columbian Peoples to the end of Reconstruction. Topics include contact and settlement of America, the movement toward independence, the formation of a new nation and Constitution, westward expansion and manifest destiny, the causes and consequences of the Civil War, and Reconstruction. This course satisfies the CSU requirement for US History (US-1). This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 41
GE M 3
Cultural/Social Context of Childhood
PSYC 41
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher.

This course examines child development with a focus on the effects of cultural and social factors. These factors include the socialization process and cultural influences such as ethnic identity, socioeconomic status, gender roles, family, peers, faith, and community. Significant references highlight the experiences of children and their families from several different historically underrepresented groups. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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ETHS 1
GE 3
Introduction to Ethnic Studies
ETHS 1
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course

This course takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of race and ethnicity in the United States. It examines social justice movements in relation to ethnic and racial groups in the United States to provide a basis for a better understanding of the socioeconomic, cultural, and political conditions among key social groups including, but not limited to, Native Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Latina/o Americans. This course examines the systemic nature of racial/ethnic oppression through an examination of key concepts including racialization and ethnocentrism, with a specific focus on the persistence of white supremacy. Using an anti-racist framework, the course will examine historical and contemporary social movements dedicated to the decolonization of social institutions, resistance, and social justice. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, First Year

6 Units Total
HUSV 70
3
Intro to Social Work and Human Services
HUSV 70
Units 3
This is an introductory overview of social welfare and the societal institutions in the U.S. that structure the provision of social services. The course presents a historical perspective on the development of U.S. social work and human services. Special attention is given to current service delivery systems, their policies and procedures, and the tasks of culturally responsive social workers and human service workers within those settings. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUSV 12
3
Standards & Practices in Human Services
HUSV 12
Units 3
Advisory: HUSV 70 with a grade of C or higher.

This course explores the theoretical perspectives and professional standards involved in Human Services-with particular emphasis on Social Work Practices. Students will be introduced to the practices of engagement, assessment, intervention, documentation, and conflict resolution while consistently integrating these with the systems framework and strengths perspective. Professional and personal ethics will be stressed throughout the course. Multicultural competence and policy development will also be covered. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, First Year

15 Units Total
HUSV 14
3
Introduction to Case Management
HUSV 14
Units 3
This course introduces the student to the role and importance of the case manager within the field of Human Services/Social Work. The philosophical differences of various models will be explored along with the pragmatic skills and practices that combine for effective case management: engagement, interviewing, assessment, identification of goals and resources, monitoring progress and evaluating outcomes. Emphasis will be placed on professional standards and practices of conduct as well as documentation and record-keeping skills that align with legal mandates. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 25
3
Race, Ethnicity, and Society
SOC 25
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course

This course examines the social, economic, political, and cultural dynamics of race and ethnicity in the United States. It utilizes theory to assess the comparative histories, cultures, and intellectual traditions of Native Americans, African Americans, Latino/as, and Asian Americans. It introduces major concepts used to understand the lived experiences of historically racialized groups such as social construction of race, racial formation, critical race theory, internal colonialism, and intersectionality. The course emphasizes the role of resistance and agency in advancing the goals of self-determination, decolonization, and equity. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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PSYC 1A
3
General Psychology
PSYC 1A
Units 3
Advisory: College-level writing skills

This course provides an introduction to psychology, the study of the mind and behavior, as a science and as an applied field. The course provides an integration of physiological, cognitive, social-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanistic, cultural, and evolutionary perspectives. Topics include research methods, the nervous system, perception, learning, thinking, memory, human development, social behavior, emotions, motivation, personality, abnormal behavior, and psychotherapy. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
ECE 1
3
Human Development
ECE 1
Units 3
This course involves a study of development and behavior throughout the human life span. Classic and up-to-date research on the physical, cognitive, and psychosocial domains will be presented. Theories will be integrated with practical application concepts throughout the course, underscoring the importance of life-long learning and adaptation. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
Apply Now
HUSV 95A
2
Human Services Seminar
HUSV 95A
Units 2
Prepares students to be successful in the concurrently enrolled fieldwork course, and facilitates gaining employment in the human services field. This experiential course (skill building exercises, discussions, performance exams) provides the practice and guidance for professional development. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUSV 95B
1
Fieldwork: Social Wrk/Hum Srvc
HUSV 95B
Units 1
Facilitates a supervised field experience in the area of Social Work/Human Services (community organization, agency, or institution) allowing the student to apply knowledge and learn new skills outside the classroom environment. Provides students with an opportunity to develop skills in preparation for gaining employment in the human services field.
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Summer, First Year

3 Units Total
CMST 60
3
Public Speaking
CMST 60
Units 3
This course is an introduction to the process of human communication with an emphasis on public speaking. The subjects covered are speech topic selection, audience analysis, information competency (e.g. researching, evaluating, and using supporting materials), presentation outlining, principles of effective speech delivery, critical evaluation of speeches, and presentation of informative and persuasive speeches. Most students will have the opportunity to be recorded and to use presentational technology. College-level writing skills will be expected on all papers, outlines, and short essays. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Fall Semester, Second Year

10 Units Total
MATH 14
4
Introduction to Statistics
MATH 14
Units 4
This course is an introductory course in statistics designed to show the role of modern statistical methods in the process of decision making. Concepts are introduced by example rather than by rigorous mathematical theory. The following topics will be covered: measures of central tendency and dispersion, regression and correlation, probability, sampling distributions including the normal, t, and chi-square, statistical inference using confidence intervals and hypotheses testing. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HUM 4
3
Humanities Through the Film
HUM 4
Units 3
This course is an examination of the motion picture as an art form. This course offers a concise introduction to the history of film against the broader changes in popular culture since the late nineteenth century. Students will see how elements of film can provide valuable insights into how movies communicate and convey meaning to their audiences using a unique network of techniques. Students will see how film, film genres, and developments within the film industry offer a first-hand look at how specific films illuminate important aspects of philosophical, historical, aesthetic, and social life and analyze how film connects with the larger world. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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HIST 2
3
World Civilization to 1500 C.E.
HIST 2
Units 3
Advisory: Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course, or English Placement Level 6 or higher

This course is a comparative survey of the major ancient world civilizations which developed between 3500 B.C.E. and 1500 C.E. It examines political institutions, religious ideologies, the rise and fall of empires, and the major cultural innovations of each of the major world civilizations. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Spring Semester, Second Year

10 Units Total
HUM 2
3
Exploring the Humanities
HUM 2
Units 3
This course is designed to explore the humanities by examining expression of human values, ideas, concerns, and experience through the arts, literature, media and the social sciences. The reading of important works in the humanities, written analysis, and attendance at selected performances are major requirements of this course. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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CHEM 10
3
Chemistry for the Liberal Arts
CHEM 10
Units 3
Note: CHEM 10 will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if taken with CHEM 11.

This course is an introduction to the major concepts of chemistry, involving minimal, student-friendly math, with attention to their relevance to practical and societal problems. This course is intended for non-science majors who wish to gain an appreciation for the application of chemistry to everyday living. The course includes such topics as nuclear energy and energy alternatives, health issues of drugs, food additives, nutrition, hormones, chemicals for household use, chemicals in the environment, and synthetics. This course may be offered in a distance education format. This course will meet the general education requirement for a laboratory science if it is taken with CHEM 11.
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CHEM 11
1
Chemistry Laboratory for Liberal Arts
CHEM 11
Units 1
Note: CHEM 10 taken with CHEM 11 meets GE requirement in science. Students must provide those materials which are of continuing value outside of the classroom setting. This cost will be explained at the first class meeting.

Laboratory experiments and activities covering the basic concepts of the lecture course, CHEM 10. The activities are designed to help students see chemistry in action and learn how to use various chemicals around us, safely and effectively. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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SOC 30
3
Sociology of Gender
SOC 30
Units 3
Advisory: English Placement Level 6 or higher or Essay-writing skills and eligibility to enroll in a transfer-level English Composition course.

Gender is arguably the most salient characteristic determining one's place in any society. Gender is the first thing you notice about another person and your assessment of a person's gender shapes your expectations of that person. These expectations (which are often requirements) place very real constraints and limitations on individuals. The sociology of gender focuses on the social construction of gender. Other theories of gender such as biological explanations will be discussed in comparison to the social constructionist approach. The course will begin with an examination of key theoretical approaches to the study of gender. Special attention will be paid to how gender is constructed at the level of society as well as how we engage in the re-creation and construction of gender in our everyday lives. Gender will be explored as an institution and a system as well as how it influences individuals. Because gender does not exist in a vacuum, gender will be discussed in relation to its intersection with other social locations such as race, class, sexuality, age, and ethnicity. The differential effects of gender along these lines will be discussed and highlighted through all of the applied topics. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Summer, Second Year

3 Units Total
BIOL 5
3
Introduction to Human Biology
BIOL 5
Units 3
This is a one-semester introductory course in human anatomy and physiology presented with a medical emphasis. Selected topics on eleven organ systems are covered. This course is intended to serve medical assistants, licensed vocational nursing, and fire science majors. It also complements child development and nutrition majors. BIOL 5 is a prerequisite for the LVN program. This course may be offered in a distance education format.
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Please see a counselor to discuss options for meeting general education requirements for transfer to California State Universities (CSU) and/or University of California (UC) campuses, as well as any specific additional courses that may be required by your chosen institution of transfer.

*Alternative Courses: Please see a Shasta College counselor for alternative course options. You can also view the following to find other courses to meet degree/certificate requirements:

Need a print out? Feel free to download and/or print out a copy of the sample program map(s).

Psychology Interest Area Counselors

Corrinne Minnard

Faculty Contact Info
Location Redding Main Campus | Room 134
Degree M.S.W,, University of Washington
For Appointments (530) 242-7724

Academic/Instructional Division Office

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