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Psychology

Psychology concerns itself with the study of behavior of humans and other animals. Part of its appeal and fascination is the fact that it involves both pure science and the practical application of science to matters of everyday life. Those pursuing psychology as a field of study will find many Career Opportunities centering around helping others understand, predict and control their own behavior and the behavior of others. Training in psychology also provides a valuable foundation for other professions that deal with people.

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Psychology

Dean Emilie Mitchell
Department Chair Naomi Bahm
Phone (916) 691-7656
Email mitchee@crc.losrios.edu

Associate Degree for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Psychology

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T) degree is designed to facilitate successful transfer to baccalaureate psychology degree programs. This degree provides a clearly articulated curricular track for students who wish to transfer to a CSU campus, while also serving the diverse needs of students interested in the breadth and depth of the field of psychology.

Additionally, this program will expose students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths. In addition to transfer, this foundation would be appropriate for entry into a variety of paraprofessional careers and careers in related fields.

The Associate in Arts degree in Psychology for Transfer provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements of the California State University for transfer. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Cosumnes River College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in psychology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

Students must complete the following Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) requirements (pursuant to SB1440, §66746):

(1) Completion of 60 semester units or 90 quarter units that are eligible for transfer to the California State University, including both of the following:
(A) The California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC).
(B) A minimum of 18 semester units or 27 quarter units in a major or area of emphasis, as determined by the community college district.

(2) Obtainment of a minimum grade point average of 2.0.

ADTs also require that students must earn a “C” or better in all courses required for the major or area of emphasis. A “P” (Pass) grade is also an acceptable grade for courses in the major if the course is taken on a Pass/No Pass basis.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology	3
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)	4¹
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 371	Life Span Developmental Psychology (3)
PSYC 371	Life Span Developmental Psychology (3)	3
or PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
or PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
Total Units:		19

¹ PSYC 312 includes both lecture and lab components. If taking Biological Psychology at another college, both the lecture and lab components must be completed. See a counselor for more information.

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer (AA-T) degree may be obtained by completion of 60 transferable, semester units with a minimum 2.0 GPA, including (a) the major or area of emphasis described in the Required Program, and (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

Differentiate between scientifically derived knowledge versus pseudoscience within the field of psychology and demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.
Demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
Define and apply basic psychological terminology regarding behavior, cognition, and emotion, and be able to express it clearly when writing or speaking about psychology.
Evaluate psychological data, use the scientific method, predict likely outcomes, interpret basic statistical measures, draw reasonable conclusions, recognize the ethical implications of these conclusions, and apply these conclusions to personal, community, and scientific problems.
Employ and integrate psychological principles that lay the foundation for life-long personal growth and development of interpersonal, occupational and social skills.
Recognize the complexity of social, cultural, and international diversity and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal and social skills in interactions with a diverse population using principles of equity, justice, and inclusion.

Career Information

This AA-T degree facilitates students’ successful transfer to four-year Psychology programs which prepare students for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for entry level positions in a variety of careers such as sales, marketing, teaching, and law enforcement. Psychologists with graduate degrees and professional certificates have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients. Research psychologists work in a range of fields associated with the study of human behavior, including biomedical, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Psychology (PSYC) Courses

PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 (formerly known as ENGWR 300), ENGL C1000H (formerly known as ENGWR 480), or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course was formerly known as PSYC 300 General Principles.

This course is an introduction to psychology, which is the study of the mind and behavior. Students
focus on theories and concepts of biological, cognitive, developmental, environmental, social, and
cultural influences; their applications; and their research foundations. PSYC C1000 was formerly known as PSYC 300. Students may not receive credit for both PSYC 300 and PSYC C1000.

PSYC 312 Biological Psychology

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B; Cal-GETC Area 5C
C-ID:C-ID PSY 150
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the biochemical, cellular, and organismal physiological substrates of normal and abnormal behavior. The course content focuses on interactions of the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, endocrine and immune systems to produce consciousness, sensation, perception, thinking, motivation and emotion. These areas will be addressed within an evolutionary context that emphasizes developmental plasticity of the individual and the species. Current methods of obtaining data (e.g., neuroimaging techniques) will be examined and evaluated. Students will be required to perform anatomical identification of brain structures using a mammalian brain (e.g., sheep brain).

PSYC 320 Social Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 170
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the scientific study of human interaction, with an emphasis on the individual within a social context. Study includes: social perception, social cognition, attitudes and attitude change, the self and social identity, prejudice and discrimination, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social influence, prosocial behavior, aggression, and group behavior.

PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra (or equivalent in high school) or higher with a C or better or eligibility for transfer-level mathematics.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC transfer credit limitation: STAT 300, STAT 480, STAT C1000E, STAT C1000H, ECON 310 and POLS 382, PSYC 330 combined: maximum credit, 1 course)
General Education:Local GE L2; Cal-GETC Area 2
C-ID:C-ID MATH 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses on the concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Topics include: descriptive statistics; sample spaces and probability; random variables and expected value; discrete and continuous distributions -- binomial, t-tests for two populations; and applications using data from disciplines including business, social sciences, life science, health science, and education; parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, hypothesis testing, statistical inference and p-values, effect size and power; correlation and regression regarding prediction; chi-square; t-tests; and analysis of variance procedures. Application of both hand computation and statistical software (e.g. SPSS) to data in a behavioral and social science contexts will be emphasized to include the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings.

PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 and 330 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L1B; Local GE L4; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 200
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides an overview of the methodologies used in experimental, quasi-experimental and non-experimental research in psychology. Students will learn how to design and conduct research, including formulating hypotheses, reviewing the literature, evaluating ethical issues, selecting methodologies, organizing data, applying statistics and writing reports.

PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an exploration of the broad questions of normality and abnormality. It offers the investigation of specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties and current approaches to psychological intervention including present community mental health practice. This course considers the contribution of biological, psychological and social factors to the development and persistence of behavior disorders. PSYC 340 is a useful course for students majoring in Social Work and Human Services and/or preparing for a career in psychology or the helping professions.

PSYC 356 Human Sexuality

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course provides a balanced scientific understanding of human sexual thoughts, feelings, and behavior grounded in both female and male perspectives and experiences. Course topics include an examination of the methodology of sexology, gender issues, sexual anatomy and physiology, sexual arousal and response, love and communication, sexual behavior patterns, sexual orientations, contraception, conception and childbirth, sexual development across the lifespan, adult living patterns, sexual difficulties and solutions, sexually transmitted diseases, atypical sexual behavior, sexual coercion, and pornography and prostitution.

PSYC 371 Life Span Developmental Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
C-ID:C-ID PSY 180
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines psychological development across the lifespan, from conception to death. The course will focus on neurological, cognitive, cultural, and socio-emotional domains of developmental psychology, as well as the interaction among these domains. The course will provide a theoretical background based on empirical studies in the area of developmental psychology and other related disciplines. This course is designed to provide a foundation for careers in educational, social, psychological, and medical fields as well as provide students with a better understanding of one's own developmental process.

PSYC 495 Independent Studies in Psychology

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

An independent studies project involves an individual student or small group of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regularly offered courses. See the current catalog section of "Special Studies" for full details of Independent Studies.

PSYC 499 Experimental Offering in Psychology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This is the experimental courses description.