Psychology professor excitedly explains concept in front of class

Psychology

This transfer degree introduces students to the basics of psychology, including the different approaches to the discipline, the breadth and scope of the psychology field, and the framework for understanding human behavior. This foundation in emotional and social processes and behaviors will equip students interested in advanced study at a four-year institution and graduate school.

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Career Opportunities

  • Mental Health Counselor
  • Marriage and Family Therapist
  • School Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Sociologist
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselor
  • Human Resources Professional

A few top JWCC transfer schools

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Suggested Degree Plan for Psychology (AA)
Do not use this degree plan as a substitute for an advisor. Always meet with an advisor to discuss your specific needs for completing the program before signing up for classes each semester.
First Semester Details
ENG 101 Rhetoric and Composition I Details 3
An introductory course in writing at the college level with attention to skills needed at each stage of the writing process. Placement in ENG 101 presupposes competence in English grammar, mechanics, punctuation, and spelling. IAI: C1 900.
Prerequisites: ENG 099 with a grade of "C" or above or appropriate placement score
FYE 101 Blazing Your Trail Details 1
Directed to new students, this course provides a supportive transition to the culture of higher education. Course objectives aim at preparing students for the college experience by acquiring effective learning techniques and by becoming aware of available college resources for academic and personal growth. This course also develops students' abilities, which will assist them with the complexities of college life.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various MAT 109 / MAT 234 Details 3-4
MAT 109 or MAT 234.
MAT 109 Elementary Statistics Details 3
A study of the collection and interpretation of statistical data. Specific topics include description of sample data, probability, probability distributions, sampling, estimation, testing hypotheses, correlation, and regression. IAI: M1 902.
Prerequisites: MAT 020 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
MAT 234 Calculus for Social Scientists Details 4
A course designed to introduce the business and social science student to the concepts of derivative and integral. Applications of these concepts stress the use of calculus to solve business and social science problems. Specific topics include relations and functions; algebraic functions; exponential and logarithmic functions; derivatives; applications of derivatives; advanced derivative techniques; integrals; advanced integration techniques. IAI: M1 900B.
Prerequisites: MAT 113 with a grade of "C" or above within one academic year, appropriate placement score, or consent of department
PHL 101 Introduction to Philosophy Details 3
Introduction to basic problems, procedures, and systems of philosophy and the development of powers over independent analysis on the student with a constructive attitude toward knowledge. IAI: H4 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology Details 3
Basic introduction to the major areas of psychology--the study of behavior and the mind. Areas of emphasis include human development, personality theory, learning, thinking, stress and motivation, mental illnesses, and biological and social aspects of behavior. Course will combine research with real life application throughout. IAI: S6 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology Details 3
This course is an introduction to sociology as a way of understanding the world and how it applies to everyday life. Major theoretical perspectives and concepts are presented including socialization, culture, the social construction of knowledge, social control and deviance, inequality, race and ethnic relations, poverty, and the sociological imagination. IAI: S7 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
Second Semester Details
CSC 100 Computer Literacy Details 1
An introductory course in the history, characteristics, and significance of computers, including basic hardware and software components and a survey of applications. For persons with little or no background in computers who desire a general knowledge of computers or a foundations course on which to build a strong background in computing. Some "hand-on" experience.
Prerequisites: (none)
ENG 102 Rhetoric and Composition II Details 3
A continuation of ENG 101; provides further practice in writing at the college level for a variety of purposes and audiences, using both fixed and open or developing forms. Research paper required. IAI: C1 901.
Prerequisites: completion of ENG 101 with a grade of "C" or above
BIO 101 General Biology Details 4
An introductory biology course that covers a breadth of biological concepts including biochemical pathways, molecular and cellular biology, the structure and function of organisms, genetics and heredity, evolution, ecology, and the importance of life science to society. In the laboratory setting, emphasis will be placed on utilizing the scientific process to arrive at evidence-based conclusions. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours; IAI: L1 900L.
Prerequisites: MAT 010 with a grade of "C" or above within two semesters, or appropriate placement test score, or consent of department. Consent of JWCC Natural Sciences Department Chair is dependent upon the requesting student successfully passing an assessment (placement) exam for the particular prerequisite course. A passing BIO 101 placement exam score is 78 percent or above to opt out of the BIO 101 requirement. Otherwise, the student requesting acceptance into a course without completion of prerequisites must provide substantiated documentation of equivalent transfer credit to enroll in the course.
Various PHL 121 / PHL 201 Details 3
PHL 121 or PHL 201.
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 201 Major World Religions Details 3
A study of the great religions of the world today. IAI: H5 904N.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 221 Social Psychology Details 3
A study of the impact of social factors on individual and group behavior, including attitudes, behavior, and motivation. (Same as SOC 221.) IAI: S8 900.
Prerequisites: PSY 101 or SOC 101
SOC 222 Sociology of Diversity Details 3
This course will focus on the social construction of race and its impact on racial identities and relations. The historical structural foundations of racial inequality in contemporary society will be addressed as well as group relations of other minority groups, including religious and sexual minorities. Students will explore the social implications of difference with particular reference to issues of race, ethnicity, religion, class and gender. Key components of cross-cultural theories, methods and research as they relate to living and working in a multicultural society will also be examined. IAI: S7 903D.
Prerequisites: (none)
Third Semester Details
CMN 101 Introduction to Speech I Details 3
An introduction to the basic principles of oral communication as applied to public speaking. The course emphasizes the mastery of oral communication skills through a variety of exercises in which the student speaks before the group. Involves analysis of such topics as preparation, organization, and delivery. IAI: C2 900.
Prerequisites: (none)
SCI 100 Environmental Geology Details 4
An introductory study of forces that continually shape the surface of the earth, including examination of geological formation processes and our impact on the environment. 3 lecture hours, 2 lab hours. IAI: P1 905L.
Prerequisites: (none)
Various PHL 121 / PHL 201 Details 3
PHL 121 or PHL 201.
PHL 121 Ethics Details 3
A study of values. This course is designed to assist students in the development of a philosophic understanding of human nature, moral philosophy, and principles of ethics that will help them assume individualized responsibility in a democratic society. IAI: H4 904.
Prerequisites: (none)
PHL 201 Major World Religions Details 3
A study of the great religions of the world today. IAI: H5 904N.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 202 Child Psychology Details 3
A psychological examination of human development from conception through adolescence. Topics include interaction of diverse influences of biological factors, individual characteristics, and the environment in relation to human growth and development. IAI: S6 903.
Prerequisites: PSY 101
PSY 238 Abnormal Psychology Details 3
A study of mental illness including the causes, characteristics, progression and treatment of mental illness. IAI: PSY 905.
Prerequisites: PSY 101
Fourth Semester Details
HIS 101 Western Civilization I Details 3
A survey of political, social and economic history of the Western world, including the origins and development of its peoples and cultures beginning with a study of the early Middle Eastern civilizations of Mesopotamia and progressing through the civilizations of Egypt, Greece, Rome, and Europe of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and Reformation. IAI: S2 902.
Prerequisites: (none)
PSY 233 Developmental Psychology Details 3
A study of human development from conception across the life span to death. Attention will be given to physical, cognitive, emotional and social aspects of development. IAI: S6 902.
Prerequisites: PSY 101
PSY 195 Special Topics in Psychology Details 1-4 (Varies)
Deals with current topics in psychology not covered in other courses. Topics will vary at discretion of the instructor. No topic will be offered more than twice within three years. May be repeated with different topics to maximum of four credit hours. Topics to be listed on student's permanent academic record.
Prerequisites: Consent of department
PSY 224 Sport Psychology Details 3
This course will introduce students to research concepts and theories relating to sport psychology. The content will include an overview of the history and development of sport psychology and expose students to the foundational concepts of the field. The course material will also include an overview of psychological assessment, mental skills training, performance enhancement, injury recovery, and participation satisfaction. The course will examine how this knowledge can be applied to a wide range of settings and participants, such as coaches, parents and athletes, while addressing varying levels of ability (from recreational to elite sports participation). (Same as HPR 224)
Prerequisites: (none)
Various Electives (2-5) Details 2-5
Any credit-based course may be taken to fulfill this requirement. Students should always discuss with their advisor which electives would be best for them to take to best achieve his or her particular goals.
Prerequisites: Varies by course
NOTE: Only students who do not need additional coursework and who take the number of credits or courses as listed each semester can complete the program in the time given. Others will take longer to complete. Course descriptions may contain IAI (Illinois Articulation Initiative) codes containing information for students transferring their credits to another Illinois higher learning institution. See itransfer.org or the JWCC course catalog for more information on IAI.