Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer
Alameda, USA
Associate Degree
DURATION
4 semesters
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Aug 2026
TUITION FEES
USD 13,410
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
Key Summary
The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree is designed for students planning to transfer into a psychology major. A study of psychology is built upon the scientific study of human behavior and mental processes.
Students pursuing the AA for transfer into the psychology major will study the nature of consciousness and the development of the person, basic processes of human perception, learning, cognition, and motivation; the relationship of behavior to physiology; and the nature of psychological disorders and how psychologists use their knowledge to help improve the quality of people’s lives.
Successful completion of the program with a minimum G.P.A. of 2.0 affords students specific guarantees for transfer to the CSU system such as admission to a CSU with junior status, priority admission to their local CSU campus, and to a program or major in psychology or similar major.
The Associate transfer degrees (AA-T) require the completion and certification of the California State University General Education (CSU GE) or the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) pattern, as well as the specific Associate for transfer (AA-T) major degree requirements. The AA-T does not require any additional college-specific General Education requirements. Students interested in the AA for a transfer degree in psychology should consult with the Social Sciences Department Chair and a counselor.
The study of Psychology enables you to better comprehend how people think, perceive, learn, develop unique personalities, manage stress, and interact with one another.
What you will learn
Our psychology courses address the whole person, including mind, body, and emotions, as well as how the self interfaces with one’s family, community, and culture. By taking these courses, you will learn:
- Cornerstone psychological theories and research methods (power of perception, consciousness, developmental psychology, conditioning, thinking and memory, social psychology, abnormal psychology), how they may apply to your life, and how they might apply to those you work with
- To become more aware of unconscious forces, destructive self-talk, and unhealthy behaviors in order to consciously create the life you desire
- An understanding of how the brain and your biology play a role in your emotional and psychological well-being
- Healthy communication and interpersonal relationship skills
- To understand diversity on a more insightful level, including various forms of systemic and internalized oppression and how to become a more conscious ally
- Mindfulness and other stress-management techniques
Scholarships provide students with opportunities to attend college, advance their knowledge and skills for career readiness and help them prepare for both academic opportunities and financial challenges after transfer. This website provides information and resources to assist students in how to begin their search for scholarship opportunities. Note that requirements and deadlines vary among every scholarship.
College of Alameda Promise
The College of Alameda (COA) Promise is a pathway for Alameda high school graduates to access a quality college education. Eligible students will receive a year of college without fees.
Peralta Foundation Scholarships
Each semester, the Peralta Colleges Foundation is committed to providing students with access to post-secondary education and persistence services so they can complete college prepared for a successful career. The Peralta Promise enables qualifying students to attend their first semester at one of the Peralta Colleges – Laney College, Merritt College, College of Alameda, or Berkeley City College – for free!
External Scholarships
Here is a list of general scholarships that are available for community college students. Not every scholarship has a citizenship requirement. Review the following scholarships for your eligibility.
Recommended Course Sequence
Fall 1
- PSYCH 1A Introduction to General Psychology 3
- MATH 13 Introduction to Statistics (+213 Support Course) 4 or 6
- ENGL 1A/1AS Composition and Reading (w/ support) 4 or 5
- COMM 20 Interpersonal Communication Skills 3
Total Number of Units 14 - 17
Spring 1
- BIOL 10 Introduction to Biology -- 4
- PSYCH 28 Introduction to Research Methods -- 3
- ENGL 5 Critical Thinking in Reading and Writing -- 3
- ART 1 Introduction to Art History -- 3
or
- MUSIC 10 Music Appreciation -- 3
- HIST 7B History of United States Since 18651 -- 3
Total Number of Units 16
Fall 2
- POSCI 1 Government and Politics in the United States -- 3
or
- POSCI 26 U.S. and California Constitution -- 3
- PSYCH 24 Abnormal Psychology -- 3
- GEOG 1 Introduction to Physical Geography -- 3
- HUMAN 1 Introduction to Humanities -- 3
- COUN 57 Career and Life Planning -- 3
Total Number of Units 15
Spring 2
- PSYCH 1B Introduction to General Psychology -- 3
or
- SOC 1 Introduction to Sociology -- 3
- PSYCH 3 Introduction to Personality Theory -- 3
or
- PSYCH 34 Stress Management and Well-Being -- 3
- PSYCH 7A Psychology of Childhood --
or
- PSYCH 12 Human Sexuality -- 3
- PSYCH 7B Adolescent Psychology -- 3
or
- SOC 5 Sociology of Women -- 3
- PSYCH18 Psychology of Race and Ethnicity in the U.S. -- 3
or
- SOC 3 Minority Groups -- 3
Total Number of Units 15
1This course must be taken at the College of Alameda to count for the specific CSU GE Area.
Upon completion of this program a student will be able to:
- Apply multiple schools of psychology (e.g. psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic, biological, and transpersonal) to living situations.
- Demonstrate effective communication and interpersonal relationship skills rooted in psychological perspectives and exhibit an awareness of psychological dynamics in inter-relationship.
- Increase awareness of self, others, and the environment in order to have greater agency and authentic expression.
Psychology careers include jobs in therapy and counseling, schools, hospitals, prisons, courtrooms, community health and rehabilitation centers, sports, and corporate offices. The study of psychology is good preparation for many professions, as well as, for one’s life.