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Home Catalog Programs of Study List of Programs Psychology

Psychology

Overview

The Psychology program is designed to serve the needs of a wide variety of Sacramento City College students who are pursuing study in the field of psychology. The primary aim of this program is to provide a clearly articulated and comprehensive curricular track for students preparing to transfer to baccalaureate programs in psychology. An additional specific aim of this program is to expose “undecided” students to the core principles and practices of the field in order to build a foundation for their future personal, academic, or vocational paths. Among the many options, this foundation would be appropriate for entry into a variety of paraprofessional careers and careers in related fields.

Degrees and Certificates Offered

  • A.A.-T. in Psychology
  • A.A. in Cognitive Science
  • A.A. in Psychology
  • Basic Foundations for Behavioral Health Certificate
  • Interim Dean Jeff Moran
  • Department Chair Kathleen Carbary
  • Phone (916) 558-2401
  • Email SCC-BSS@losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Psychology

The Associate in Arts for Transfer degree in Psychology 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.

The Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT) student completion requirements (as stated in SB1440 law):

(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) 3
   or PSYC 480 Honors General Principles (3)
PSYC 310 Biological Psychology 3
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) 3 - 41
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 32
PSYC 316 Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 33
PSYC 314 Animal Behavior and Cognition (3)
PSYC 315 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 358 Principles of Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYC 360 Psychology of Women (3)
PSYC 364 Psychology of Sexual Orientation (3)
PSYC 367 Psychology of Minorities (3)
PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
   or GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
   or ADMJ 303 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
Total Units: 18 - 19

1PSYC 330 is the recommended statistics course for students transferring to CSU Sacramento. All students (particularly those attending institutions other than CSU Sacramento) should consult with a counselor to determine the appropriate statistics course for their specific academic goals.

2PSYC 370 is recommended for students transferring to CSU Sacramento.

3Students can also select one of the following courses if not already used: PSYC 316, PSYC 320, PSYC 370, or EDUC 300.

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 and myth, conjecture about the topics of psychology, and demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.
  • compare and contrast the major perspectives and theories in psychology.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic psychological terminology regarding behavior, cognition, and emotion and be able to express this clearly when writing or speaking about psychology.
  • evaluate psychological data, interpret basic statistical measures, draw reasonable conclusions, recognize the ethical implications of these conclusions, and apply these conclusions to personal, community, and scientific problems.
  • apply psychological principles to the development of interpersonal, occupational, and social skills and life-long personal growth.
  • recognize the complexity of social, cultural, and international diversity and the principles of equity, justice, and inclusion in their lives.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Cognitive Science

Cognitive science is the interdisciplinary study of cognition, including perception, attention, consciousness, memory, learning, language, decision making, and thinking. The primary aim of this program is to provide a clear curricular track for students interested in cognitive science. A secondary aim is to provide a broad understanding of cognition appropriate for students interested in a range of related fields, such as psychology, philosophy, linguistics, computer science, or education.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
ANTH 341 Introduction to Linguistics (3) 3
PHIL 325 Symbolic Logic 3
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
PSYC 316 Cognitive Psychology 3
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) 3 - 4
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
   or ECON 310 Statistics for Business and Economics (3)
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
Total Units: 18 - 19

The Cognitive Science Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • differentiate between empirically derived theories and popular beliefs about cognition.
  • integrate cross-disciplinary perspectives to explain cognitive processes, such as the following: perception, attention, memory, learning, language processing, decision making, and reasoning.
  • examine the function and structure of different languages, and appreciate the diversity of roles that language plays in human communication and thought.
  • recognize and apply basic elements of formal logic and deductive reasoning, such as truth tables, argument validity, and inference rules.
  • evaluate datasets, calculate descriptive statistics, draw conclusions based on statistical inference, and explain those conclusions.
  • discuss research methods used in cognitive and behavioral sciences, including research designs, data collection, research ethics, and equitable research practices.

A.A. in Psychology

This degree program is designed to serve the needs of a wide variety of Sacramento City College students who are pursuing study in the field of psychology. The primary aim of this program is to provide a clearly articulated and comprehensive curricular track for students preparing to transfer to baccalaureate programs in psychology. An additional specific aim of this program is to 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. Among the many options, this foundation would be appropriate for entry into a variety of paraprofessional careers and careers in related fields.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Degree Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology (3) 3
PSYC 310 Biological Psychology 3
PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology 3
PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences (3) 3 - 41
   or STAT C1000 Introduction to Statistics (4)
   or STAT C1000H Introduction to Statistics - Honors (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 32
PSYC 316 Cognitive Psychology (3)
PSYC 320 Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 33
PSYC 314 Animal Behavior and Cognition (3)
PSYC 315 Psychopharmacology (3)
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356 Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 358 Principles of Interpersonal Relations (3)
PSYC 360 Psychology of Women (3)
PSYC 364 Psychology of Sexual Orientation (3)
PSYC 367 Psychology of Minorities (3)
PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
   or GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
   or ADMJ 303 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior (3)
Total Units: 18 - 19

1PSYC 330 is the recommended statistics course for students transferring to CSU Sacramento. All students (particularly those attending institutions other than CSU Sacramento) should consult with a counselor to determine the appropriate statistics course for their specific academic goals.

2PSYC 370 is recommended for students transferring to CSU Sacramento.

3Students can also select one of the following courses if not already used: PSYC 316, PSYC 320, PSYC 370, or EDUC 300.

The Psychology Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree may be obtained by completion of the required program, and either (a) the Local General Education Pattern or (b) the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC), plus sufficient electives for a total of at least 60 units. See SCC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • differentiate between scientifically derived knowledge and myth and conjecture about the topics of psychology and demonstrate understanding of the scientific method.
  • compare and contrast the major perspectives and theories in psychology.
  • demonstrate knowledge of basic psychological terminology regarding behavior, cognition, and emotion and be able to express this clearly when writing or speaking about psychology.
  • evaluate psychological data, interpret basic statistical measures,draw reasonable conclusions, recognize the ethical implications of these conclusions, and apply these conclusions to personal, community, and scientific problems.
  • apply psychological principles to the development of interpersonal, occupational, and social skills and life-long personal growth.
  • recognize the complexity of social, cultural, and international diversity and the principles of equity, justice, and inclusion in their life.

Certificate of Achievement

Basic Foundations for Behavioral Health Certificate

The Certificate of Achievement in Basic Foundations for Behavioral Health requires 9 units of coursework covering mental and behavioral health topics, including general psychology, lifespan development, psychological disorders and treatment. This provides the initial foundation to pursue further education in related degrees, including Psychology, Social Work, and Occupational Therapy Assisting. This certificate allows students with an interest in behavioral health majors and careers to take introductory courses before committing to a specific pathway, while receiving credit and acknowledgement of their efforts. Note: When applying to degree programs, students should confirm any recency requirements for courses in this certificate.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2026

Certificate Requirements
Course Code Course Title Units
PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology 3
PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span (3) 3
   or EDUC 300 Human Development: A Life Span (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following: 3
PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
   or GERON 302 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging (3)
PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
Total Units: 9

Student Learning Outcomes

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

  • describe and explain key theories in psychology from a biological, cognitive, and social perspective.
  • analyze how psychological factors interact to affect human experience in the contexts of mental health, child development, and aging.
  • identify scientifically-based evidence related to psychology and human development, and differentiate between that evidence and pseudoscientific ideas.
  • apply basic cognitive, behavioral, and developmental principles to educational, occupational, and interpersonal situations.
  • recognize the diversity of human experience and the importance of respect and inclusion in educational and behavioral health settings.

Career Information

The certificate will enhance the student's knowledge of basic psychology topics, which can be applied in entry-level jobs that students frequently work while attending college to earn a higher-level degree. These jobs include: child care provider, Applied Behavioral Analysis assistant, residential aide, elder care assistant, peer support worker, youth program assistant, and office staff in behavioral health, school, or childcare settings. Most careers in mental and behavioral health require a higher-level degree. To that end, this certificate includes courses that can also apply to the Psychology AA or ADT, the Social Work and Community Studies AA and Certificate, the Gerontology AS and Certificate, the Pre-Health Occupations AS, and the Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences AA. An Associate’s degree in one of these areas can be a step on the pathway to transfer, allowing students to continue on to a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as Psychology, Human Development, or Social Work. This certificate also includes classes that satisfy some of the prerequisites for allied health programs, such the Vocational Nursing AS and Certificate, and the Occupational Therapy Assistant AS.

Psychology (PSYC) Courses

PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; and LIBR 318 with a grade 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. This course was formerly known as PSYC 300, and is not open to students who have completed PSYC 300, 480, or C1000H with a grade of C or better.

PSYC 310 Biological Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:Completion of ENGRD 310 with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 5B
  • C-ID:C-ID PSY 150
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The primary focus of this course is on the nervous system and the connection between its structure, function, and human behavior. This course provides an in-depth examination of the anatomy of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system, neural development, neuronal communication, and genetic influences on neural structure and function. Structural and functional interactions of the nervous system with the endocrine, digestive, and immune systems are also examined. Other topics include the nervous system’s role in sensation, perception, motor activity, circadian rhythms, sleep, motivation, emotion, sex, gender, learning, memory, language, cognition, and consciousness. The neural bases of psychological disorders including addiction, depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia are also addressed.

PSYC 311 Biological Psychology Laboratory

  • Units:1
  • Hours:54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PSYC 310 with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in PSYC 310.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Cal-GETC Area 5C
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course involves the applied study of the nervous system, focusing on its anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and impact on behavioral and mental processes. This course will provide a foundation in the principles of the scientific method and practical experience in its application to the study of biological psychology. Specific topics include neuroanatomical organization of the nervous system with special emphasis on the brain; anatomy of neurons and glia; electrophysiology of nerves; anatomy and physiology of sensory systems; and psychophysical examination of sensorimotor processes and states of consciousness. Brain dissection procedures, microscopic analysis, interactive computer simulations, and lab experiments including electroencephalographic and electromyographic data collection will be utilized.

PSYC 314 Animal Behavior and Cognition

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L5
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is designed for anyone who is interested in or has ever lived with and loved animals. Those pursuing careers in psychology, biology, zoology, animal laboratory services, and veterinary technology will find this course interesting and useful. It consists of a broad survey of general topics and current research in the related fields of animal behavior, animal cognition, animal communication, interactions between human and non-human animals, and conservation biology. Topics addressed in this course include: the principles of evolution, history of the relationship between humans and non-humans, communication between humans and other animals; animals as competitors and resources, research animals and bioethics, animals as companions, animals in therapy and service, behavior of wild animals in zoos, and the future prospects for positive interactions between humans and non-human animals, especially as it relates to climate change. The course is designed to foster a better understanding of non-human animals, nurture a respect for them, and create an ethic that emphasizes a respect for all life and its threatened environments.

PSYC 315 Psychopharmacology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:BIOL 302, PSYC C1000, and PSYC 310 with grades of "C" or better; (BIOL 302 was formerly BIOL 100)
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L5
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

The primary focus of this course will be on psychoactive drugs and their neural, physiological, cognitive, and behavioral effects. Both recreational and psychotherapeutic drugs will be examined. Core concepts will include neuroanatomy, neuronal communication, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. These concepts will be used to understand the influence of drug action on various aspects of cognition, emotion, and behavior with specific emphasis on their role in psychological disorders and their treatment, recreational drug use, drug use disorders, addiction, learning and memory, cognitive enhancement, and dementia.

PSYC 316 Cognitive Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L5; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Cognitive Psychology is a course designed for those interested in developing a better understanding of cognitive psychology and cognitive science. Topics include: an overview of behaviorism and other theories of learning, brain structure and function, sensation, perception, attention, short-term/working memory, long-term memory, categorization, generic knowledge, language, decision making, reasoning, problem solving, and creativity. Current topics and controversies in cognitive psychology will be addressed. Upon completion of this course, students will possess an improved appreciation for the complexity of cognition.

PSYC 320 Social Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; and LIBR 318 with a grade of "C" or better
  • 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 provides students with an introduction to the scientific study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Students become familiar with the major domains of social psychology and the relevance of social psychology to daily life. Topics covered include the history and perspectives of social psychology, foundational studies and current research, research methods utilized in social psychology, social cognition and perception, the power of the situation, sociocultural and biological influences on social behaviors and cognition, group processes, the effects of mass communication on social behaviors and cognition, aggression, prejudice, stereotyping and discrimination, love and attraction, altruism, conflict resolution, and the sustainable future.

PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:Intermediate Algebra or equivalent (e.g. Integrated Math 3) with a grade of "C-" or better, OR through the placement process.
  • Advisory:Please see placement information for any required corequisite courses.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L2; Cal-GETC Area 2
  • C-ID:C-ID MATH 110
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course focuses upon the concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychology and other social and behavioral sciences. Topics include: descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; parametric and nonparametric statistical methods; hypothesis testing; statistical inference; correlation and regression; chi-square; t-tests; and analysis of variance procedures. Application of both hand-computation and statistical software to data in a social science context will be emphasized, in addition to the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings. Access to a computer is required and is available on campus.

PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology

  • Units:3
  • Hours:36 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
  • Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better; and either PSYC 330 (Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences) or STAT C1000 (Introduction to Statistics) or STAT C1000H (Introduction to Statistics - Honors) with a grade of "C" or better.
  • Advisory:LIBR 318 with a grade 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 introduces students to the principles, methods, and ethics of research in the social and behavioral sciences, especially Psychology. Key areas include the design, implementation, and evaluation of experimental and non-experimental research. Hypothesis testing, APA writing style, and the application of descriptive and inferential statistical analysis will be addressed. The laboratory portion provides opportunities to gain experience with design development, data collection, analysis and interpretation, and report writing.

PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • 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

In this course, students will explore the broad questions of normality and abnormality, and investigate specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties. They will learn current approaches to psychological intervention including present community mental health practices. Students will consider the contribution of social, biological, psychological, and cultural factors to the development and persistence of behavior disorders.

PSYC 355 Love and Intimacy

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an investigation of the human desire for affiliation and affection. Emphasis will be placed on types of love, levels of bonding, differences between love and relationship addiction, and ways in which individuals frustrate their desire for intimacy and/or exit from potentially intimate encounters in life.

PSYC 356 Human Sexuality

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 310 or ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • 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 sexual literacy from a cultural, physiological, sociological, and psychological perspective. Students will be provided with a solid base of information about sex and their own sexuality enabling them to make healthy and responsible choices and decisions throughout their lives. Course topics include: sexual research, sexual contents (culture, history, religion), social media impact, anatomy and physiology, arousal and response, sexual infections, contraception, reproduction, gender identity, sexual orientation, child/adolescent sexual development, adult and aging sexual well-being, love and communication, coercion and treatment.

PSYC 358 Principles of Interpersonal Relations

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGWR 101 with grades of "C" or better.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the principles involved in healthy and effective interpersonal relationships. Topics include interpersonal feedback, self-disclosure, the role of emotions in relationships, the art of listening, and common stresses/strains on relationships. The focus of the course will be on concepts useful to the students in their face-to-face relationships at home, school, and work.

PSYC 360 Psychology of Women

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

In this course, students will study the impact of sex and gender on women's lives. An emphasis is placed on the interplay between gender and race, ethnicity, class, age, sexual orientation, and physical and mental ability. The course addresses a variety of topics including gender stereotypes and their connections to sexism, gender roles and expectations, biological bases of sex, gender throughout the lifespan, the physical and mental health of women, women and work, and violence against women. The course also emphasizes the importance of critically evaluating theory and research on sex and gender.

PSYC 364 Psychology of Sexual Orientation

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

In this course, students will examine topics and research related to lesbian, gay, and bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) individuals. Topics will include causes of sexual orientation, causes of intersex conditions and transgender identities, theories of identity development, coming out, prejudice and discrimination against LGBTQI individuals, sexual orientation and gender identity across the lifespan, LGBTQI relationships, sexuality, religion and spirituality, and physical and mental health issues. In this course, students will also examine the intersection of gender identity and sexual orientation with other identity characteristics, such as race, ethnicity, age, ability status, and culture. This course will draw from a variety of political, cultural, sociological, philosophical, and psychological perspectives in order to fully understand the influence of sexual orientation and gender identity on our lives.

PSYC 367 Psychology of Minorities

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 310 or ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

Students will study the individual and collective impact of minority group status in the United States on an individual’s and group's behaviors and mental processes. The psychological issues, concerns, needs, and values of minority individuals in the United States are also studied. In this course, the study of minority individuals includes those who are diverse by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic class, weight, religion, age, and physical, cognitive, emotional, or developmental ability. The cognitive and emotional aspects of prejudice as they relate to institutional and individual discrimination are also explored. This course is useful for students majoring in psychology, sociology, education, ethnic studies, and the helping/allied professions.

PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span

  • Same As:EDUC 300
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL 488, ENGL C1000, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • 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

Students will study the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development of humans from conception through the life span. Emphasis will be placed on the theoretical and practical application of developmental principles including atypical aspects of development. Major developmental theories concerning life span development will be studied. Topics from conception to death will be presented including conception, prenatal development, prenatal developmental complications, physical, cognitive, social, emotional developmental, and developmental issues. Included in these broad developmental areas are learning, brain development, personality, morality, and societal influences on development. Atypical development and challenges to optimal development will be included. The course also examines end of life issues and bereavement. This is a foundational course for careers in the educational, social, psychological, and medical fields. Students may receive credit for only one of these courses: EDUC 300, FCS 324 or PSYC 370.

PSYC 374 Psychology of Aging: Adult Development and Aging

  • Same As:GERON 302
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better; EDUC 300 or PSYC 370; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course examines the physical, psychological, social, and emotional aspects of the aging process including the interactions between the elderly and the rest of society. Topics include an analysis of stereotypes, social connections, environmental influences, sexuality, physical health, mental health, death, and bereavement. Credit may be earned for either PSYC 374 or GERON 302, but not both.

PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L4; Local GE L7B; Cal-GETC Area 4
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course is an investigation of beliefs, attitudes, anxieties, and behaviors associated with dying and death. Included will be materials relevant to suicide, life-threatening illnesses, bereavement, euthanasia, and various philosophical views on the phenomenon of death. One field trip to visit a cemetery, attend a funeral/memorial, or tour a funeral home is required.

PSYC 392 Loss and Grief

  • Units:2
  • Hours:36 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Transferable:CSU
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will explore the causes of grief reactions and the dynamics of bereavement. Expressions of normal grief will be compared with pathological reactions, and suggested interventions for resolving grief reactions will be addressed. Techniques for the resolution of loss and coping strategies will be presented.

PSYC 405 Substance Abuse: Effects on Body and Behavior

  • Same As:ADMJ 303
  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Advisory:ENGRD 310 and ENGL C1000 with grades of "C" or better
  • Transferable:CSU; UC
  • General Education:Local GE L7B
  • Catalog Date:August 1, 2026

This course will educate students in drug identification, signs and symptomatology, methods of use, duration of effect, behaviors, addiction, and treatment options. The course examines historical and contemporary perspectives of substance abuse issues, epidemiologic data used to establish the prevalence, incidence, and identity of at risk groups, and trends of substances of abuse and approaches to treatment. This course is especially advised for people who are seeking or working in careers in health, law enforcement, counseling, psychology, business, social services, or teaching. Credit may be earned for either PSYC 405 or ADMJ 303, but not for both.

PSYC 480 Honors General Principles

  • Units:3
  • Hours:54 hours LEC
  • Prerequisite:None.
  • Enrollment Limitation:Eligibility for the Honors Program.
  • Advisory:LIBR 318 with a grade 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 is an introduction to the major areas in the field of psychology. Topics to be covered include physiological processes, learning, cognition, development, personality, psychological disorders, therapy, social psychology, and research methodologies in psychology. These topics will be discussed from a variety of classical and contemporary psychological perspectives. Critical thinking and application of concepts will be an integral part of the course. There will be oral and written assignments as well as experiential activities in the course. This honors course uses an intensive pedagogical approach designed to allow motivated students to develop critical thinking skills, skills of oral and written expression, proficiency in library and Internet-based research, and creativity. Pedagogical strategies used in this course include student-led group discussion, oral and written presentations, extensive reading, exposure to theory and research in the field, and various activities and demonstrations.

PSYC 495 Independent Studies in Psychology

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

This course involves an individual student or small groups of students in study, research, or activities beyond the scope of regular offered courses, pursuant to agreement among college, faculty members, and students. Independent studies in psychology offers students a chance to
do research that is more typical of theoretical and applied psychology. UC transfer credit will be awarded only after the course has been evaluated by the enrolling UC campus. The units completed for this course cannot be counted towards the minimum 60 units required for admissions.

PSYC 499 Experimental Offering in Psychology

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

This is the experimental courses description.

Catalog