Are you interested in gaining a deeper understanding of how people think and how their upbringing shapes their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors? If you want to research and study how humans participate in all aspects of life, and better understand yourself, the psychology program may be the right choice for you!
With the growth of the global internet market and other multi-media entities, people are being exposed to new countries, cultures, ideologies, ways of thinking, and manners of behaviors. This diversity of thoughts, feelings, and related behaviors is creating a greater need for those who have learned how to better understand and manage the human psychological process.
Allan Hancock College's psychology program focuses on describing, defining, and evaluating the psychosocial human lifespan/development starting from conception through death: including major concepts related to behavior, sexuality, nutrition, health, stress, environmental relationships and implications of death and dying.
Graduates of the psychology program will be prepared for entry-level careers such as social and human services assistants, home care aids, family services advocates, and more. Students can also transfer to a four-year university for further study. Advanced degrees in psychology can help you become a psychologist, social worker, or teacher.
This program will help you to:
- understand the mind/brain physiological process related to thought, emotions, and related behaviors
- understand the developmental process of children and adults over a lifetime
- understand the various levels of consciousness’ relation to thought and behavior
- better understand human sexuality
- better understand the influence that cultures and societies have on human thought, feelings, and behaviors
- understand human behavior that is considered abnormal, dysfunctional, and the process of assigning a psychological diagnosis
- better understand human emotions and how to gain a sense of emotional control
- better understand how drugs and alcohol influence human thoughts and behavior
- understand how human personality develops over time
- understand how to conduct psychological-based research on humans
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Advisories: ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 101, 110 (when taken in conjunction with 101)
- Astronomy 100
- Biology 100, 120, 124, 132
- Chemistry 110, 120
- Environmental Technology 101
- Food Science and Nutrition 110
- Geography 101, 115
- Geology 100, 111, 114, 115, 131, 141
- Physical Science 111, 112
- Physics 100
- Viticulture and Enology 102
Select one course from the list below to fulfill the requirements for both GE Area 7: Living Skills and AHC Grad: Health Education and Safety.
- Early Childhood Studies 102
- Emergency Medical Services 102
- Food Science and Nutrition 109
- Health Education 100
- Personal Development 101
Total Units:
13-14
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Examines the multicultural four-stage development of the child from conception through adolescence: first two years, early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence. Each stage is approached from the biosocial development, cognitive development, and psychosocial development perspectives. This course includes various psychological theories fundamental to the child's development. Other topics include but are not limited to: the impact of nature versus nurture, the impact of different parenting styles, types of attachments as well as issues related to prenatal development and birth.
A balanced study of basic theories, research, and principles of physical, cognitive, and psychosocial development from conception to death is presented in an integrated manner; includes behavior, sexuality, nutrition, health, stress, environmental relationships, and implications of death and dying.
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Mathematics 100, 105, 121, 123, 131, 135, 141, 181, 182, 183, 184
Select one course from this list.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
HUSV 106 | Family Systems, Addiction & Trauma | 3.0 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.0 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.0 |
Total Units:
9.5-14
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
This course covers major contemporary personality theories, compares and contrasts diverse personality perspectives, and applies the theoretical principles to personality, psychological health, and psychological growth.
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
HUSV 106 | Family Systems, Addiction & Trauma | 3.0 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.0 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.0 |
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
HUSV 106 | Family Systems, Addiction & Trauma | 3.0 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.0 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.0 |
Select one course from the list below.
- American Sign Language 138
- Art 101, 103, 104, 105, 109, 170
- Communication Studies 108
- Dance 101, 110, 120, 130, 147
- Drama 103, 110, 111
- Early Childhood Studies 116, 123
- English 102, 106, 117, 118, 119, 130, 131, 132, 133, 135, 138,139, 140, 144, 145, 146, 148, 180
- Ethnic Studies 105, 120, 122
- Fashion 104, 105
- Film 101, 102, 103, 104, 108, 109, 110, 122
- French 101, 102
- Graphics 127
- History 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 120, 138
- Humanities 101, 102, 103, 104, 105
- Library 180
- Multimedia Arts and Communication 101, 102
- Music 100, 101, 102, 104, 106
- Philosophy 101, 102, 105, 121, 122
- Photo 110
- Spanish 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 112
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Communication Studies 100, 101, 102, 106
- English 103, 104
- Philosophy 112, 114
Total Units:
15
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3.0 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.0 |
HUSV 106 | Family Systems, Addiction & Trauma | 3.0 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.0 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.0 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.0 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.0 |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.0 |
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Ethnic Studies 121
- History 107, 108, 118, 119, 121
- Political Science 101, 103
Courses that meet this requirement:
- Anthropology 107
- English 150, 151, 152, 153
- Ethnic Studies 101, 105, 107, 120, 121, 122, 150, 151, 152, 153
- Fashion 105
- Film 122
- History 120, 121
ALL courses in this category also fulfill the AHC Graduation Requirement: Multicultural and Gender Studies
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 25 units is required for the associate in arts degree. Required core courses (13 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 113 | Theories Of Personality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 117 | Child Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
or | ||
PSY 118 | Human Development - Lifespan | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Plus a minimum of 12 units selected from the following:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ANTH 101 | Introduction to Biological Anthropology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
ANTH 102 | Introduction to Cultural Anthropology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
HUSV 106 | Family Systems, Addiction & Trauma | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
SOC 110 | Introduction to Marriage & Family | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Recommended electives:
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 100 | Introductory Biology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 124 | Human Anatomy | 4.000 - 0.000 |
BIOL 125 | Human Physiology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
MATH 135 | Calculus with Applications | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 128 | Positive Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
or | ||
HUSV 128 | Positive Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Advisories: ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
Select one course from this list.
Recommended one from this list:
- ES 121, African American History
- HIST 107, US History to 1877
- HIST 108, US History from 1877 to the Present
- HIST 118, U S History American Institutions Requirement
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
NOTE: Students who started at Allan Hancock College (or any CCC or CSU) prior to Summer 2021 and have maintained continuous enrollment are not required to complete Area F for CSU GE Certification. See a counselor for further information.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Designed to fulfill the critical thinking requirement of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum. Students will develop critical thinking and reading skills, focusing upon induction, deduction, logical fallacies and close textual analysis. Emphasizes skills application through writing a sequence of argumentative essays.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking,
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication,
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate,
Total Units:
12-16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligible for ENGL 101 or completion of ENGL 514
An introduction to the concepts of biology. Designed for majors in fields other than biological science, the course investigates the nature of science, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 3 hours weekly.
This psychology based research methods class will cover the scientific method and various research approaches. Topics covered consist of sampling procedures, descriptive research including observational and correlational studies, experimental research including single and multi-factorial designs, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and ethics in psychological research. Students will apply APA methodology, read, evaluate and interpret research papers, and relate the scientific method to real world situations.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from area C1: Arts or from area C2: Humanities
Select one course from this list.
Recommended one from this list:
- POLS 101, Introduction to Political Science
- POLS 103, American Government
Or choose a course from this list.
Note: Recommended courses also fulfill CSU US History and American Institutions Graduation Requirement
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 -17
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 20 units is required for the degree. Required core courses (14 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 100 | Introductory Biology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 105 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List A: Select 1 course from the following (3 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PSY 117 | Child Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 118 | Human Development - Lifespan | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List B: Select 1 course from any not selected above or from the following (3 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHIL 114 | Critical Thinking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 113 | Theories Of Personality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Suggested Course Sequence
The “Suggested Course Sequence” is an example of how to complete the requirements plus any additional general education that may be needed. If you would like to create a personalized Student Education Plan (SEP), schedule a meeting with a counselor.
Fall Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: Placement based upon Allan Hancock College's placement policy.
Designed to help students enhance their analytical reading and writing skills using a wide variety of texts. Emphasizes college-level expository essay construction, communication, and research methods leading to the preparation and writing of a research paper.
Advisories: ENGL 101
An Introduction to the concepts, methods, and techniques of psychology. Topics may include: critical thinking, nervous system, perception, learning, motivation, emotion, stress, prejudice, human interactions and social influences, psychological disorders and therapy.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
If you did not satisfy this requirement with high school coursework or an external exam, complete one of the courses from this list. If you are unsure if you have met this requirement, see a counselor.
- ES 120: Chicano History
- ES 121: African American History
- HIST 120: Chicano History
- HIST 121: African American History
Total Units:
13
Spring Semester (Year 1)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Prerequisite: ENGL 101
Designed to fulfill the critical thinking requirement of the Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum. Students will develop critical thinking and reading skills, focusing upon induction, deduction, logical fallacies and close textual analysis. Emphasizes skills application through writing a sequence of argumentative essays.
Prerequisite: MATH 331 or Placement according to AHC placement policy.
A study of descriptive and inferential statistics including applications in the behavioral and natural sciences. Topics include classification and analysis of data, probability, distributions, sampling, the binomial, normal, t, F, and chi-square distributions, confidence intervals, hypothesis testing, regression analysis, analysis of variance and non-parametric methods. Calculators and/or computers will be used throughout.
Choose one of the following courses:
- COMM 101, Public Speaking
- COMM 102, Small Group Communication
- COMM 106, Argumentation and Debate
Total Units:
16
Fall Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Advisories: Eligible for ENGL 101 or completion of ENGL 514
An introduction to the concepts of biology. Designed for majors in fields other than biological science, the course investigates the nature of science, cells, genetics, evolution, ecology, and biodiversity. Lecture: 3 hours weekly. Lab: 3 hours weekly.
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from this list.
This psychology based research methods class will cover the scientific method and various research approaches. Topics covered consist of sampling procedures, descriptive research including observational and correlational studies, experimental research including single and multi-factorial designs, quantitative and qualitative research methods, and ethics in psychological research. Students will apply APA methodology, read, evaluate and interpret research papers, and relate the scientific method to real world situations.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
16
Spring Semester (Year 2)
Course #
Course Title
Units
Select one course from this list.
Select one course from area Area 3A: Arts or from area Area 3B: Humanities
Advisories: Eligibility for ENG 101
A study of American government at the national, state, and local levels. Governmental principles, institutions, and their historical development are examined. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities, University of California, Allan Hancock College, and many private colleges. (F,S)
Advisories: Eligibility for ENGL 101
This is an introductory course examining a variety of approaches to the study of political science with particular emphasis on the American political system in comparative perspective. Topics discussed include nature of politics, comparative politics, selected political philosophers, principles of government, methods used by political scientists, and American government. This course satisfies part of the history and government requirements for the California State Colleges and Universities and Allan Hancock College. Students receiving credit must demonstrate satisfactory knowledge about national and state government.
You can choose a course in any subject that has a 100-199 in its title. For example ENGL 100 or ASTR 121.
NOTE: Not all 100-level courses are UC-transferable. See the IGETC sheet for UC eligible courses.
Total Units:
15 -17
Program Requirements:
"Program Requirements" specify the courses required for this program. See suggested course sequence for additional information.
A major of 20 units is required for the degree. Required core courses (14 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
BIOL 100 | Introductory Biology | 4.000 - 0.000 |
MATH 123 | Elementary Statistics | 4.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 105 | Research Methods in Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List A: Select 1 course from the following (3 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PSY 117 | Child Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 118 | Human Development - Lifespan | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 121 | Social Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
List B: Select 1 course from any not selected above or from the following (3 units):
Course Number | Course Title | Units |
---|---|---|
PHIL 114 | Critical Thinking | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 112 | Human Sexuality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 113 | Theories Of Personality | 3.000 - 0.000 |
PSY 119 | Abnormal Psychology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3.000 - 0.000 |
General Education
Please refer to the "Suggested Course Sequence" tab for General Education requirements.
Programs you may also be interested in exploring:
Contact Information
Department Chair
Brian Stokes
805-922-6966 ext. 3440
bstokes@hancockcollege.edu
Department Administrative Assistant II
Rose Delgado 805-922-6966 ext. 3334
rose.delgado@hancockcollege.edu
Dean, Academic Affairs
Rick Rantz
805-922-6966 ext. 5203
rrantz@hancockcollege.edu
Location
Santa Maria CampusBldg. C, Rm. 28
805-922-6966 ext. 3732