PSYCHOLOGY
Associate in Arts
Program Details
The Psychology program provides the foundational knowledge and skills essential for the scientific study of behavior and mental processes that form the basis for understanding the diverse range of topics encompassed by psychology. Students learn to examine psychological processes from multiple perspectives and to apply psychological principles and methods to personal and social issues in ways that promote self-understanding, personal development and effective interpersonal relationships as members of a diverse society. A psychology background is useful for people interested in working in the areas of mental or public health, social services, education, business, human resources, public relations, or law. The Psychology program provides students with knowledge of the content, methods and applications of psychology that prepares them to make a successful transition into a Psychology Baccalaureate Degree program or career. The Psychology AA requires 60 associate degree applicable semester units with a minimum 2.0 grade point average, which include 4 specified Psychology courses (12 units) and 2 elective courses (6-10 units) for the major, as well as the Cuesta College associate degree requirements for General Education.
PSYCHOLOGY Pathways
Pathways listed below are for the catalog year 2026-2027. Maps for previous years are available on each pathway page. What is a catalog year?
Featured Careers
Find your calling. Explore high-earning careers with entry-level data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers
Bachelor's degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 68,860
- High salary: 227,590
- Average salary: 136550
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Bachelor's degree, Master's degree
- Job growth: Stable
- Low salary: 40,580
- High salary: 94,030
- Average salary: 58570
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree
- Job growth: Rising
- Low salary: 50,470
- High salary: 170,150
- Average salary: 95830
All Careers in PSYCHOLOGY (14)
| Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Bachelor's degree | Rising | 136,550 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compliance Managers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 136,550 |
| Loss Prevention Managers | Bachelor's degree, High school diploma/GED | Rising | 136,550 |
| Regulatory Affairs Managers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 136,550 |
| Wind Energy Development Managers | Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree | Rising | 136,550 |
| Wind Energy Operations Managers | Associate's degree, Bachelor's degree | Rising | 136,550 |
| Clinical Neuropsychologists | Post-doctoral training | Stable | 117,580 |
| Neuropsychologists | Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree | Stable | 117,580 |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | Master's degree, Doctoral degree | Rising | 109,840 |
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | Post-doctoral training, Doctoral degree | Rising | 95,830 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | Doctoral degree, Post-doctoral training | Stable | 80,330 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Stable | 58,570 |
| Social Science Research Assistants | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 58,040 |
| Coaches and Scouts | Bachelor's degree, Master's degree | Rising | 45,920 |
Program Pathways Mapper incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Learning Outcomes
Learning outcomes help you work towards your educational goals.
- Students will apply psychological principles and methods to personal, social and organizational issues in ways that promote self-understanding, personal development and effective relationships, and that enable students to function as more effective members of society.
- Students will demonstrate understanding of the important concepts, historical approaches, theoretical perspectives, vocabulary, and research findings in the major areas of psychology: biological, behavioral, developmental, cognitive, personality, social and clinical/counseling.
- Students will describe and analyze the ambiguity, ethical issues and socio-cultural diversity inherent to the alternative theoretical perspectives of psychology.
- Students will use critical thinking and a scientific approach to evaluate questions and conclusions related to behavior and mental processes, as well as apply basic research methods encompassing information technology, research design, data analysis and interpretation.