Liberal Arts - Psychology A.A. Degree
Psychology is the scientific study of mind and behavior. Learning about psychology will benefit you personally and professionally. Personally, you can apply knowledge learned to your own experiences and in your relationships. Professionally, the knowledge and skills you learn will help you effectively interact with others and engage in critical thinking, skills highly desired by employers.
At Middlesex County College, you can earn an associate’s degree, which provides you with the first two years of coursework toward the bachelor’s degree and will transfer well to most four-year institutions. A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides you with the background and skills for a variety of careers. You can earn your bachelor’s degree from Felician University on our campus or you can transfer to an institution of your choice. Many students use their psychology major to gain employment in fields such as:
- Education
- Business
- Sales
- Public Affairs
- Service Industries
- Health
- Biological Sciences
- Computer Programming
Upon completing this program you will be able to:
- Apply the methodology and analytical approaches of the humanities, social sciences, mathematics and sciences, and the arts to the study of Psychology.
- Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge in psychology as evidenced by discussing the key psychological theories, classic research studies, and recent trends in psychology.
- Locate, analyze, and synthesize empirical research studies to develop a review of the psychological literature for a given topic.
- Create written documents and presentations using APA formatting that are clear, well organized, and grammatically accurate.
- Evaluate the validity and ethics of research studies and psychological practices
SEMESTER I
Short Title : Student Success
Course Code : SSD-101
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : Students learn and adopt methods for success in college and lifelong learning. Orientation to college, study skills, critical thinking skills and learning styles are emphasized. An educational and career plan is developed.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
Short Title : English Composition I
Course Code : ENG-121
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing documented essays. Extensive reading materials serve as structural models and as the bases for discussion and for the writing of essays involving response, analysis, and synthesis.
Prerequisites :
A passing score on the College Placement Test; or a grade of "C" or better in ENG-010 and RDG-011 (RDG-011 can be a co-requisite; or a grade of "C" or better in ESL-097 and ESL-098.
Co requisites :
RDG-011 may be taken as a co-requisite if not previously completed with a grade of "C" or better.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Introduction to Psychology
Course Code : PSY-123
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description :
Provides a psychological basis for the understanding of human behavior. A survey of fundamentals that are necessary for subsequent psychology courses. Topics include but are not limited to: learning, motivation, cognition, personality, abnormal behavior, development and social psychology.
- Credit : 3
Short Title : Statistics I
Course Code : MAT-123
Department Description : Mathematics
Course Description :
Familiarizes students with mathematical models that occur in more advanced courses and in the areas of business, science and the social sciences using exploratory data analysis and statistical methods. Topics include descriptive statistics linear regression, probability and probability distribution, confidence intervals, and an introduction to hypothesis testing.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013 or appropriate score on the College placement test
Co requisites :
MAT-090
Corequiste Exemption: Proficiency at the Level of Algebra II
- Credit : 3
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
SEMESTER 2
Short Title : Introduction to Forensic Science
Course Code : SCI-206
Department Description : Natural Sciences
Course Description :
This course is an introductory course in which scientific principles will be applied to the methods used to investigate and solve crimes. The course will focus on the principles and methods utilized in the traditional sciences of biology, chemistry and physics. The scientific techniques used to collect and analyze evidence will be covered.
Prerequisites :
MAT-013, MAT 013B or appropriate score on the College placement test
- Credit : 3
Short Title : English Composition II
Course Code : ENG-122
Department Description : English
Course Description :
Through a variety of writing projects requiring competence in clear, correct, and effective English, students use inferential and critical skills in the process of composing argument synthesis essays. Students engage in formal written argumentation based on extensive reading and analysis of complex texts. Through the research process, students will locate, analyze, and synthesize scholarly sources to advance their own informed positions on relevant issues in the composition of a formal research paper.
Prerequisites :
A grade of “C” or better in ENG-121
- Credit : 3
Short Title : GE Mathematics or Science Elective
Course Code : GE MathSci
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
A General Education (GE) Mathematics or Science course selected in consultation with an academic advisor. If a Math course is selected, MAT-124 - Statistics II is recommended. Students may elect to take a 4-credit GE Mathematics or Science Elective in consultation with an academic advisor.
Short Title : History Elective
Course Code : HIS-EL2
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Select one of the following History sequences:
HIS-121 and HIS-122 OR HIS-131 and HIS-132 OR HIS-221 and HIS-222
Short Title : Psychology Elective
Course Code : PSY-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Students should choose a Psychology course (PSY) that is not being taken to satisfy other requirements for the degree. PSY 235 - Abnormal Psychology is recommended.
SEMESTER 3
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : Research Methods
Course Code : PSY-218
Department Description : History and Social Science
Course Description : This is a core course for all psychology majors. It encourages students to ask and answer questions from a psychological perspective, focusing them on concrete projects where they critically evaluate knowledge in psychology. Students learn to appreciate the strengths and limitations of various research methodologies and become better consumers of research. They read research articles, create hypotheses, collect and interpret data, and learn how to present results in APA style. The product of the class is a fully developed research proposal.
Prerequisites :
Co requisites :
MAT-123
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3.0
- Lab Hours : 0.0
- Studio Hours : 0.0
Short Title : GE Technology Elective
Course Code : GE-MST
Department Description : General Education
- Credit : 3
Choose one 3-credit Technology course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Technology (GE MST).
Short Title : GE Humanities Elective
Course Code : HUM-EL2
Department Description : Humanities
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Humanities (GE HUM).
Short Title : Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Course Code : SPE-121
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : Introduction to the theory and practice of public address; the study of representative public addresses and the preparation and delivery of short speeches.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
OR
Short Title : Discussion and Debate
Course Code : SPE-123
Department Description : Visual, Performing and Media Arts
Course Description : The development of clear, logical and effective speech communication is the goal of this basic discussion and debate course. The focus will be on reasoned decision making with the context of a free society. Topics will draw upon social values, personal responsibility and/or ethical behavior. Speech presentations will include large group discussions, panel discussions and debates that emphasize the ability to work in a team environment.
- Credit : 3
- Lecture Hours : 3
SEMESTER 4
Short Title : GE - Language Elective
Course Code : LAN-EL1
Department Description : ESL/Languages and Culture
- Credit : 3
Choose two modern language courses in sequence from either: CHN, FRE, GER, HIN, ITA or SPA. For students who completed at least two years of high school study in one modern language, their level of language will be determined by a placement test (excluding SPA-242).
Short Title : GE Social Science Elective
Course Code : GE SS
Department Description : GE Social Science Elective
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as a General Education Social Science (GE SS). SOC 121 - Introduction to Sociology or SOC 131 - Contemporary Social Problems are recommended.
Short Title : Psychology Elective
Course Code : PSY-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Students should choose a Psychology course (PSY) that is not being taken to satisfy other requirements for the degree. PSY 222 - Social Psychology or PSY 219 are recommended.
Short Title : Psychology Elective
Course Code : PSY-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Students should choose a Psychology course (PSY) that is not being taken to satisfy other requirements for the degree.
Short Title : GE Diversity Elective
Course Code : DVR-EL1
Department Description : History and Social Science
- Credit : 3
Choose one course designated in the course descriptions as General Education Diversity (GE DIV). PSY 163 - Psychology of the African-American or PSY 217 - Psychology of Women, or HED 200 - Human Sexuality & Family Life are recommended.
Program Outcomes
Graduates of the Program will be able to:
- Demonstrate a strong foundational knowledge in psychology as evidenced by discussing the key psychological theories, classic research studies, and recent trends in psychology.
- Apply foundational knowledge of psychology to the problems of daily living.
- Locate empirical research studies, to identify and describe the various components of a research study, and to develop a review of the psychological literature for a given topic.
- Engage in critical thinking as evidenced by the ability to evaluate the validity and ethics of research studies and psychological practices.
- Create written documents using APA style that are clear, well-organized, and grammatically accurate.
Contact Information
Contact Name: Timothy Hack, department chair
Contact Phone: 732.906.2590
Contact Email: HSS@middlesexcc.edu
Department Web: https://www.middlesexcc.edu/history-social-science/
Frequently Asked Questions
Why study the Liberal Arts?
A Liberal Arts education is a broad-based program of study that exposes students to the Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, and Technology. The study of the Liberal Arts empowers students for success in transfer and a career in the diverse, ever-changing 21st century workplace. A Liberal Arts education equips students with invaluable employability skills including the ability to analyze and construct arguments, think critically, communicate effectively, and appreciate diverse cultures and perspectives. The cross-cultural knowledge, problem solving, and research and information literacy skills prepare students for civic engagement, life-long learning, and professional success.
Are there any requirements that must be satisfied before taking courses in the major?
Algebra I is a prerequisite for all majors. Competency in Algebra I may be verified with a passing score on the College’s placement test or by completion of the appropriate course. Students must also have a grade of “C” or better in one year of high school laboratory science.
How long will it take to complete this degree?
Once students complete required developmental coursework (if any), the degree can be completed in two years of full-time study. Students may shorten the amount of degree completion time by taking courses in the summer and winter sessions.
Earn Your B.A. in Psychology on MCC's Campus
Middlesex County College graduates will now be able to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Felician University by taking classes on the MCC campus.
Middlesex graduates receive a 40 percent scholarship applied to full-time tuition, which is 12-18 credits per semester. Students may qualify for additional financial aid. The program is not limited to psychology majors, but non-majors must take Introduction to Psychology before starting the program and two specific electives during their first year.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for our graduates to complete their psychology degree at a prestigious university without leaving the Middlesex campus,” said Brian Clemmons, dean of enrollment management at MCC. “In addition, Felician offers a combined B.A. and M.A. in psychology degree in which our graduates may be interested.”
Courses held at MCC are offered in the afternoon or evenings; students completing at least 15 credits per semester should be able to graduate from Felician within two years. The university also features a chapter of Psi Chi, the psychology honor society; a study-abroad option; and independent research in the student’s senior year.
