Psychology is a program designed to provide you with a foundation for understanding human behavior. Through its various courses, students develop a basic knowledge of psychology's history, its development as a science, how research is conducted, and terminology and concepts found in the psychological field. Courses focus on behavior in relation to social and cultural contexts, group situations, and biological and environmental influences.
Knowledge of psychology affords you the ability to understand relationships, how memory works, how perceptions influence our daily lives, how our lifestyle choices are related to health and stress, how various states of arousal influence motivation; basically, how to function more fully in all the various aspects of life. Students in psychology courses are given the opportunity to acquire and develop critical thinking skills, skills for the assessment of personal values, and an understanding of how these values impact mental and physical well-being. With the knowledge gained, you will improve your skills in problem solving, communication, interpersonal relationships, and academic and personal development.
Courses of Study
A University Parallel Associate’s degree in Psychology prepares you intellectually and practically to transfer to a bachelor’s program and sets the stage for growth into advanced psychology careers down the line.
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) pathway requires a one-year sequence (6 credits) in a single foreign language. The Associate of Science (A.S.) pathway allows for more classes in the area of emphasis in place of foreign language credits.
Transfer Options
Tennessee Transfer Pathways (TTPs) are advising tools designed to help community college students plan for transferring to a Tennessee public university or select regionally accredited, non-profit Tennessee private colleges and universities to complete their baccalaureate degree. The TTPs also constitute an agreement between community colleges and four-year colleges/universities confirming that community college courses meet major preparation requirements. For transfer to four-year institutions, contact an advisor at the senior institution.
Note: Due to the transferability to a four-year institution, there are to be no course substitutions where a specific course is required in the TTP curriculum guide.
Future Opportunities
Nonprofit, healthcare, and government sectors are strong in middle Tennessee, and social services and community development jobs are growing. Most of these positions require strong interpersonal skills, basic administrative ability, and the willingness to support licensed professionals. They also offer a good pathway for advancement with further education. Graduates are well-positioned for various support roles, such as these.
Entry-Level Jobs in Psychology
- Psychiatric Technician / Mental Health Aide – Work in hospitals, group homes, or clinics assisting patients.
- Behavioral Health Technician – Help deliver behavioral interventions with therapists or at autism centers.
- Human Services / Social Services Assistant – Support clients in accessing community programs and resources.
- Casework or Counselor’s Aide – Assist licensed professionals in case management, documentation, and client interaction.
- Crisis Intervention Worker / Youth Counselor – Provide support in crisis hotlines, youth outreach, or residential programs.
