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Psychology

Overview Degrees/Certificates Courses

Folsom Lake College's psychology program studies behavior and mental processes. Part of its appeal and fascination is the fact that it involves both pure science and the practical application of science to matters of everyday life. Those pursuing psychology as a field of study will find many career options centering around helping others understand, predict, and control or modify behavior.

Degrees Offered

A.A.-T. in Psychology
A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences
A.A. in Psychology

Division Dean Brian Robinson
Department Chair Danielle Beck
Phone (916) 361-6330
Email robinsb@flc.losrios.edu

Associate Degrees for Transfer

A.A.-T. in Psychology

The Associate in Arts in Psychology for Transfer Degree program provides students with a major that fulfills the general requirements for transfer to the California State University. Students with this degree will receive priority admission with junior status to the California State University system. Students should work closely with their Folsom Lake College counselor to ensure that they are taking the appropriate coursework to prepare for majoring in Psychology at the institution they wish to transfer to because major and general education requirements may vary for each CSU and the degree may only transfer to specific institutions.

This program has the following completion requirements:

(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) Cal-GETC the California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) Requirement.
(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 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, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology	3
A minimum of 4 units from the following:		4
List A: Select one course from the following: (4 units)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
List B: Select one course from the following: (3 units)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
List C: Select one course from the following, or any course from List A or B not already used: (3 units)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
or SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
or ECE 312	Child Development (3)
PSYC 390	Psychology of Death and Dying (3)
Total Units:		19

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:

demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
evaluate the influence of biological and environmental factors on behavior and mental processes.
apply psychological concepts and theories to personal and social issues.
apply basic research methods to evaluate psychological issues.
demonstrate the appropriate use and interpretation of various descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to psychology.

Career Information

The Psychology degree is designed to facilitate students’ successful transfer to four-year Psychology programs which prepare students for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs and for entry level positions in a variety of careers such as sales, marketing, teaching, and law enforcement. Psychologists with graduate degrees and professional certificates have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients. Research psychologists work in a range of fields associated with the study of human behavior, including biomedical, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Associate Degrees

A.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences

The Interdisciplinary Studies degree is designed for students who wish a broad knowledge of arts and sciences plus additional coursework in a prescribed “Area of Emphasis”. This program is a good choice for students planning on transferring to the California State University or University of California. The student will be able to satisfy general education requirements, plus focus on transferable coursework that relates to a specific major and/or individual interest. This degree will have an "Area of Emphasis" in Social and Behavioral Sciences. These courses emphasize the perspectives, concepts, theories, and methodologies of the disciplines typically found in the vast variety of disciplines that comprise study in the Social and Behavioral Sciences. Students will study about themselves and others as members of a larger society. Topics and discussions to stimulate critical thinking about ways people have acted in response to their societies will allow students to evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate. (Possible majors at a four-year institution include, but are not limited to: history, sociology, social studies, psychology, and family consumer science.)

It is highly recommended that students consult a counselor to determine the classes within each area that will best prepare them for their intended transfer major.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
A minimum of 18 units from the following:		18
Select courses from at least 3 different disciplines.
ADMJ 300	Introduction to Administration of Justice (3)
ADMJ 302	Community Relations: Multicultural Issues (3)
ADMJ 320	Concepts of Criminal Law (3)
ANTH 310	Cultural Anthropology (3)
ANTH 319	Visual Anthropology: Introduction to Ethnographic Film (3)
ANTH 323	Introduction to Archaeology (3)
ANTH 330	Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion (3)
ANTH 341	Introduction to Linguistics (3)
BUS 320	Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
or ECON 320	Concepts in Personal Finance (3)
BUS 330	Managing Diversity in the Workplace (3)
BUS 340	Business Law (3)
BUS 345	Law and Society (3)
COMM 325	Intercultural Communication (3)
COMM 341	Organizational Communication (3)
COMM 351	Mass Media and Society (3)
COMM 363	Introduction to Communication Theory (3)
ECON 302	Principles of Macroeconomics (3)
ECON 304	Principles of Microeconomics (3)
ECE 312	Child Development (3)
or PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
ECE 314	The Child, the Family and the Community (3)
ECE 330	Infant and Toddler Development (3)
ECE 430	Culture and Diversity in Early Childhood Education (3)
ETHNS 300	Introduction to Ethnic Studies (3)
ETHNS 320	Introduction to African American Studies (3)
ETHNS 330	Introduction to Asian American Studies (3)
ETHNS 360	Introduction to Chicana/o/x Studies (3)
ETHNS 350	Introduction to Native American Studies (3)
GEOG 310	Human Geography: Exploring Earth's Cultural Landscapes (3)
GEOG 322	Geography of California (3)
HIST 307	History of World Civilizations to 1500 (3)
HIST 308	History of World Civilizations, 1500 to Present (3)
HIST 310	History of the United States (To 1877) (3)
HIST 311	History of the United States (1865 - Present) (3)
HIST 314	Recent United States History (3)
HIST 319	American Environmental History (3)
HIST 331	Women in American History (3)
HIST 344	Survey of California History: A Multicultural Perspective (3)
HIST 368	History of France (3)
JOUR 310	Mass Media and Society (3)
NUTRI 310	Cultural Foods of the World (3)
POLS C1000	American Government and Politics (3)
POLS 302	Comparative Politics (3)
POLS 310	Introduction to International Relations (3)
POLS 320	Introduction to Political Theory (3)
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology (3)
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology (4)
PSYC 320	Social Psychology (3)
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology (3)
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
or SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
SJS 300	Introduction to Social Justice Studies (3)
SOC 300	Introductory Sociology (3)
SOC 301	Social Problems (3)
SOC 310	Marriage and the Family (3)
SOC 321	Race, Ethnicity and Inequality in the United States (3)
SOC 341	Sex and Gender in the U.S. (3)
SOC 379	Making Social Change (3)
SWHS 302	Introduction to Psychology of Human Relations (3)
Total Units:		18

The Interdisciplinary Studies: Social and Behavioral Sciences 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 FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

evaluate how societies and social subgroups operate (Social and Behavioral Sciences).

A.A. in Psychology

The psychology degree is designed to facilitate students' successful transfer to BA programs, completion of which prepares them for advanced study in a variety of graduate programs. Psychologists with graduate degrees and professional certificates have a broad range of employment opportunities including, but not limited to, clinical practice, research, and teaching. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and with a wide range of clients. Research psychologists work in a range of fields associated with the study of human behavior, including biomedical, sports psychology, and cognitive neuroscience.

Catalog Date: August 1, 2025

Degree Requirements

Course Code	Course Title	Units
PSYC C1000	Introduction to Psychology	3
PSYC 312	Biological Psychology	4
PSYC 320	Social Psychology	3
PSYC 330	Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences	3
PSYC 335	Research Methods in Psychology	3
A minimum of 3 units from the following:		3
PSYC 340	Abnormal Behavior (3)
PSYC 356	Human Sexuality (3)
PSYC 368	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
or SWHS 331	Cross Cultural Psychology (3)
PSYC 370	Human Development: A Life Span (3)
PSYC 372	Child Development (3)
or ECE 312	Child Development (3)
PSYC 495	Independent Studies in Psychology (1 - 3)
PSYC 499	Experimental Offering in Psychology (0.5 - 4)
Total Units:		19

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 FLC graduation requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

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

demonstrate familiarity with the major concepts and theoretical perspectives in psychology.
evaluate the influence of biological and environmental factors on behavior and mental processes.
apply psychological concepts and theories to personal and social issues.
apply basic research methods to evaluate psychological issues.
demonstrate the appropriate use and interpretation of various descriptive and inferential statistics relevant to psychology.

Psychology (PSYC) Courses

PSYC 10 Support for Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Units:2
Hours:36 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Corequisite:PSYC 330
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides intensive instruction and practice in the core skills, competencies, and concepts necessary for success in PSYC 330, Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences. You must be enrolled in the corresponding section of PSYC 330 while taking this course. Topics and homework assignments are connected to the assignments in PSYC 330. Students will be expected to use technology for data analysis including a scientific calculator and SPSS. This class is graded on a pass/no pass basis and does not meet math competency.

PSYC C1000 Introduction to Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 or ESLW 340; and LIBR 318 with grades of "C" or better.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 110
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

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. PSYC C1000 was formerly known as PSYC 300. Students may not receive credit for both PSYC 300 and PSYC C1000.

PSYC 312 Biological Psychology

Units:4
Hours:54 hours LEC; 54 hours LAB
Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L5 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 5C (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 150
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course will focus on how the brain produces thought and behavior. It will explore the physiological, biochemical, genetic, and evolutionary mechanisms underlying fundamental human capacities such as sensory perception, movement, sleep, dreaming, emotion, motivation, memory and language. Students will explore the broader ethical and societal implications of recent advances in neuroscience, as well as the variety of research methods used to achieve these advances. Students will dissect brains and other nervous tissue and record psychophysiological signals to provide a deeper understanding of nervous system anatomy and physiology. This is a basic course for psychology, biological science and allied health majors.

PSYC 320 Social Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 170
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course focuses on the scientific study of human interaction, with an emphasis on the individual within a social context. Study includes: social perception, social cognition, attitudes and attitude change, the self and social identity, prejudice, interpersonal attraction, close relationships, social influence, prosocial behavior, aggression, and group behavior.

PSYC 330 Introductory Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:MATH 120 (Intermediate Algebra) or 125 (Intermediate Algebra with Applications) with a grade of "C" or better, or placement through the assessment process.
Transferable:CSU; UC (UC credit limitation: 330 and STAT 300 combined: maximum credit, one course)
C-ID:C-ID SOCI 125
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course focuses upon the concepts and applications of descriptive and inferential statistics in psychology and other behavioral sciences. Topics include: descriptive statistics; probability and sampling distributions; parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, hypothesis testing, statistical inference and power; 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 to include the interpretation of the relevance of the statistical findings.

PSYC 335 Research Methods in Psychology

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:PSYC C1000 and 330 with grades of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L1B (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 200
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course introduces students to the basic principles and methods of conducting psychological research. The course is designed to expose students to the different experimental and non-experimental research methods used by psychologists to study human behavior and thought processes. In this course, students will engage in each step of the research process including developing a hypothesis, conducting a literature review, designing a study, collecting data, analyzing data, and writing up and presenting the results.

PSYC 340 Abnormal Behavior

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 120
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course is an exploration of the broad questions of normality and abnormality. It includes an investigation of specific mental, emotional, and behavioral difficulties as viewed from the biological, psychoanalytic, behavioral, cognitive, humanistic and socio-cultural perspectives. Current approaches to psychological assessment and treatment modalities will be covered, including current community mental health practices. Students will learn research methodology in psychopathology including descriptive, epidemiological, experimental, and single-subject approaches.

PSYC 356 Human Sexuality

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 130
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course offers a balanced scientific understanding of human sexuality from birth through adulthood. The course provides factual, up-to-date nonjudgmental information designed to dispel myths, facilitate problem identification and possible solutions, and enable students to make healthy and responsible decisions throughout their lives. Sexuality is explored from historical, cultural, psychological, physiological, and sociological perspectives. Topics include sexual anatomy and physiology, conception and childbirth, contraception, sexual development, sexual orientation, sexual arousal and response, sex research, sexually transmitted infections, intimacy and relationships, variations in sexual behavior, and sexual coercion.

PSYC 368 Cross Cultural Psychology

Same As:SWHS 331
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:PSYC C1000
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course explores the impact of cultural influences on the psychological and individual development of ethnic group members. Emphasis will be placed on integrating traditional theoretical approaches and current cross-cultural statistical research and theory in the study of African-Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanic Americans, Native Americans, gays & lesbians, the elderly, and the disabled. This course is not open to those who have completed SWHS 331.

PSYC 370 Human Development: A Life Span

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC (ECE 312, FCS 324, PSYC 370 and PSYC 372: maximum credit, two courses )
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID PSY 180
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course provides an overview of human development across the lifespan, from conception through death. Students will be introduced to theoretical and practical applications of developmental principles from the physical, cognitive, and social-emotional domains. Included in these broad developmental areas are topics such as temperament, attachment, learning, self-esteem, gender and sexuality, family and peer influences, parenting, work and achievement, and death and bereavement. This course should help you apply knowledge about human development to your life, caregiving, and careers in psychology, education, nursing, medicine, and social work. This course is not open to those who have previously completed FCS 324.

PSYC 372 Child Development

Same As:ECE 312
Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU; UC (ECE 312, FCS 324, PSYC 370 and PSYC 372: maximum credit, two courses )
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
C-ID:C-ID CDEV 100
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course examines the progression of development in the physical, cognitive, social, and emotional domains and identifies developmental milestones for children from conception through adolescence. Interactions between biological processes and environmental factors are emphasized. Students will observe children, evaluate individual differences, and analyze characteristics of development at various stages according to developmental theories. This course is designed to fulfill General Education, Psychology, and Early Childhood Education degree requirements. This course is not open to those who have previously taken ECE 312.

PSYC 390 Psychology of Death and Dying

Units:3
Hours:54 hours LEC
Prerequisite:None.
Advisory:ENGL C1000, ENGL C1000H, or ESLW 340 with a grade of "C" or better
Transferable:CSU; UC
General Education:Local GE L4 (effective Fall 2025); Local GE L7B (effective Fall 2025); Cal-GETC Area 4 (effective Fall 2025)
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This course is an investigation of the beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors associated with death and dying. Topics such as life-threatening illness, suicide, bereavement, euthanasia, and philosophical views on the phenomenon of death are explored.

PSYC 495 Independent Studies in Psychology

Units:1 - 3
Hours:54 - 162 hours LAB
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

PSYC 499 Experimental Offering in Psychology

Units:0.5 - 4
Prerequisite:None.
Transferable:CSU
Catalog Date:August 1, 2025

This is the experimental courses description.